This is a recovered post from a botched website transfer in 2014. It was originally written and published on 04/23/2013.

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Therapy, according to  Dictionary.com, is "the treatment of disease or disorders, as by some remedial, rehabilitating, or curative process." The original Latin,  therapia, translates to curing and healing.I don't know about you, but the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word "therapy" is counseling with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed social worker.While psychotherapy can certainly soothe the soul (it's soothed mine), this post is about other types of therapy that might be equally effective - therapeutic.

Bubble Bath/Hot Tub

Steamy water, bubbles, well-positioned jets. Meditative music, a glass of wine (not recommended with hot tubs), candlelight.Just the thought of slipping into a filled-to-the-brim bathtub or hot tub produces both a mental and physical shift for me. My mind calms, my muscles relax, and I'm shoulder-deep into my own little Calgon moment.

Manicure/Pedicure

A mani-pedi as therapy? Absolutely! Consider that someone is gently (hopefully) washing and massaging your hands and/or feet, and then, perhaps, dipping them in hot wax that envelops them in soothing warmth.After that, they shape and buff your nails, and paint them a color of your choosing. Not only is the human touch aspect therapeutic, the aesthetic benefits of having your hands and feet look cared for can't be underestimated.

Massage

Soft sheets, padded table, dim lighting. Gentle music, lightly-scented oil, warm hands. I was late to that padded table, but I feel as though I'm making up for lost time.I've been seeing my massage therapist regularly for almost a year now. Every four weeks, at most, I strip off my clothes, slip between soft sheets, and give myself up to her capable hands.The therapeutic elements of massage, for me, are multi-layered. I've experienced deep healing, and not just of my knotted muscles. I continue to make breakthroughs in areas I previously would not have associated with massage therapy.

Reiki

How could I not mention Reiki? As with massage and mani-pedi treatments, one of its therapeutic elements is that of human touch.When you couple that with the radiating heat that clients often feel from Reiki hands, plus the results of a session, which can include deep relaxation, peace of mind, reduced or relieved pain, reduced or relieved anxiety, better sleep, and improved digestion, it certainly rates as a therapy.Have you experienced any of these therapies? What is your favorite type of therapy?