Hot Date: Couples Massage

Looking for something nice to do with your partner?  Why not consider going for a couples massage?  There are many spas that have rooms large enough to provide a massage to two people at the same time.

My husband and I had an Aromatherapy Couples Massage at the Riverstone Spa, at Inn at the Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  It was very relaxing and therapeutic.

Riverstone's lounge is very inviting.  It is very nature-orientated, and has running water, a fireplace, comfy reclining chairs, and a lot of healthy snacks.  They serve tea and fresh water with lemon.  The massage tables are very comfy, and they are heated.  They have nice soft sheets and big fluffy comforters.  It's hard not to get comfy and relaxed on their big, warm tables.  The tables are also electric, and maneuver similar to a hospital bed.  The tables can be adjusted to take the weight off your lower back, but raising your legs a bit.

We each had a one hour, full-body massage.  I chose a "Breathe" aroma and my husband chose "Muscles and Joints".  The essential oils contained eucalyptus, which is very earthy and "piney" smelling.  At some points, a hot, damp towel is placed on our backs, feet and around our necks.  They also use a Japanese Mint Oil on our back which feels really warm (much like Rub A535).   A warmed eye pillow was placed over our eyes when we were lying on our backs.  The massage ended with a head massage and a warm, damp towel under our necks.

The best part of this is that we can claim it on our Health Insurance (Manitoba Blue Cross).  Luckily for us, the $199.00 we spent (in total) is reimbursed 80% by Manitoba Blue Cross.

Ahhh...  We both feel rested and rejuvenated.  What a nice way to spend time together while looking after ourselves at the same time.

Check out this article from Mayo Clinic on the health benefits of massage:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082\

You may also like my other post on Massage and Energy Work: http://onthebrightside-angela.blogspot.com/2010/08/massage-therapy-and-energy-work.html#comments

Have a great day!

Angela Gentile

Massage Therapy and Energy Work

Never under-estimate the power of human touch. Have you ever had a massage? I go for massages regularly. I feel very nurtured and relaxed during and after my massage. If you're fortunate enough to have a health care plan, most (if not all) of the costs of this can be covered.

I went for a one-hour massage with a half-hour chakra balancing afterward.  I have a couple favourite massage therapists, and Crystal (aptly named!) is who I see for the chakra balancing as well as the massage.  I receive a total body massage, and she focuses on areas that I ask her to.  I usually like my lower back and shoulders massaged more than any other area. 

The chakra balancing is great, too.  Chakra balancing is a type of energy therapy that is based on the belief that there are seven main energy centres along the spine that absorb and emit a life force.  Different body functions and emotions are related to each of these areas. 

From:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakra

Crystal lays seven crystals/stones out on the massage table, and asks me if there are any stones that stand out to me.  These will be the ones that she focuses her work on.  There is usually a symbolic meaning to each of the stones, and she will explain it as she goes.  The head, or crown and throat chakras are what she focused on last time.

If you are willing to try something new, and are open to different therapy modalities, give massage with chakra balancing a try.  It's very relaxing, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Have a great day!

~ Angela Gentile

Head Massages by Hairdressers are Awesome!

"Massage is an important part of customer care, inducing a sense of wellbeing, improving the health of hair and skin, and enhancing and intensifying the effect of a product." - ASK Education, Schwartzkopf Professional

I remember once I told my hairdresser that I had a headache, and she gave me the best head massage and my headache went away. I have had the best head massages by hairdressers.  Next time you have to get your hair cut, make sure you pay attention to the way they scrub your scalp.  They have been trained in how to give a really great scalp/head massage. 

The last time I had my hair done, I had my hair shampooed and the massage I received was outstanding!  I felt pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated.  We all need to get our hair cut, so make sure you treat yourself to a great shampoo/head massage and enjoy every minute of it!

Have a great day!
~Angela