Massage and Eating

MASSAGE
Yesterday I had a myofasial release massage with craniosacral therapy.

Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork (alternative medicine) which includes, but is not limited to structural assesments (where a formal diagnosis is not necessarily given) and manual massage techniques for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, muscles, and bones are mainly applied; with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and balancing the body. The fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly, allowing the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion.

Craniosacral therapy is a method of Complementary and alternative medicine used by massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, osteopaths, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, dentists, and doctors who manually apply a subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones in an attempt to bring the central nervous system into harmony. This therapy involves assessing and addressing the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can be restricted by trauma to the body, such as through falls, accidents, and general nervous tension. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of CSF through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position.

It was an amazing experience which felt like an hour long meditation. There was physical and emotional release and a weird spiritual connection with my male therapist that felt oddly intimate. So much so that it was a bit awkward at the end when I paid my bill (only $70) and went on my totally relaxed way. I would highly recommend it for anyone who works out and has a strong mind body connection. Apparently you can do it yourself with a foam roller so I am going to investigate that option.

EATING
After spending another Saturday eating crap under the guise of being a free day, I am going to bite the bullet and work on my goal of eating more calories. I think I have a slight(!!) starve/binge mentality going on that is not particularly healthy.

I am going to aim for 1500 CLEAN calories a day, with a 33%/33%/33% split of nutrients and lift weights 6 days a week on a 3 way split. This means 124g each of protein and carbs and 55g (OMG) of fat. I am going to try for 6 meals a day instead of 5 except for Saturday night when I will have a non-clean (is that dirty??) free meal combining the calories of meals 5 and 6. Carbs can only be veges, nuts, beans, oats or brown rice - no bread or crackers.

I am hoping that if this is too much energy, it will at least partition into muscle instead of fat. I am giving myself a 2 kg limit and taking measurements. If I blow up like a balloon it's all over!

20.01.08 (free day induced stomach bloat included)
Chest: 35 inches
Waist: 26 inches
Hips: 33 inches
Butt: 37 inches
Thigh: 22 inches
Calf: 15 inches
Neck: 12 inches
Bicep: 11 inches

This is all very scary ... I hope I can do it ... I am an all or nothing person and not very good at moderation* if I am not hungry this should be a doddle!

*yay I just figured out how to do strikethrough in blogger - on the edit HTML tab put <*s> (remove the asterisk) at the start of the phrase and <*/s> (without asterisk) at the end.