Thankfulness/Gratitude Attitude

Thankfulness/Gratitude Attitude

This month always brings me to review my wonderful Blessings of the Year...and how much i want to let the people that have supported my dreams, my ambitions, and my goals know how much i truly appreciate their love.

Along the way I've met some people that truly have inspired me and allowed me to make new choices and I am grateful for all that have entered into my world.

I get teary eyed, and sentimental about the wonderful times I've enjoyed with family, friends, and co-workers, neighbors along my journey this Year. I smile because of all the good times, I may shed a tear because of some of low periods in my life, yet through those times...I've always been able to see the Rainbow upon the Horizon...

So during this Season of Thanksgiving...Take the time to share with your family and friends, co-workers with the Gift of Massage...
Massage is a wonderful way of showing love towards a person because the time on the table is truly time well spent. When was the last time someone gave you their undivided attention for 60 minutes?? Sounds wonderful, relaxing and very enjoyable.

Be Thankful for your Many Blessings this Year...
and Share the Gift of Massage....Gift Certificates are a Great Way to Express this with family, friends and are available online on my website.
Schedule your 60 Minutes of Relaxation Today....

" Every BODY KNEADS a Massage ! "

Learning About Massage

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:

Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.

Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.

Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.

There are more than 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.


Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.



Make your Appointment for Relaxation...Today...

Every BODY DESERVES a Massage Week--July 18- July 24, 2010

Come participate in a Week of Massage--This week only ALL Massages are $60.00 to Celebrate our Annual ' Every body deserves a Massage Week '...why not you?
Just think about all the wonderful things your body allows you to do every day, every minute and hour? Roll over and hit that snooze button in the morning, drive your car in Atlanta traffic? Give your children or spouse a hug?, go to the gym and workout, paper push all day at the office? So many things...
So why not Celebrate with me and schedule your Massage during this week?
Thursday and Friday I will have day time hours of 10am - 6pm....so book your time today...sessions for massage are filling up fast...

" Every BODY KNEADS a Massage "

What do bodywork and Yoga have in Common?

They both:

"Allow the breath to rule, leading inevitably to elasticity.
Approach pain as a teacher.
Embody fluid expressions of life as change.
Increase self-awareness and self-knowledge.
Increase the speed of healing from injuries and accidents.
Maximize human potential.
Present opportunities for the mind to rest and the body to speak.
Provide mirrors for an individual's life journey.
See the body as an expression of the soul.
See the body as interactive and unified.
Seek to erase traumatic imprints through practice and experience.
Share the perspective that our histories are in the fibers of our connective tissues." by Stephanie Mines, PhD

I recently gave HOT Yoga a try and let me tell you it was challenging for all the above reasons. Due to the fact that I became claustrophobic, unable to breathe and allow my mind to rest...I quickly made the decision that possible I should have begun with regular YOGA and graduated to Hot Yoga. I must admit once i made it through the 90 minutes of torture....my body felt Fantabulous.
Bodywork and Yoga do go together..hope to see you on my table soon..
" Every BODY KNEADS a Massage !"

Father's KNEAD Massage, too

Think of all the men in your life that would benefit from a relaxing 60 minute massage? Your brother, your mate, maybe a co-worker, or even your Dad. Men sometimes will neglect making the time to take care of themselves.
Treat the Man in your life...to a Massage...Contact me for a Gift Certificate and he can schedule his appointment on his own schedule..And just in case he chooses not to use the Gift Certificate? You will have the freedom to use the Gift Certificate yourself for a Smashing Swedish Massage...

Massage Tidbit: An hour massage is the equivalent to 7 hours of sleep. Now who couldn't use that kind of rest with a 60 minute massage!!

Every BODY KNEADS a Massage..

Mother's Day Gift Certificates

Mother's Day

What a Wonderful Gift to Give the Person that gave you Life?
A 60 minute Massage!
Purchase a Gift Certificate on the Website under Book it

Massage, Now More than Ever---is not a Luxury...

Massage, Now More Than Ever
Consumers may be tempted to trim their
wellness budgets when economic times are
tough. Yet a recent national consumer survey
showed most massage-minded Americans are
committed to maintaining the health benefits
they experience with massage. It makes sense—
the better you feel, the better job you can do of
caring for yourself and your loved ones.
Massage should play a role in reducing stress
and strengthening the health of Americans.
When people feel their best, they are more likely
to be able to face the challenges difficult times
present. With greater health and peace of mind,
consumers can face difficulties with poise, clarity
of purpose, and strengthened emotional reserves.
Truly, massage is more than a luxury—it’s a
vital part of self-care that has a positive ripple
effect on us as we work, play, and care for others.

Invest in yourself and those
you love
If you think about it, massage is an excellent
value. The price of massage has remained stable
in recent years, as the cost of movies, dining
out, and sports events has risen. Which of these
has the power to improve your health and your
outlook on life? In economically challenging times, it is vital
to invest in preventative healthcare. The last
thing you want is to get sick, have to take time off
work, and pay expensive medical bills.
Following are health reasons all American
adults should be including massage in their family
budgets and schedules. Massage therapy:
• Boosts the immune system.
• Reduces anxiety.
• Reduces the flow of stress hormones.
• Improves sleep.
• Improves energy levels
and reduces fatigue.
• Improves concentration.
• Increases circulation.
• Improves self-esteem.
• Reduces frequency of headaches.
• Releases endorphins.
Positive Effects
The positive effects of regular massage can
have benefits in many areas of your life.
Home. Massage therapy
helps families under
stress create healthy
households with clear thinking
and more
relaxed moms and
dads. Individuals taking
care of themselves are
better equipped to be
responsive caregivers
who can provide a sense
of security—to children,
partners, aging parents,
or other family members.
Work. The health benefits of massage can help
forestall illnesses and lost work time, especially
when you may be asked to produce more with
fewer resources. Decision-making skills will
be better and your performance is likely to be
improved with a clear focus and more energy.

A hint for the boss: Research shows employees
exhibit improved performance and less stress
when given twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in
the office.
Health. Those with existing health conditions
can continue to reap benefits in the following
ways. Proactively caring for health through
massage may help reduce costly doctor visits
and use of prescription and over-the-counter
medications.

Massage and Chronic Pain

by Sylvia Carlson

Massage can ease chronic pain. Massage therapy research shows how chronic pain can be relieved.

Everyone probably knows at least one person who is suffering from some form of chronic pain.

It is a very debilitating and isolating experience because you cannot actually see pain. Massage therapy can be effective in reducing pain.
Pain Statistics

In Canada, one in ten people suffer from chronic pain. According to the 2001 Ipsos Reid National Canadian Pain study, that's about 31% of Canadians. In the U.S., the American Pain Association estimated that chronic pain affected approximately 86 million Americans (2001).
Can Massage Relieve Pain?

Pain is noted to be the most frequent complaint brought to physicians in North America. Medical authorities define pain as a subjective feeling that cannot be observed or even measured directly, and it is often explained away by the stress concept or as a result of mental stress. It comes as no surprise then, why so many people seek alternative ways to deal with their pain. In 1997, a U.S. health survey showed that consumers spent between 4 and 6 billion dollars on massage. The American Massage Therapy Association noted that 47% of the people polled in a consumer survey used massage therapy to relieve and manage their pain, and 91% said massage therapy was effective in reducing pain.
Pain Relief

In ancient Greece and Rome, it was actually the physicians who utilized massage as one of the primary methods to treat pain. Today, massage therapists are some of the best trained people to deal with myofascial and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Why? Because that's what they are trained to do.

Massage therapists are trained in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and they spend many hours physically palpating and manipulating the muscles and soft tissue of the body. Whether it is lower back pain, arthritis or fibromyalgia, massage may be able to relieve the associated pain.
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Make your Appointment to Release some of the aches and pains of your hectic schedule with me soon.
Book online and save $10.00 on your Appointment...Hope to see you soon !!

Valentines Day Gift Certificates A Lovely Gift

Valentine's Day Gift Certificates are available to purchase online !
Make this Valentine's Day Special with the Gift of Love, with Purchasing this online in increments of 60/ 90 minutes. Make your appointment online. Go to Book It Now Page on my website. I look forward to seeing you on my table. "Every BODY KNEADS a Massage" which includes you. Just as a Special note, say if your recipient does not use this Gift Certificate...you can redeem the Gift Certificate yourself. No worries.

Valentines Day Give the Gift of Massage

Valentine's Day is a time to show the ones you love that they are appreciated.
Giving a Wonderful gift of a massage. When was the last time someone spent quality time with you for one full hour, with all the focus on you and no interruptions? Purchase a Gift Certificate and allow your mate, your family members, a co-worker to experience my Smashing Swedish Massage, or my Hurts So Good-Tension Easing Massage.
Valentine's Day comes once a year, make this Year Special with the Gift of Massage. Hurry and book your appointment online---slots are filling fast..By the way, if they choose not to use the Gift Certificate please feel free to redeem the Gift Certificate for yourself !! So you have nothing to lose yet all to gain in the pleasure of a Massage- I believe--Every BODY KNEADS a Massage !!

6 Tips to Ward off Parched Winter Skin

Keep Skin Healthy and Radiant Using Some Simple Steps

By Christine Spehar

Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Autumn/Winter Copyright 2008. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

When the weather outside is frightful, is your skin less than delightful? Unfortunately, dry winter skin is a common problem for most people, due to lower moisture levels outside and the drying effect of heating systems inside. If dryness, flaking, itching, cracking, and redness increase for your skin during the winter months, you're not alone. According to a November 2005 study published in Dermatology, seasonal outbreaks of eczema in the United States are prominent, with most patients presenting symptoms in the winter, especially in climates where indoor heating zaps all the humidity from the air.

Instead of covering up the problem with sweaters and scarves, keep skin healthy and radiant all year long using some simple steps.


Get Advice
First thing's first--even though most people's skin reacts poorly to the harsh conditions of winter, that doesn't mean all skin should be treated the same for seasonal dryness and itching. Everyone's skin and conditions vary. Seeking out the advice of a skin care professional will give you the right answers.

Typically, if you have chronically dry skin, the condition can get worse in the wintertime, if your skin is typically more oily, you will want to moisturize more during the colder months, but be careful not to over-moisturize with too oily a product.

To protect against harsh conditions, choose an oil-based moisturizer, but make sure the oil used in the product is noncomedogenic, meaning it doesn't clog pores. Avocado oil, primrose oil, or almond oil are all non-clogging, as is jojoba wax ester. "Jojoba wax ester has the unique property of being chemically similar to human sebum, so it's nonallergenic, doesn't clog pores, and is assimilated into the epidermis very easily," says Bob Butler, founder of Jojoba Company, based in Waldoboro, Maine. "It's a great emollient. You could add a couple drops of jojoba ester to your normal summertime moisturizer to turn it into a great wintertime protector."

To find out which wintertime skin regimen is best for you, talk to your esthetician and see what he or she recommends.


Consider Climate
Taking location into account is also an important part of winter skin care. Even though temperatures have dropped across the country, not all places are created equal when it comes to wintertime climates. If you live in an especially dry area, it's sure to get even dryer in the wintertime--think high altitude alpine environments or deserts. In overly dry areas like these, it's vital to use the right kind of moisturizer--one that doesn't contain humectants. "Humectants, when used in the right environment, work wonderfully. But they require moisture, and if there is none in the air, they have to take it from the skin. This is a big issue with people who live in dry climates because there is little moisture in the air," says Victoria Rayner, founder of skin care facilities in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., that provide esthetics training and esthetician licensing preparation. If you do not have oily skin, Rayner recommends using an occlusive product that will seal in moisture while in a dry environment. "An oil-based product is best in this situation," Rayner says.


Try Magical Masks
If your daily moisturizer isn't doing the trick, try a high-intensity hydration mask once a week. "Hydration masks are key to long-term results when addressing winter skin complaints," says Celia Lang, spa manager and licensed esthetician for Weleda North America, a natural skin care company based in Palisades, New York. "If you are not properly hydrated, then you can't expect skin cells to normalize or respond to a problem." Following a moisturizing cleanse, Lang suggests leaving a hydrating mask on the skin for at least 10 minutes and up to a half hour to allow the healing properties to fully penetrate the epidermis. Masks should be performed about once a month. For daily care, be sure to use a moisturizing day cream that contains sun block to prevent further sun damage and dryness.


Heal From The Inside Out
It's not just what we do on the outside that counts, but also what's happening inside our bodies that can affect skin health. According to Bev Maya, medical herbalist and owner of Maya Natural Health in Vancouver, British Columbia, elimination organs like the liver and kidneys play a key role in skin health, if these organs are not functioning at their best or are backed up with toxins, your skin can suffer.

According to Maya, certain herbs support efficient liver function in relation to skin problems, especially dandelion root, burdock root, blue flag root, and chickweed herb, which are especially good for itchy skin. For improved kidney function, which would result in the increased flow of urine to speed removal of water-soluble toxins from the body and provide necessary minerals for healthy skin, she suggests dandelion leaf and plantain herb. Useful lymphatic drainage herbs, which support healthy immune function and removal of toxins from the skin, are cleavers and red clover, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, herbs to aid digestive function are slippery elm, which Maya says decreases inflammation of mucous membranes and skin, wild yam, which is also a strong anti-inflammatory, and marshmallow root which soothes irritated membranes and skin.


Give A Hand To Humidity
Another way to combat the drying effect of your heating system is to invest in a humidifier to bring moisture into your home. Placing several small humidifiers throughout the house will have the best effect, but even one placed by your bed and turned on while you sleep will create a noticeable difference. Plants will also increase the moisture content of the air surrounding them, so go green this winter with some houseplants.


Turn Down The Heat
Lowering the temperature of your showers and baths will help your skin survive the winter with fewer traumas. It turns out that the concentrated heat of a hot bath, shower, or hot tub session can actually rupture the lipid barriers in the skin, thereby reducing its moisture content. Instead, use warm water and stay in the shower for a shorter amount of time. A soothing, lukewarm bath with oatmeal and baking soda can also help combat dry, itchy skin.

Like the song goes, winter can be "the most wonderful time of the year!" Make sure it stays that way this season by treating your skin well and protecting it from some of winter's not-so-wonderful elements.