Dec 08 2005
Afternoon Delight
I retain stress in my neck, shoulders and back. It collects there until it becomes unbearable and the only way to purge the pain is to visit my shiatsu therapist. The trend seems to be about once every 3-4 months.
This time, I decided to try someone new. He came highly recommended from a co-worker as well as my mother-in-law. Hubby and his father received a massage and acupuncture from him and got good results. He comes with some great credentials and is an instructor at an accredited college of “Oriental Medicine.” Best of all, he makes house calls. Gotta love that.
So, today I booked him for 2 hours. 1-1/2 hours of Shiatsu and Thai bodywork and 30 minutes of cupping therapy. My friend claimed that the cupping helps relieve the tension in her muscles and combined with masage, would work wonders for me. Hey, why not? I can deal with a few welts. My back never sees the light of day anyway.
Oh, the massage was heavenly. It was shiatsu, but not painful. He applied a good amount of pressure, but it didn’t feel like I was having an aneurysm when he worked on my neck (one of my most problematic areas). When the massage was over, my muscles didn’t feel like they had been pummelled with a blunt object like they normally do after a shiatsu session.
The cupping, although looks painful in the photograph, really isn’t. It just feels like a suction cup stuck to your back with a moderate amount of pressure. I was quite shocked to see the extent of the markings, but my skin is naturally prone to scarring anyway so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. They basically look like enormous hickies on my back, but less sexy.
My body feels invigorated, energized. Loose! My body hasn’t been this free from tension since I was 7. There’s no going back now… I’ve found myself a new therapist!
Next time, I want to try the acupuncture.
A 30-something Christian girl, blissfully wedded to her perfect match (the yang to her yin) of 14 years. Living life in Hawaii, less than 5 miles from her hometown, a slave to her mortgage payment, but seeking balance in her pursuit of family, faith, recreation, and rest.
Ooh what’s his name?! I have never had a professional massage in my life and am too afraid to try just anyone… it would have to be someone who is highly recommended. I would love to get this person’s name and number, and approx. cost. Would greatly appreciate it!
that DOES look very painful, actually! i cringed the first time i glanced at your photo. but hey, if it works, and helps with muscles loose, i say it’s all good. u know, it looks a little like leopard spots. =) hehe
Muddy: I sent you an email with all of his information. Do give him a call!
Booyahman: Oh, leopard spots! I love it! Yeah, it looks scary, but it’s really not painful at all. They’re nearly all gone now, just that one dark one on my left shoulder is still hanging on.
Thanks for infecting me, Donna! That was fun. Sorry it took so long to realized that I’ve been infected, but… I’ve responded already.
Sounds positively amazing! I’ll have to look that person up as well, if they happen to be in my area, which they might not be…
At this point in my life, i need to pamper myself with anything that makes me feel relax. please email me with the information as well.
Mahalo,
Lynn
[...] 1. When did you most recently receive a massage? About six months ago. I just checked: it’s been a week short of an entire year! I am SO due for another one! [...]
[...] It must be the power of suggestion, but all this talk about massages and how long it’s been since my last one has totally kinked my neck. This is not your normal kink, but the type that is uncomfortable enough to severely limit my range of motion in the affected muscle. [...]