The Cost of Massage

Do you hesitate to get regular bodywork because of the cost?
Think about this: most Americans spend more (money, time, attention) on their cars than their bodies.
Just like your car, your body needs regular check-ups, tune-ups, and oil changes (so to speak, lol).
Receiving massage on a regular basis has huge health benefits - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It can play an important role in preventative care for your body.
You can always get another car, but you've only got ONE body, so take good care of it!

Snow Shoveling Tips to Prevent Injury

It's that time of year again! Yesterday morning as I was shoveling the fresh 4-6 inches of snow from my driveway, I thought of how easily you can injure yourself while doing this winter workout.
So here are some tips to keep your back in good shape while shoveling snow:

1) warm up.
do a quick 10 minute warm up to get your blood pumping. Jog in place, walk around the block, do some jumping jacks.
Then some nice forward bends and side stretches will help prepare those areas for the work you're about to do!

2)Keep your back straight while bending your knees and lifting with your LEGS.

3)If at all possible, don't lift the snow but push it.

4)use a light-weight shovel that is made to push the snow.

5)DON'T TWIST!! If you do throw the snow, avoid twisting and turning as this is very hard on your back.

6)don't let the snow pile up. Shoveling frequently will be better for your back than waiting until there's a foot out there and trying to do it all at once!

7)Watch out for ice. Wear good footwear and throw down some salt if you need to.

8)only load your shovel half way. Don't think you need to have a full shovel of snow.


And remember that should you injure your back, ice it and have your dr take a look - then schedule your massage asap!

My Massage

Alot of clients ask "who gives you a massage?" or "do you get massage?". So I thought it was time to make a post about my self-care.
As you might imagine, receiving massage is pretty high on my list of priorities when it comes to taking care of myself. I have a scheduled session bi-weekly (at least) and more if I can fit it into my schedule or if I'm going through a particularly stressful time.
I have several different therapists that I like to schedule appointments with. I like to receive lots of different kinds of massage & bodywork, ranging from reiki to rolfing, so I go to different therapists depending on what I'm needing.
I truly believe in the benefits of regular bodywork, and that's why I make it a standard in my life. I've always said that if everyone in the world got a massage once a week, we'd have world peace. I think that about sums up how I feel about this amazing work!
How often do you schedule a massage?

Google Employs Massage Therapists

While I don't necessarily agree with the last statement that you have to "work at Google to get a good massage", I think it's very cool that Google integrates massage therapy into their work environment for the health and wellness of their employees!

Massage Therapy and the Lymphatic System

Everyone's heard of lymph nodes and has experienced swollen lymph nodes when they've been sick - but did you know the lymph system also has a series of vessels much like the veins in the cardiovascular system?

The lymphatic system carries waste and toxins out of the body, and plays a key role in our immune system. Unlike blood being pumped through the body by the heart, the lymphatic system has no pump. It relies on our muscles and movement to pump lymph fluid. Naturally, massage can really help stimulate the lymph system, boosting our immunity and assisting the body in "taking out the trash".

Other ways of boosting the lymphatic system include exercise - especially zero gravity exercise like jumping on a trampoline. Dry brushing is also a great way to stimulate the lymphatic system. (more to come on the benefits of dry brushing!)

Massage Therapy and the Nervous System

Of course massage feels good, but just how good is it for you?

Massage therapy has an amazing effect on your nervous system. During a massage, your body's parasympathetic nervous system (part of the autonomic nervous system) is activated and it counteracts your body's negative response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing your heart rate, blood pressure and circulation to return to normal. Massage therapy also helps you become more aware of your body and your unconsciously held tensions. As you become more aware of your body, you will begin to recognize tension as it builds during the day so that you can consciously release it before it can have a negative effect on your body.

The actions of the parasympathetic nervous system can be summarized as "rest and repose" (as opposed to the "fight-or-flight" effects of the sympathetic nervous system). Ever notice your stomach start to rumble during a massage? Chances are you weren't hungry, but the massage had activated the parasympathetic nervous system - putting the brakes on the "fight or flight" sympathetic nervous system, and allowing your body to begin to return to a state of homestasis. The parasympathetic nervous system promotes digestion, synthesizes glycogen, and allows for normal function and behavior.

Massage therapy results in relaxation, reduction in anxiety, better sleep, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, reduction in pain... and the list goes on! We'll explore more benefits of therapeutic massage in upcoming posts.

In the meantime, I'd like to hear from you - what benefits have you noticed from receiving bodywork? What effects surprised you? How has your perception of massage therapy changed since you've been receiving it on a regular basis?

Halloween Spirit Fair

I am going to be setup with my portable Ashiatsu bars this Saturday, October 27 from 10-5 at the Clarion in Kalamazoo (on Cork St just off from Sprinkle).
There will also be readers and vendors offering tarot, astrology, pottery, soy candles, art, jewelry, aura photography and more.
Come on out, it'll be a blast! This fair is sponsored by Subtle Energies Healing Center. Admission is $5.00 and you get a free intention sachet if you're one of the first 25 guests.

I will be offering 10-15 minute Ashiatsu sessions (fully clothed) and I will also have a video playing that shows what a typical ashiatsu session looks like. So if you're curious about Ashiatsu, but have been apprehensive to try it out - this would be a great time to come and get to know me and learn more about ashiatsu!

I will also be having a drawing to win a FREE Ashiatsu session - so stop on by and check it out!