If you invest in regular massage treatments (which of course I think you should!) you could also benefit from doing some homework. I'd like to introduce some of my very favorite at-home, self-care accessories for you to enjoy between your professional massage sessions. These massage-on-demand tools provide instant relief, ongoing suppleness and increased flexibility.
Hi Density Foam Rollers are extra firm and last much longer than White single construction rollers. This foam roller is 36” in length and 6” in diameter. It can be used for myofascial release and dynamic strength. $44 including tax.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Everyone Needs Massage & VACATION!
There's nothing better than having a regular routine of self-care that you enjoy and that serves you and the life you want to live. Proper sleep, diet and exercise are necessary staples that begin as soon as we take our first breath. Our way of approaching our well-being changes throughout our lives, but the essence is the same. The body needs the right balance of nourishment, rest, movement and stimulation to be healthy. Taking your self-care routine on the road is a great way to refresh your system, create new memories and also appreciate the comforts of home. So, I'm sharing this link to a contest to win a trip to PARIS!
Merci & Bonne Chance!
Merci & Bonne Chance!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Ten + One = ELEVEN for 2011
Only ONE WEEK LEFT to take advantage of this SUPER affordable special offer.
Purchase a series of TEN *already discounted* massage treatments for yourself and receive an additional ONE HOUR SWEDISH MASSAGE Gift Certificate to give to someone you love anytime during 2011. (How about Valentine's Day?)
It's not too late to start the new year investing in your health and well-being and sharing that gift with someone you love. Everyone needs a massage!
Purchase a series of TEN *already discounted* massage treatments for yourself and receive an additional ONE HOUR SWEDISH MASSAGE Gift Certificate to give to someone you love anytime during 2011. (How about Valentine's Day?)
It's not too late to start the new year investing in your health and well-being and sharing that gift with someone you love. Everyone needs a massage!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Incredibly relaxing and at the same time effective, I’ve recently been trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, based on Dr. Vodder’s approach. This methodical, meditative massage works to support a lymph system that may be not be functioning at it’s best. And also to support one that is.
Many things, including traditional Swedish massage, help support the body’s lymph system. Since it’s not a closed system and does not have it’s own pump, its flow is generated with physical movement and deep breathing. While that may seem simple enough, often this is a challenge for people who are ill, injured or who have had any kind of flow impairment. Furthermore, if the system does get backed up, it’s hard for the body to catch up without some outside help, since its progression is quite slow and accumulation of fluids might cause lymph valves to reverse. So, it’s no wonder someone came up with a way to manually help things along, especially given the superficial placement (i.e. not far beneath the surface of the skin) of many of the nodes. This explains why the pressure of this technique is quite light; a deeper touch might bypass effective “contact” of this particular aspect of the body.
The massage is gentle and often recommended for people who are working to generally detoxify the body, on cleanses and more specifically, for local edema. For instance, if someone has an accumulation of fluid around his or her knee post surgery, the therapist could perform treatments with the limb raised, first simply getting gravity on board for better drainage. Then, one would slowly and thoroughly clear space for the excess fluid further ahead on the “lymphatic path” toward the heart. After the path is more spacious, the affected area is worked on to help move the excess fluid into the natural flow. Shorter, more frequent sessions might be advised to see better results. And as with any ailment or injury, the client’s diligence between treatments greatly affects the outcome.
Many things, including traditional Swedish massage, help support the body’s lymph system. Since it’s not a closed system and does not have it’s own pump, its flow is generated with physical movement and deep breathing. While that may seem simple enough, often this is a challenge for people who are ill, injured or who have had any kind of flow impairment. Furthermore, if the system does get backed up, it’s hard for the body to catch up without some outside help, since its progression is quite slow and accumulation of fluids might cause lymph valves to reverse. So, it’s no wonder someone came up with a way to manually help things along, especially given the superficial placement (i.e. not far beneath the surface of the skin) of many of the nodes. This explains why the pressure of this technique is quite light; a deeper touch might bypass effective “contact” of this particular aspect of the body.
The massage is gentle and often recommended for people who are working to generally detoxify the body, on cleanses and more specifically, for local edema. For instance, if someone has an accumulation of fluid around his or her knee post surgery, the therapist could perform treatments with the limb raised, first simply getting gravity on board for better drainage. Then, one would slowly and thoroughly clear space for the excess fluid further ahead on the “lymphatic path” toward the heart. After the path is more spacious, the affected area is worked on to help move the excess fluid into the natural flow. Shorter, more frequent sessions might be advised to see better results. And as with any ailment or injury, the client’s diligence between treatments greatly affects the outcome.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
DADS & GRADS: You deserve a massage!
Life offers a wide range of rewarding challenges, particularly in the form parenthood and education. While this involves connecting with family, making decisions and employing creativity, the capacity to act in our own and others best interests can be inhibited by too much stress. Massage treatments can help eliminate pain, relief stiffness, increase energy and boost immunity. A healthy mind and grounded body will not only enhance your own experience of life, it will emanate from your being and benefit those around you as well. Be the best DAD or GRAD you can be by paying attention to your own health and preventing too much stress and tension build up.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Stability + Strength = FREEDOM
Today I had the great pleasure of experiencing a session of Muscle Activation Technique or MAT —with Joe Marso at Conditioning Specialists. Part muscle-testing, part massaging the weakened attachments that inhibit proper alignment, this approach works immediately to correct structural imbalance, creating more stability, strength and balance.
From my perspective, when the muscular system is not working the way it’s ultimately designed to work, you’re heading in the wrong direction. While your body can compensate, it’s best to recruit the “right” muscles for whatever job you’re asking your body to do—whether it’s walking, throwing a ball, or standing in a proud yoga warrior pose. The beauty of the body is that it can—and will—compensate in order to get you through your task if the “right” muscles aren’t available or responding well. The downside is that compromise will likely lead to weakness, discomfort and eventually pain and/or total inhibition in areas that aren’t working properly.
While the body is a process, ever changing and never perfectly aligned, it’s definitely worth the time to identify your body’s tendencies and get—or stay—headed in a strong and stable direction. MAT can really help you get individual and specific information about your body mechanics and jumpstart those muscles that need reactivation or strength building for your “machine” (body) to work to the best of it’s ability. Thanks, Joe, you’ve made me a fan of MAT.
From my perspective, when the muscular system is not working the way it’s ultimately designed to work, you’re heading in the wrong direction. While your body can compensate, it’s best to recruit the “right” muscles for whatever job you’re asking your body to do—whether it’s walking, throwing a ball, or standing in a proud yoga warrior pose. The beauty of the body is that it can—and will—compensate in order to get you through your task if the “right” muscles aren’t available or responding well. The downside is that compromise will likely lead to weakness, discomfort and eventually pain and/or total inhibition in areas that aren’t working properly.
While the body is a process, ever changing and never perfectly aligned, it’s definitely worth the time to identify your body’s tendencies and get—or stay—headed in a strong and stable direction. MAT can really help you get individual and specific information about your body mechanics and jumpstart those muscles that need reactivation or strength building for your “machine” (body) to work to the best of it’s ability. Thanks, Joe, you’ve made me a fan of MAT.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Healthy Education
I was delighted to find out that UCSB supports massage as part of their student's health program! A great reward for a lot of hard work is to receive a massage. . . after mid-terms or finals. . . and also during! When the body is in homeostasis memory is improved and your overall academic performance is enhanced. Take care of your body, take care of your brain!
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