No Pain, No Gain???!!! Not if we are talking massage!

Hiya!

HAPPY OSTARRA!  Whatever you celebrate, may this Spring bring you renewed energy and blessings!

This blog I wanted to elaborate on the "No Pain - No Gain" theory that most people think equals a 'good massage'.

To this I say, NO PAIN, NO PAIN!  Seriously, how counterproductive is it when you're muscles are being beaten up?  You're holding your breath and counting the seconds/minutes that pass because the pain in unbearable!  Key word here.... UNBEARABLE!

It is not uncommon to feel a little discomfort from time to time while we work some achy areas, but your pain levels should never be above a 6/7 and you should be able to breathe through the work.  If you cannot breathe and you feel like you want to punch your therapist, chances are you are out of the comfort level zone and not helping your muscles at all!  Counterproductive!

It is also not uncommon to feel a little 'sore' in places the day after your massage.  We are manipulating muscle tissue; stretching, shearing, kneading, pulling, pushing connective tissues and muscle fibers around.  You're gonna feel a little sore in places, while we free up some space!

The work I like to do is very integrative, I will use Thai table massage, sports, deep tissue and Swedish to help free up space and get muscles to release.  Different muscles will respond differently and if you're only using one modality, let's say Swedish.... some muscles will respond to Swedish work, some may need a little more time.... enter Deep Tissue work.  It's all about using the right tool for the job!

I am also a huge fan of after care!  Drink lots of water, an epsom salt bath, light stretching and homework!  Yes homework. " Here are some things you can do between now and your next massage in say:  3-4 weeks." I bring 'Awareness' to my client's body.  Awareness is half the battle when dealing with the effects of Time and Gravity. ;)

I won't ramble on, somehow I feel like you are all 'smart cookies' and get it.  With that said:  Motion is Lotion!  Keep moving and get up from that bloody desk and go for a 10 min. walk!

Namaste~  Hope J McDonald RMT

Ostarra Blessings 2014

March Newsletter:

Happy Spring!

I've been a bit lax in updating the blog.  I guess I've been in a state of flux this month.  I started working for a new spa back in October 2013 and 5 months later decided it was best to leave.  Not good energy there and let's leave it at that!

I am now at a much happier place with good energy!

I am also working more on my own personal site/massage practice.  If I'm going to bust my arse, it will be for my own practice!  I've got a good strong work ethic, but I'm also not going to be taken advantage of!  With that said, never stay with a place or person that drains your spirit!

March's Newsletter is up and view-able!  Enjoy!  March 2014

For those in Colorado, it's time to sow those cold season veggies!  Here's a helpful list and love getting your hands dirty!  Cool Season Crops

Namaste~  Hope J McDonald RMT

DIY: Fabric Softener

Greetings and Salutations Internet Masses!

I hope this blog finds you happy, healthy and full of Love!

Today I realised I forgot to pick up fabric softener at the store when I was out and about shopping!  DOH!  What ever shall I do?  Google how to make your own of course!  Well, I found 3 recipes as such, and two of them use a baking soda/vinegar base.... well, making volcanoes 101 kinda turned me off on those.  But, I did find one that uses hair conditioner, vinegar, water and essential oils!  Et Voila!

The recipe :

3 cups of water
1 cup of conditioner
1.5 cups of white vinegar
10-20 drops of your favourite essential oil (I used Lavender)

Mix together and use like you would any fabric softener!  BAM!

I use coconut oil in my hair because it's so damn dry here in CO!  But a while back I bought Tresseme - uber sized hair conditioner for very dry hair,  thinking my hair seriously needed some love.  I found it to be too heavy and I didn't like the way it just coated my hair as opposed to actually nourishing it.  My hair will soak up coconut oil and actually feels like it's 'feeding' my hair!  I love it!

So, while I may be saving money on fabric softener, I'm making up for it in expensive coconut oil!  HA!  Swings and roundabouts I guess.

I've got my first load in the wash as I type.  I will post an update to this when I get the results.  Fingers crossed we have a winner!

Namaste~Hope