Why, Oh Why Is It Worth Getting A Massage

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Have you ever wondered why people get so excited about massages? I'm not talking about just your average "please rub my back" kind of massage. I'm talking about long, with oil, and lots of quiet kind of massages.

There are some very good reasons to consider having a really good massage from time to time. Let me share a few with you.*

- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. This is turn reduces stress and can lower your blood pressure.
- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ, the skin.
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.

Okay, so it was a few more than a few, but I think you can see that getting a massage, even once a year is beneficial. Unfortunately if you are like me, affording a massage is another thing! Well there are ways to help you do that even if you think you can't! I'd list them all, but this post would be about a mile long if I did, so I will send you over HERE to learn all about self-massage and how easy it really is, to say the least beneficial!

But what kind of oil should you use?

Adovia has an amazing oil that I have found works the best of any I have tried. It's their Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil & Massage Oil.

Now the facts about it: The Fractionated Coconut Oil offered by GoPure is considered an all-natural type of carrier oil that is able to easily absorb into your skin, which makes it a go-to option for all types of topical therapies. It offers a feather-light emollient, providing a soothing barrier, without the risk of clogging your pores, and is ideal for dry or otherwise troubled skin. It provides the skin with a non-greasy, silky smooth feel, unlike the other vegetable carrier oils currently available. It is completely soluble with all types of essential oils and is odorless and colorless, which means it will not stain any fabric it comes in contact with. It also has a prolonged shelf life, which means it will not go rancid and is designed for topical use only.

I love how the oil feels. It doesn't feel greasy or slimy in any way. It's clear and odor-free, so it accept fragrance easily. It absorbs into your skin very well and keeps you feeling soft and smooth for quite a while. But it is perfect for a massage. I have added some essential oils to it, lemon, peppermint, and lavender (not all at the same time! LOL!) and it has been wonderful.

When I needed to feel energized I used the lemon or peppermint. When I was feeling a little sick I used the peppermint. When I was stressed or very tired out came the lavender. All three mixed easily and completely in the Coconut Massage Oil, leaving my skin feeling wonderful, my muscles feeling relaxed and ready to go, and my senses filled!

I can highly recommend this Coconut Massage Oil to you!

You can purchase your own Adovia GoPure Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil & Massage Oil HERE!

We received samples of the products for the purpose of review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed here are those of the author.

*Benefits of Massage
** Image from Cameo's Salon & Spa

Trying Something New & A Giveaway!!

I have to admit that sometimes I just am a little skeptical about trying some new foods. If it looks unusual and says it can be used like something else you are used to, well.... BUT, and you knew that was coming, trying things that are better for me and going to really make a difference in my diet and health, well I am a little more open to them. 

I received something that I have yet to fully understand how to use and all the many ways it can be used. The more I learn the more I realize there is to learn. It's Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. It has been an interesting process learning this product and all it can be used for. I do love substituting it for the regular cooking oil I have been using. It seems to give a much lighter flavor to food. You don't end up with a heavy greasy flavor at all! That to me is wonderful, and knowing it is better for me makes it even more enjoyable!

So what makes Gold Label Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil of a higher quality vs. Refined Coconut Oil?  It has to do with the way the coconut oil is extracted from the coconut.  The most common way to extract the oil is through a method called "RBD" meaning Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized.  This method is however can result in the product containing  hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats which are harder for our bodies to break down and burn off.

They use the process called Wet milling.  And even the Tropical Traditions way has their own more higher standard in wet milling, which they have labeled the Gold Label Standard. 
First they collect the coconut meat from the coconut, then express the coconut milk from the coconuts.  Next they let the coconut milk settle down.  This settling down allows the different parts of the coconut milk to separate.  The coconut meat particles rise to the top while the heavier elements of the coconut milk settle down.  In between these two is a thin layer of coconut oil.  The oil is then heated for a short time to get rid of any other liquids besides the oil.  This heat also increases the antioxidants within the oil itself.  Lastly, the oil is then filtered.  This process ensures that what we have is only the finest high-quality virgin coconut oil.  In this process, the taste and smell of fresh coconuts are preserved.

When I first got the jar I have to admit I looked at it and was very skeptical. But then I read and read a lot and learned that it is something so easy to use and my family love it. But it has taken me some time to work it into our regular use.  My husband was very leery of it, but now is enjoying it. Sometimes us old timers are hard to convince that something that looks different and sounds different is really better.

Now I could sit here and give you all the ways I used it and you may look at the list and think none of it is for you. I did something similar. But then I looked over this huge amount of information HERE and was shocked, amazed and enthralled! I found so many different ways to enjoy this amazing product and found that it was the best way for me to pick out what i thought would work best for my family! (although I will say cooking eggs in it is yummy!!)

Want to learn a little more. Watch this awesome video to learn how it is made and the history behind the company!  Watch this video, it's pretty neat!


So check it out yourself. I have a feeling you will be just as convinced as I have been. I know we will be making coconut oil a part of our diet from now on and will encourage others to do so as well!

Tropical Traditions has generously offered to give away a 32 oz (quart) jar of their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. Fill in the Rafflecopter bellow for your chance to win!

Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.