December 15th, 2009 . Posted in Perceptions | No Comments »
This holiday season I began to ponder how our society is so connected, yet at the same time disconnected. Kids text friends that are right next to them. You can go online and speak to anyone, anywhere. We have cell phones tethered to us so we can be access and be accessed when we are out and about. But are we connecting to those real individuals right around us, or has this technical connection left us disconnected from the day to day world right in front of us.
So take a moment to step outside of cyberspace and say hello to your neighbor. Put down the cell phone and smile at the cashier helping you. I find that it is the little things, the simple gestures that make life great. Let’s all reconnect.
August 17th, 2009 . Posted in Perceptions | No Comments »
Tags: black eyed peas lyrics, love in the world
Where is the love?
As I drove to work listening to the Black- Eyed Peas “Where is the love?” The lyrics “What’s wrong with the world mama? People living like ain’t got no mamas.“ started me thinking.
This song resonated with me on the level of being a mother and pondering on what I wanted to teach and instill in my child, and this next generation. So many people are selfish, rude and negative…like their mama didn’t teach them anything. But maybe they didn’t.
So instead of spreading frustration and negativity, share love and patience. Positivity brings openness to great changes. If we don’t have hope or love, then what are doing here?
I may not practice this philosophy every moment of everyday. When the person in customer service seems like the last thing they care about is the customer and “there is nothing they can do for me.”; these moments I loose focus. (the tragic lack of customers service is my personal pet peeve) But most other moments I can try and eventually love and positivity will become a habit not just a practiced concept. I will then have hope for the world.
So I ask you, Where is your love?
May 11th, 2009 . Posted in Massage | No Comments »
The old theory was to take what you know and just dig in deeper. This coupled with the idea of “no pain, no gain” was often a recipe for disaster. The new school of thought is to use advanced techniques, drawing from a variety of modalities, to best address the clients specific issues. Pain is often counterproductive, causing muscles to tighten when the pain sensors are overloaded. Deep tissue massage may sometimes be a bit intense but the client should not feel as if they are enduring anything. There should be a good pain that has an “aaahhhh” effect not an “ooowwww” effect. Slowly working deeper and with intention allows time for tissue to warm up and then respond by softening and lengthening.
Think of muscles like taffy. If it is slowly pulled it stretches but if you yank it fast it tears. Muscles work on the same principle. Making sure to work within the clients comfort level is a critical componenet to a wonderful deep tissue session.
Communication and education are the key to everyones happiness. Stop suffering and get results that feel good, and not just because the session is over.
Note: Some therapies are the exception to the rule. Sports massage is more of a vigorous style and may be faster. Rolfing / Structural integration can be on the more intense side. This is usually because clients are already suffering intense pain daily. There may be more of an ow pain due to the severity of the injury / issue, but clients should see results in daily discomfort.
May 1st, 2009 . Posted in Massage | No Comments »
Tags: how often to get a massage, massage maintenance, regularity of massage
Most of us would get a massage everyday if money were no object. But since that isn’t reality, how often should one get a massage? Less is not more in this instance but once a month is an absolute minimum. Studies have shown that clients receive cumulative health benefits with monthly massages. Regular massage is an investment in your own health. There are additional benefits to seeing the same therapist. They get to know your body and can see improvements or when something has changed.
Massage is like peeling away the pages of a book. It took how long to create an issue? Life for most of us consists of continued daily stress. The fact is that stress is a large cause of disease and health problems. Massage reduces stress, improves muscle tone and circulation, helps improve breathing and brings a greater awareness of our bodies. This all facilitates health and well being. Now, I am not claiming that massage will make you skinny or that you will live to be 100. This means that you should see changes for the better and an overall improvement, which will help you live well. Make a health plan, stick with it, and feel the difference. Most therapist and spas offer some kind of frequent visitor deal.
* Maintenance of chronic pain, very physically demanding or high stress jobs may require more frequency in massage, such as every two weeks. Unless we are willing to make lifestyle changes our stress will continue to occur and build.
* Note to all the massage therapists out there. This applies to you as well….practice what you preach.
March 6th, 2009 . Posted in Massage | No Comments »
Tags: East West massage, stretching, Thai Massage
Thai Massage is worlds different from the standard Western Massage. The primary differences are that sessions take place on a Thai pad or cotton futon pad with the client wearing loose comfortable clothing and no oil is used during any part of the massage. Thai massage made its way to Thailand from India, blending Ayurvedic techniques and principles, Yoga stretches and philosophies, and influences from traditional Chinese medicine. For centuries it was performed by monks as a key component of Thai medicine.
Thai Massage therapists use body leverage and lower body strength to stretch and massage the client. Thai Massage is commonly referred to as “Lazy man’s yoga” because of its major incorporation of facilitated stretches with some point work. Although the physical body is being worked, the true focus of the treatment is primarily the “energy” of the body and mind. The goal being to bring balance to the body as a whole; thereby allowing the client to heal themselves. People describe Thai massage as an energized relaxation. Thai Massage works on the Body, Mind and Soul connection, seeing the unity in all aspects.
Some therapists and spas are trending towards a Thai Swedish fusion. The concept is to give a Swedish massage with the client draped and oiled like a regular massage and then incorporating modified Thai massage technique. This fusion can be helpful in some clients being more comfortable with trying something new but at the cost of the true essence of a Thai massage.
Our alternative at Bamboo Garden Spa is the East West Massage. The idea originally came from one of our clients who wasn’t sure if he wanted a whole Thai session and asked half way through the session if he could have the rest of his time on the table. He loved the combination and left balanced, leading us to think there was something to this idea. We expanded on this idea, offering clients 80 minutes for a taste of each modality. This is a great introduction to the world of Thai Massage or for those who want to be stretched and then kneaded.
The birth of the East West massage unites the best of both worlds. Bringing together the old world and the new. So how do we actually accomplish this? We have clients start on the floor pad for a thai massage (East part). This warms the muscles, increases flexibility with stretches, and tones the energy meridians. Half way through we step out while the client moves to the massage table for a traditional massage (West part) that focuses on the back and neck- increasing circulation and relieving stress. We are happy to say that this blend has been very well received by our clients.
Formula:
one part stretching (Thai Massage) / one part stress release (Deep Tissue) = 2 parts energized relaxation.
February 13th, 2009 . Posted in Skincare | No Comments »
Tags: healthy skin, skin care
Essentials for healthy skin
Facials help fight the effects of the environment on our face, but daily maintenance is required to keep skin healthy and youthful. A complete home maintenance program can help achieve long term results.
A few skin care essentials are:
* Get adequate sleep
* Drink plenty of water (coffee, tea, and juices do not count)
* Protect skin from sun damage (wear a min. 15 spf broad spectrum sunscreen daily)
* Use products appropriate for your skin type / condition (take care to always follow recommended guidelines)
February 13th, 2009 . Posted in Benefits | No Comments »
Tags: boost metabolism, detox, health, sauna, sweat
Sauna Therapy
*Increased muscle relaxation
*Increased energy levels and stamina
*Improved memory and concentration
*Greater resistance to illness
*An improved sense of total well-being
*Renewed vitality
Regular sauna bathing is regarded as a beneficial kind of “jogging” for the heart and blood vessels. Your metabolism is boosted and circulation is increased helping to flush toxins. Sauna bathing can also be beneficial for pre/post workout relaxation, help relieve allergies and sinus congestion and help relieve arthritic pain. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, sauna bathing can burn as many as 300 calories during each session, which is equal to running 2-3 miles. It activates the nervous system and stimulates the production of endorphins, which are said to be able to alleviate pain and enhance the body’s feeling of well-being.
February 10th, 2009 . Posted in Benefits, Massage | No Comments »
Massage Therapy
* Promotes relaxation and sense of well being
* Reduces stress and anxiety
* Relaxes tight muscles
* Relieves muscle aches and joint stiffness
* Improves flexibility in muscles and joints
* Removes toxins from muscles
* Speeds recovery from exercise, injury , and post surgery
* Promotes deeper and easier breathing
* Improves posture and muscle tone
* Improves circulation of blood and lymph
* Tones immune system and energy flow
This is a general list, as benefits vary from person to person. Some modalities focus on certain benefits more than others.