More Than Massage? Other Great Gifts of Health for the Holidays!
- Shalie Kae Bireta
- Dec 9, 2017
- 5 min read
In a time of history when it appears that being busy is "cool" and the more packed your plate is, the "better," self care has risen in 2017 as a prominent topic of discussion. I say "better" somewhat sarcastically. It's a trap I've been tempted to fall into personally to.... the belief that the busier my planner appears to be, the more I'm accomplishing and somehow that makes me more successful/ productive. WRONG - For myself, t makes me a hamster running around a wheel, checking things of a list but not really moving me forward in one specific area.
I read an article from Thought Catolog discussing what self care was and it hit home, hard.
"A world in which self-care has to be such a trendy topic is a world that is sick. Self-care should not be something we resort to because we are so absolutely exhausted that we need some reprieve from our own relentless internal pressure.”
Sadly, this conception of self care is not going to change, at least in the middle of holiday season. AKA stress on stress. Taking care of ourselves just seems to be the easiest thing to skimp on, when there are parties to plan, houses to clean, guests visiting, presents to wrap, Christmas shows/parties/dinners... the list goes on and on.
So a perfect gift,....? Send your significant other to the spa! Man oh man, you can never go wrong with a massage. Beneficial for anxiety ( DING DING DING THE BIG BAD WOLF OF THIS TIME OF YEAR), digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia related to stress, myofascial pain syndrome, soft tissue strains or sport injuries. I don't think I'm stretching far to say that the benefits of message are pretty common knowledge to most people, which is why they happily dish out $60+ to local practitioners and or spas. STAY WITH ME THROUGH THE WHOLE THING TO HEAR SOME SPECIALS BELOW. ::)
Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge huge HUGE! advocate of massage therapy. I go two times a month to manage my scoliosis. Today though, I want to make sure you are aware of other BENEFICIAL treatments that target a broader span of ailments that are not spoken about as often. I am speculating that this is because people are simply unaware that they exist... or where to receive them. I want to address both of those issues for you today.
Spice up the season and switch up your giving, while still sharing a great gift of SELF CARE. <3 <3
Reflexology
**picture found at groupon.com
Reflexology is a specific type of "massage" that focuses on the reflex points on the feet, hands, and head to relieve tension and treat illness. Sometimes practitioners, often times chiropractors, massage therapists, and physical therapists use rubber balls, rubber bands and sticks of wood in assistance.
Common treatment for:
asthma
diabetes
cancer
improves nerve function
boosts energy levels
increases circulation
eliminates of toxins
reduces headaches
Cupping
**picture found at learnhealthpro.com
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction
relieves pain and muscle tension
enhances circulation
breaks up stagnant blood flow
can help remove toxins and stimulate flow of fresh blood, lymph, and Qi to affected areas of pain or stagnation
it can help with colds, inflammation , allergies, aches
relaxing
Below is a link that provides you with a list of all the Advanced Cupping Practitioners in MI.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine - a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin.
reduces chronic pain
treats arthritis
relieves miagraines
prevents nausea and vomitting
treats anxiety
reduces insomnia
may quitting smoking
may improve weight loss
may help balance hormones
may help fertility
may help erectile dysfunction
Looking for an acupuncturist near you in MI? Follow the link to type in your zipcode.
Cryotherapy
**picture found a sciencenews.org
Cyrotherapy is exposing body to low temps/ spray dry, a nitrogen mist to chill skin.
activates immune response
helps with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports performance
increases circulation, metabolism, detoxification, tissue repair, immune function
Cyrotherapy Locations in Michigan:
Ayurveda
**picture found at food.ndtv.com
Ayurveda is a holistic style of ancient medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. The alternative style medicine focuses on a person’s holistic health instead of physical health. Ayurvedic medicine, prevents and heals illness through healing both the mind and spirit. Among the advantages of Ayurveda is that it is a non-invasive as well as natural form of treatment.
Ayurvedic medicine can help treat inflammatory, hormonal, digestive and autoimmune conditions, including:
Alzheimer’s disease
Anxiety or depression
Asthma
Cancer
Dementia
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Herpes
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Parkinson’s disease
Perimenopausal problems
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cramps
lessens stress and anxiety
lowers blood pressure / cholestrol
helps injury/ illness recovery
promotes nutrient dense diet
can help with weight loss
reduces inflammation
can help with balancing hormones
Find an Ayurvedic Practitioner in MI:
Reiki
**picture found at bitesforfoodies.com
Reiki is holistic set of spiritual practices (such as breathing methods, meditation methods, etc.) taught in progressive levels, aimed to support healing and personal development.
stress reduction and relaxation
improves immune system
aids in better sleep
improves and maintains health
inner peace and harmony
valuable tool in the quest for spiritual growth
balances the mind and emotion
better able to cope with everyday stress
enhances learning, memory and mental clarity
can heal mental/emotional wounds
can help work through dysfunction
can help alleviate mood swings, fear, frustration and even anger
strengthen and heal personal relationships
enhances your capability to love improves capacity for empathy
allows you to connect with people on a deeper level
relief during emotional distress and sorrow
relieves pain from migraine, arthritis, sciatica
helps with symptoms of asthma, chronic fatigue, menopausal symptoms, and insomni
speeds up recovery from surgery
reduce side-effects of treatments ie: chemo
Find a Reiki practitioner in Michigan:
Cold Laser Therapy
**picture found at hopkinsfamilychiropractic.com
"Soft laser therapy" is a medical treatment form often used for acute or chronic conditions. It uses low level lasers to stimulate the damaged tissues, thereby enhancing the progress of healing and providing relief from pain and inflammation. It is found in a variety of specific businesses, some chiropractic offices, and is even available for dogs!
can help eliminate pain
reduce swelling
reduce spasms
increase functionality
Infrared Suana
*picture found at amazon.com*
An infrared suanaheats your body directly without warming the air around you.
Some small studies have found the treatment beneficial for chronic health problems - i.e.:
high blood pressure
congestive heart failure
dementia
Alzheis
headache
type 2 diabetes
rheumatoid arthritis
detoxing
relaxing
relieves pain
assists weight loss
improves circulation
skin purification
Have you had the opportunity to try any of these alternative therapies? I would love to hear about your experiences and share them !
If you want to stick with a trusty massage, a sure fire way to sweep him/her off their feet for complete relaxation ( literally)....
Grand Rapids Wellness currently has a special : $50 for a 60 minute massage until Friday Dec. 15! They also have acupuncture and chiropractic care.
They are located : 435 Cherry St. SE, Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49503
For scheduling, please the office at 616-233-0960
Alicia Ronda - owner of Rejuvenate Massage in GR - will travel to your home! She currently has a holiday special on Gift Cards! If you buy 1, $10 off the 2nd. Or $10 first massage for new clients!
XOX, S
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