Rose Petals in a Fountain

Rose Petals in the Fountain

This is a photo I took last year in September when my friends Joy and Leila visited the Tulsa Rose gardens. We went there to relax and play mbira. When we got there, we were shocked to see the rose gardens still in full bloom. We spent an hour or so wandering through all types and colors of roses. Some were scented, all were gorgeous! It was really no surprize to find the fountain full of fallen rose petals. . .or were the fairies making wishes?

May all your wishes and dreams come true. . . .

Massage in a chair

Starting the last week of March, I will be offering seated massage sessions at Sweet Designs Cakery at 311 N. Broadway. I'll be there on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm.

Chair massage is a wonderful break from work. Choose a 5, 10 or 15 minute massage ($1 per minute). You'll be surprized at the level of relaxation you can acheive in just a few minutes. You'll be more productive the rest of the day, and Sweet Designs Cakery is probably just a short walk from your office.

Plus, you can get a cup of coffee and a baked goodie if you need a snack.

So come on down and try it out. As an extra incentive, mention seeing this on the blog and get a $2 discount on your first seated massage.

Pain management with a tennis ball

Tennis, golf, and whiffle balls are great for helping you get in shape, and not just on the playing field! In this post, I'll tell you about how using these balls can help you relieve pain, stiffness, and tension at home, the office, even on the road.

Find a tennis ball and tie it in the toe end of a long sock or knee hi. You've now created a tool that you can use in several ways to work on acupressure points and tight muscles. Want to know more about pressure points? See my book list for suggestions. Don't worry about knowing specific spots, though, just work where it hurts!

Cup the ball in the palm of your hand to apply pressure to an acupressure spot or sore area and save your thumbs.

Dangle the ball between your back and a wall to work the muscles on either side of your spine, the muscles on the shoulder blade, and that pesky spot on your hip. You know, that one right in the middle of the back pocket of your jeans. Working this point means that you will have less low back and leg pain. This point is very helpful in alleviating sciatic pain.

Holding the knot and tapping the ball on pressure points or tired muscles provides relief. Use this bouncing motion only on soft tissues, not on bony areas. Go gently at first until you learn what your body wants. Tap the top of your shoulders, your forearms, the back of your neck. Or have your partner tap all over your back.

Use an old golf ball to give your feet a treat. Simply place it on the floor and use it to apply pressure to the soles of your feet. Try chilling the ball in the freezer to help cool down tired feet at the end of a long, hot day. Pay special attention to those sore spots.

Hold a tennis, golf, or whiffle ball between your hands. Squeeze and roll to give your palms and fingers a much needed massage. Keep a ball by your computer to remind you to take good care of your hands!

Most dollar stores carry small round or football shaped balls that have stiff spikes on them. (Look in the toy section.) Try using them for your hands and feet, too. Careful, though, these balls are delicate compared to tennis or golf balls. Squash your tension, not your tools!

Ready to garden?

It's time to think about working in our yards and gardens. Today I was listening to our public radio station and "You Bet Your Garden". They had some great tips for working in outside without injuring yourself. Here's a link that takes you to some mighty useful information: http://www.gardensalive.com/article_mcgrath.asp?ai=1

Now, where did I put that David Austin rose catalog. . .

Until later,
Lorraine

Getting started

Thanks to my friend Heather at sweetdesignscakery.com, I've now entered into the world of blogging. (Heather, I may be by for a live tutorial soon!) I'm hoping I can share some of the things I've learned about reducing pain and tension, and living a happier, healthier life in general.

If you have suggestions or questions, please send me a post and I'll do my best to provide appropriate information.

Enjoy your weekend!