Hydrotherapy is an excellent holistic/natural approach to ridding a patient of many stress related disorders such as extreme anxiety, tension, and anxiety attacks. It is important however to note that hydrotherapy by way of a warm bath or the like is not a cure for anxiety and any of its related disorders.

Hydrotherapy is a type of natural healing that works by using both the motion as well as the temperature of water to bring relief to the human body. Hydrotherapy is a holistic water cure therapy is a method of reducing stress, decreasing discomfort from a number of health problems and encouraging healing after surgery. Popular in Europe, hydrotherapy is gaining ground in the United States and Canada as more and more people become aware of its many benefits to health. Hydrotherapy is popular and is used a great deal in the treatment of many ailments and disorders and it has brought relief to those who suffer from back, neck and knee injuries; asthma sufferers and arthritis sufferers. Hydrotherapy is also beneficial for those with hyperthermia, pulmonary disease, swollen ankles and varicose veins. It has also proven effective for a variety of injuries that are work related. In England for example, hydrotherapy has often been recommended for childbearing women who have suffered a number of complications during their pregnancies and have reason to believe that their deliveries will be fraught with problem.

Hydrotherapy is an excellent holistic/natural approach to ridding a patient of many stress related disorders such as extreme anxiety, tension, and anxiety attacks. It is important however to note that hydrotherapy by way of a warm bath or the like is not a cure for anxiety and any of its related disorders. Qualified professionals such as naturopaths massage therapists or physical therapists are always present during the hydrotherapy sessions to guarantee that no problem arises.

 There are a number of methods used in hydrotherapy and they include everything from steam baths to hot or cold compresses, to colonic irrigation to icing sprains to whirlpool soakings to a variety of water douches for the arm, neck, back, chest and knee. Hydrotherapy can be performed simply from the comfort of your own home as well. Both baths and showers provide healing to the human body and it does not have to be in a fancy setting.

 It is advisable to have warm baths as opposed to hot baths and make sure you fill the tub so that your shoulders will be submerged. A reasonable temperature for a bath is 90-95 degrees F. A relaxing soak in the tub is especially beneficial when you are suffering from a low-grade fever, a respiratory problem that includes a stuffed up nose, a sore throat and a cough and a bladder infection. Sitz baths are hydrotherapy cures that are basically just water treatments that are designed to help the lower portion of the abdomen. A sitz bath needs to include enough water that the lower part of your body will be completely submerged in water.

 A sitz bath starts with warm water and then is followed by cold water. This contrast of water temperatures is particularly beneficial for problems with the reproductive system, menstrual pain, kidney problems, problems with the intestines and pelvic inflammation. Sitz baths are very commonly used for people who need help bathing themselves or else for those who are vulnerable due to a recent trauma, sickness or surgical procedure.

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If you are not aware of it, the skin acts as a shield or protective barrier from Invaders that could possibly do it harm. These Invaders can include poisons and toxins in the environment, bacteria and airborne viruses.

Pain relief the natural way Is not just about helping the Inside of your body but the outside as well. The skin is the largest organ of the body and It Is often the most neglected. Every day we do things to our skin that have it screaming out for relief. Skin is subjected to the elements in the form of rain, snow, wind and the sweltering sun and many chemicals are used on the skin from cosmetic products to harsh soaps. We use razors, depilatories and hot wax on our skin and we use everything from powders to body sprays to colognes and the like on our skin. All of these things have our skin calling out for relief!

Doing all of the above things to skin can open the door to a whole assortment of different skin problems developing such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, chapping and/or chafing, dryness of the skin as well as flaking and scaling, sunburn, and allergic reactions (which often Includes redness, swelling Itching and little bumps on the skin). Many people reach for antibiotic creams or cortisone creams to encourage their skin to heal when in actuality you may be harming your skin far worse by applying these substances. Cortisone cream and many antibiotic ointments and creams contain strong steroids which can often thin the skin and then can leave It vulnerable to even more Irritation as well as Infections.

If you are not aware of it, the skin acts as a shield or protective barrier from Invaders that could possibly do it harm. These Invaders can include poisons and toxins in the environment, bacteria and airborne viruses. The skin is able to block out all negative substances, however over time this takes a toll on the skin and can wear it down. The skin then becomes saggy and sometimes blotchy and it becomes dry, red and Itchy. This means that both your face and body pay a terrible price for all of the abuse they endure. The Immune system does what It can but It reaches a point where It Is unable to keep up with all that Is happening to It and this makes the skin more vulnerable to the flu and to head colds.

One of the skin’s best defenses is Aloe Vera, which comes from the Aloe Vera plant. Aloe Vera was used by Cleopatra to give the skin a natural glow and to help prevent many skin conditions from developing. Aloe Vera was considered a miracle plant by ancient Greek physicians as the plant has many benefits that do the skin a great deal of good.

Aloe Vera provides a natural barrier to the elements and it keeps out smoke, pollution and the harmful rays of the sun as well as a variety of dangerous toxins. Aloe Vera also helps to minimize scarring as well as helping cuts bruises and burns to heal as swiftly as possible and to destroy bacteria that attempts to make Its way Into open cuts and sores on the skin. Aloe Vera helps to relieve redness, swelling and Inflammation and It soothes the burning ache of Itchy skin.

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Make a list of all of the reasons why you should quit smoking. Next to each item draw a picture of the reason. Now make a list of all the reasons why you believe that you can succeed and quit smoking.

Positive thinking is one of the most important ingredients to a smoker’s successful attempt to quit smoking. They have to believe that they can quit smoking. Understanding all the important reasons for quitting can help you to stay focused on the prize. If you believe you can quit smoking, then you can.

Make a list of all of the reasons why you should quit smoking. Next to each item draw a picture of the reason. Now make a list of all the reasons why you believe that you can succeed and quit smoking.

Keep this list handy for those times when an unguarded moment causes you to falter.

Make a goal picture of what you will look like being triumphant over the evil cravings. Post the picture where you will see it.

Post signs over the whole house that declare you to be smoke-free.

Ask for support from your family, friends and co-workers. Ask for their encouragement when you feel yourself slipping.

Plan to succeed. Make a plan and detail what it is that you will do to succeed. Write out what you will do when cravings strike. Make sure you know how you will handle any situation that may arise.

Make your plan specific with a date to quit smoking. Announce your plans to everyone so that they will all know that you are going to be quitting and can uplift you when needed.

Make plans to celebrate your success. Throw a party or go out to dinner with friends. Make a specific date to celebrate you achievement.

Make another list of everything you are going to be able to do just as soon as you are home free. Put on this list such things as to be able to enjoy food again, playing on a team and not getting overly tired, buying something you have always wanted with the money you have saved by not smoking anymore.

Put in BOLD highlighter all of your triggers and next to each one put what you will do to combat this trigger, make your comments detailed.

Have a list of support persons who would be willing to have you call them day or night and chat about your cravings.

On the day that is your start day make sure that you go through the house and office throwing away or giving away anything that is connected to your smoking and sell it or throw them all away.

There are usually multiple addictions, not just to the nicotine but to the different ways you experience smoking - the feel of the cigarette in your fingers, the sounds the cigarette makes when being lit and when you take a draw from it. The many aspects of smoking that you become so used to are also addictions that you need to overcome.

Don’t be a couch potato, get moving and stay busy so you don’t think about needing to smoke. Keep your body and mind moving. The first few days are the roughest. It might be best to quit on a Friday evening so you have all weekend to use for the roughest part of the process.

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Tiredness is common after a shiatsu treatment and this is particularly the case with those who are stressed and full of nervous tension. Once therapy takes over it helps to remove tension and stress and after that the body suddenly has a strong need for sleep

What one person can expect after a session of shiatsu is not necessarily what another person can expect. Many people feel a sense of relaxation and well-being settle in after shiatsu whereas other people feel downright awful and need a few days to fully recover. The good news is that symptoms such as headaches, aches, pains etc. are the sign that your body Is beginning to heal Itself which Is good news so be patient with yourself and give your body the time It needs to get better.  Most of these unpleasant symptoms will last only a day or so before Improvement Is shown.

Many people experience symptoms that are similar to what happens when a person comes down with a head cold. The patient will cough and will produce mucus and have a sore throat and headaches. The coughing and mucus Is not a cause for concern as It Is simply the body’s way of getting rid of undesirable foods in the body such as fats and sugars. A person who was not that healthy when they underwent shiatsu will likely develop mucus which can then lead to a head cold because the body’s cells are not as healthy to begin with as they should have been to begin with.

Tiredness is common after a shiatsu treatment and this is particularly the case with those who are stressed and full of nervous tension. Once therapy takes over it helps to remove tension and stress and after that the body suddenly has a strong need for sleep and as much rest as possible in order to heal.

Headaches as well as plenty of aches and pains follow shiatsu for some Individuals. Be aware however that these side effects generally do not last very long. Shiatsu is responsible for altering the ki that is found in the body and it gets rid of blockages thereby allowing energy to flow freely. Once this energy Is out the ki Is able to circulate as freely as possible through the body but due to this change sometimes a temporary Imbalance occurs In one area of the body that leads to a pain or an ache of one type or another. In some cases the practitioner might have spent too much time or applied far too much pressure on one area to the exclusion of other areas of the body. The amount of pressure that needs to be exerted varies from person to person and it also depends upon the reason that the person sought help from a shiatsu practitioner In the first place. If your discomfort lasts for more than a couple of days then It Is time to either visit your shiatsu practitioner again or go to see your doctor.

Sometimes a great deal of emotional feelings is released because of a shiatsu therapy session. This can lead to a great deal of crying sometimes which is not always easy for everyone to cope with. The well of emotions is a result of energy being stimulated to flow through the body as a result of balance being sought. Often the emotional feelings that rise to the surface are the result of an event from the past and It Is best to let them out as best as you can as opposed to trying to hold them in.

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Make no mistake about it cigarette-smoking leads to nicotine addiction. When you quit smoking, you will experience nicotine withdrawal. The cravings will be intense and you will need to have extreme will power to overcome them and not give in to having a cigarette.

There are some tried and true tips that have been found helpful to pass around. The first week or two of quitting is intense, and will put you through the ringer. You will need to be well prepared. Here are some tips to help you ease some of the

Difficulties you will be facing:

Managing the Nicotine withdrawals:

Make no mistake about it cigarette-smoking leads to nicotine addiction. When you quit smoking, you will experience nicotine withdrawal. The cravings will be intense and you will need to have extreme will power to overcome them and not give in to having a cigarette. There are a few tips that other quitters before you have used and been successful at:

• Using nicotine patches
  Using nicotine inhalers
  Having gum, hard candy, toothpicks on hand
• Educate yourself about what to expect before your start date, so that you can be well prepared with distractions.
• Gather a support group made up of family, friends and co-workers who can be positive and uplifting of you during your first few days, especially.

If you are not already in a exercise program, ask the advice of your healthcare professional. Physically exerting yourself is one way to keep your mind off the cigarettes.

Remember that, the cigarette is not your friend and will trip you up if it can. Stay clear of all things that remind you of them. Ask for help when dealing with cravings.

There are many educational programs set up to assist you in becoming aware of what nicotine can do to your body. Addressing the issues can help to bring home many of the ideas discussed in the educational programs.

Keep a file of pictures depicting all the things that tobacco does to our aging bodies. Re-examine those pictures each time you feel that the cravings are getting the better of you. Health magazines are good sources of articles and illustrations of the consequences of smoking.

There is no need to go it alone. Enlist the support of family members, friends and even co-workers to assist you in staying strong when cravings start to get the better of you. There are other support groups set up by community or medical organizations. there are quite a few Websites devoted to supporting those who are going through nicotine withdrawal. There are even forums where persons can gather from all over the world to discuss their battles with smoking.

Seeking advice from others who have been there and have survived will be of great help because they can share what worked for them and help you to stay strong.

It takes time to undo years of conditioning. Give yourself a break. Listen to your body and watch for signals that you may be weakening. Don’t be afraid to admit to weakness. Only when you admit your weaknesses can others step in and offer their assistance.

Be an advocate for smokers in work environments to create a smoke-free rest room, or other place like a break-room where you can go to de-stress or have some quiet time to regroup without being subjected to those who are continuing to smoke.

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Shiatsu is a holistic/alternative pain relief therapy that can benefit a person suffering from a variety of diseases and disorders. Many Individuals turn to the practice of shiatsu for everything from anxiety disorders to endometriosis.

Shiatsu is a holistic/alternative pain relief therapy that can benefit a person suffering from a variety of diseases and disorders. Many Individuals turn to the practice of shiatsu for everything from anxiety disorders to endometriosis. While shiatsu is an excellent practice to try there are other therapies that are closely linked to shiatsu that might prove just as beneficial. Many of these therapies are a matter of trial and error. Try them and show some patience. If after a certain length of time no benefit is being shown that move on to something else. Let us take a look at five other alternative therapies that work very well.

Acupressure

Acupressure has been used successfully In China and Japan for over 3,000 years. This is a form of therapy that makes use of the combination of acupuncture and massage. When acupressure is done the practitioner massages the points on the body deemed as acupoints as firmly as possible with his fingertip or thumb. The pressure exerted from acupressure can be done in more than one way. Some acupressure practitioners use their fingers while others use their thumb, the palms of their hands and even their knees in some cases. How soon a person will experience relief from pain depends on the cause of the pain. Chronic persistent types of health problems will take longer to show Improvement while other problems can show Improvement fairly quickly.

Do-In is a type of alternative therapy is an excellent precursor to an acupressure treatment. Do-In is a system that utilizes stretches, exercises, beginner acupressure techniques and special breathing techniques. This is an excellent Introduction to alternative health therapies if you are new to this unique form of healing.

Acu-yoga combines yoga with acupressure for pain relief. In this case yoga postures are used In order to stimulate acupressure points on the body but In this case the entire body is used for this purpose and not just the hands. Acu-yoga is meant to be done at home. The yoga stretches are particularly good if you want to reach hard-to-reach spots on your body and your back.

Jin Shin Jyutsu Is a Japanese method of acupressure that Is self-help and Is not about massage but Instead cradling or touching of the body for pain relief. The aim of this practice is to calm and harmonize the body as well as the spirit and mind. This is done by way of touching what is known as 26 “safety energy locks” that are located in the human body along various pathways of energy. A Jin Shin Jyutsu can even Involve a great deal of cradling or a combination of touches or It can be as basic as holding one or two fingers.

Zen shiatsu is a strenuous involved practice that incorporates yoga-like stretches and mediation on a daily basis. Zen is a type of Buddhism that got its start In Japan. The yoga-like stretches are designed to open up the meridians of the body. Practitioners of this alternative therapy also may use of heavy pressure on their body and they put their entire body weight Into It. This kind of vigorous shiatsu cannot be done at home.

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Whole grains are touted as one of the best sources of fiber and they deserve all the credit they receive.

Whole grains are touted as one of the best sources of fiber and they deserve all the credit they receive. Whole grains should be a part of every individual’s daily diet as they are extremely beneficial to health. If you are not getting enough diet or if you are still consuming white bread and pasta products made with refined flour instead of whole grain then stop and think twice about what you are doing. To optimize your health, switch to whole grains and start reaping the benefits of doing so!

The absolute best sources of whole grains include such things as barley, oats, rye and wheat. Whole grains consist of the seeds of a plant and contained in it is the outer shell, the middle shell and the inner section. The outer shell is referred to as the bran while the middle section is the endosperm and the inner section is known as the germ.

Whole grains products whether they be bread, rice, pasta, cereal and other products are excellent sources of a number of vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, folate, chromium, copper, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and zinc. Folate is responsible for reducing the levels of an amino acid called homocysteine that exists in the bloodstream. Too much homocysteine in the blood has been shown through research studies to increase the risk that heart disease could occur.

Whole grains are rich in lignans, phenolic acid and phytochemicals known as phytosterols. Research studies into the benefits of whole grains have discovered that that this “miracle food” is capable of decreasing the risk of a number of different cancers developing as well as type II diabetes. Whole grains are also effective at lowering cholesterol and decreasing the risk that an individual could develop heart disease and other circulatory problems.  The benefits of whole grains do not end there. Whole grains are capable of decreasing inflammation in the body and therefore lowering the risk of heart disease and other heart complications.

A research study conducted at the University of Utah by Doctor Martha Slattery yielded the results that a diet rich in whole grains and in particular, high fiber cereals decreased the risk that rectal cancer will develop by approximately 31percent. Further studies showed that a diet high in fiber, which is to say, more than 34 grams of fiber consumed on a daily basis, is capable of decreasing the chance of rectal cancer by 66percent.

Another study that was recently conducted at Tufts University by Doctor Nicola McKeown, showed that the participant of the study who ate at least three servings of whole grains on a daily basis were much less inclined to succumb to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome which are both likely to come ahead of type II diabetes as well as heart disease.

Whole grains provide both soluble and insoluble fiber to those who eat it regularly. The body requires both. A research study conducted by Doctor Qi and her colleagues at the Harvard School of Public Health with women participants showed the result that females who suffer from diabetes can benefit from eating a great deal of whole grains, cereal fiber and bran. When tested these women were found to have lower blood vessel inflammation which has been closely connected with circulatory disease.

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Myth # 1 is that it is impossible to quit. The myth buster is that smokers who join support groups when trying to quit smoking have a success rate of 20 to 27%, that is not great, but it is not impossible either. Having a reason to quit and believing you can quit are the two single most important reasons for success.

There are several very excellent myths concerning the ability to quit smoking that must be addressed. The smoker needs very little encouragement to continue this habit. Those who benefit from the inability of smokers to make that decision to quit usually circulate myths. Myths discourage, they cause pain, and they continue the falsehood that smokers are weak.

Myth # 1 is that it is impossible to quit. The myth buster is that smokers who join support groups when trying to quit smoking have a success rate of 20 to 27%, that is not great, but it is not impossible either. Having a reason to quit and believing you can quit are the two single most important reasons for success. Smokers who can find both a reason for quitting and can find within themselves a belief that they can achieve what ever they want to can and do become successful at quitting the smoking habit.

Myth #2 believes that goal setting is not necessary when it comes to being able to quit smoking. The myth buster is that whenever you are faced with what may seem like an insurmountable task the one thing that keeps you reaching for success is to have something to reach for - a target or goal. A well-defined and measurable goal tells you what you are shooting for and gives you a time frame in which to set your marks on. A goal is very much like the x on a treasure map. Without the x the map would pretty much be useless. Successful people are able to achieve in life because they set a goal and aim for that goal. If you aim for nothing that is what you will get. If you have a goal to aim for, you are more likely to reach that goal.

Myth #3 says that medical health professionals cannot be of any help to smokers when it comes to quitting. The myth buster is that the medical professionals who truly care about the health of their patients will rather guide them to useful tools to help them succeed at quitting then watch them die of lung cancer or heart disease even though contracting these diseases will put more green in their pockets. If medical professionals were self-serving they would discourage patients from quitting so that they gain financially when it comes time to treat them for the results of their smoking.

Bust the myths that you hear regarding wanting to quit smoking. Believe in the evidence concerning cancer and heart disease. Believe in your own abilities to make healthy decisions for yourself. Gather all the tools you can so that supportive people who care about you and will encourage you to achieve your goals surround you. Seek medical assistance so that you will have a better chance for success. Take advantage of support groups and most of all believe in you. You can quit smoking on your own terms today.

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Are you one of those people who impatiently wait for spring to arrive? The gloom of winter months and cloudy days depress you and sap your energy?

Are you one of those people who impatiently wait for spring to arrive?  The gloom of winter months and cloudy days depress you and sap your energy?  Many Americans suffer from that condition aptly named Seasonal Affective Disorder.  There are many ways of fighting SAD and they all can be effective in treating depression and stress at any time of the year.  Here are a few tips to make your day a little brighter, happier, and healthier.

1. Spend 15 minutes longer in the shower and use an expensive soap or body wash.  Or, take a relaxing, soothing bubble bath with mood lighting and a soothing scent in your bath.  Vanilla and lavender scents are excellent for easing tension and relieving depression.
2. Sing!  Yes sing, with the radio, your iPod, or your favorite record, tape, or CD.  Sing at the top of your lungs with gusto and enjoyment.  Sing for at least five minutes and don’t worry about the neighbors.  If you sound great, you will entertain them and make them smile, if you are terrible or just think you are, you could give them a good laugh, which can help ease their stress and depression.
3. If you are a grandparent, take one of your grandchildren for a walk.  Let them spend the night, or just let them sit on your lap and listen to them talk.  Warm hugs, happy chatter, and the warmth of a child in your lap will cheer up nearly everyone.  If they are small, look into their eyes and feel the miracle of life.  If they are older, let them help you make cookies or bake a cake.
4. Sleep in!  If you are not working, sleep in instead of setting the alarm.  If you are still working, choose one of the weekend days and turn the alarm clock off and enjoy a little extra time in bed.  It sometimes feels good to ignore habits and allow yourself an indulgence.
5. Speaking of indulgence, eat a little dark chocolate.  New research has proven dark chocolate is actually good for us.  Break off a piece and allow it to dissolve slowly in your mouth.  Enjoy the flavor, experience the feel and taste of it on your tongue.  Allow yourself to be in the moment!  Remind yourself that a small amount of dark chocolate is now considered good for you!
6. Watch a comedy, or play your favorite movie.  Be sure to choose a happy one, a movie that will make you smile or laugh out loud will do wonders for stress and depression.  Watch reruns of I Love Lucy, Full House, or Three’s Company, they will take you back to a happier time and lift depression.
7. Make yourself a cup of tea with lots of lemon.  Sit in your favorite chair and enjoy the warmth of a sunny spot in your home.  Smell the wonderful aroma of the lemon and tea, tasted it, sip it slowly and savor the taste of it on your tongue.
8. Send flowers to a special friend or to yourself!  The flowers will remind you of spring, new growth and remind you winter and depression will both pass with time.

Have fun, indulge yourself, and laugh.  All of these suggestions will help you age healthier and keep your body young.

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Be aware that in order for the practice of shiatsu to work at treating the symptoms of menopause first an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms must be done by the qualified practitioner.

The origins of the practice of shiatsu derive from the full oriental medical system which looks at the human body as a network or series of meridians and these networks allow the positive energy or vital life force (or chi) to flow through it. According to shiatsu practitioners, an individual becomes sick due to the flow of chi or energy becoming sluggish or disrupted in one way or another. This however can be easily remedied. The energy imbalance can be corrected by way of applying pressure to particular points on the body that correspond to a given meridian.

This is all good news for women going through menopause, as the practice of shiatsu is an excellent one to try to help relieve your symptoms. When the patient of menopause experiences any of these symptoms which include ringing in the ears, pain in the shoulder and/or dizziness it is the small intestine meridian that must have pressure applied to it because of its connection to the work of the ovaries.

Apply pressure to the stomach and spleen meridians if you find yourself suffering from any type of nervous or stomach disorders or if you have a tendency to eat too much because of anxiety and frustration. The meridians for the heart, bladder and kidneys need to have pressure applied to them if as a menopause patient you suffer from any type of nervous disorders or heart palpitations. If constant fatigue has become your lot in life or if you suffer from headaches then you need to look to the triple heater meridian. If on the other hand you suffer from constant weight gain or obesity and/or hormonal imbalance then you need to look to the gall bladder meridian for the help you need for relief.

Be aware that in order for the practice of shiatsu to work at treating the symptoms of menopause first an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms must be done by the qualified practitioner.

If you suffer from anxiety and a great deal of tension on a regular basis then look to the shiatsu technique described below to bring relief:

• First you must find the middle point that exists between the eyebrows and to make it easier for you, this point is to be found directly above where the bridge of the nose is found.
• Apply a circular type of massage technique to this area and count slowly from one to 30 and while so doing make sure to exhale as well as inhale as deeply as you can for maximum benefits. Do this once and then repeat the process again. To get as much relief as possible from this technique, shut your eyes and then take the time to pay close attention to both your steady breathing and your heartbeat. Do this technique as many times as you feel it is necessary to do. Choose the type of massage that works best for you whether it be smooth, pulsating or a stroking type of massage. Always go with what works best for you as not everyone will respond well to the same kind.

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