Frequently people feel very relaxed, and often quite tired after a healing session. This is completely normal, and if sessions typically affect you in this way, its always best to plan one when you know you have time to have some down time! Tiredness happens for a couple of reasons:
- if you are highly stressed in your day to day life, and you are finally taking a break
- not sleeping adequately for even a short period of time, your body wants to catch up
- and most importantly, because your body is healing and it needs the time and space to continue to do so.
Our bodies are amazing healers, we just don't give ourselves the time to let that happen. Which is the reason why us healers exist. When you are feeling like you need a nap after a session, its your body's way of letting you know that the healing that happened on the table, needs a little more time to sink and settle in, and really create healthy change. Resting is what supports and allows for this change to occur. Do your best to listen to, and honor your body during this time, and rest as much as you need to!
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Monday, 10 March 2014
To Chiro or Not To Chiro
Questions about chiropractics comes up quite a bit in my practice. I have been asked many questions about it so I thought I would clarify my stance on chiropractics!
I personally see a chiropractor (Dr. Kennedy @ Full Circle ) I have gone the traditional chiropractor route as in the really physical adjustments which may or may not include a highly specialized body slam, which is highly effective. But I now see a NUCCA specialist, (click on it for full info) they work very gently and with the righting reflex, if your head is on straight your body will follow suit, and your spine will gently and naturally restore itself.
I have needed chiropractic care since the age of 16, it is something that has been very important in keeping me well, I have worked physically demanding jobs for most of my life, I carried a heavy backpack as a kid, I don't always have great posture. All of those things have lead me to both chiro and massage to reduce physical pain, tension, headaches, dizziness, keep my digestion system flowing in a healthy way, helps me breathe better, sleep better, and also led me to the career that I am in.
Chiropractics are looking at and fixing the bones and joints (they also do wrists, shoulders, elbows, ankles if need be!) Massage looks at the muscles that are holding and supporting the bones and joints. So, when their powers are combined, they help each other out, adjustments will last longer (muscles won't go back into unhealthy holding patterns), massages will be more effective and last longer as well.
Not everyone needs a chiropractor, so if you don't feel like you want to or need to see one, then don't. It's Your body which means it is Your choice. But know that it is very safe, they have actual Doctor designations, they have trained for 7 years (usually longer when they specialize). If you have an aversion to cracking bones, check out NUCCA, if you are uncomfortable with a specific technique be vocal, a good Dr. will listen to you and honour your wishes and do what they can to get you back to wellness within your comfort levels.
By all means if you have any other questions please feel free to ask me!
I personally see a chiropractor (Dr. Kennedy @ Full Circle ) I have gone the traditional chiropractor route as in the really physical adjustments which may or may not include a highly specialized body slam, which is highly effective. But I now see a NUCCA specialist, (click on it for full info) they work very gently and with the righting reflex, if your head is on straight your body will follow suit, and your spine will gently and naturally restore itself.
I have needed chiropractic care since the age of 16, it is something that has been very important in keeping me well, I have worked physically demanding jobs for most of my life, I carried a heavy backpack as a kid, I don't always have great posture. All of those things have lead me to both chiro and massage to reduce physical pain, tension, headaches, dizziness, keep my digestion system flowing in a healthy way, helps me breathe better, sleep better, and also led me to the career that I am in.
Chiropractics are looking at and fixing the bones and joints (they also do wrists, shoulders, elbows, ankles if need be!) Massage looks at the muscles that are holding and supporting the bones and joints. So, when their powers are combined, they help each other out, adjustments will last longer (muscles won't go back into unhealthy holding patterns), massages will be more effective and last longer as well.
Not everyone needs a chiropractor, so if you don't feel like you want to or need to see one, then don't. It's Your body which means it is Your choice. But know that it is very safe, they have actual Doctor designations, they have trained for 7 years (usually longer when they specialize). If you have an aversion to cracking bones, check out NUCCA, if you are uncomfortable with a specific technique be vocal, a good Dr. will listen to you and honour your wishes and do what they can to get you back to wellness within your comfort levels.
By all means if you have any other questions please feel free to ask me!
Wednesday, 1 January 2014
What's All That Gurgling About? The Truth Behind Stomach Noises During Massage
I've heard all kinds of abdominal gurgling in massage sessions, and I have also heard apologies time and time again. The truth is, no apology is ever needed when your stomach decides to let itself be heard!
Here are some of the little know facts as to what it is and why:
- There is actually a term for 'the rumbling or gurgling noise made by the fluid or gas moving through the intestines' it is called borborygmus (bor-bo-ryg-mus)
- When your back is getting massaged - especially the lower back- your intestines are getting some of the benefit, they sit just beneath the muscles, and this helps to improve their function.
- When our brains perceive stress, our body takes it as a sign of distress and goes on high alert, which slows down our rest and digest system, and puts our energy and resources into our fight or flight system instead, it diverts blood flow and resources to our arms and legs (so we can punch or run), to our eyes (to see what we are hitting or where we are running), and to our hearts and lungs. *the stress can be due to work deadlines, driving on winter roads, an argument with a friend or partner, or even just seeing a spider on the roof over there, we are a pretty high stress society!.
- The part of the nervous system (parasympathetic) that is responsible for getting our digestive system working is coined as the 'rest and digest' division. The reason being, when we enter into a relaxed state, it signals to the body it is the optimal time to digest and kicks our digestive system into working.
-or you could just be hungry.
So during a massage your body gets time for much needed rest and starts (or resumes) getting to it's digestive work, which leads to all kinds of noise, which quite frankly, as a holistic massage therapist, I don't really even notice nearly as much as you do (and I am happy to hear it, it means you are relaxing!). So do yourself a favor and when you hear a gurgle, take a moment to just be happy that your body is doing an amazing job, and just go back to relaxing!
Here are some of the little know facts as to what it is and why:
- There is actually a term for 'the rumbling or gurgling noise made by the fluid or gas moving through the intestines' it is called borborygmus (bor-bo-ryg-mus)
- When your back is getting massaged - especially the lower back- your intestines are getting some of the benefit, they sit just beneath the muscles, and this helps to improve their function.
- When our brains perceive stress, our body takes it as a sign of distress and goes on high alert, which slows down our rest and digest system, and puts our energy and resources into our fight or flight system instead, it diverts blood flow and resources to our arms and legs (so we can punch or run), to our eyes (to see what we are hitting or where we are running), and to our hearts and lungs. *the stress can be due to work deadlines, driving on winter roads, an argument with a friend or partner, or even just seeing a spider on the roof over there, we are a pretty high stress society!.
- The part of the nervous system (parasympathetic) that is responsible for getting our digestive system working is coined as the 'rest and digest' division. The reason being, when we enter into a relaxed state, it signals to the body it is the optimal time to digest and kicks our digestive system into working.
-or you could just be hungry.
So during a massage your body gets time for much needed rest and starts (or resumes) getting to it's digestive work, which leads to all kinds of noise, which quite frankly, as a holistic massage therapist, I don't really even notice nearly as much as you do (and I am happy to hear it, it means you are relaxing!). So do yourself a favor and when you hear a gurgle, take a moment to just be happy that your body is doing an amazing job, and just go back to relaxing!
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
What an Intuitive Holistic Healer Does
Intuitive Holistic Healing is what I do, but it is a term that many people are unfamiliar with and I thought I should help explain what that is.
I have built a foundation of knowledge through my 2200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma program, which gave me the in-depth knowledge of how the body works, not only the mechanics of muscle and bone, but how the physical body as a whole functions. The understanding of how each system (respiratory, digestive, nervous system, etc.) works independently and together to create homeostasis - which is the body's way of creating a healthy balance within itself.
I continued my education to include energetic healing , consisting of Reiki, which addresses the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the self. The Chakras, and discovering how each Chakra, when out of balance, not only affects the energy system, but the physical one as well. Combining that with the understanding that each individual has a unique pattern of energy that can be affected by their life circumstances (stress, emotional trauma, worry, etc.), as well as outside influences (being around people who are energy drainers, stress of work, relationships with others, etc). I have also explored Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the form of Acupressure and Reflexology, which allows me to release stagnant or blocked energy which is the TCM theory of why dis-ease occurs, using acupoints through the whole body or just the hands and feet. This also works with the physical body by releasing trigger points, which are those painful spots that when pressed on creates the sensation of pain travelling to other areas in the body.
I have also become a certified Body Talk practitioner, which taught me how to listen to what the body needs in an intuitive way and getting your body's natural healing ability to kick in, in a focused way.
So, what does all of that mean?
When someone comes into Omnia Wellness and sees me for shoulder pain, for example, my job is to figure out what the reason is for the pain, and what combination of my knowledge is needed to actually create a change, to reduce/eliminate the pain.
It could be because of:
-a physical imbalance in the muscles or from overuse, or sleeping on it wrong
- the feeling like you are taking on the weight of the world,
- a "chip on your shoulder" - anger or frustration affecting that area
- energy that is blocked in a different area of the body, commonly the hip on the opposite side, that is disrupting healthy energy flow.
And the list could go on and on and on.
How an Intuitive Holistic Healer works, is by co-creating the healing process with you, asking specific questions to help get an understanding of what is going on, then using the intuitive process to connect with what the body is saying it needs. Then custom creating the right blend of therapies (which can mean that each session can look and feel entirely different) to truly treat you as a whole being, and help you feel better, physically, emotionally, mentally, energetically, and spiritually.
*not everyone who is an Intuitive Holistic Healer has the specific education that I have received, I recommend asking questions and doing some research to find a healer that has the qualities that you connect with*
I have built a foundation of knowledge through my 2200 hour Massage Therapy Diploma program, which gave me the in-depth knowledge of how the body works, not only the mechanics of muscle and bone, but how the physical body as a whole functions. The understanding of how each system (respiratory, digestive, nervous system, etc.) works independently and together to create homeostasis - which is the body's way of creating a healthy balance within itself.
I continued my education to include energetic healing , consisting of Reiki, which addresses the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the self. The Chakras, and discovering how each Chakra, when out of balance, not only affects the energy system, but the physical one as well. Combining that with the understanding that each individual has a unique pattern of energy that can be affected by their life circumstances (stress, emotional trauma, worry, etc.), as well as outside influences (being around people who are energy drainers, stress of work, relationships with others, etc). I have also explored Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the form of Acupressure and Reflexology, which allows me to release stagnant or blocked energy which is the TCM theory of why dis-ease occurs, using acupoints through the whole body or just the hands and feet. This also works with the physical body by releasing trigger points, which are those painful spots that when pressed on creates the sensation of pain travelling to other areas in the body.
I have also become a certified Body Talk practitioner, which taught me how to listen to what the body needs in an intuitive way and getting your body's natural healing ability to kick in, in a focused way.
So, what does all of that mean?
When someone comes into Omnia Wellness and sees me for shoulder pain, for example, my job is to figure out what the reason is for the pain, and what combination of my knowledge is needed to actually create a change, to reduce/eliminate the pain.
It could be because of:
-a physical imbalance in the muscles or from overuse, or sleeping on it wrong
- the feeling like you are taking on the weight of the world,
- a "chip on your shoulder" - anger or frustration affecting that area
- energy that is blocked in a different area of the body, commonly the hip on the opposite side, that is disrupting healthy energy flow.
And the list could go on and on and on.
How an Intuitive Holistic Healer works, is by co-creating the healing process with you, asking specific questions to help get an understanding of what is going on, then using the intuitive process to connect with what the body is saying it needs. Then custom creating the right blend of therapies (which can mean that each session can look and feel entirely different) to truly treat you as a whole being, and help you feel better, physically, emotionally, mentally, energetically, and spiritually.
*not everyone who is an Intuitive Holistic Healer has the specific education that I have received, I recommend asking questions and doing some research to find a healer that has the qualities that you connect with*
Saturday, 4 May 2013
The 3-Part Breath
How To Breathe:
The 3 part breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through either your mouth or nose (which ever is more comfortable). First inhale and focus on breathing into your belly, exhale. Then inhale into your ribs - feel your rib cage expand outwards, exhale. Last, inhale into your chest - feel your chest rise up, exhale. Now combine all three into one breath, belly, ribs, chest. Inhale for a 4 count, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat this 3-5 times any time your feeling stressed or overwhelmed, to start meditation, or before bed to help you sleep! *if you feel dizzy at any point STOP and return to your normal breathing!
Making Time to Sit and Think
Sometimes meditation is hard because you can't quiet those thoughts, but what if listening to those thoughts were more important then trying to release or silence them?
When was the last time that you actually stopped just to think? I think part of the problem is that it looks as though we aren't doing anything at all, and in this lovely time we live in, that is practically unheard of. Yet it is incredibly important for us to do. To actually take time out of our day to really be present and think about a task at hand, a dream we would like to pursue, a problem we would like to learn from and change, or even just life in general can be so beneficial to your mental well being.
The beauty of it is, a thinking meditation can be as helpful as other forms of meditation. So give it a try and see if it resonates with you. Take some time out of your day(it can be 5 minutes or even an hour if you are on to something), turn the TV and computer off, turn your phone to silent, and tell the people around you this is going to be your time, and you need to be left alone.
Before you begin, think about what you want to think about, try to keep your thoughts focused on one idea, or one dream, one challenge that you are facing, or even one emotion that you need clarity on. The point is to still have a focused mind during this process, try not to let your mind wander, and when it does bring your thoughts back to the 'thought' at hand.
Remember to have a notebook and a pen handy, our minds really like puzzles and when it is given the opportunity to focus on solving something and the freedom to really explore an idea, the amazing things that it comes up with are often worth writing down.
Set a timer if you want to, and then all you have to do is sit, and think. Simple!
Leave a comment and let me know how you like the thinking meditation!
When was the last time that you actually stopped just to think? I think part of the problem is that it looks as though we aren't doing anything at all, and in this lovely time we live in, that is practically unheard of. Yet it is incredibly important for us to do. To actually take time out of our day to really be present and think about a task at hand, a dream we would like to pursue, a problem we would like to learn from and change, or even just life in general can be so beneficial to your mental well being.
The beauty of it is, a thinking meditation can be as helpful as other forms of meditation. So give it a try and see if it resonates with you. Take some time out of your day(it can be 5 minutes or even an hour if you are on to something), turn the TV and computer off, turn your phone to silent, and tell the people around you this is going to be your time, and you need to be left alone.
Before you begin, think about what you want to think about, try to keep your thoughts focused on one idea, or one dream, one challenge that you are facing, or even one emotion that you need clarity on. The point is to still have a focused mind during this process, try not to let your mind wander, and when it does bring your thoughts back to the 'thought' at hand.
Remember to have a notebook and a pen handy, our minds really like puzzles and when it is given the opportunity to focus on solving something and the freedom to really explore an idea, the amazing things that it comes up with are often worth writing down.
Set a timer if you want to, and then all you have to do is sit, and think. Simple!
Leave a comment and let me know how you like the thinking meditation!
Thursday, 25 April 2013
When Traditional Massage Isn't Enough...Fusion is the next best step to feeling good.
I love traditional massage, we put our bodies through a lot, and the pain and discomfort that arises from repeating the same actions, working out to hard, etc. warrants a massage for sure.
But what do you do when massage isn't enough? when you still have some discomfort that massage just isn't relieving enough?
Our bodies also hold emotions and stress in certain areas of the body, and they often coincide with our lovely sayings - shouldering the weight of the world, pain in the ass, pain in the neck- and there is also a common feeling associated with certain areas of the body: the hips often have to do with change, and how your foundation is, the knees have to do with being stuck and not moving forward in your life and the list goes on, and sometimes back pain has to do with not being supported enough (either from self or from others). The list continues.
Not every ache and pain is just because of the muscle, nor is it specifically about emotion, often it is a combination of the two. I have found this to be incredibly true for me. I have had reoccurring aches and pains that massage alone just couldn't resolve ( there were no specific injuries, or repetitive strain problems like carpal tunnel) I would feel great for a few days after, but then they would creep back in, frustratingly so. Which is what has led me to pursue my passion for Fusion Massage Therapy, because the inclusion of energy work has made all of the difference for me. It has allowed the mind-body connection to be restored and re-balanced and has proven more successful for getting rid of aches and pain for me, while addressing the underlying emotional component. Fusion helps you feel better physically, and emotionally, and really, isn't feeling better the whole goal of any holistic treatment?!?
But what do you do when massage isn't enough? when you still have some discomfort that massage just isn't relieving enough?
Our bodies also hold emotions and stress in certain areas of the body, and they often coincide with our lovely sayings - shouldering the weight of the world, pain in the ass, pain in the neck- and there is also a common feeling associated with certain areas of the body: the hips often have to do with change, and how your foundation is, the knees have to do with being stuck and not moving forward in your life and the list goes on, and sometimes back pain has to do with not being supported enough (either from self or from others). The list continues.
Not every ache and pain is just because of the muscle, nor is it specifically about emotion, often it is a combination of the two. I have found this to be incredibly true for me. I have had reoccurring aches and pains that massage alone just couldn't resolve ( there were no specific injuries, or repetitive strain problems like carpal tunnel) I would feel great for a few days after, but then they would creep back in, frustratingly so. Which is what has led me to pursue my passion for Fusion Massage Therapy, because the inclusion of energy work has made all of the difference for me. It has allowed the mind-body connection to be restored and re-balanced and has proven more successful for getting rid of aches and pain for me, while addressing the underlying emotional component. Fusion helps you feel better physically, and emotionally, and really, isn't feeling better the whole goal of any holistic treatment?!?
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