This training will teach you the art of Reiki, a Japanese technique that can help you relax more deeply, sleep more peacefully and raise your energy level. As a "tool," it can assist you in countless ways as you learn to access your own energy to empower yourself. You will increase your self awareness and ability to focus and bring a feeling of new balance into your life.  

Ever wonder why we always urge you to drink lots of water after a massage?

The importance of water to your overall well-being can't be stressed enough. A lack of hydration can cause all kinds of discomforts - from headaches to hunger and fatigue and possibly even muscle cramps.

"Your body can go without food for about a month; however, it cannot go without water for more than eight to 14 days, depending upon the person- water is essential for sustaining life," according to an article by Mary Beth Brau.(AMTA Article)

And since muscles are made up of 70% water, they need to be well hydrated in order to work efficiently. Without enough water, your muscles are not getting enough electrolytes, which help muscles contract and relax. Dehydration reduces muscle strength and control, which can cause strain and possibly painful muscle cramps.

So, why do we specifically emphasize drinking water after a massage? First, as we manipulate your muscles, materials such as salt and minerals are released. Drinking water helps flush out these waste materials; otherwise they can build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.

Second, massages can be dehydrating. We recommend drinking water after a massage for the same reason you should drink lots of water after exercise. When muscles are worked, they lose water and electrolytes. Drinking water will rehydrate your muscles and reduce the potential for muscle aches and pains in the days following a massage.

Drinking water before a massage is also a good idea. It makes it easier for your massage therapist to perform deep work. Hydrated muscles are easier to manipulate.

In addition, drinking water adds muscle weight, allowing the muscle to work more efficiently, which in turn burns fat. Who wouldn't mind burning a little more fat?!

Don't fool yourself into thinking there's enough water in the coffee or juice that you drink. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a diuretic, and diuretics do the opposite of hydrating you. Juices contain sugar. And we won't even talk about what's in soda; I wouldn't even know how to spell most of those ingredients ;-). Nothing can replace the benefits of water - straight up.

So, drink up!

If you don't like the taste of water from your tap and don't like the idea of a recycling a million plastic bottles, consider installing a water conditioning system, which removes nasty tastes and odors, leaving you with clean, refreshing water right from your own tap.

And, I just happen to know a great master plumber who can help you out - my husband. Call Joe Paschall at Patriot Mechanical and Plumbing at 610-473-0620. Tell him I sent you; maybe I'll score some brownie points.