WhooHoo! I'm so excited. I love taking classes, and studying new techniques of massage, and hanging out with other therapists. I'm a total geek when it comes to education. So a few months ago I had entered a drawing to win a free registration to attend the World Massage Festival, a conference for MTs that is held every summer. They were giving away one free conference registration per state.
They announced the winners yesterday..... and yippee, I'm Miss Virginia!!!!! It's a major award...
Yes! Now all I have to do is decide which classes to take!!!!! It's gonna be tough to choose.
All massage therapists are required to take a certain number of Continuing Ed classes every few years, in order to maintain our licensing. Besides that, don't you want a therapist who is interested in learning more about how to help you? I thought so! :)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Cold Weather is Setting In: Time for a Hot Stone Massage!
It was inevitable, I suppose. Those lazy/hazy/crazy days of summer hung on as long as they could. But now that the "s" word (snow....) is being flung about by our local meteorologists, it's time to be proactive and schedule yourself for a nice cozy hot-stone massage!
Where did hot stone massage come from, anyway? It has been increasingly popular at resorts and spa locations throughout the country. Some believe that LaStone was the original hot stone massage treatment; one story I heard in school was that a therapist, in the middle of a deep-tissue session, heard a little voice whisper to her: "Use the Stones"...... somewhat like Luke Skywalker & the Force, I suppose. Anyway, wherever the true origins of hot stone massage may be, it has many devotees!
Therapists use many different means to acquire their stones, and many different methods to heat them. My hot-stone collection was partly sourced from one of my massage supply companies, partly obtained from a gardening supply company, and partly picked up from the local oceanfront!
How are the stones used during a treatment? Well, there are many options available. Often, at the beginning of a session, I will give the client a small stone to hold in the palm of each hand. The stones are warmed, but not burning-hot to the touch. During the course of the treatment, I frequently use a stone in each of my hands to knead and glide over the larger muscles of the client's arms and legs. Also, I can take a rounded stone and use the edge of it to work the client's palms and the soles of their feet. If the client has trigger points in a major muscle group, the stones are helpful for focus work on those trigger points. When massaging the client's back, especially their lumbar area, the stones feel awesome! We can use deep pressure there, if you wish.
Many clients feel that hot-stone massages are very grounding, since the stones are from nature. Some people like the additional pressure that the stones can provide. Other clients just enjoy the element of heat that the stones add to their treatment.
Have you tried this modality yet? What do you like best about Hot Stone Massages?
photo courtesy abmp.
Where did hot stone massage come from, anyway? It has been increasingly popular at resorts and spa locations throughout the country. Some believe that LaStone was the original hot stone massage treatment; one story I heard in school was that a therapist, in the middle of a deep-tissue session, heard a little voice whisper to her: "Use the Stones"...... somewhat like Luke Skywalker & the Force, I suppose. Anyway, wherever the true origins of hot stone massage may be, it has many devotees!
Therapists use many different means to acquire their stones, and many different methods to heat them. My hot-stone collection was partly sourced from one of my massage supply companies, partly obtained from a gardening supply company, and partly picked up from the local oceanfront!
How are the stones used during a treatment? Well, there are many options available. Often, at the beginning of a session, I will give the client a small stone to hold in the palm of each hand. The stones are warmed, but not burning-hot to the touch. During the course of the treatment, I frequently use a stone in each of my hands to knead and glide over the larger muscles of the client's arms and legs. Also, I can take a rounded stone and use the edge of it to work the client's palms and the soles of their feet. If the client has trigger points in a major muscle group, the stones are helpful for focus work on those trigger points. When massaging the client's back, especially their lumbar area, the stones feel awesome! We can use deep pressure there, if you wish.
Many clients feel that hot-stone massages are very grounding, since the stones are from nature. Some people like the additional pressure that the stones can provide. Other clients just enjoy the element of heat that the stones add to their treatment.
Have you tried this modality yet? What do you like best about Hot Stone Massages?
photo courtesy abmp.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Do You Think This Could Be True?
If the Grinch had regularly-scheduled massage treatments, would he have been much more calm & patient, and would he have befriended the Who's down in Who-Ville, rather than burglarizing them on Christmas Eve?
Just wondering.
Just wondering.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Did You Know....
From the Little-Known-Facts department: Did you know that there are more than 200 different styles of massage therapy?
Many people are aware of Swedish massage (generally focused on relaxation), Deep tissue massage (usually focused upon 1 or 2 areas of the body where you are having issues), and Onsite Chair massage (this is becoming ubiquitous in airport terminals; it fits the environment because these treatments are most often 10 or 15 minutes in duration, and that's just enough time for you to squeeze in between your flight connections).
But there are oh, so many more massage modalities out there!
Currently I practice Swedish, Deep tissue, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, Hot stones, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Hawaiian Sacred Lomi, Prenatal, and Chair massage techniques. I have also trained in Craniosacral and a couple other modalities. I'm going to write some articles about these techniques, and hopefully you will read about something that you would like to try!
Let me know your comments and what you would like to know more about! :)
Many people are aware of Swedish massage (generally focused on relaxation), Deep tissue massage (usually focused upon 1 or 2 areas of the body where you are having issues), and Onsite Chair massage (this is becoming ubiquitous in airport terminals; it fits the environment because these treatments are most often 10 or 15 minutes in duration, and that's just enough time for you to squeeze in between your flight connections).
But there are oh, so many more massage modalities out there!
Currently I practice Swedish, Deep tissue, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, Hot stones, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Hawaiian Sacred Lomi, Prenatal, and Chair massage techniques. I have also trained in Craniosacral and a couple other modalities. I'm going to write some articles about these techniques, and hopefully you will read about something that you would like to try!
Let me know your comments and what you would like to know more about! :)
Monday, November 29, 2010
3 Reasons Why Massage Makes a Great Gift
Hello! In case you are puzzling over your gift list, wondering what would be perfect for Aunt Patty, Cousin Carl, or your child's soccer coach Chris...
Here are some fun examples of why a massage Gift Certificate is an awesome answer to your dilemma!
Here are some fun examples of why a massage Gift Certificate is an awesome answer to your dilemma!
- Aunt Patty is seriously overbooked. Not only does she babysit your sister's triplets Monday through Friday, she's President of everything: her garden club, the neighborhood association, the local runners' club, and the local ASPCA. Aunt Patty will love 60 minutes to turn off her Blackberry and relax on the massage table! A Swedish massage will help her feel calm & rejuvenated.
- Cousin Carl just started his own auto repair shop after 14 years of working for someone else. He loves it, yet, those shoulders hurt after a busy afternoon bending over BMWs, rebuilding engines, and testing trannies. And then there's paperwork, employees to interview, and supplies to purchase online. Carl used to get massage therapy to help him deal with his stress, and knows that Deep Tissue work helped him before. A Deep Tissue session will be focused on his back and the areas that bother him most; he will feel looser and have less pain at his job.
- Chris, who coaches the school soccer team, has been an inspiration to your daughter this year. Since Chris took over as head coach, your child has blossomed as a player and has made great friendships on the team. You and the other parents appreciate Chris' efforts to encourage sportsmanship & friendship among your kids; you hear that Chris has been in pain from an old college injury. Hey, what about sports massage, would that be a good idea for the parents to give the coach as an appreciation gift?? You know that sports massage will help his range of motion.
Friday, November 26, 2010
To Start my new blog: Some Massage FAQs!
Just to get things rolling, here are some FAQs about massage which are also found on my website.
If you haven't received a professional massage before, it's understandable that you may be nervous or have questions about it. No problem. Read on:
Who should get a massage?
Everyone! :) Seriously, there are some medical conditions that contraindicate massage (especially deep or vigorous techniques), but most clients will find that massage therapy is a great way to enhance your well-being and improve your health in a natural, holistic manner. The Chinese, Japanese, and people of India, for example, have been using massage for thousands of years.
What will the therapist need to know about my medical history?
To ensure that your treatment is not only beneficial to you but also safe for your medical conditions, I will give you a form to fill out and sign. Any allergies, acute or chronic conditions, serious illnesses, and injuries need to be reported on the form. In some medical cases, it may be in your best interest to get your doctor's approval before proceeding with a massage, or defer treatment to a later time. With pregnancy, I generally recommend waiting until the second trimester.
What areas of the body will the therapist work on?
Normally, the massage will include your scalp, face (if desired), neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, and back. If you just want your upper body worked on (for example), or if you want something excluded (e.g., your feet), please let me know at the beginning of the session.
If you have an isolated area that should not be worked on (e.g., a broken toe, a recent blister), please mention it.
Do I need to take all my clothing off?
This is up to you. Since this is an ethical, professional massage, you will be draped as required by the law (covered with the sheet and/or blanket). During the massage, I will uncover your arms, legs, and back as each area is worked on. Your modesty will be respected at all times. Some people take everything off for their own comfort, and some people leave their underwear on; whichever you are comfortable with.
I strongly suggest that you remove your jewelry before your massage, especially necklaces, watches, and large earrings. If needed, I can work around jewelry, but this may reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
How will I feel after the massage treatment?
Depending on the type of massage (deep tissue, hot stones, aromatherapy, etc.), you might feel relaxed, sleepy, invigorated, or temporarily sore! With LomiLomi, some clients have experienced unusual dreams after receiving the work; with focused deep tissue work, many feel that their range of motion is much improved; after a relaxing Swedish massage, you may discover a new perspective that gives you insight into a problem you've been working on. At any rate, massage is an excellent way to improve your health and wellness!
Will I be sore from the pressure?
Let me know at any time during your massage session if you want more, or less, pressure to a given area of your body. Deep tissue therapy sometimes causes a client to feel sore after the session, or you may feel delayed-onset soreness 24 to 48 hours afterward. It is suggested that, if your body is not used to receiving bodywork, deeper pressure may not be most beneficial for you at your first session. Massage may aggravate some conditions of the body, which is one reason why you need to disclose your medical history with the first appointment.
I suggest that you increase your water intake, especially the first 24 hours after your massage. It is said that this will help to flush toxins from your body. In addition, if you do feel some soreness, try soaking in a bath with Epsom salts; use an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas works great); or dampen a towel, warm it in the microwave, and apply to the sore areas for a few minutes. Many clients have found that alternating ice and moist heat is beneficial to them.
Do you have questions about your massage appointment that are not covered here? Let me know in the comments!
If you haven't received a professional massage before, it's understandable that you may be nervous or have questions about it. No problem. Read on:
Who should get a massage?
Everyone! :) Seriously, there are some medical conditions that contraindicate massage (especially deep or vigorous techniques), but most clients will find that massage therapy is a great way to enhance your well-being and improve your health in a natural, holistic manner. The Chinese, Japanese, and people of India, for example, have been using massage for thousands of years.
What will the therapist need to know about my medical history?
To ensure that your treatment is not only beneficial to you but also safe for your medical conditions, I will give you a form to fill out and sign. Any allergies, acute or chronic conditions, serious illnesses, and injuries need to be reported on the form. In some medical cases, it may be in your best interest to get your doctor's approval before proceeding with a massage, or defer treatment to a later time. With pregnancy, I generally recommend waiting until the second trimester.
What areas of the body will the therapist work on?
Normally, the massage will include your scalp, face (if desired), neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, and back. If you just want your upper body worked on (for example), or if you want something excluded (e.g., your feet), please let me know at the beginning of the session.
If you have an isolated area that should not be worked on (e.g., a broken toe, a recent blister), please mention it.
Do I need to take all my clothing off?
This is up to you. Since this is an ethical, professional massage, you will be draped as required by the law (covered with the sheet and/or blanket). During the massage, I will uncover your arms, legs, and back as each area is worked on. Your modesty will be respected at all times. Some people take everything off for their own comfort, and some people leave their underwear on; whichever you are comfortable with.
I strongly suggest that you remove your jewelry before your massage, especially necklaces, watches, and large earrings. If needed, I can work around jewelry, but this may reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
How will I feel after the massage treatment?
Depending on the type of massage (deep tissue, hot stones, aromatherapy, etc.), you might feel relaxed, sleepy, invigorated, or temporarily sore! With LomiLomi, some clients have experienced unusual dreams after receiving the work; with focused deep tissue work, many feel that their range of motion is much improved; after a relaxing Swedish massage, you may discover a new perspective that gives you insight into a problem you've been working on. At any rate, massage is an excellent way to improve your health and wellness!
Will I be sore from the pressure?
Let me know at any time during your massage session if you want more, or less, pressure to a given area of your body. Deep tissue therapy sometimes causes a client to feel sore after the session, or you may feel delayed-onset soreness 24 to 48 hours afterward. It is suggested that, if your body is not used to receiving bodywork, deeper pressure may not be most beneficial for you at your first session. Massage may aggravate some conditions of the body, which is one reason why you need to disclose your medical history with the first appointment.
I suggest that you increase your water intake, especially the first 24 hours after your massage. It is said that this will help to flush toxins from your body. In addition, if you do feel some soreness, try soaking in a bath with Epsom salts; use an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas works great); or dampen a towel, warm it in the microwave, and apply to the sore areas for a few minutes. Many clients have found that alternating ice and moist heat is beneficial to them.
Do you have questions about your massage appointment that are not covered here? Let me know in the comments!
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