20 instructions from the Dalai Lama

This 'life instructions' list from the Dalai Lama

has gone viral and I absolutely love it! 

Here it is:

1.Take into account that great love and great achievements

 involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s:

-  Respect for self,

-  Respect for others and

-  Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want 

is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, 

take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and

think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones,

 deal only with the current situation.

 Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which

 your love for each other

 exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

20. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

 I am so exited that I am going to see His Holiness this sunday! 

namaste :)

SPRING IS HERE! 
And I can feel the breeze of changes approaching...
In less than 2weeks I am gonna be in Europe and in a month Lotus Massage is going to be representing Hawaii and sharing the spirit of aloha in Ibiza!
Check out this awesome event that I am going to take part of
http://www.healingibiza.com/index.html

So exiting! I feel happy, honored and grateful for the opportunity :)

aloha
francesca x

IBIZA!

On April 19th I will be taking off for Europe and I am so exited about it!
First of all I will see my family and friends that I haven't seen in a very long time, and as soon as I land I will be starting my love affair with food especially Pizza!!!!
I love my country's food more than anything else I have ever had the pleasure to taste...cappuccino, gelato, pizza, tortellini, tigelle, gnocco fritto, prosciutto, salame.....I could go on forever!
I love how even though in Milano time is money, and everybody is always on the run, there are some pleasures in life that we Italians cannot give up like sipping a cappuccino or espresso with some friends at the bar....mmm....I can almost taste it...
After a week in Milano, where my parents live, I will be flying to Ibiza where I will be spending 5 months  working as a massage therapist. And WOW am I exited for that one!
Is going to be a great adventure!

Ibiza 2011

One of my very best friends lives there for almost 10 years and I have been there several times, always just to visit and usually no longer than a week. Every time I leave that special Island I usually wonder what would happen if I stayed longer, this time I will know!
Ibiza is such a different place from anywhere you have ever been, it is part of Spain but truly has a mind of her own. It reminds me of Neverland...you can do whatever you want and be whoever you want...there are no rules and I am looking forward to a great summer time!

Hope everybody is having a great spring start...summer is just around the corner!!!
Stay tuned for updates on my traveling and awesome photos....
aloha :)
Francesca

I am so happy and exited to officially have a website!

I did it all on my own and I love it!
It  might need some editing so don't hesitate send me your feed back if you want to!

check it out POR FAVOR!  www.lotusmassagebyfrancesca.com

aloha
Francesca

If people would get massaged more often, this world would be a better place!

I had a wonderful day and I love feeling happy and just appreciate the amazing gift that Life is!
First of all I had a doctor appointment, just a check up and we all forget how HEALTH is the most important thing we have and I am just so thankful that I am healthy and strong.
Than I went to trade massage with one of my massage therapist friend, and  realized that this world would be a better place if people would get massaged more often!
All you have to do is breathe relax and let go of all the worries.
It felt amazing!
I do believe I have the greatest job :)
Than I realized that the waves got here earlier than I thought so of course I went surfing and It was just amazing! The water is finally totally clean, waves were perfect and glassy... after I got in from the ocean this is what I got to see from my gazebo....

ALOHA to all and spreading the love universally! 

namaste

Francesca 

12.Massage Therapy Improves Rehabilitation After Injury

Rehabilitating any injury can be a tiring and frustrating process. While the main goal of physical rehabilitation is to increase strength and flexibility, it often ends before the area has been returned to its full pre-injury state.

Massage plays an important role as a supplement to standard injury rehabilitation procedures. By encouraging circulatory movement and relaxing muscles, massage helps the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. This allows the rehabilitating injured area(s) to become more flexible and heal at an accelerated rate.

Massage therapy is also used to aid in pain management as the injury is nursed back to full strength. By committing to a continual massage program, you can accelerate the recovery process after injuries are sustained. If you or someone you know has sustained an injury, a Massage Envy membership might be beneficial.

Benefits of Improved Rehabilitation

• Supplements standard injury rehabilitation procedures
• Helps the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissue and vital organs
• Accelerates the rehabilitation process

So now that you find out all of the 12 reasons why massage therapy is good for you, what are you waiting for? which ever one is YOUR reason Lotus Massage by Francesca is gonna make you feel rejuvenated, refreshed and relaxed!

call 808 375 99 68 and schedule your appointment

aloha 

Francesca 

11.Massage Therapy Improves Post-Operative Surgical Rehabilitation

An important aspect of any surgical procedure is the post rehabilitation recovery process. It's during this process that natural movement is re-learned, and freedom of movement is re-enforced. Massage plays an important role as a supplement to standard rehabilitation procedures after surgery.

Spine surgeon Johnny C. Benjamin explains how massage can help promote healing.

"Massage is great in helping to bring blood and nutrients to the affected area to repair the soft tissue. Massage also can help break up scar tissue and keep the muscles supple so less scar tissue develops in the first place."

By increasing circulation while relaxing the muscles, massage can help the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. This allows the surgical rehabilitating area(s) to become more flexible and heal at an accelerated rate.

Even when there's no injury, massage can helps athletes of all levels improve their flexibility and muscle suppleness. Our professional massage therapists can also stretch the muscles in trouble areas, promoting increased flexibility when the body is warm and more elastic.

When you book your massage, request a therapist experienced in sports massage, and ask that special attention be paid to any injured areas.

Benefits of Improved Post-Operative Surgical Rehabilitation

• Assists the body in pumping more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
• Accelerates the surgical recovery process
• Aids in improving joint movement and flexibility

Truly amazing!

aloha 

Francesca

10.Massage Therapy Strengthens the Immune System

Regular therapeutic massage sessions provide significant benefits beyond the immediate relaxation we enjoy. People who experience high levels of stress tend to get sick more than others. Combine stress with lack of sleep and poor nutrition, and our immune system's ability to naturally protect itself against bacteria and infection is greatly reduced. So the question is: What are the benefits of massage on immune system?

Clinical studies have indicated that regular massage not only helps alleviate stress, but can naturally increase the immune system's cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body's natural "killer cells") and decrease the number of T-cells, which improves the body's immune functioning overall. In one study by Gail Ironson, M.D., HIV positive men were given 45 minute massages five days a week, for a month. They showed an increase in serotonin and an increase in cells that are viewed as the first line of defense in the immune system.

Benefits of Strengthening the Immune System

• Increases the body's natural killer cells
• Aids in the fight against bacteria and infection
• Naturally enhances the body's ability to get nourishment to important areas

Helpful Wellness Tip: Massage therapy may be a great addition to your exercise program. Just like regular exercise can keep your muscles strong, regular massage can help keep your immune system performing at its peak.

aloha 

Francesca x

9.Massage Therapy Relieves Tension Headaches

In the United States alone, more than 60% of the 45 million Americans who suffer from chronic headaches suffer from migraines. The disorder can be debilitating and typically results from high stress levels and/or lack of sleep. So it's no wonder why so many people want to know how to relieve tension headaches.

Massage has two roles when it comes to treating migraines and tension related headaches:

In a proactive role, massage treatments are performed on a regular basis to help the body maintain an optimal level of relaxation and stress-relief. This approach reduces the chances of migraine attacks and tension headaches significantly by relaxing muscle spasms and trigger points.

In a comfort role, massage is done to ease the pressure brought on during a migraine or tension related headache. By focusing on the neck, shoulders, and head, massage can decrease the pain and discomfort brought on by migraine or tension headaches.

A recent study showed that massage therapy recipients exhibited fewer migraines and better sleep quality during the weeks they received massage, and the three weeks following, than did participants that did not receive massage therapy. Another study found that in adults with migraine headaches, massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms. It also increased serotonin levels, believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.

Benefits of Relieving Tension-Related Headaches

• Decreases occurrences of tension headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms
• Allows one to maintain a level of relaxation and stress-relief, reducing the chances of stress induced migraines
• Massage for headaches can also reduce muscle spasms and trigger points

Stay free of headache everybody! 

aloha Francesca x

8.Promote Deeper and Easier Breathing

One of the telltale signs of anxiety and stress can be constricted breathing. When the body starts to take shallow short breaths instead of breathing at a natural pace, it is near impossible for one to reach a relaxed state. Part of the problem is that the muscles around the rib cage and abdomen may have tightened, constricting air.

Massage plays an important role in training the body how to relax and help improve breathing. Respiratory issues, such as allergies, sinus problems, asthma and bronchitis, are one group of conditions that can benefit from massage therapy. In fact, the positive impact massage can have on respiratory function has been shown through research, says Anne Williams, education program director at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

Many muscles in the front and back of the upper body are accessory respiratory muscles, she explains. "When any of these muscles are chronically tight and shortened, they can restrict normal breathing and disrupt breathing patterns," she explains. "Massage techniques to lengthen and relax these muscles improve breathing capacity and function."

Massage therapy can not only improve breathing, but also posture. This can lead to an opening of the chest area, as well as the structural alignment and rib cage expansion needed for optimal lung function, she adds. Plus, when the parasympathetic nervous system responds to massage your breathing rate slows and becomes deep and regular.

A particularly beneficial way of relieving respiratory issues through massage therapy is tapotement, a rhythmic, percussive stroke used in Swedish massage. When performed on the back, along with vibration and shaking, tapotement can loosen mucus in the lungs and increase airway clearance for better lung function, Williams says.

Not only will massage therapy help relax internal muscles, it can also help individuals become aware of their daily stress levels. Once the body recognizes what true relaxation feels like, the mind can then easily recreate it before stress becomes chronic and damaging. This can also help you enjoy a more balanced life.

Benefits of Improving Breathing

• Controls breathing in an effort to aid relaxation
• Allows the mind to re-create relaxation before stress becomes chronic or damaging
• Increases energy level

Hope you enjoy reason #8...only 4 more to go! 

aloha   Francesca x

7.Massage Therapy Improves Flexibility

Muscle injuries are more common now than they were 50 years ago. That's not because we're exercising harder. It's because we're more sedentary. What's worse, as we age our joints tend to tighten, making range of motion and flexibility even more restricted.

Massage therapy is a beneficial treatment for maintaining and improving flexibility and motion. By working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints, regular massage can improve your flexibility and range of motion, keeping your joints more fluid and making them less injury prone.

As you can see, massage is a great way to relax stressed muscles, stimulate blood flow and improve flexibility. So is daily stretching.

One benefit of stretching is an improvement of blood circulation, which aids in illness recovery and disease prevention. Elongating muscles will also improve posture and your joints' range of motion. Stretching and massage are even more important for someone who is physically active. Loose muscles are less prone to strains and sprains during a workout.

Incorporating massage and stretching into a fitness routine also will help reduce soreness after a workout. Stretching beforehand will allow greater freedom of movement when exercising and longer workout periods because it helps prevent a buildup of lactic acid in your blood. Regular post-workout massages can then aid in the recovery and relaxation process.

Benefits of Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion

• Stimulates the production of the body's natural lubricants to keep flexibility at a maximum
• Can enhance athletic performance

• Helps prevent active lifestyle injuries by staying flexible

stay flexible everyone! 

aloha Francesca x

6.Massage Therapy Relaxes Muscles

We've all suffered from the soreness associated with an overly exuberant exercise session. But did you know that most Americans experience neck, back and muscle pain from another less-strenuous activity? Surprisingly, it's sitting. Chronic back pain, which is the second most common cause of disability and a top reason for missing work, can be the result of improper posture while sitting and standing.

Additionally, carrying extra weight, poor posture, and repetitive or overuse movements can put strain on the back and other sensitive areas. This strain often results in spasms, tense muscles and pain in your upper back, hips, glutes and hamstrings. So the question is: what relaxes muscles?

Massage (or muscular therapy) gets to the root of the pain by relaxing tense muscles and increasing flexibility. . Massage also encourages blood flow to the affected muscles, which can bring increase  oxygen and nutrients,. All of this activity reduces swelling and stiffness and increases flexibility to help eliminate pain. Muscular therapy also releases endorphins and boosts your levels of serotonin and dopamine, all hormones your body produces to help you feel good, promote healing and pain management, and calm your nerves.

Benefits of Relaxed Muscles

• Reduces pain that results from tense muscles
• Aids in muscle relaxation
• Relieves muscle tension and stiffness

Helpful Wellness Tip: Deep Tissue Massage focuses on deeper tissue structures with intense pressure to release chronic muscle tension and ultimately relax the body.       aloha Francesca x

Did you know.....

5.Massage Therapy Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure has more misconceptions than nearly any other medical condition. Here are some common misconceptions according to the American Heart Association:

Myth: High blood pressure has many symptoms
Fact: High blood pressure has NO symptoms. That's why it's often called the silent killer.

Myth: High blood pressure is a man's problem
Fact: High blood pressure can be anyone's problem. In fact, women need to be aware of certain things that may put them at greater risk than men

Myth: You don't need to have your high blood pressure checked until you reach middle age.
Fact: Children as young as six can have high blood pressure. It's a good idea to start having your blood pressure checked at an early age.

One effective way to stave off high blood pressure naturally is massage therapy. Long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure; decrease salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels; and lower sources for depression, anxiety and hostility.

If you or someone you know is looking for natural ways to help lower blood pressure, please Contact me for a massage session.

Benefits of Lower Blood Pressure

• Lower depression, anxiety, and hostility
• Keeps stress hormone levels under control
• Low blood pressure can contribute to lowering the odds of having a heart attack, kidney failure, or a stroke

aloha

Francesca

4.Massage Therapy Improves Blood Circulation

The long-term effects of massage therapy are more than skin deep. Better blood circulation is part of the chain reaction that occurs in the body as a result of receiving massage therapy on a regular basis.

According to Eileen Cahalane of Alive Magazine:

A person with poor circulation can suffer from a variety of discomforts including pooling of the fluid in the extremities (like the toes), cold hands and feet, fatigue and achiness created by an accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Good circulation brings damaged, tense muscles the oxygen rich blood they need to heal.

Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.

Improved blood circulation is just one more benefit of massage therapy. Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, massage can be a powerful, natural ally for a healthier lifestyle.

Benefits of Improved Circulation

• Enhances blood flow
• Naturally lowers blood pressure
• Improves body function                               

aloha  Francesca

3.Massage Therapy Improves Posture

From board meetings to intense surf sessions, there's a lot of tension these days-as in neck and back tension. "Our necks and backs hurt, and poor posture is the No. 1 culprit," says Janice Novak, M.S., author of the book, Posture, Get it Straight! (Perigee Trade, 1999).

When you hunch forward, your body isn't properly aligned. "Not only does poor posture look bad, but it forces some muscles to work incredibly hard all day long while others get weaker," Novak says. Poor posture can put you in other slumps, too. "When you slouch, you're pressing down on your internal organs, which affects digestion," Novak says, adding that circulation and breathing capacity can take a hit too.

Unlike other bad habits, poor posture can be relaxing to correct. Why? Because massage can help get your body back on track. Allowing the body to reinforce healthy and natural movements can be one of the most beneficial aspects of massage therapy.

Massage can relax and loosen the muscles made sore by bad posture, allowing your body to position itself in its natural-and pain-free-posture.

With ongoing massage the muscles are loosened and relaxed-joints have greater freedom and pressure points are relieved. This allows the body to position itself in a healthy and natural posture, therefore avoiding the movements and positions developed over time as a reaction to the pain. 

Benefits of Improved Posture

• Muscles are loosened and relaxed
• Joints enjoy greater freedom
• Pressure points are relieved                 xoxo   Francesca

2.Massage Therapy Encourages Relaxation

The body can produce an unhealthy buildup of hormones when we're stuck in traffic or meeting a work deadline. Pent-up levels of the "stress hormone" cortisol can lead to sleeplessness, headaches and even digestive problems. Massage has been shown to decrease cortisol in the body. This allows the body to enter a relaxing rest-and-recovery mode : an effect that lingers long after the massage is over. In fact, massage triggers a host of brain chemistry responses that can result in lasting feelings of relaxation, lowered stress and improved mood.In addition to encouraging relaxation, ongoing massage therapy can reduce pain, increase energy levels and improve overall physical and mental performance. 

Benefits of Improved Relaxation

• Improves mental outlook
• Allows for better handling of pressure
• Reinforces positive attitude
• Promotes relaxed states of mental alertness
• Enhances calm and creative thinking                                       xoxo Francesca

Benefits of Massage Therapy

How Can Massage Be Medically Beneficial?

Massage therapy is more than relaxing me-time. Studies continue to prove the physical, and emotional benefits of even a single therapeutic massage session. As the number of proven health benefits grows. 

Follow me in the next 12 days as I post one reason everyday for you to know why it's a great idea for You to get a massage! 

 1.Massage Therapy Relieves Stress

Stress relief is one of the first benefits that come to mind when thinking of massage therapy. It's also a key component for anyone trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Clinical studies show that even a single 1 ½ -hour session can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels-all of which help reduce stress through massage therapy.

Taking care of your body should be at the top of your priorities. By adding therapeutic massage to your routine now, you'll feel, look and simply be healthier far into the future. In fact, stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. So what better way to prep for a long, happy life than a relaxing, therapeutic massage? In addition to stress relief, ongoing massage therapy can reduce pain, increase energy levels and improve overall physical and mental performance. 

Benefits of Stress Relief

• Lowers Heart Rate
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Relaxes Muscles
• Increases Endorphins                           xoxo Francesca