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Cheryl Thomas, RYT
www.cherylthomas.com
yoga@cherylthomas.com
415-308-3377 |
 The Scrub Down *
Funny I should find myself buck naked, face down, with a strong Korean woman clad in a conservative, black, 2-piece bathing suit hovering over me. This is in San Francisco, mind you; anything goes and more. It's noontime on what turns out to be a sunny San Francisco day and I'm at the Imperial Spa getting a scrub, massage and oil treatment. I'm not a big spa goer, which makes some people go "whaaat?". It's like cilantro, you either like it or not, however, I do like cilantro, especially when made into pesto. Oh, back to the spa. Pricey as spa treatments are, I like to save my yoga bucks for my overpriced, but wonderful, Clarey Sage yoga tights. Also, I don't dig people that I don't know touching my body without a recommendation from someone I trust and even those at times can go awry. This thumbs-up came from yogi-extraordinaire, Ann Austin. If Ann's doing something, I'm putting it on my list. I would really like to know what brand of Wheaties she eats in the hopes that my pushups can look half as effortless as hers.
The Imperial Spa was not as appointed and zen-like as the Kabuki. I got the requisite slip-on plastic sandles, two towels, my orange trimmed, white robe and my locker key. Along with the hot tub, cold plunge, dry and wet saunas, there were rows of short plastic white stools for sitting and washing and big bowls to fill and rinse yourself. The scrubbing was very "thorough"-- backside, frontside, and both side-sides. After the warm oil massage, cucumber mask, scalp massage, I was finished off with warm milk rinse down. Ahhh.
So, besides the babies-butt smooth skin and the opportunity to hang in San Francisco and part with some hard earned dollars at Lava9 in Hayes Valley, body scrubs are actually very therapeutic. Our skin is our largest organ, crazy as it sounds. It's our main system of elimination. In addition to making it soft and shiny, there are other reasons to shed some skin.
Stimulates the Lymphatic System - Dry brushing (see below) is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is important for developing a strong immune system. Lymph ducts are located all over the body and drain into the blood circulatory system just above the heart. So, in theory, brushing toward the heart could improve the function of the lymphatic system.
Detoxification - It's certainly the buzz word of late. Brushing the skin not only removes dead skin cells and stimulates oil production but stimulates blood flow to the skin through the smaller capillaries in the skin's deeper layers. The increased blood flow both promotes skin renewal and supports detoxification, encouraging the elimination of toxins.
Calming the Mind - Our nervous system is also intimately connected to our skin. Think about our touch receptors. Touch can be soothing and calming when we're coping with stress or in need of relaxation, as well as uplifting and invigorating when we're depressed. Regular dry brushing routine has been suggested for people who are coping with depression.
So, what is dry brushing?(1) As the name implies, it is practiced when the skin is dry, before bathing or applying oil or lotion. This promotes exfoliation, skin renewal and revitalization, and the stimulation of the lymphatic and nervous systems beneath the skin. Try using a natural-bristle brush or a loofah glove and brush toward the heart. Before a bath or shower is a perfect time to include dry brushing in your daily routine, especially since the subsequent immersion in water can support the removal of dead skin and continue the detoxification process.
Want more reasons to slough off some skin? Remember those phrases so commonly used like, beauty is only skin deep, it's like a second skin, it got under my skin, and thick skinned or thin skinned. Maybe our thick skinned friends that are not easily offended or insensitive, could use a trip to the scrubbing spa? I know I'll be back and in the meantime, I'm going to find one of those cool, soft, natural fiber brush with a long handle so that you are able to reach all areas of your body, just like my Korean masseuse. (1) http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/
healingtechniques/dry_brushing_technique.htm *Recycled from May 29, 2011. Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends.
Did you want to read some of my past columns? You can right here.
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NEW CLASS - Happy Hour Vinyasa - All Levels
Instead of shots of tequila and fried artichoke hearts, spend your Friday happy hour moving and grooving at an all-levels vinyasa flow class.
I am honored and excited to be offered another class at Westside Yoga Studio. Starting Friday, June 8, from 4:30 - 6:00, we'll end each week with an energtic vinyasa flow class. Through building heat from the inside, we'll strip out the stress hormones from the day. A long rest at the end of class will reset our nervous system and prepare us for our weekend.
You'll be done at 6:00!! That'll leave plenty of time for dinner with friends, a movie or a relaxing evening with your pooch. Or, maybe a Chia filled Kombucha or that 100% agave margarita!
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How To Use One Paper Towel
TedTalks--brilliant. If you haven't been there, it's worth spending, let's see, a few months perusing their amazing collection of the world's thinkers, doers, knowers, makers, and inspirerors. One of my latest go-to sites is kottke.org. Found this on it. I will never use a paper towelthe same way again: shake and fold. Repeat, shake and fold.
 | | TEDxConcordiaUPortland - Joe Smith - How To Use One Paper Towel |
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In the Know
Seen in many Yoga Journal issues and one of my favorite teachers, Geoffrey Roniger, is having a retreat at The Spirit House in Woodacre the weekend of June 8. If you're unable to commit to the money or time, you can drop in for a class and a meal. Get info from Geoffrey here. Molly and I will be there on Saturday morning for the 10:00 class! Just in...... Chant the Yoga Sutra with Ann Austin who will be presenting at this year's The Lotus Feed at Taylor Made Farms in Occidental (thelotusfeed.com). Many of us went last year and it was a glorious day with inspiring yoga (Shiva Rea + others), yummy food by celebrity chef Cat Cora. . . New Class at Westside Yoga Studio. I'll be offering a Happy Hour class from 4:00 - 6:30 starting on June 6!
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Change Your Mantra
"How are you?" A good friend asks at lunch. You haven't seen her for a month or so. You feel guilty that you've been out of touch; you tell her all the reasons that you've been so, so busy.
She reassures you with 10 billion reasons that she, also, has been too busy to meet earlier or to return your calls promptly. Your detailed lists of your busy busy busy lives leave you both feeling overwhelmed.
Sound familiar? Read UC Berkeley's, Raising Happiness, article here which suggests how changing your "mantra" can give you a happiness boost!
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Emotionally Intelligent People Are Less Good at Spotting Liars
On May 18 Science Daily reported this thought-provoking headline. I like to think of myself as somewhat emotionally intelligent and I can also spot a liar. But, I often delude myself, no doubt. According to SD, research suggests that those who rate themselves as having high emotional intelligence (EI) tend to overestimate their ability to detect deception in others. "Taken together, these findings suggest that features of emotional intelligence, and the decision-making processes they lead to, may have the paradoxical effect of impairing people's ability to detect deceit." Read the entire report here.
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Your Opinion, Pls
I've got some topics in mind for future articles and I could sure use your input. Wanna contribute?
TOPIC NO. 1 - I don't like to talk about weight. It's a loaded subject. But, hell, why not.
1. Do you practice yoga to control your weight?
2. If so, what are your findings?
3. Do you think yoga helps with weight loss and if so, why.
4. Are you willing to be quoted and have your name used.
TOPIC NO. 2 - Do you squat? Yes, I know you squat in your yoga class (malasana or garland pose) or when you pick the beautiful dandelion, which many call weeds, from your lawn. I'm talking about squatting on/over the toilet. 1. Have you ever squatted and if so, out of choice? 2. Do you regularly squat? If so, why. 3. Are you willing to be quoted and have your name used? Heh, thanks. I look forward to our input. |
Restorative Yoga
I love the response of students to their first or second or hundredth restorative yoga experience. It's the moment when their nervous system shifts from "yikes!" to "ahhhhhh." They leave with relaxed shoulders and brightened attitude.
It's easy to forget that the body knows exactly what to do. The relaxation response is a built in function of our amazing central nervous system. We just have to let relaxation happen. I know, it seems impossible sometimes. Thus, the popularity of restorative yoga where we learn to put the body in positions and let it do it's thing.
In these workshops you will be allowed to relax and let go while your body is supported with bolsters and blankets and lots more. We will do a bit of movement, chat about stress and the relaxation response and then spend 90 minutes in positions that we will hold for 15 to 20 minutes. This practice is for everyone. Go ahead and put the dates on your calendar now so you won't forget. And, while you're at it, invite a friend.
Sunday, June 17, 2012**
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
BodyWorks in Petaluma
Once at Month - July 22, Aug 19
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Private Yoga Classes
There are lots of reasons why going to a public yoga class is not always right for you. Maybe the class times are wrong or the location is inconvenient. Maybe you're new to yoga and feel intimidated by a public class or you have an injury or condition that requires some individual attention. Private or small group classes at your location at your chosen time can be the perfect answer.
It's fun to get friends together. Treat your friends to Yoga and Tea rather than Food and Booze. Inviting friends to come together for a Gentle or Restorative Yoga class is a perfect way to enjoy each other's company and do something good for yourselves. Many yoga parties end with tea or champagne and some munchies. Your friends will thank you!
Please call on me if I can help you book a private yoga class or answer any questions. I can be reached at cheryl@cherylthomas.com.
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Schedule of Upcoming Classes |
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