Seeing clients who present with headaches is a very common experience at Heavenly Embrace Wellness, and that’s why we offer a few services that might assist with those conditions. In particular: reflexology, deep tissue massage therapy, and energy healing.

What Kind of Headache are you Experiencing?

While there are many different types of headaches, the International Headache Society classifies three primary types. They stem from environmental, chemical, hormonal, and physical factors.

Migraine Headache:

A migraine headache feels like intense throbbing or pulsing and is often associated with what’s called an “aura.” Migraines can range from moderate to severe and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or sound. They have vascular origins and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Migraines are often triggered by stress, muscle tension, and poor sleep.

Vestibular Migraine Headache (VM):

Symptoms include vertigo, balance issues, dizziness, feeling light-headed, spinning, swaying, and loss of balance with sensitivity to motion. May or may not involve headaches. Vertigo symptoms may come and go within minutes or last for days.

Tension Headache (Tension-Type Headache or TTH):

A tension headache is the most common type worldwide. Causes include:

• Postural
• Structural
• Myofascial
• Muscular
• TMJD (TemporoMandibular Joint Disorders)
• Neurologic

Tension headaches have a muscular origin and are often described as feeling like your head is being squeezed. They are typically bilateral and are not worsened by physical activity.

There are two kinds of TTH:

ETTH – Episodic Tension-Type Headache
After at least ten previous headaches, ETTH refers to having fewer than 15 headaches per month. They can last from 30 minutes to a week.

CTTH – Chronic Tension-Type Headache
CTTH refers to having more than 15 headaches per month. They can last for hours and be ongoing. This affects about 3% of the population.

Cluster Headache:

A cluster headache is one of the most painful headache types because the pain is sharp and intense, often concentrated around one eye or side of the head. These have a vascular origin and come on suddenly, lasting 15 minutes to a few hours. Cluster periods can last from six to twelve weeks, sometimes up to a year.

Cervicogenic Headache (CGH):

This is a secondary headache resulting from another source such as inflammation or head/neck injuries. They originate from issues in the cervical spine, often daily, and are typically unilateral. Movements of the neck provoke discomfort, which can last for several hours.

Common tender areas include the occipital (base of skull), temporal (above ears), and supraorbital (above eyes) regions.

Neck Stretches for Self-Care:

I highly recommend regular neck stretches to help prevent neck and shoulder pain—and headaches too! Read more in my blog Got Text Neck.

Some Tips for Stretching

• Stretch frequently, flexing tight joints and shaking out tense limbs.
• Be gentle. Stretch to a place where you feel pull but not pain. Don’t bounce.
• Hold the stretch for 10 seconds to increase circulation, 30–60 seconds to lengthen a muscle.
• Breathe easily while holding the stretch. Slow, full breaths help get more oxygen to your muscles and prevent strain.
• If you have a recent injury or feel sharp pain when stretching, consult your healthcare provider first.

Massage for Headaches:

Massage is a great way to relieve tension in the back, neck, and shoulders—areas that often cause headaches, especially tension types. Sessions may include Myofascial Release and Trigger Point work in key muscles and regions.

If your headaches involve ear pain, jaw tightening, or teeth clenching, consult your doctor about TMJD. We offer massages for TMJ issues to help relieve pain in the jaw, neck, and head.

Reflexology and Energy Healing, such as Dynamic Body Balancing (DBB), are also safe and effective ways to prevent, manage, and treat headaches and migraines.

Heavenly Embrace Wellness specializes in all these treatments. Browse our services menu to find the right one for you.

To help bring relief to your aching head, book your appointment online or call (720) 515-9034. You can also use the contact form. I might be able to help!

Far Infrared Sauna Therapy Reduces Chronic Pain

Pain is an important signal designed to alert us to problems in our body. Chronic pain is almost always associated with chronic inflammation.

Far infrared therapy helps reduce inflammation and improves conditions like chronic back and neck pain, phantom limb pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, menstrual pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic tension headaches.

With Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

Photo credit: Shiatsu Loft Berlin via photopin (cc)

Additional resources:
Elements Massage – How Therapeutic Massage Can Relieve Headaches and Migraines
Mayo Clinic – Definitions of Migraine, Tension, and Cluster Headaches

The post Boulder Massage Therapy for Headaches & Migraines appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

Trust the process that you’re in and divert fearful thoughts and anxious feelings into compassionate ones.

I put together 7 easy ways to change your internal landscape. These are ideas on what you can do to optimize your immune system and your state of being. Read on and tell me what you think…

Reduce Stress

Certainly, it might be easier said than done in these extraordinary times, but try to stay positive, find hope, forgiveness, and gratitude. Your mindset is important right now. Chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety, memory problems, and sleep issues. Stress makes it harder for your body to resist germs and viruses, so here are 9 ways to lower your stress.
> Blog: Stress and our immune system

Treat Yourself Right

Above all, self-care and self-love are the most important things to attend to at the moment. Sit in your yard or on your balcony and enjoy a few minutes of sun & relaxation—you deserve it! Or how about soaking in a tub with Epsom Salt? The wonders of Epsom Salt have been well-known for hundreds of years. With this timeless remedy, several health issues and symptoms can be relieved, including colds & congestion. It’s also fabulous for soothing aching limbs and relaxing your nervous system.
> Blog: Benefits of Epsom Salts

Stay Hydrated

Because we live in Colorado, staying hydrated should be standard practice, but this is an easy way to boost your state of being! Good performance, clarity of thinking, and proper mind/body function all depend greatly on our water intake. Without adequate amounts of pure water in the body, the electrical system is impaired. In other words, the lymph system and organ function are not optimal.
> Blog: Drinking more water

Practice Mindful Breathing

With mindful breathing through diaphragmatic breathing, you can help reduce stress and anxiety. As a result, your heart rate will be lower, and your blood pressure will decrease. You may also notice increased stamina for intense exercise, improved sleep, better posture, and many other benefits.
> Blog: Diaphragmatic breathing

Give Grounding and Earthing a Try

Studies have shown that grounding and earthing have a positive effect on inflammation, immune response, wound healing, and much more! Check out my blog about Grounding and Earthing to learn how you can reconnect to the earth.
> Blog: What is behind the concept of Grounding / Earthing?

Use Your Essential Oils to Boost Your State of Being

I highly recommend using essential oils to boost your state of being. Essential oils come directly from plant parts and are very powerful. Some are immunity boosting and supporting, while others are great for mental/emotional ease.
Email me if you’d like me to put together a specific kit for your personal needs.
> FAQ’s about Essential Oils

Far Infrared Sauna Therapy Improves Mental Health & Cognitive Function

Sauna use has been shown to benefit depression and anxiety and even to affect the risk of psychotic disorders and toxin-induced psychosis. It improves blood flow to the brain and increases mental alertness and performance on mental tasks. It improves symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, enhances sleep, and promotes normal sleep/wake cycles.

Let me emphasize that if you want to discover the benefits of natural health, be sure to Book Your Appointment. You can also contact us at Heavenly Embrace Wellness to learn more about the incredible healing effects of essential oils.

Are you interested in more specifics about oils or learning more about their effects? I’d be happy to answer your questions.

Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post 7 Easy Ways to Boost Your State of Being appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

As a massage therapist, I’m always exploring ways to enhance my clients’ well-being. One powerful method I recommend to all is grounding, also known as earthing. This method involves activities that “ground you” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. The cumulative effect of this simple practice on our system is priceless.

The Importance of Reconnecting to the Earth

Earthing and grounding are essentially the same, referring to connecting to the Earth’s natural energy through direct physical contact with the ground. Grounding is rooted in the science and physics of how the Earth’s electrical charges can positively affect your body.

Grounding is based on the idea that the Earth has a mild negative charge. By connecting with the Earth, the body can balance its electrical charge. This occurs as it absorbs negative electrons that attach to free radicals and neutralize their effects. This process may help reduce chronic inflammation and improve overall health. Grounding connects people to the Earth’s healing energy, syncing the body to natural rhythms and restoring overall health.

Key Benefits of Grounding / Earthing

• Reduces Inflammation: Physical contact with the Earth can neutralize free radicals, reducing inflammation and pain. Check out my blog, Natural Antioxidants to Fight Free Radicals.
• Improves Sleep: Grounding may help regulate sleep patterns by balancing the body’s natural rhythms. Read more in my blog How Important Is Your Sleep?
• Enhances Mood: Direct contact with nature has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress.
• Boosts Immune System: Grounding can enhance the body’s immune response, promoting overall health.
• Improves Circulation: Regular grounding may improve blood flow and decoagulation, contributing to cardiovascular health.

Ways to Practice Grounding / Earthing

• Barefoot Standing / Walking / Sitting: Spend time on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or dirt. Wetting grass can enhance conductivity. Check for hazards like poison ivy or bees.
• Lying on the Ground: Increase skin-to-earth contact by lying on grass or sand. Ensure the area is safe.
• Submerging in Water: Dip in baths, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water. Enhance grounding by adding Epsom salts, essential oils, herbs, or crystals.
• Using Grounding Equipment: Grounding mats, sheets, socks, bands, and patches are effective when going outside isn’t an option. Explore Earthing products.
• Grounding Mats at Heavenly Embrace: We offer far infrared sauna sessions with grounding mats and Far-Infrared BioMat treatments for enhanced grounding.
• Gardening: Direct contact with soil, leaves, trees, and flowers reconnects you to the Earth and promotes mindfulness.
• Petting an Animal: Touching an animal that is in contact with the ground can ground you, offering relaxation and a sense of connection.

Get It Started!

Practicing grounding for even 10–30 minutes a day can be beneficial. Studies show that 30 minutes daily led to noticeable decreases in pain within one week. Start small and build your practice!

What You Might Feel When Grounding

Grounding can result in a variety of sensations and benefits, including:

• Calmness and Relaxation
• Improved Mood
• Increased Energy
• Pain Relief
• Better Sleep
• Physical Sensations like tingling or warmth
• Connection to Nature

Experiences vary, but many find grounding simple and highly beneficial for overall well-being.

Discover the Earth’s Natural Heartbeat: Understanding the Schumann Resonance (SR)

The Schumann Resonance is the Earth’s natural heartbeat, consisting of low-frequency electromagnetic waves created by lightning strikes. These waves circle between the Earth’s surface and the lower ionosphere, with a main frequency around 7.83 Hz.

Scientists named this phenomenon after Winfried Otto Schumann, who predicted it mathematically in 1952. Grounding can help entrain the body to the Schumann Resonance, positively impacting mood, relaxation, cell regeneration, and healing.

Source: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/Mary Pat Hrybyk-Keith

Dive Deeper!

Scientific research supports grounding and earthing. Read studies like The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons.

Emerging evidence shows that contact with the Earth—whether barefoot outside or connected indoors to grounded systems—may be a simple, natural, and profoundly effective strategy against chronic stress, inflammation, pain, poor sleep, and more. Grounding may be as essential as sunshine, clean air, water, nutritious food, and physical activity.

For a deeper dive into earthing benefits, check out documentaries: Down to Earth, The Grounded, or The Earthing Movie.

Reconnecting with the Earth is a simple yet profound way to enhance your physical and mental well-being. As a massage therapist, I encourage you to explore grounding and earthing as part of your holistic health routine. Next time you find yourself in one of Boulder’s parks or at the Boulder Creek, take a moment to remove your shoes and socks. Enjoy the simple pleasure of earthing therapy while you’re there. Moreover, why not make this a habit?

Love & Light,

Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post What is Behind the Concept of Grounding / Earthing? appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

3 Ways Bodywork Can Help You Increase Energy and Stamina:

Increased Circulation

People who tend to complain about fatigue often have poor circulation. Low circulation may cause muscles and tissues to be low in oxygen. Oxygen is essential for energy and stamina. Massage stimulates the body and supports blood flow to increase oxygen delivery throughout the body. In turn, you’ll feel more energetic.

Reduce Anxiety

We carry anxiety and stress around on our shoulders constantly. A fast-paced life like here in Boulder can be stressful. Anxiety can manifest in many ways—it can cause body pain due to muscle tension and interfere with sleep because your mind is constantly racing. Massage can target areas where you carry the most tension, such as the shoulders, neck, and base of the skull. Massage also encourages the release of serotonin and oxytocin, your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Energy work further helps calm the mind and assists the body in healing itself.

Get a Better Night’s Sleep

Lack of sleep is a primary reason for fatigue and low stamina. Quality of sleep matters as much as quantity. Massage combined with energy work helps you relax deeply, alleviating aches and pains, and improving sleep quality. Relaxation at bedtime reduces tossing and turning, leading to a more restorative night’s sleep.

Additional Ways to Achieve a Better Night’s Sleep:

1. Avoid electronics right before bed (and not IN bed), as they stimulate your mind.
2. Enjoy a soothing warm bath before bed, using Epsom salts mixed with essential oils for optimal relaxation.
3. Create a sleep blend with dōTERRA essential oils.

I would love to help you increase energy and stamina. For more information on how massage can benefit you, contact me or Book your session today.

Have a peaceful night and beautiful dreams

Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

***Disclaimer***

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this website with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

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Chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety, memory problems, and sleep issues. If you already suffer from these difficulties, stress can make them worse. For example, stress makes it harder for your body to resist germs and viruses because stress weakens the immune system.

Your immune system is composed of organs, tissues, and cells working together as your body’s natural defense to fight disease and infection. Stress weakens this system by creating chronic inflammatory conditions. It can affect your emotions, digestion, blood sugar levels, and even your libido. Stress makes you more vulnerable to infections and can even cause wounds to heal more slowly.

9 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress:

There are many ways to reduce stress; here are just a few:

1. Get a Massage! Massage therapy stimulates endorphins, increases tissue metabolism, relieves physical pain, and relaxes the mind and body. If you cannot get a massage, use a tennis ball or foam roller and breathe deeply as you roll your aches away.
2. Reduce stress through energy work. This helps clear the mind and reboot the system. If you cannot get a session, place one hand over your heart and the other below your belly button and breathe deeply for a few moments. Make it a meditation if possible.
3. Reflexology allows you to zone out and find bliss. Use a tennis ball at home to roll your feet and relax the thousands of nerve endings. Epsom salt soaks are also beneficial.
4. Live a healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, get gentle exercise, and sleep enough.
5. Spend time in nature, even gardening counts.
6. Make time to spend time with friends or loved ones — Zoom and Skype count!
7. Laugh more! One minute of laughing can boost your immune system for 24 hours.
8. Use essential oils to calm your nervous system. Contact me here for suggestions on oils and blends, or schedule a consultation.
9. Avoid stress when possible. If unavoidable, breathe deeply and fully, trusting that you can handle the situation.

Massage for Stress Relief

Many people have forgotten how to relax. Getting a massage can help reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and decreasing heart rate. Even the Mayo Clinic confirms that massage is effective for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension.

Children also benefit from massage. Active kids may experience stress physically, such as stomachaches or headaches. Learn more on our Kids Massage and Healing Session page.

To relieve stress through massage and holistic healing, book your session today. You can also contact us for more information about the benefits of our treatments.

Far Infrared Sauna Therapy Increases Cellular Resistance to Stress and Stimulates Immune Response

Saunas and heat therapy can increase cellular resistance to stress, including viral infections. Heat increases levels of heat shock proteins, which help cells resist stressors like heat, low oxygen, oxidative stress, toxicant exposure, and infections. Heat shock proteins also play key roles in the immune response.

Heat can directly interact with viruses, regulate viral entry into cells, and stimulate immune cells.

Love and Light and Peaceful Heart,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post Stress and our Immune System appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition affecting the hand, wrist, and arm, caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a passageway that protects the median nerve and the tendons that bend the fingers. When the median nerve is compressed, it can cause numbness and tingling in the fingers, progressing to hand and wrist weakness, and eventually sore hands and arms.

What Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are many causes and risk factors for CTS, including:

• Wrist fractures
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Nerve damage caused by diabetes
• Prolonged keyboard use
• Non-ergonomic workstations
• Ongoing rock climbing
• Repetitive movements such as writing, painting, or playing a musical instrument

How to Manage the Pain

Mild cases of CTS can often be managed with rest breaks, wrist splints, forearm stretches, trigger point release, cryotherapy (ice massage or cold water rinses), pain-relieving essential oils or creams, and therapeutic massage. More severe cases may require medications, corticosteroid injections, or surgery. Always consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and clearance for massage therapy.

Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief

Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage can help relieve CTS pain and prevent mild cases from worsening. Massage is a non-invasive, cost-effective way to manage symptoms.

Massage promotes relaxation, reduces chronic pain, relieves inflammation, eases tired and aching muscles, and improves muscle tone and range of motion. It also stimulates endorphin release and increases tissue metabolism, reducing stress and improving mood and focus.

Some Tips for Self-Care Stretching

• Stretch frequently: Flex tight joints and shake out tense limbs.
• Stretch to the point of pull, but don’t bounce.
• Hold the stretch for 3–5 breaths to improve circulation, or 5–10 breaths to lengthen the muscle.
• Breathe slowly and fully while stretching to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and prevent strain.
• If you feel sharp pain, ease back to a comfortable range.
• Consult your doctor before starting a stretching routine if you have a recent injury or surgery.

For more benefits of stretching, see my blog: The Amazing Benefits of Stretching. If stretches feel good, imagine what a massage can do!

If you’d like to relieve the pain and discomfort of CTS with therapeutic massage, contact us, book your session, or add a 30-minute Hand & Arm Add-On to your session. This is a great first step toward wellness.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at my clinic

With Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post Dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

If you are near Boulder, CO, book a session at Heavenly Embrace Wellness and experience a treatment. Request a Deep Tissue Massage and add a note that you would like to focus on TMJ. This holistic approach can alleviate systemic stress resulting in TMJD by addressing the root cause.

If you are new to the clinic, book the New Client Special for only $99.

Diagnosed with TMJD?

TMJD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction) can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary. Some clients report difficulty swallowing or chewing, frequent headaches, or painful jaw popping. Others experience more intense symptoms like ringing in the ears, face swelling, and tension throughout the face, neck, and back.

Common Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Headaches
Pain in the ears
Jaw fatigue, locking, clicking, or popping
Grinding and clenching teeth
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty swallowing
Nausea
Pain while eating or yawning
Pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles controlling jaw movement

Stressors Causing TMJD

TMJD tension creates a unique systemic impact within your body. Causes may include work stress, personal conflict, jaw injury, trauma, or other stressors. The result is painful tension throughout your body.

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are the 2 joints that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull at the temporal bone. They slide and rotate on either side of the head in front of the ears.

Good news: in most cases, TMJD is not permanent. Small changes can lead to big results!

Some people use mouthguards to limit damage from clenching and grinding teeth. Others try Botox shots for tense muscles. While these approaches may offer short-term relief, they often address symptoms rather than the full systemic impact of TMJD.

What is a Massage for TMJ?

When treating TMJ tension, massage therapy can alleviate systemic stress that contributes to headaches and TMJ issues. Unique tension points are identified and released, promoting overall wellness.

If you suffer from headaches or TMJD, see how life can change after a treatment at Heavenly Embrace. Schedule your therapeutic massage today. TMJ Treatment is also available as an add-on to your regular massage.

Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post A Holistic Approach: TMJ Massage Treatment appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

According to the Huffington Post, Colorado is the most magical state in America, and there are 19 reasons why. Our very own Flatirons is discussed at #7 and Boulder is highlighted at #14.

Of course, we knew that already, didn’t we? The magic is why we love this place, and it’s what I discovered when I moved to Boulder with my family in 2012. We got hooked

Autumn is an especially magical time around here, but sometimes we get so busy we forget to pay attention. We get disconnected from the amazing place we live in. So I’m here today to remind you to look around and take in the Boulder magic.

You’re welcome.

Now go—

Ways to Take in the Magic

• Wade through a pile of leaves on Pearl Street Mall and sniff their musty smell…
• Take a leisurely drive or bike ride along Aspen Road and appreciate the golden glow…
• Hike up Royal Arch Trail and let your eyes linger on the view…
• And hey—it’s not too late for a picnic on the Chautauqua Green…

Connect with Your Neighbors

There’s always lots happening that will connect you to your neighbors—those kindred souls who enjoy the magic of Boulder as much as you do. The Boulder Farmers’ Market runs on Saturdays and Wednesdays through mid-November. You can meet a friend for afternoon tea at Dushanbe Teahouse. Or maybe get a group together for First Bite Boulder in November, to celebrate the magical cuisine we have access to in our community.

Self-Care at Heavenly Embrace Wellness

I’m here too, at Heavenly Embrace Wellness — to help you take care of yourself. To book your first appointment, click here.

Massage helps you stay limber and balanced to enjoy the magic of Colorado. An energy session will smooth you out so you can stay awake to the wonders all around us, and a Reflexology session will leave you re-connected to your body and the earth under you.

Contact me to discuss the options or book a treatment.

Enjoy the Boulder magic!

Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post At Heavenly Embrace we Love the Boulder Magic! appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

Your relationship with yourself is the central template from which all others are formed. Self love is a prerequisite to creating successful and authentic unions with another.

Many feel that taking time for themselves is selfish and feel guilty when they are not focused on others like a spouse, child, or other loved ones. However, taking care of yourself first is vitally important to a happy life and by no means selfish. Keep in mind that if you are happy, you will treat others with an open heart, kindness, and compassion.

Giving yourself permission to self-love and take care of yourself can impact not only how you treat others, but it can improve how you feel on the inside and reduce body image issues that are all too common.

There are many ways for us to love and care for ourselves. The possibilities are infinite… you can put your own imagination to work.

Learning How to Self-Love

One way to learn to love yourself is to act as if you already do (i.e., “Fake it till you make it”). An important way to love yourself is to nourish and care for your body: eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, take a nice Epsom salt bath, have a massage, and stretch regularly.

Taking breaks from your hectic life and having fun are important, too.

Another way to enhance self-love and self-esteem is to be aware of your self-talk (those things you say to yourself inside your head). Speak to yourself in ways that are kind, not mean or abusive. Many of us have harsh inner critics, so we need to replace these negative messages with positive ones. Giving yourself permission not to be perfect 100% of the time is mental self-care. Learn to forgive yourself for small mishaps and avoid punishing yourself with negative self-talk or depriving yourself of your own love and care.

So, go ahead. Love yourself. Be good to yourself. Treat yourself well. You deserve it!

You will discover that the more you love yourself, the more you will be able to give love to others – and the more others will want to be around you and give back to you. This is a win-win situation. Loving yourself will ultimately benefit the lives of others you encounter, as well as your own life.

Book your session today or contact us for more information about the benefits of our massage treatments and other therapies.

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” ~Jean Shinoda Bolen

With much Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

The post The Keys to Self Love appeared first on Heavenly Embrace Wellness in Boulder, CO.

Let me explain why, as a massage therapist, I think massages make the perfect Valentine’s Gift — actually, any kind of gift!

“Our favorite gifts are the ones that allow us to express emotion and make us feel special,” said gift expert and author of The Perfect Present, Robyn Spizman. “They are personal expressions of our feelings for each other.”

In fact, one survey found that 46% of respondents said that flowers and candy are too nonspecific to show someone you care. Besides, 51% wouldn’t mind if their significant other passed on Valentine’s Day gifts altogether.

A Gift with Real, Tangible Benefits

A gift of massage is a welcome exception — a caring gift of therapeutic, healthful touch. When you give a massage, you aren’t just giving a “spa day”; you are gifting a total wellness experience that supports the body, mind, and spirit.

As we’ve explored in our deep dive into the Health Benefits of Massage, the impact is truly life-changing:

• Physical Power: Beyond just relaxation, massage offers targeted relief for chronic conditions like sciatica, rotator cuff syndrome, and tension headaches. It boosts circulation and enhances the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity—giving your loved one the gift of resilience.

• Mental Clarity: It provides a much-needed break from daily demands, lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and promoting better sleep and improved concentration.

• Emotional Well-being: By calming the nervous system, massage can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, often triggering a necessary emotional release that improves overall mood and self-image.

The Ultimate “Green” Experience

Massage is also a “green” gift — one that satisfies the increasing consumer demand for experiences instead of possessions. Massage is the kind of present people of all ages appreciate. It matches most everyone’s values and budgets. Whether you have a loved one with common office health problems or someone suffering from sciatica or muscle cramps, massages are always welcome!

Likewise, give yourself the best gift — a massage for self-care and stress reduction!

“You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy.”

~ Author Unknown

To sum it up, I truly believe that a gift card for a massage is the perfect Valentine’s Gift! To make this happen, click the button below.

Love and Light,
Liraz

Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.

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