1. Isolation tank
Fill a tub (a closed shell or a small pool) with water and add Epsom salts to help the body float, much as it would in the ocean. We tried the experience in an open isolation tank, and the sense of release was immediate! Floating on the surface of the water and turning a little, the muscles slowly relax and let go. Those likely to feel confined in a closed tank can still enjoy this experience in an open one. On exiting the tank, whether open or closed, a sense of true relaxation is felt, as though you were walking on a cloud.
Good to know: With a shell-type isolation tank, you can choose to keep it open or closed. People with muscle pain could also use floating cushions for greater comfort.
2. Watsu
Watsu massage is given in a shallow pool filled with warm water, as the massage therapist combines fluid movements with rocking and gentle stretching. The stretching and twisting serve to loosen up tight muscles, and the sensation of being massaged in the water is absolutely unique. A gentle form of massage, Watsu lets you achieve a high level of relaxation and leaves you feeling as though you've been drifting on the tranquil waters of a lake.
Good to know: It's important to be comfortable with the physical proximity of the therapist. On a few occasions, you'll literally be wrapped in his or her arms.
3. Yoga
You don't need the flexibility of a ballerina to practise yoga. Combining exercise with meditation and breathing, this age-old art lets you relax while stretching and strengthening your muscles. There are many different types of yoga: To choose the one that will best suit your needs, look for a yoga centre in your neighbourhood and speak to the instructors. If you would prefer to practise in the privacy of your own home, there are countless DVDs available on the subject.
4. California massage
This is a full, personal massage characterized by the use of effleurage techniques and slow, sweeping movements, with special attention paid to the hands, back and feet.
Good to know: This type of massage is not for the bashful: Since it concentrates not only on the face, head and upper chest but also on all other parts of the body, the receiver will have to be naked (one side of the body at a time) so that nothing interferes with the massage therapist's movements. The stomach and breasts may also be massaged, so be sure to mention it if you're not comfortable with the therapist working on those areas.
5. Shiatsu massaging cushion
A heated cushion that attaches to a chair, this product reproduces the pressure of a shiatsu massage. The "massage" lasts about ten minutes, and the anti-stress effect always draws very positive comments. Rather than an uncomfortable vibration, the user experiences a pressure much like that of a real massage. The cushion loosens up the back muscles, including the shoulder blades, and it's easy to set up. If you are looking for a relaxing health break with minimal preparation time, check out www.charlescraft.ca.
6. Hot bath with essential oils
The hot bath is a classic relaxation technique, yet we often forget that the addition of essential oils helps to further promote relaxation. Extracted from lavender, thyme, rosemary, ylang ylang, camomile or mandarin oranges, essential oils have a relaxing and restorative effect.
7. Cardiac coherence
It's a well-known fact that stress increases the heart rate and a constantly high heart rate is not healthy. Heartmath.com is a website that, among other things, offers EmWave personal stress-reliever products for "effective, practical solutions for reducing stress." Visit www.heartmath.com for further information.
Page 3 of 4 -- On page 4, learn more about beating stress, PLUS, the top 10 websites that are good for your health.
