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How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Back when I was but cub reporter Bella, one of the editors at the magazine where I worked had a singular obsession: lymphatic drainage. The woman talked about it as if it was the holy grail of spa services, and she'd return from her appointments glowing and, she swore, five pounds thinner. Lymphatic drainage is a massage technique designed to help the body rid itself of extra fluids, so for the water-retentive among us, it can mean a visible slim-down.
Do Tell: Would You Sing to Your Pets?
Umm, try telling North that "petting is passé!" I know it's sweet to treat a pet to a massage and I definitely liked Maryjean's tips on different tempos and the need to speak to a pet but, that's not where the video magic (mystery?) really comes in. When she started singing, I wondered what my dog would do if I crooned him a tune.
Ease Sore Muscles With a Tennis Ball
Getting a massage is not always an affordable option to relieve sore muscles. I use The Stick at home but when I'm on the go it's not something I can take with me. Because of its size, a tennis ball provides on the spot muscle relief wherever you are.
Flashback: Time For a Cat Massage!
Are you fluent in meow? This lady is! If you were, you'd know that petting is passé and what your cat really wants is a massage.
Definition: Rolfing
It's not what you think, I promise. Although its name sounds unfortunately like what can happen during a bout of nausea, rolfing is actually a form of deep-tissue work (practitioners don't call it massage) named after its creator, Dr. Ida P.
Definition: Myofascial Release
This term from the realm of physical therapy refers to a form of deep-tissue massage intended to stretch and release bonds between connective tissues, thus giving healthier muscle alignment and greater range of motion. Lately, however, it's become popular in antiaging facial massages, since some people believe that stretching the fascia (the soft tissue that protects your muscles and organs) can help eliminate wrinkles and sagging in your face's underlying musculature, or at least relieve tension to minimize fine lines.
These Massage Goodies Let You Get Stoned
If a massage is good, a stone massage is great — which is why hot-stone massages are a perennial favorite at spas. While we don't condone picking up gravel from your driveway (pyrite, microwave, disaster), we can get into the kneading spirit with JimmyJane's new Contour Q massage stones ($25/pair, at right). The ridged, rippled devices are made of ceramic, so they can be heated or cooled safely.
Give Yourself a Hand . . . Massage, That Is
I'd get a nice, long massage at a spa every day if I could, but fortunately for the massage therapists of the world (and my wallet), I have work, family, friends, Mr. Bella, and pets to keep me from going completely shiatsu, Swedish, and Thai stone crazy. That doesn't mean that I've given up on pampering myself, though. Instead, I've picked up some simple techniques from the pros that relax and recharge my muscles.
Relax Already: Swap Coffee For a Massage Break
I normally think of a massage as a relaxing treat that's more likely to put me to sleep than wake me up. But the other day, a massage taught me a lesson. Craving an afternoon caffeine fix, I instead ducked into a place near my office that does chair massages.
What's the Deal With Craniosacral Therapy?
When basic massage or chiropractic adjustment doesn't ease your pain, it might be time to try craniosacral therapy. Similar to massage, a therapist applies gentle pressure to your spine, shoulders, head, chest, and abdomen to manipulate and adjust the craniosacral system — cranium (or head), the spine and the pelvis. This type of therapy is said to ease restrictions in nerve passages, encourage movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord, and restore alignment of bones in the spine.
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