Christmas is a Time for Love 
by Amy Martin, LMT

As I think about what Christmas means to me, the first word I think of is "Love". All the wonderful memories I have around the holidays are with my family. The first thing we are all taught is how to love. I feel very blessed to have had a childhood filled with love. We were always playing games, sharing stories and making each other laugh. I believe that this foundation helps me in my self confidence and capacity for finding meaningful connections with people and truly appreciating everyone for who they are.

Here are some things you can do for yourself to feel extra special this time of year - this will make you feel a little more loved from head to toe. All you need is about 30 minutes, a dishpan, some salt, a towel, and a facial moisturizer or cream. If you have some essential oil, even better!

Foot soak - This is especially wonderful after a long day on your feet. Get a large tub (or dishpan) and fill it with rather warm water. Add 1/2 cup salt and any fragrance you desire. Essential oils, if you have them - you only need a couple of drops to be effective. Stage a towel near a comfy chair and soak away your cares. Twenty minutes will leave your toes toasty and help eliminate accumulated toxins.

Face massage - While soaking in the foot bath, take a moment and massage some face lotion into your thirsty skin. The exposure to winter weather and heated air can really dry out the skin. Stress can also have an effect on your face, emphasizing worry lines. Massage the face with strokes across the forehead, from the sides of your mouth to your ears, around your jaw, and under your chin. Make sure to spend some time massaging your scalp, easing  the muscles over your ears and at the base of your skull. If you find a tender spot, work on it gently for a few seconds. Scalp massage can be enhanced with essential oil, again only a drop or two!

Journal - After spending time relaxing, take a moment to write about all your gifts in life: the people you love, experiences you’ve had, your health - whatever you are grateful for. Expressing yourself in thanks breeds more gratitude and people around you will notice your positive outlook. Each day try to bring a fresh perspective to your self-image and things will start looking brighter.

In the end, it is a healthy sense of self-love that helps us all provide love for others. So take time this holiday to give yourself some pampering. Then you’ll feel even better about helping others! May love surround you this holiday and throughout the year.

About Amy Martin, LMT
Amy Martin practices massage in Woodstown at the Woodstown Massage Boutique. As an eleven-year veteran in the field, she has the talent to help you discover the healing your body needs. Amy has been nationally certified since 2000 and welcomes new clients every week. You can visit Amy online: www.WoodstownMassage.com. Suggestions for future articles are welcome.