Massage Therapy has been around for along time but has become more popular in the last 30 years. What used to be a luxury is now a necessity for some. Stress relief is one of the number 1 reasons people get a massage vs treating a physical ailment which says we are finally understanding how stress can wreck havoc on not only one's physical body but also the mental and emotional bodies. The ones that have incorporated massages into their monthly regime are finding they stay ahead of the chronic pain. They find their stress relief is crucial to managing a physical illness. The givers take care of everyone else but take that time to indulge in a massage so they can keep giving and keep helping. Massage Therapy promotes pain relief, stress relief, and gives a recharge that everyone needs. 
I was an LMT, a Licensed Massage Therapist for a little over 15 years. Please do not call us a 'Masseuse/Masseur'. Massage Therapist is preferred and not gender specific. I have a few tips for you newbies, oldies, or anyone in between. LMT's, I might have a few reminders for you too.

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! I was so busy enjoying my favorite time of year, that I didn't post on my rumination page! I always dress myself up and my alter on Halloween. I added pomegranates and citrus yesterday which are perfect fall offerings for my ancestors. I made a root vegetable medley and baked some soul cakes. The house smelled so lovely. I meditated outside and took some long walks this past weekend but didn't find as many wild flowers like usual. The lack of rain is the culprit of the absence of daisy's I say. That didn't stop me from buying some fresh flowers and a Fall scented candle. I made my first batch of Fire Cider. Recipe is below but its a folk remedy to ward off illness or at least shorten the course of the sickness. I made it to rid me of a few physical ailments. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti- inflammatory. I have eaten my fair share of candy. Not 1 trick or treater yall! I've got a freaking broom hanging on my front door and no one knocked. 

​Fire Cider Recipe:

• Yellow or White Onion- 1/2 cup chopped
• 2 Jalapenos- Sliced
• 6 Garlic Bulbs- Minced
• Rosemary and Thyme Sprigs
• Horseradish Root- Peeled and chopped
• Ginger Root- Peeled and chopped
• Turmeric- Peeled and chopped OR 3 TBS of the spice
• Citrus (Lemon & Orange)- Zest and juice
• Apple Cider Vinegar- 3 Cups
• Raw Honey- 3TBS
• Holy Basil- Pinch
• Cinnamon Stick

In a large glass container with a secure lid, add the ingredients above in the order listed. Give a nice stir, add plastic wrap, and seal it up! Store it in a cool dry space for a minimum of 4 weeks. Once it is ready, strain and store the liquid in the fridge. Voila! A real live magic elixir!