Thanks for coming to read Part 5 of my series, 5 Ways to Treat Yourself Better in 2016.  You can find posts in my archive to do your Daily Abayanga, Read More-Sleep More, Exercise for Fun, Pamper Yourself, and to Learn New Things.  My story about learning to play guitar starts below.

Learning to play guitar has been something I always wanted to do.  My dad was a talented musician, and I never learned to play an instrument as a child, despite the fact that there were always many instruments in the house. My dad was a drummer, so the other musicians would come to our house to play.  My dad always told us to learn to play a harmonica, because it fit in your back pocket.  I admit, it would be pretty hard to pack drums around with you.  

My brother and I, circa 1984-ish

About a year ago, I was telling all of this to a friend and he challenged me to stop my bitchin’ about it and try to learn NOW!  One thing leads to another, and before the night is out, he has me hooked up with my first lesson.  I have to go, in the morning, the very next morning!  He committed me to go and I don’t want to be a flake; so, I went.  

My goofy dad.

It was hard, and painful, and my poor tender fingertips will never be the same.  The first day wasn’t even the hardest.  It has gotten easier on the hands, and harder for my mind and my hand/eye/ear coordination.  I am addicted to it.  In fact, I am going on a bluegrass cruise (as a player) and I am n.e.r.v.o.u.s.  Nonetheless, I made a goal to perform with other people or play live within a year, so it's definitely time to stretch out of my comfort level to get better.

And that, my friends, is why I share this with you.  Treating ourselves better includes pushing ourselves to reach our goals, extending our goals to be outside of our comfort zone.  How to treat yourself better means don’t give up on your dreams.  It turns out learning new things will help you at any age.

Stay tuned and I will share a place you can see my personal pictures from the cruise.

Winter Sports Injuries Series - Low Back Pain

Winter is here and if you live like I do, that includes snow and cold weather.  It makes the days shorter and longer at the same time.  There are lots of reason to have lower back pain, but cold weather, extra gear, and extra chores add to the winter load for me.  

Do your days include snow pants and winter hats, gloves, and some pretty cold conditions.  Shoveling snow making you sore yet?  Me too.  Winter sure is hard on the ole back.  Massage is one of the best things for a good ole sore back.  Give it a try!

Watch this hilarious YouTube video I found about a month ago.  We have watched it over and over again.  Every one of these folks could have used a massage.

Epic Snow and Ice Fails

Winter Sports Injuries Series - Knees

Lets talk about our knees. Living in a snow sports paradise, I see a lot of knee injuries, probably the most common injury I hear about. If you are plagued with knee arthritis, massage therapy has been shown to help.   

The knees are pretty bony, and bony areas tend to have less blood flow. Even light massage will increase the blood flow in any given area, and this is especially important when you are trying to facilitate the repair of any injury. Blood carries in it the construction workers that can remodel your broken parts. Here's a video with a few massage techniques to use before you head out on your daily adventures.

Knee Massage Techniques Video - Click HERE

A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami showed a significant improvement in knee function in women who got massage for 6 weeks. They reported 3 months later that they still felt better too. Maybe they continued with self massage after the study ended.

If you have any ligament or tendon damage, I suggest adding some lemongrass, wintergreen, and marjoram essential oils to your massage too. AromaTouch smells better than those oils and has marjoram, cypress, and peppermint in it too. If you can only afford one oil, I'd get this one. If you are looking to really target your knee injury or the arthritis from it, read the testimonial in this link. There's an easy recipe for an essential oil blend to induce healing. You can get all of the oils in my DoTERRA shop. Find the link at the top of the page!

Getting Relief From a Torn Meniscus

Would you try it?

The most unusual massages on spa menus are, well, not for the faint of heart. You have probably heard of the Snake Massage or the Piranha Pedicure?!? No pain, no gain, I guess!  This isn't your grandmas spa menu!

 

 



The snails are placed on your face and left to glide around your face, leaving behind their slime, which can recover damaged skin.

 



At the Four Season, no less, you can get spanked with cacti!  Don't worry.  They say they dismember the pokey plants of their thorns before they heat them in warm water.  Then they cut them in half and use the gooey interior, like aloe vera gel, to soothe your skin.  (Sign me up!)

 

 

 



 

Gua Sha!!!!  Ouch!!!   I know a therapist in Jackson that does this, so if you are so inclined send me an e-mail and I will get you in touch with her.  I've been Rolfed and had other "bruising", although very therapeutic techniques, but I am seriously afraid of this.  Others say it is totally worth it, but, um, I don't think so!

A spoon, coin, or similar object is used to scrape problem areas to relieve pain and tightness.  Ugggh!

 

 



 

Savin' the best for last.  This is crazy, unless you like Russian Roulette or Psycho-killer Dismemberment.   Huff Post reports that this is an "ancient Chinese practice".  Are ya' sure it isn't Japanese, like a sushi chef! (laughing out LOUD)  The pounding, aka - petrissage, relieves stress and improves blood flow.  No kidding!!!  The image in my head is of a LOT of blood flowing from my amputated limb.  I think my "device of choice" is a couple of bamboo rods, or heck, why not just some good old fashioned karate chops with your blunt hands.

 



The Mountains Are Calling...

...And I must go. (John Muir)

A 20 mile backpacking trip into the Idaho wilderness will soothe the soul.  Our destination was an idyllic hot spring.  I was so grateful to spend the night next to the hot waters and to take advantage of their healing energy.  The company was as splendid as the water too. We hiked till our feet were sore and out hearts were filled.  Today I am back to civilization.  I will schedule a massage to work out the kinks from sleeping in the woods and hiking literally until my feet, legs, and shoulders screamed at me.  I suggest you get out and explore, and I will be here to give you a massage when you get back.