Santa Barbara Massage Therapy

Self-Care 101: The FOAM ROLLER

2011-06-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Everyone Needs Massage & VACATION!

2011-06-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

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!

Ten + One = ELEVEN for 2011

2011-01-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

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!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

2010-11-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

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.

DADS & GRADS: You deserve a massage!

2010-06-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Stability + Strength = FREEDOM

2010-04-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Healthy Education

2010-03-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

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!

LivINg Yoga ~ with Jasmine Leib

2010-01-31T15:26:00.000-08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Yoga workshop taught by Jasmine Leib yesterday. I take a lot of classes and never leave without picking up at least one "new thing". This was, however, by far the most valuable 3 hours I've spent in an educational environment in as long as I can remember. Her perspective and techniques for resetting the Nervous System to heal and "undo" unhealthy patterns in the Skeleto-Muscular system is outstanding. I look forward to taking more classes from "Jas" (pronounced JAZZ) in the future.

Season's Greetings!

2009-12-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

I encourage you to take many moments for yourself during the next couple of weeks. Even if it's just a silent moment when you close your eyes and take a truly deep breath ~ filling the lungs to their capacity ~ amidst the hustle and bustle of friends, family, shopping, traveling and engaging in the spirit of the season. That feeling of serenity that comes naturally when we practice yoga or receive a massage treatment can be available to you at any moment.

Simply breathe.

Sending peace, joy and love to you and all of your loved ones.

Luxury & Well Being

2009-11-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

Maggie SPA has new items from Dreamtime to help you relax sore muscles, get more beauty sleep, relieve sinus pressure and breathe easy! Beautiful, quality gifts that are luxurious and great for your health . . . take the spa experience home with you and treat yourself right.

2009-10-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Celebrate National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (October 26-31, 2009) with a treatment for yourself OR for someone you know who might NEVER have had a massage! Countless times I've heard clients say: "if EVERYONE got a massage treatment on a regular basis, the world would be a better place!" So, do your part to make the world a better place and treat someone you know to the INTRODUCTORY RATE: just $50 for a one hour massage. They will *love* you for it!

Independent Reader's Poll

2009-10-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who voted in The 2009 Independent Reader's Poll. I made it as the "runner up" in the Best Licensed Massage Therapist category.

Moving Inward

2009-10-16T22:47:00.001-07:00

At some point, we all need help "moving inward" and removing ourselves from daily activities, traveling, networking, and "yang activity" that engage but sometimes overwhelm our senses. The "spa" creates an opportunity to reconnect and recreate balance so that we can engage in the world of work, relationships and responsibilities without disconnecting from the process of life. . . and Enjoy life in the Body . . . instead of complaining about back pain! What a wonderful gift and magnificent difference JUST ONE HOUR devoted to your body and mind can make. Please come in and see for yourself!

2009 iSPA Conference & Expo

2009-10-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

I recently returned, refreshed and motivated, from the 2009 iSPA Conference & Expo which was in Austin, TX. Many highlights and inSPAration from motivational speakers, industry friends and the ongoing theme of the scientific data supporting the benefits of massage, yoga and meditation in overall health and recovery from health issues. Lance Armstrong gave a wonderful, heartfelt, grounded and honest account of his own journey with cancer and believing in what sounded like a silly, "undo-able" idea -- the live strong bracelets.