Rajam Roose, HHP
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www.RajamRoose.com
619-964-5821
3103 Falcon St. Ste. I
San Diego, CA 92103 |
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Greetings!
Hope this newsletter finds you and your family in good health!
Even in sunny San Diego, we can sense the changes as the leaves change color and the vital sap of trees and plants head to the roots to lie dormant for winter. The sun has shifted its position in the sky and now creates a soft warm light and sets earlier and rises later. We had a cool summer and are experiencing early rains so it's not difficult to get in the mood for Fall weather this year! Now that the season has changed to Fall, let us remember that it can be a time of contemplation and introspection.
In our modern times, it is difficult to live alongside the rhythms of the natural world and follow the precepts of the season of introspection and quiet, especially now as holiday season will be soon upon us. Although these are joyful times, they can also be highly stressful. It seems impossible to find time for ourselves when we are so busy hauling kids around, helping our family members, and preparing for the holidays. We find it easy to put off time for ourselves and then finally one day, we are overwhelmed and so mired in stress that we can feel quite worn out. In fact, many of us don't even realize how much stress we're under until the day exhaustion hits and it's hard just to get out of bed in the morning! This situation can be avoided simply by finding a little time each day or each week to take care of our mental health.
Within this month's newsletter you'll read about inexpensive and simple ways to rediscover joy in your life. Also added is the "Check This Out!" section which will feature businesses, products and massage techniques that you can use at home to help promote health and relaxation.
Starting the first week of November is Soaping Time! I'll be mixing up and pouring my famous soaps and the first batches will be ready by the end of November. Hand-crafted soaps make great gifts, and don't forget to get some for yourself!
Warmly,
Rajam Roose, HHP
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Why are there so many varieties of Swedish massage?
Over the years, I've had the occasional client ask me why there seems to be so many varieties of Swedish massage. The truth is -- there is no such thing as a "Swedish" massage! The term 'Swedish massage' is used to denote the use of four strokes that are commonly used in massage therapy. These are:
1. Effluerage- long stroke of varying depth.
2. Petrissage- a kneading or squeezing of the muscle tissue.
3. Friction
4. Tapotement- tapping or a rhythmic hand chopping motion to the muscle tissues.
To understand how the idea of Swedish massage came about, I'll share a little massage history with you. Peter Henry Ling (a Swede) was the first modern European to come up with the combination of using massage with gymnastics, he didn't actually develop the Swedish massage. That credit goes to George Mezger (a Frenchman) who came up with the terms for the massage strokes (which are actually French words). Mezger is also the first modern European to come up with using massage as a stand alone therapy, therefore he is credited with being the Father of Swedish massage. Swedish massage was likely called "Swedish" because Peter Ling was Swedish and was erroneously credited for naming the massage strokes we use today.
These days, Swedish massage consists of most or all of the strokes: effluerage; petrissage; friction; and tapotement. All massage students are taught a basic sequence of strokes as part of their massage program. Each school has their own style of Swedish massage they teach to the students. When the student graduates, they usually stick to the formula they were taught in school. As the therapist works throughout the years he/she may change the initial protocol depending on their level of continuing education and experience. This is why therapists have many various ways of performing a massage and calling it "Swedish" massage.
You will find the same types of strokes in other types of massage, such as deep tissue and sports massage, but "Swedish" massage refers to the before-mentioned strokes that are performed with the intent to create a relaxing and soothing massage experience.
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10 Free Ways to De-Stress Your Life
Life can get busy, and I certainly can relate to that as I'm running a business, writing a book, keeping up to date with the latest massage research, staying on track with continuing education courses, keeping up with housework, and transforming our 1/2 acre of weeds into a native plant and wildlife habitat. I know that your life is just as busy, if not busier! In order for us to stay focused in life, it is necessary for us to take time out every week to re-charge. It is so important to have this time to replenish our mental health. Here in this list are some ideas that I've found useful in my life to help refresh my mind and rejuvenate my spirit that I'd like to share with you.
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Unplug - Turn off your T.V., computer, iPod, iPad, Blackberry, cell phone, house phone for just one hour. Now you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea with silence. If you can't go with a whole hour, try 30 minutes. The idea is to have some silence in your surroundings, where you can just sit and let your mind wander where it will!
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Was there a particular activity you enjoyed doing as a kid? Was it finger-painting, coloring, singing or find a park and use the playground! Whatever it was, go ahead and try it again!
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Make a list of things in your life for which you are grateful. List at least twenty things and then tack it up beside your computer desk or somewhere you can read it daily.
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Take a walk, in your neighborhood or drive somewhere you can find a good outdoor trail. My husband and I have found a lot of great places in San Diego in the book, A Foot & A Field in San Diego County which can be purchased HERE.*
Bring a blanket and light picnic to a park or the beach. Studies have shown that daydreaming is good for us and what better way to daydream than to watch the clouds in the sky, the waves coming to shore or tree leaves rustling in the wind!
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Listen to soothing music.
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Identify the negative influences in your life and eliminate them as much as possible. For example, is your neighbor always complaining when you see her? Then limit the amount of time you spend talking with her.
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Get together with the family and/or friends who make you laugh and feel good. Pick the fun ones and have an outing together!
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Crank up the music on your stereo and Dance, Dance, Dance!
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Practice your breathing skills, did you know that shallow breathing promotes the "fight or flight" stress response? You can go HERE to learn about good breathing techniques.*
Remember, these are only ideas, feel free to add anything you might find relaxing. The important thing is to actually take out some time during the day or week for yourself. It may help to block the time out in your blackberry, calender or appointment book. You can even use highlighters or colored pencils to mark the day/time. It may help to think of this time for yourself as a form of preventative medicine. You CAN make the time, you just have to DO IT!
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Create Your Own Facial Steam
A good facial steam cleans the face and also can help alleviate nasal congestion
Not only does stress wreak havoc on your face but it also makes you prone to inflammatory conditions, such as a stuffy nose or congestion. Steaming your face is a relaxing way to keep your skin glowing and clear your sinuses!
You will need:
1 large pot (for boiling)
1 large bowl that can hold hot water
1 large towel
1 small towel or dish rag
A comfortable chair and table to sit
If you are steaming your face for cosmetic reasons, you can add 3 drops of lavender or rose oil to the bowl. If you don't have any oils, you can use a couple chamomile tea bags, chamomile oil (which will be released by the heat) is great for the complexion. Or you can leave the steam unscented.
If you are congested, then add 3 drops of tea tree, thyme or eucalyptus oil. However, don't add 3 drops of each oil or the scent will be way to strong! If you have all three oils at home, you can add one drop of each.
Step 1: Boil water in a large pot
Step 2: When the water has reached a rolling boil, turn off the stove and pour the water into the bowl. Place the bowl on a small towel or dishrag so you don't harm the table.
Step 3: Using a dropper, add the drops of essential oils if desired.
Step 4: Before bringing the towel over your head, inhale the steam to make sure the scents aren't too strong. Bring the large towel over your head and make sure it covers the entire bowl. At first it will seem very hot, but then will subside. If the steam is too strong, you can lift the towel a little to let some extra steam escape.
Step 5: Sit here and breath deeply for ten minutes.
Step 6: If you are trying this out for face care, you might like to apply a facial mud mask after your steam.
Step 7: Repeat weekly!
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Check This Out!- (product)
Yoga Toes
Yoga stretching for your feet!
Check out this LINK to read more about Yoga Toes. I ordered a pair about a year ago, and I love the feeling of having my toes stretched out. Because I have a wide foot, it is very difficult to find shoes that fit well. Most shoes pinch my feet somewhat and wearing Yoga Toes for a couple hours at night while reading feels great!
Our feet support us all day and are usually cooped up in tight shoes. Yoga Toes helps to alleviate the tension that we put upon our feet.
It's recommended you start out with wearing them for about 20 minutes and then work your way up to an hour.
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De-Stress Holiday Special
November & December Only!
Purchase a 90 min. massage & receive a complimentary Back Scrub w/Mud Mask with your massage session
(a $25 value)!*
619-964-5821
For more information about the mud and scrub treatment (including ingredients), please check out this link to my web page
Spa Therapies
* The wrap must be used at time of initial session. May not be used with any other coupon, pkg rate or special unless the difference is paid for a 90 min massage. Due to preparation time, Special must be mentioned when scheduling appointment-- Thank you!
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Rajam Roose
Therapeutic Massage by Rajam Roose, HHP |
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