okinawa hai!

CONTRIBUTED BY TONI BRADBURY Since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to become a massage therapist, so I had searched the web looking for places in Oki where I could learn.  I found ALA Relaxation and gave them a call.  The owner’s name is Kaz and he has a place right by [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY ANNASTASIA MCPHERSON When my girlfriend told me about the new reflexology place in Jusco, I really didn’t think much of it. I mean I have CoCok’s right? Then a few weeks later after a long day of my kids stressing me out, I decided I needed a break, and went to get some reflexology [...]

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 CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON Years ago, when pictures of Michael Jackson sleeping peacefully, if not bizarrely, in an oxygen chamber hit the media, the American public simply passed off the “treatment” as just another wacky stunt from the late eccentric pop singer. However, what may be viewed as “on the fringe” in the States is [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY JEANINE CZUBIK   This week my dear neighbor took me most soothing place on island apart from the waves crashing at the beach: an aromatherapy and herb shop.  She discovered it when searching for tea tree oil to aid her baby’s diaper rash.   Tennenkobo Herbal and Aromatic Life shop is a small store attached to Mangiare [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON If you’re one of those people who hates others touching your feet, this post is definately not for you. If you’re like me, however, and think having your feet rubbed is one of the most sublime human experiences ever, then read on, my friend! Reflexology is an ancient healing art practiced [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY MARY RICHARDSON You may have noticed this strange picture in recent issues of Japan Update and Okinawan Living…   Yes, that’s actually me sporting the 24 karat gold facial! How did I get in that picture serenely covered in gold, you might wonder?  Well, about two months ago when I was doing my “Month [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY BETH OLMO I used to say that the way to my heart was through my hair and it might be at least partially true.  When my trusted Okinawan stylist recently transferred to a new salon in Urasoe City, I was heartbroken.  I really didn’t want to have to drive that far.  Could it [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY STACI HAWLEY Piercing. Ears or whatever other tender flesh you care to. I was wondering the other day- where do Japanese people get their ears pierced? Their certainly isn’t a Claire’s or Beadazzealed at the local strip mall. In fact, many locals are sans-piercing altogether (at least of the ear kind). So I [...]

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CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER GELORMINE As a parent, there are many milestones that we anticipate for our children: first time rolling over; taking their first steps; saying their first words. Getting their hair cut. When my daughter was just over a year old, her hair was growing out a bit erratically; her bangs were too long [...]

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***WARNING***  Big BELLIES Ahead — May not be suitable for the faint of heart!! Four years ago during my first pregnancy, I was reading a Pregnancy magazine (as I think I ONLY did for that first baby) and came across an article about temporary henna tattoos done on pregnant bellies.  Being a non-tattoo person (can’t [...]

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