Self care can mean many things. Here are a few options to add into your repertoire. While we can make progress in our sessions, there is much that you can do to continue your healing. These are great options to use anytime!

DRINK EXTRA WATER!

BUT WHY?! A massage will help increase the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to all parts of the body. By increasing water intake, muscles can revive and restore quicker, capitalizing on the healing benefits of the massage. Most of us are dehydrated to some degree to begin with which can contribute to stiff and sore muscles.
Since the body is comprised of roughly 60% water, dehydration can affect nearly every bone, tissue, and organ. The brain is no exception. When you are dehydrated, your brain may perceive an increased level of pain in the forms of headaches, muscle pain, arthritic pain, back pain and more. So if you’re dealing with pain on an everyday basis, and it’s not linked to any direct health problem, then you may need to increase levels of hydration to see a decrease in pain.
Other indicators that you may be dehydrated include: Sugar cravings, bad breath, brain fog, constipation, dry skin, tiredness, irritability, muscle cramps and soreness, headache, excessive thirst.
These are only a few reasons why it’s important to maintain good hydration levels to allow your body to be it’s best!

STRETCHING:

Stretching can become a regular part of your Self Care routine.

While practicing your stretches, remember to listen to your body. It will tell you if you are pushing it too far. You should feel a good stretch without pain. The goal is not to force your body into a pose it’s not ready for, but instead to allow your body to relax into the stretch as it is ready. If you’re not flexible, that’s okay! Flexibility comes over time, and as you become more regular in your stretching practice you’ll see improvement.

EPSOM SALT BATH:

Relaxing with an Epsom Salt bath after a treatment can extend the benefits of your session. Try this simple method:

2 CUPS EPSOM SALT ADDED TO BATH WATER
AROMATHERAPY: (optional)
Lavender, Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus
SOAK FOR 20-30 MINUTES

HOW TO MAKE A HOT COMPRESS:

You will need:
Medium towel - dish towel size
Large towel - regular bath towel size

The large towel will be the dry outer layer. The medium towel will be the hot, wet inner layer.
Your choice: Fold the large towel lengthwise to drape over the top of your shoulders to help relax your traps and neck area, or fold into a square for lumbar or abdominal area. Whichever you choose, the large towel should be folded so that at least 2 layers of dry towel are between your skin and the hot towel. If you have sensitive skin you may need a third layer.

Get creative for your target area. I would suggest folding or shaping the towels before getting started to move quickly once the hot, wet towel is ready.
Wet the medium towel. Squeeze out excess water before heating.
Microwave for 2 minutes or until hot.
Be very careful! This towel will be very hot!
Use a dry towel, tongs, or pot holder to grab from the microwave.
Wrap the hot towel inside the large towel. Place where needed.
Reheat as necessary.
Hot and moist heat will penetrate past the skin and into the muscles. Dry heat, such as a towel from the dryer, will only warm the skin.
You can do stretches with the hot pack on, or after the muscles are warmed up. Or just Relax!
Add that extra TLC by putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the hot towel.
Rub your favorite moisturizer, tiger balm, or CBD cream into the muscles when you're done.