by Kristine Kaoverii Weber, MA, LMBT, RYT
Yoga Instructor, Shiatsu Practitioner And Author

Muscle soreness after asana practice may tell you that you’ve pushed yourself too much the day before or that your sequencing was a little less conscious than it could’ve been. But even if you are not sure which poses were a tiny bit out of your range or what sequence would’ve made things better, there is one practice that can really help – self-massage. What I’ve found over the years is that if I skip self-massage after my asanas, I’m more likely to be sore regardless of which poses I’ve ventured into that day. Self-massage is a simple, efficient practice that can both minimize muscle aches and actually improve the effect of your asanas.

Massage is a natural complement to yoga. Perhaps you’ve attended yoga classes which finished with the teacher coming around during shavasana and massaging your head or feet. And perhaps you’ve noticed how this simple touch deepened your relaxation. But massage after asanas not only helps you relax and stave off subsequent soreness, it also can improve the hormonal, lymphatic, circulatory and energetic benefits of the poses.

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Once people discover the many joys and benefits of massage, a common question arises — "How often should I schedule my massage sessions?" Of course, there is no set answer, but studies indicate that massage at regular intervals is most beneficial to your overall health.

In a Newsweek article entitled "The Magic of Touch," the advantages of frequent massage are considered. The following excerpts help to answer the question, "How often?"

"A weekly massage may seem an indulgence, but new research suggests it can have major health benefits....

"Since instituting a program of massage, job-specific exercises and ergonomics in 1990, the Virginia-based company [Wampler Foods] has cut repetitive-stress injuries by 75 percent....

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Because massage makes you feel better and take more pride in your body, you are more likely to stick to a diet. Knowing that the person giving you a massage is going to notice any weight loss is another incentive. Added to this are other benefits to your appearance. By stimulating the circulation, massage tones the skin and smoothes the body This improvement builds a positive self­image, which produces more energy, making exercising easier. This is the beginning of the upward spiral, and weight will come off more easily.

Any massage is helpful for dieters, so follow the basic sequences outlined throughout this book. However, you should spend more time on the fleshiest areas, particularly the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks; use plenty of deep stimulating movements, such as kneading and pummeling. You can easily massage your abdomen and thighs yourself and should try a few minutes of vigorous massage every day.

In This Issue

Self Massage After Yoga

The Benefits of Regular Massage

Massage for Dieting

Practice Updates

Hand Massage Video

Recipe of the Month


Updates from My Practice

 

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Hand Massage Video

Please click on the picture about to learn more about how to do a simple yet effective hand massage for your family and friends.


Chocolate Banana Tofu Pudding

INGREDIENTS

* 1 banana, broken into chunks
* 1 (12 ounce) package soft silken tofu
* 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
* 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 3 tablespoons soy milk
* 1 pinch ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the banana, tofu, sugar, cocoa powder, soy milk, and cinnamon into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Pour into individual serving dishes, and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

 

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