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Holiday Massage: The Healthy Holiday Gift That Keeps On Giving

By Michele D. Baker

Massage and bodywork are not only great for your skin, a boon to your circulatory system, and relaxing to the body and mind, but they also make wonderful holiday gifts. This season, add to your self-care regimen by including gift certificates to a massage therapist near you. There are dozens of kinds of massage to choose from, depending on what kind of results you’re looking for. Have a sore back? Ask for deep tissue massage and fascial release. Recovering from illness or surgery? Try Reflexology on hands and feet. Want to feel pampered and enjoy a spa day? Your therapist could begin with a facial and then move on to Swedish massage and hot stones. Other options include Rolfing (an intense massage great for athletic seniors), Shiatsu (focuses on energy meridians of the body to promote healing), acupressure (pressure on certain points like the wrists and ankles), or even couples massage. No matter which style you pick, choose a licensed therapist you feel comfortable with, set aside a couple hours, and slip away into complete relaxation. Although bodywork is very safe, if you have serious medical conditions, talk with your doctor first, and let your massage therapist know about prescriptions or other medicines you take. Your medicines might preclude certain types of massage – for example, taking a blood thinner might increase your chance of bruising with deeper pressure.

ABOUT THE COVER NOV. 25 – JAN. 3: OAKDALE CHRISTMAS HOUSE LIGHT DISPLAY

Kids and parents alike will love the 46th annual holiday lights display, one of the largest and longest running home displays in the United States. Wander among the half-acre yard’s small pond, magical waterfalls and fountains, all draped with a quarter of a million twinkling lights. There’s an 18-car scale railroad with moving planes and carnival rides, animated figures, and inflatable decorations. The display was a top 3 finalist on NBC’s Today Show, featured on HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special, and featured in PEOPLE Magazine. FREE. Oakdale Christmas House, 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg. ChristmasDisplay.org