With the Christmas season and New Year approaching, we are constantly reminded of how crazy we are for pulling ourselves out of bed at horrible hours of the morning just to get a ‘fantastic’ deal on Christmas gifts.  If we’re not worrying about Christmas presents, then we’re worrying about seeing the in-laws, what kind of dinner we’ll cook in order to please everyone, or maybe what outfit we might wear to the neighbors Christmas or New Years Eve party.

One of these reminders is through the aches and pains we start feeling — just one of many ways in which our bodies try to tell us to ‘slow down!’.  So why not listen to your body this time and take advantage of this special offer (only through the Piedmont Virginian), available to people that mention seeing this offer in our blog or on our facebook page!

Let’s begin with an introduction:

Petra Mercier is doing wonders to help people become more aware of what they’re eating or what harm they may be doing to their bodies.  Petra owns a small business in Warrenton, VA that focuses on helping you treat your body the correct way!  She received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City and is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.  Petra also received her Traditional Thai Yoga massage certification from the Thai Institute in Arlington, VA in 2010.  She specializes in Health & Nutritional Counseling, Gentle Food Cleansing, and Thai Massage.  She also holds nutritional group cooking classes, individual cooking classes, personal market tours, monthly seminars, and offers personal chef services.

We’ll be touching on all of Petra’s services in a future blog (because she has so many good things to offer!).   However, this blog will be focused on Petra’s Traditional Thai Yoga Massage.  Many, if not most, of us have not heard of this technique.  We’re mostly familiar with the traditional massage that, if in our budget and seen as time worthy, most people try to do on a constant basis (whether weekly, monthly, or yearly).  However, there are many more benefits that come from Thai Massage.

(taken from Petra’s website)
Many health benefits have been connected with Thai Massage, including:

* Reduced stress
* Decreased muscle tension
* Increased energy
* Relief from aches and pains
* Unblocking and balancing of energy flow
* Detoxification of the internal organs
* Improved alignment
* Increased flexibility and range of motion
* Improved mood
* Improved circulation
* Centers the mind and body

Like any form of massage, benefits increase with repeated treatments.

Thai Massage combines elements of Ayeurvedic medicine, Hatha yoga and Chinese acupressure.  It is not done on a traditional massage table, but rather a comfortable floor mat where pressure can be varied according to your preference.  Also unlike regular massages, Petra asks that you bring or wear comfortable clothing to each session.

I’m not sure about you, but I was sold when reduced stress, increased energy and improved mood were mentioned!  If you too are interested in this massage treatment, then we have a spectacular deal for you — and you didn’t even have to get up at 3am to find it!

Petra has very kindly offered a holiday special to people who mention that they read about her Thai Massage in this blog or on our facebook page!

**BUY TWO THAI MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES, GET ONE FREE!! Your choice of 1, 1 1/2 and 2 hour massages. Starting price is $85 per massage.  Save $85-$150! This offer ends December 24th.**

Can you think of a better way to de-stress or relieve your aches and pains this holiday season than with a massage?  Whether buying two gift certificates for friends or family members, or simply keeping them for yourself — we think you’ll be very satisfied with your Thai massage. But don’t forget to mention this special offer only available through The Piedmont Virginian !

For more information on Thai Massage, Thai Massage testimonials, and the other wonderful services Petra offers, please visit her website at www.petramercier.com

Please also review Petra’s suggestions on whether you are a good fit for a thai massage or not.