Thursday, April 29, 2010

Why get a massage?

If you'd like to get a massage, you first need to find a licensed or registered therapist. If it is your first massage, a licensed or registered therapist should be able to explain what you can expect. How can you tell if they are licensed or registered? Look for NCBTMB, NCTMB, LMT behind their name. If you see just Massage Therapist or CMT, be leery. They have limited education which leads to limited knowledge or skills. CMT means they are certified but, certification only means possibly 8 hours to 100 hours of training. It is important to know the muscular structure and function and also the physical body ailments.
I have an education in Radiography and Massage Therapy. My Anatomy and Physiology was studied in depth when I went to school for Radiography. I am so thankful for all the information that was taught to me because what I learned comes up a lot during an intake session in massage therapy.
Massage has many benefits with the biggest one being stress relief. Many of us are under stress in one way or another. Stress can create many issues with our body to include mental or physical pain. Mental pain can be felt in any area of the body and can deteriorate our health quickly as well as physical pain. It is important that we listen to our body during it's time of need. Getting a massage may seem expensive, but it is more expensive for surgery. There are some contradictions to massage so ask for physician if it is right for you.
I myself get a massage monthly for an hour and a half. If I feel I need more massage I go twice a month. I like to think I listen to my body. Don't let life get you down. Get a massage and practice yoga....

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Thai Yoga Massage

Thai yoga massage was created based on historic Indian traditions. The session is a mix of stretches and acupressure massage which helps to promote the flow of energy in the body. Thai yoga massage is becoming more popular across the world.
Thai yoga aims to reduce blockages and promote healthy energy flow through gentle stretches, massage, and stimulation of central points of energy. Muscular blockages lead to insufficient energy levels and therefore health problems.
Thai yoga massage can last 60 to 90 minutes. It is a hands-on combination of gentle stretching and stimulating massage. The therapist leads the client through a slow, methodical process of breathing control, gentle stretching, and massage aimed at opening energy channels and stimulating muscular and nerve centers.
Christina has been practicing and training for two years. She plans to continue training this year and through 2011. She hopes to accumiulate more interest in Thai Yoga Massage as she feels it is beneficial for everyone just like yoga.
In Thai Massage, the client remains fully clothed in comfortable clothing that is not binding in any area of the body. This allows for full flow of energy through all of the centers. This is perfect for those who are uncomfortable undressing during traditional table massage.
In the end, the client will feel fully open and released from any muscular tension felt prior to the Thai Yoga Massage. There is about a 15 minute resting session in the end to fully relax the client and take them to a quiet place of meditation. It is the perfect end of a perfect session. Namaste'

Monday, April 26, 2010

Why practice yoga?

That seems to be a question that comes up everyday. Everyone thinks that they will come to a yoga class and meditate for an hour. Most people are comfused about what yoga is and what class to take. It seems yoga is more complicated than what it really is. I remember when I first started looking at yoga. With a background in running, weight training, arobics and any other high impact exercise you can think of I couldn't imagine slowing down and doing yoga. So, I bought my first yoga DVD. I always worked out at home and never went to a gym. I am very self disciplined. Anyway, I worked out with my yoga DVD for the first time about 11 years ago. I was amazed at how great I felt. I was also amazed at how inflexible I was. The first backbend almost left me paralyzed (just kidding). It did floor me though. But, the imprtant thing is that I left me high impact exercise behind and started practicing yoga more frequently. I bough every yoga DVD I could find. Soon after that, my siet changed, my body image changed, my confidence rose, my body awareness arrived, my life changed for the better and I became a better person. Was it yoga? I do give it credit. I also credit massage as it came about 4 years later. What would I do without yoga & massage? So, yoga is not an hour of meditation unless you go to a meditation class. Yoga is a workout. No matter what class you take. What is important is the knowledge of what kind of yoga you are going to take. There are many types of yoga classes out there and I would be leary of walking into a yoga class that labels that class as just Yoga. Be sure you know the class fits your level. If you are a beginner, at least make sure it is a beginners class. Then there is the question of whether it is a vinyasa flow, Iyenger, Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, Kundilini, or Hatha yoga. I think I hit them all but you get the idea. Just be sure you know what you are walking into when you go to yoga. I am positive you feel good when the class is over.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Craniosacral Therapy

I just got back from my first training. Two more to go. It is very confusing as it is a whole new way of looking at the body. In massage I was trained to be aggressive but in Cranio I'm trained to be light and patient. I have a couple of things I need to work on. Oh boy! I'll get back to you later this week on details of my training.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Ginger Mango Smoothee

Her's a healthy smoothee recipe to get your warm summer mornings off to a good start. This would go great during your spring detox also. Exchange the milk for soy milk or almond milk. Yummmmmmmmm!
2 cups frozen mango chunks*
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
1 6-oz. carton plain lowfat yogurt
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder (optional)
2 Tbsp. honey
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• In a blender combine mango chunks, pineapple, yogurt, milk, milk powder (if using),honey and ginger. Cover and blend until smooth. Makes: 4 (6-ounce) servings

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Time to Detox

Feeling sluggish, achy, bloated? Time to detox. Spring is a great time to detox with all the new sprouts, greens and berrys. I find I have more energy and can maintain my weight if I detox at least twice a year. I have also been told that it is good to detox in each season because each season boasts its own individual harvest of fresh foods and our bodies need them all. It is best to eat the in-season foods to keep your digestive and lymph systems working at their peak. There are many web pages to visit that can help you optimize your detox. The length of time you spend in your detox is determined by your will-power. I like to spend at least 2 weeks detoxing to thoroughly cleanse my system and to get it running at top speed. Does anyone have any helpful advice to add to this post?

Monday, April 19, 2010

Craniosacral Therapy

I am excited to announce that Friday the 23rd of April is my first training in Craniosacral Therapy. I have done my best to explain what this type of therapy is but I have found it difficult to do without the training. There are many definitions out there. This is the best description I have found.
Craniosacral Therapy is an alternative medicine used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and occupational therapists. The session begins with the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which allows them to tune into their craniosacral system. The practitioner works with the spine and skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragm and fascia. The restriction of nerve passages is released and the movement of cerebral spinal fluid through the spinal cord is optimized, and misaligned bones are restored to their natural position. Craniosacral Therapists use this treatment to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ syndrome, and chronic pain syndrome such as fybromyaglia. A condition defined as unexplained muscular pain.
I will continue to update you with information as travel through my trainings.

Charity Month

This month I am asking for donations to give the the Prince of Peace food pantry or to the La Crescent Animal Rescue.
Prince of Peace is in need of non-perishable food items and toiletries.
La Crescent Animal Rescue is in need of items for dogs & cats to include food like Science Diet cat food. Leashes, collars, rawhide chews, beds are a few of the items they need. Visit them at www.lacrescentanimalrescue.org for more information.
Bring you items to Simple Pleasures Yoga & Massage and take 5% off of your services!