Selecting The Right Massage And Spa Services

Massage and spa service is a very liberating and rewarding experience for all the tired and worn out souls used to the daily grind. Moreover, the health benefits derived from positive feelings occurring out of a proper massage and spa package is unquestionable. There are even specific kinds of massage and spa services that can actually trim one down by a size or two, which is greatly beneficial for people who are overweight and hate doing physical activities. But while the trend on massage and spa is becoming a global phenomenon, the individual should also be aware that massage and spa services are very personal and it involves a lot of technicalities. It is common for spa services these days to advertise that they provide traditional Indian massage and Indian spa therapy or commonly called Ayurvedic treatments. This is because Ayurvedic medical system, which is over 4000 years old, is becoming globally accepted as a top-notch alternate medical system due to its holistic approach integrating the body, mind and spirit; and lot of spa and massage operators are taking undue advantage of Ayurveda’s global acceptance. The truth is that, many are unaware that Ayurvedic massage or Indian massage takes years to master and most of the spa centres, including the top ones, have ayurvedic massage therapists who have no idea about its functionalities. To get a job in these salons or spas as an Indian massage therapist, the only requisite is that, you need to be an Indian and should have a certificate showing that training has been done for a week or two. How many masseurs can tell the difference between Ayurvedic, Deep tissue, Marma or Sports massage? How many masseurs can tell the difference between relaxant oil and stimulant oil? That massage oil that should be used on a diabetic person should not be used on an arthritic person; oil that should be used on an obese person is not suitable for a lean one. How many of the masseurs can really talk about functionality of various massages in relation to a human body. From my experience in living in different parts of the world; Brazil, London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Kuwait etc spa services are major money-spinners. They will deliver the result if one gets services from the right person and the right products are used. Individuals should keep in mind that spa and massage services are very personal which affects ones health, and health equates to wealth. Hence make an informed choice.

Be Well & Stress Less

Living in one of the GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE & Oman) is a boring & stressful drama. However, I personally feel that one could ride out of this lull by positive actions. The 6 tips mentioned below have been very useful in creating happy endings to my life on a daily basis.

Pamper with a massage; Massage is a great way to de stress a distressed body. It is the best mode to relax the mind and allows the body to have some much needed rest. Moreover, massages increases the amount of blood flow in the body & feel good hormones endorphins which is a big energy booster, akin to doing exercise. If not in a position to book for a massage, one can easily learn a few self massage techniques.

Breathe control; While at work, being bombarded with various chores is the norm and this can easily make one go hyper. In such situations try to breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. Unfortunately due to our super sonic life style, we have programmed our body to use the rib cage, to force the chest to breathe in and out where as that ideal function belongs to the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic deep breathing greatly calms and reduces anxiety symptoms.

Calming effects of the sea; GCC countries are blessed with an excellent coast line. Chill out by sitting on the sea side. The vast expanse of sea is very soothing; moreover the salty air from sea is anti inflammatory and treats a host of diseases from asthma to bronchitis to eczema. A dip would be even better.

Quit smoking; Lack of constructive activities in this part of the world has created a sea of smokers. Nicotine dependency eventually creates stress & anxiety along with a host of preventable diseases.

Cut down on refined sugar & white breads; The public here loves junk food which is basically well processed and refined foods. They are devoid of nutrients and are unhealthy compared to whole or brown foods. Glucose from these foods directly gets in to the blood stream giving a quick high and a quick low; creating lack of energy, stress and negative emotions.

Learn Arabic; An expatriate at one stage or the other has to deal with government & public sector while living in any of these countries; and unfortunately very few officials in these areas can speak English. For some one in need this is frustrating and stressful. The best option; learn Arabic. Learning a new language is the best form of exercise one can give to the brain.

My final word is 'life is what you make it'. Place your attention on being in perfect health, having a good relationship with people around you and being grateful for every day on this planet and you will see yourself successful and stress free.

As Freddie Mercury said; who wants to live forever? So while living; be well & stress less.

***An exception among GCC countries is Dubai (part of UAE). The place rocks.