BellaSugar

How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

BellaSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:22 -0800

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. Unfortunately, it's also pricey. But never fear! In her book Being Simply Beautiful, author Helen Noble gives a step-by-step tutorial on self lymphatic drainage. So to find out how to get the lymph out, just keep reading

Definition: Rolfing

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:02:42 -0700

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. Rolf. Rolf's light-bulb moment came when she realized that, while traditional massage treats the body as made up of separate parts, those parts are actually all held together by connective tissue, so adjusting any one muscle indirectly adjusts them all. In order to relieve stress and pain and relax muscles, she worked with connective tissue to realign the entire body. Although rolfing itself has never quite made it onto most spa menus, a lot of its techniques have, and Rolf's ideas about connective tissue have contributed to our modern, more holistic view of massage and body care.

Definition: Myofascial Release

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:00:17 -0700

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

BellaSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:00:32 -0700

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. Plus, the design is modern yet warm, kind of like a Jonathan Adler objet d'art, but functional. Plus, you know what they always say: whe couple that massages together gets its kinks out together. (Wait, that's not what they say, but you get the point.)

Give Yourself a Hand . . . Massage, That Is

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:02 -0700

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. Self hand massages are especially easy to learn, and if you spend all day typing like I do, they feel amazing. So give yourself a minute, break out a little of your favorite lotion or oil, and check these strokes out.

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These Blind Massage Therapists Have the Right Touch

BellaSugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:00:12 -0700

A massage clinic in a Dallas suburb has hired four massage therapists with one unusual thing in common: they're blind. Diana Alvarez, Bill Thayer, Zane King, and Paul Hughes work at the Massage Envy clinic, using their sense of touch to guide them. "Massage therapists who are blind really rely on touch alone," King explains. "And of course the right touch is the key element in massage therapy." Check out this AP report to find out more.

Your Frequently Asked Massage Questions... Answered!

BellaSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:00:12 -0700

There's no question that getting a massage is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an hour. But if you've never had a massage before, you probably have some questions about what to expect. Fortunately, Rianon Cepriano, Spa Therapy Supervisor of The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay can help clear things up. To find out what to wear to a massage, what kind of massage to request, and why to have a massage in the first place, read more.

Why should I have a massage?
"Stress relief, number one," Cepriano says. And along with the relaxation benefits, there are health benefits, too. "It increases circulation, skin tone, and focuses your attention," she adds.

What kind of massage should I have?
"Shiatsu and Thai are wonderful, but for the first time, go with Swedish," Cepriano says. "Swedish massage features very long, flowing strokes. It's more for relaxation."

Should I wear underpants during the massage or not?
That one's up to you. "It makes our job easier without underwear," Cepriano says. "But we can work around it."

Can I request a male or female massage therapist?
Absolutely - just make the request when you make your reservation. "We make it a point to match clients with someone they prefer," Cepriano explains.

How much pressure should I ask for?
"Tell the massage therapist that you want light to moderate pressure," Cepriano advises. "You can always ask him or her to adjust the pressure."

What should I do after the massage?
Drink water - and a lot of it. "Massages release toxins that were trapped in your muscle fibers," Cepriano says. Flushing them out requires lots of hydration.

Have You Ever Had a Massage Go Too Far?

BellaSugar — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:00:13 -0700

Last month, I told you about a new law in California that hopes to eliminate seedy massages by setting higher standards for massage therapists. I think we all know the "massage parlor" establishments from the truly legit ones. However, recently a friend told me of an occasion in which a massage therapist took it too far, brushing over areas of her body in inappropriate ways. From my perspective, an unwanted raunchy-style massage is unlikely at an established, legitimate location. But this got me to wondering if my friend's experience was just a freak thing, or does this actually happen more often than we think?

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How-To: Give Your Loved One a Hand Massage For Valentine's Day

BellaSugar — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:30:11 -0800

Whether you're hanging out with your gals or your significant other, one thing's for sure. Valentine's Day is all about sharing the love. And I've got a great (and cheap) idea to pamper your loved one that's calorie and hangover-free - a hand massage. Make it sensual (for your luv-ah) or soothing (for your friends/family). Whatever you choose, check out my how-to now.

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Beauty Byte: New Law Will Help Eliminate Seedy Massages

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:00:42 -0800

When you think of a massage, you probably think of treatment in a relaxing spa or deep tissue work by a medically trained expert, who helps release the kinks out of your neck. But come on, you probably also think of the naughty side of massage, happy endings and other shady territories that this business can bring.

According to the LA Times, there's been a recent push nationwide to help distinguish therapeutic massage from the not-as-legit kind by creating laws that protect both consumers and legitimate massage therapists. In fact, a new California law was recently passed, and the Massage Therapy Organization was formed, aiming to set higher standards for licensed therapists. Consumers should also look for a stamp of approval by the organization, knowing that this certification distinguishes between the reputable and the disreputable. Now, that's a happy ending.

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