recs. for gentle massage/ relaxing "healing ritual" to help my pre-teen cope with health problem

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions? My DD has terrible headaches resulting from neurological problems that she now understands won't resolve soon and might not ever resolve completely. It's very scary and she feels like crap, which is certainly not conducive to healing. She has had physical therapy in the past, but I don't anticipate it will be appropriate for the current issues. But part of the incidental benefit of physical therapy was the emotional/psychological lift from participation in a sort of healing ritual.

Is there anyplace that would be good to take her for a little extra TLC and relaxation? Everything would have to be gentle and non-invasive, because she's not well, and I'm looking for a stress-busting experience rather than something that's more invested in alternative treatment.

We're in DC, and although I'm not opposed to driving a little farther, I think it may be a while before DD is up for it.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Just adding- I'm envisioning more of a spa than a therapist's office, but would be grateful for any thoughts you ladies may have.

[Anonymous]

Spa World is family friendly and I love the feeling in that place.

You have to be comfortable being naked though... it's awesome bonding experience for us.

[Anonymous]

They're in NOVA.

[Anonymous]

Try Raiki (not sure how to spell it) energy healing... maybe hot stone massage?

[Anonymous]

Jennifer Brennan of Solace Massage Therapy in (close-in) Silver Spring is terrific. She does massage and reiki, and has school-age children of her own. She has a gentle manner.

http://www.solacemassagetherapy.com/Home_Page.html

[Anonymous]

What about meditation? There are various centers around that have weekly group practices.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps acupuncture? Many sessions, depending on the practitioner, are very spa-like, music, closed door, scented oils, etc. And they would probably help the headaches to boot.

[Anonymous]

our girls are 5 and 8 and we visited spa world twice, however a third time when I was ill, the hub took them and was denied entry because even the smallest kids of the other gender are not allowed in the other locker room. We looked up the American Association for Nude Recreation site and found a few suggestions close by in maryland, because this isnt really a big issue for us. The location is rented near BWI, and the contact is Maryland Area Naturist Association, theres even a secure , private facebook page for families only

[Anonymous]

Spa World, if she's not too shy about it!

A regular yoga class would be great too. Tranquil Space in Dupont is like a little mini-spa.

[Anonymous]

Tatiana at Ninotch spa in Bethesda (on Woodmont) does massage on children with health issues. Call her first to discuss it. She stopped doing it for a while because parents would drop their young children off for hours while they went shopping. She is a wonderful masseuse.

http://ninotch.com/massage-therapy

She is the owner of the spa and does massage for the Nationals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps acupuncture? Many sessions, depending on the practitioner, are very spa-like, music, closed door, scented oils, etc. And they would probably help the headaches to boot.

beat me to it!

[Anonymous]

I would go with meditation, maybe Yoga. Those are the two best avenues for the mind to learn to manage the problem.

[Anonymous]

You might also look into Yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation done, usually, in a group setting while lying down. Also, I would look into fitness and yoga classes that are affiliated with local hospitals. I did the yoga classes affiliated with Holy Cross Hospital once and the instructor had a health background. I also recommend Blue Heron Yoga in Silver Spring, a nice calm atmosphere with reasonable prices.