Hydrating Right

I recommend you hydrate before and after your massage session.  You perspire more than you think as the circulation increases.  (Let’s hold off the common perception that “drinking water flushes out the toxins” for now.)  As everybody knows the benefits of hydration, do you know how much water you really should drink daily?

The recommendation of “8 glasses a day” was removed from the Institute of Medicine guidelines in 2004.  Many sites have a calculator, but there isn’t one definite formula because it depends on your weight, activity level, climate, altitude, health conditions and etc.  It seems, on average, water intake is (0.5–0.67 ounces x your weight).  If your weight is 150 lb, then 75-100 ounces (appx. 9–12 cups) is your daily water intake.  Again, you have to tweak this number when you are more active, in a hotter environment and etc.  If you are very active or athletes, this calculator will tell you exactly how much to drink during particular activities such as running, biking and hiking.    

The good news is this water intake includes:

• Milk
• Coffee 
• Tea
• 100% fruit juice
• Fruits and vegetables (watermelons, melons, tomatoes, oranges, lettuce, celery)
• Sodas
• Sports drinks
• Soup

However, caffeinated and sugary drinks are advised to avoid.  Alcohol does dehydrate you, so don’t count it in the intake.    

If you found out with the calculation above that you are not drinking enough water, here are a few personal tips.  I drink carbonated water made with sodastream®, with a slice of lime or lemon.  I hope you carry a BPA free water bottle instead of buying bottled water.  I’ve recently noticed I like to sip, not gulp, so I can drink much more from a cup with a straw.  There are also many apps to track and remind your water intake. 

Keep hydrating!

Relieve Your Sinus Symptoms (2)

Have you tried a “Neti pot”?  When I lived in Austin, Texas, which the locals claim the “Allergy Capital of the World,” everybody was talking about the “Neti pots.”  It is a plastic or ceramic pot like a little tea pot. 

You put the spout into one of your nostrils, pour salt water solution in and let it out from the other nostril.  You will be surprised or confused if it is even possible when you first hear about it, so here is the video showing how to do it.  There is another squeeze bottle type, but I’ve never tried it.

Once you get used to using it, it’s very therapeutic, believe it or not.  I use it after I spend outside for a long time, clean a dusty place, or when I get a headache or a cold.  I try to use it as a preventative care.  If you are prone to sinus problems, it is more effective if you use it everyday. 

Also, inhaling steam may provide you a relief.  Put hot water in a bowl and a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, thyme, lemon or tea tree). Then, lean over the bowl with eyes closed.  Cover with a bath towel over your head and the bowl like a tent to fill with the aromatic steam.  Breathe through the nose and month. Make sure to lean comfortably and support your upper body with elbows without straining your back. 

The Perfect Gift

Have you already started thinking about holiday gifts?  Still early?  I have an idea for you!  Yes, give your loved ones a gift of massage!  Here is why.

A memorable gift for people who have never received a massage: I have met reluctant people, usually men, who were talked into getting a massage by their family member.  The outcome was always amazing.  One client said, “Why wouldn’t I have done it earlier?”  They also became an advocate of massage and spread the word to their friends and co-workers.  When this happens, it makes my day.  If they don’t know what massage feels like, they will never know how great it is.  I guarantee you they would keep talking about it again and again!

Perfect for people who have everything: One of my clients said to me after receiving massage, “Oh, now I know what I get for my daughter.  She has everything.”  This thoughtful gift gives them greater satisfaction than any expensive item does.  

Don’t forget your young ones: Massage is not just for older adults.  Teenagers and college students have stressful life these days.  They could use a massage to reduce stress, anxiety and hyperactivity.  They now type and text all the time, so they get tension in the neck, shoulders and hands.  People with any age can benefit from massage.

Kindness of Others

Now that I am starting my practice, I would like to acknowledge the people for kindness and generosity I encountered along the way.

Before I started the massage school, I contacted massage therapists I found on the internet.  We never met, but they answered all my questions and offered me valuable advice.  They told me to make the most of the school and what to expect as a massage therapist.  

The instructors and staff members (who are all massage therapists) at the Florida School of Massage not only taught us massage skills and other valuable knowledge, but also supported us as a whole, even for personal matters, outside their work hours.  Although I didn’t go through a crisis or burnout, I knew that they were there for me any time, which gave me comfort.  They did show us a “holistic” approach of massage therapy.