Tackling Migraines Head-On

 

Massage and Migraines

Nobody likes to be in pain, and for people who suffer from migraines, pain can be debilitating, disrupting both their personal and professional lives. Whether migraine hits once in a while or on a regular basis, finding relief—preferably relief that can be counted on—is a top priority.

Massage therapy has shown some success in helping people who suffer from migraine better manage the pain. To help clients who get migraines, I understand the condition and what massage therapy has to offer in terms of pain relief.

The Breakdown of a Migraine Attack

Phase 1—Prodrome

Up to 72 hours before the pain hits, there can be warning signs that a migraine is imminent. These signs can include severe exhaustion or hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, food cravings, sleepiness and neck pain.

Phase 2—Aura

The most commonly reported aura is visual, although it only occurs in onethird of the migraine population. A person’s vision can be interrupted by sparkly spots, zigzag lines or tunnel vision, lasting between 20 to 60 minutes. An aura can present in other ways, too, such as vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and even temporary paralysis on one side of the body.

Phase 3—Headache

The pain during this phase is often described as throbbing, piercing or pulsating. The client may also be sensitive to light, sound and smell. Physical activity usually makes the symptoms worse. This phase can be debilitating for hours or days. Most seek refuge in a quiet, dark room.

Phase 4—Postdrome

Once the pain has subsided, the body requires a recovery period. A person might feel exhausted, sluggish, confused and even depressed.

It's important to get the massage in the early stage or Phase 1 of the Migraine. I have found that giving a massage when a client in the middle of a horrible headache only makes it worse. The increase blood circulation causes more throbbing in the head and dizziness. 

So next time you feel a migraine or a headache coming on consider coming in for 15 or 30 mins to simply have neck and shoulders worked on and let's see if this makes a difference. 

Blessings

Nancy

3 Ways to Address Tension Headaches

Do you have tension headaches or chronic tension in your upper body? 

How about neck and shoulder stiffness? Maybe you experience strain in the temples, forehead, neck, shoulders, or back, especially after a long period of working at a computer or reading a book?

 If so, your tension could be related to how you look at the world.

Healthy vision is comfortable, efficient, and relaxed for the viewer, while poor visual habits can interfere with free and easy movement, making the body chronically tense. We use our eyes much of the day, and if we strain to see, we create tension in the face, neck, shoulders, and back muscles. Squinting and straining when we have trouble making something out, or stiffening our entire neck, spine, and pelvis every time we look up can affect the entire body.

WHAT TO DO

Step One

Talk with your massage therapist about your pain and strain. During a session, your therapist can check you for extra tension in and around the eyes, neck, and shoulders, then fine-tune massage techniques to help relieve your discomfort. Relaxation exercises, as well as hot and cold packs, can offer additional relief.

Step Two

Do daily eye muscle stretches, practice self-massage, and use hot and cold packs over your eyes. 

Step Three

I may also refer you to another health-care professional who can help you reduce built-up tension. For example, a behavioral optometrist can check to make sure your glasses are the right prescription and help you learn better visual habits; a Feldenkrais practitioner can help you change old habits, see with less strain, and understand how emotional stress might be affecting your eyes; and an ergonomic

expert can help adapt your office workstation so that it protects and does not strain your eyes. 

Just a different way to look at tension headaches or chronic tension

Nancy

Massage and Insurance Companies

Massage therapy is still not covered by insurance, and this is further disadvantaging those with chronic or acute medical conditions who have already been paying for these basic medical requirements out of pocket, and are now having to suffer in silence.

We are paying hundreds of dollars a year for health and insurance coverage, many are also paying out of pocket for “alternative” medical services such as massage therapy. The problem lies in the conflicting views concerning massage therapy: is it a luxury or a physical form of medicine? 

These hard times offer some perspective: is it finally time for these insurance providers to step up?

Do You Have Coverage for Massage?

Massage therapy may be defined in several different ways by an insurance company. How it is defined and the reason for getting the massage will determine whether you will be covered by your insurance. If a “massage therapist” treatment isn’t covered in your policy, be sure and ask about these alternative options and discuss them with your doctor. 

Getting Insurance to Cover Massage

If you want your health insurance to cover massage therapy, you may have to have your massage therapy prescribed or recommended by a doctor. In a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association, 67% of respondents said that their physician recommended they get a massage.

How Does Coverage for Massage Work?

Once you know that your health insurance covers massage therapy, here are the important questions to ask so you understand how your policy will cover it:

• What are the conditions to qualify for reimbursement?
• Is there is a deductible, or any out-of-pocket cost to you? 
• Is there is a maximum amount payable per policy term (year)?
• Is there a maximum reimbursement per visit? For example, if the maximum per visit is $90, and you use a massage therapist who will charge $150, you will not be able to claim the full amount and will have to pay the difference.
• Is there a maximum time limit per body “region” (example, 15 minutes).
• Are there specific massage therapists you must go to?
• Do all types of massage qualify for coverage?

The Bottom Line

Health insurance may provide coverage for massages that are medically necessary or prescribed by your health management organization (HMO). But even when health insurance covers massage, there may be a limit or maximum amount payable during a policy term.

 Before getting a massage, check with your insurance company to determine if it is covered. If not covered as a “massage,” find out if there is coverage for physiotherapy, from chiropractors or other related specialists, and discuss these options with your doctor. If your physician prescribes massage therapy as part of a treatment plan, that may allow you to claim it on your health insurance. 

Good information to know. 

Nancy 

Shades of Green Aura Meaning Part II

 

Shades of Green Aura

Just as a forest is filled with different types of plants, from tall trees reaching for the sky to small ferns and flowers covering the ground, there are many shades of green to be found in this aura color. They each have a unique energy level and meaning that they bring to the aura as a whole.

EMERALD GREEN AURA

A bright, shining emerald green aura is sometimes associated with a person who has great healing energies. These people are believed to radiate calmness. They seek to heal and help others, spreading love and joy wherever they go. This color is also connected to the heart chakra, as green is the color of both. A person with an emerald green aura color may be led by their heart and may have a strong desire to connect with those around them.

DARK GREEN AURA

On the flip side, a dark green aura color is associated with strong negative energy. The phrase “green with envy” comes to mind with this shade, as a dark green aura is believed to suggest feelings of envy, jealousy, and bitterness. Some people think this shade is connected to a closed or blocked heart chakra, as the person with this color aura has closed themselves off from positive feelings. 

YELLOW-GREEN AURA

Yellow-green is connected to people who are expressive and communicative, searching for inspiration and sharing their stories. This color is believed to thrive when you do something mentally stimulating, like creating a work of art or writing a story.

BLUE-GREEN AURA

If emerald green is the color of healing energy, then blue-green auras are thought to be their super compassionate, practical counterparts. A blue-green aura is sometimes associated with especially powerful, gifted healers. 

Nancy 

mcshane.massagetherapy.com

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What is Healing Touch Used For and Why

What is Healing Touch Used For and Why

Since reopening, I have received a number of emails and inquiries on this. 

Upon reopening, I decided that I will no longer preform Healing Touch and Massage at the same time. They are know separate. I was surprised as to how many, once notified of this, didn't even realize that they were getting this service with their massage. Lack of Education on my part. So, of course, they wanted to know how their massages will be different and what is this Healing Touch you've been doing. 

Healing Touch is used to:

• Help balance the systems of energy throughout the body to alleviate stress, 
• Assist in alining these energy systems
• Help heal or prevent disease. 

Essentially, when one feels unbalanced either physically, emotionally, or mentally. Healing Touch aids to restore and realign the body's subtle vibrations. This vibration is a universal life force that creates and maintains a balanced and healthy body, spirit and world. When this energy is blocked, there is an imbalance that often creates disease.

The ability to heal is as natural as the ability to breathe. I work with seven of the main energy systems in the body, called chakras. These wheels of energy start at the crown of the head and move down the spine, all the way to the feet. When there is an imbalance in these energy centers, or blockages, there is a disruption in the natural flow of energy in our bodies, which can cause an imbalance in the body and mind.

Healing Touch may involve me placing my hands on the seven energy centers up and down the spine to balance the chakras, therefore aiding in balancing the body and mind.  I also work with the 7 Aura Fields. I use different methods to clean and calm the fields. This does not, however, eliminate obstacles you are facing in your life. Those obstacles may need you to make choices about in order for you to fulfill a spiritual journey. I maybe able to assist you in these obstacles by explaining what they are and what approaching you could choose to fix them. 

May you be blessed with harmony in your heart, peace of mind, and an abundance of joy and love to surround you always.

Nancy

mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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What Is The Relaxation Response

In a Massage, a caring, safe touch

 is an invitation to Relax. 

This, together with pain relief, 

generally produces a "Relaxation Response."

The relaxation response is a state in which your heart and breathing rate slow, your blood pressure goes down, your production of stress hormones decreases, and your muscles relax. The relaxation response also seems to increase the available level of serotonin, which is a chemical in the body that positively affects emotions and thoughts. While this information is promising, more studies are needed to directly confirm the relationship between massage and levels of serotonin in the brain.

The relaxation response may decrease the physical effects of stress and reduce the risks associated with stress, such as hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, insomnia, persistent fatigue, sexual dysfunction, digestive disorders, and psychological issues--to name a few.

During acute stress, the fight-or-fight response occurs naturally. This response worked well for us in our ancient humanoid history, when the stress response was triggered as a means of survival in order to flee from fast-moving physical threats like predators. However, in modern times, the fight-or-flight response is triggered multiple times throughout the day due to a wide range of stressors, many of which are probably more situational than they are based on survival. As such, we may find ourselves in a prolonged state of fight-or-flight, which overtaxes the nervous system and is potentially detrimental to our well-being.

An example, in times of chronic stress, the body is in a constant state of physiological arousal over perceived threats that are numerous and not life-threatening, and the body's relaxation response doesn't always have time to activate before the next stressor occurs. This can lead to decreased immunity and increases in negative emotional consequences like anxiety and burnout. When our bodies are in that chronic stress state, people start getting sick and perhaps experiencing other health issues, including high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and other problems.

I encourage you to make Massage regular part of your life. There are also other techniques such as meditation and yoga that can be used to reduce stress and increase relaxation. When you regularly practice these techniques, your body may become more adept at reversing its own stress response when necessary, so you don't remain in a state of stress for an unhealthy length of time.

These techniques may feel awkward or as if they are not working at the beginning. Like any behavioral change, or anything new for that matter, it takes time and practice to begin seeing results, so be patient.

Book your Relaxation Response Today. 

Nancy

mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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How Massage Helps with Back Pain

Upper Back and Neck is the location of a lot of frustration. All of our stress and tension sits right there are at least it feels that way. So what can massage do to help? 

Massage is used to relieve muscle tension, spasms, inflammation, fluid retention, aches, stiffness, and pain. Other benefits include improved circulation (blood and lymph), general flexibility, range of motion, and increased tissue elasticity (eg, scar tissue).

During session, I may choose to do a localized massage (eg, low back or neck) such as in a  chair massage or 30 min massage. Massage will increase the circulation and warm the muscles and other soft tissues (eg, tendons, ligaments). Another type of massage such as a full-body massage, will often leave the clients feeling relaxed and free of anxiety.

How it Helps

1. Massage around the client’s spine can be soothing as the muscles that surround the cervical spine may alleviate tension within the neck. Moreover, any amount of touch and relaxation massage for back and neck pain may be beneficial.

2. While there is certainly validity to the approach of massaging the neck area that is sore or distressed, there are also theories that suggest different areas of the body are connected to others, such as the lower back being connected to the feet, so overall attention to the spine in general is important.

3.  Massage for back and neck pain is not just for pain management, but for reducing the need for it before a trauma or accident even happens. At one time, this emphasis on pre-trauma health was assumptive but now is increasingly based on research and evidence.

4. Massage sessions scheduled at regular intervals will have the biggest benefit on back and neck pain.

Tired of your back and neck pain and ready to plan monthly regular sessions to manage it? 

The Power of a Gratitude

Gratitude is a simple yet powerful practice. It opens the heart and nourishes the soul. When we learn to recognise and acknowledge our blessings, our perspective on life undergoes a positive high vibrational shift. This shift in perspective also shifts our energy. When our energy shifts internally, many aspects of our outer existence also shift automatically.

How to Practice

One of the easiest and most effective ways is to maintain a gratitude journal and pen down your gratitude in it every morning (or evening). Morning works great because it helps kick start the day on a positive note. Evening may work better for those who prefer to wrap up the day on a happy note and retire for the night.

Sample Gratitude Affirmations

• I am grateful for the gift of life
• I am grateful to my physical body
• I am grateful to every cell in my body
• I am grateful for a good night’s sleep
• I am grateful for my family
• I am grateful for my job
• I am grateful to be a parent

Today I am grateful for another great day to share with you.

Nancy
mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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Hello Saturday

 Well How have things been going? Are you enjoying this cooler weather as much as I am? The cooler temps have meant that the Towel warmer is back up and running in the massage room. YAY! You will know get hot towels on your feet and back. I also have ice cold water bottles for you once your session is done. Hot Stone massages may be coming soon. So excited about this. I love working with hot stones.

I did finally receive those air conditioners this week. HAHA I ordered them back in MAY. They came All the way from China. The crazy part is that they work. The sad part only for two hours. But still this maybe the beginning of a cooler room next summer. 

Concussion update. For the most part this last4 weeks have been an amazing improvement. You will notice now I have tape on my glasses by my nose. This is to stop my eyes from seeing the peripheral vision between my eyes. This in turn has stopped the headaches and dizziness. We (my husband and I) are currently discussing whether I should pursue seeing a neurologist specialist to help with the cognitive issues and I am still unable to perform any activity that raises my heart rate. So I'll keep you posted.

I am back in my kitchen now that it's cooler. Back to baking cookies for the kids and grandkids. It's my way of staying connected to them. I pack them in Brown lunch bags with messages to each one individually. We're also back to baking our weekly bundt cakes. YAY!! Crazy as it sounds. I love have a little piece of cake everyday. What a treat. Today I am sharing with you one of our favorite Chili recipes for Game Day crowds. 

Butternut Squash Chili. Yum 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil, extra virgin
• ½ cup of diced celery
• ½ cup of chopped red onions
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 pound of ground beef
• Two teaspoons of red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons of paprika
• ½ teaspoon of ground coriander 
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Pepper and salt
• ½ cup of chopped red bell peppers
• 2½ cups of diced butternut squash
• 2 cups of diced tomato with juice
• 1 cup tomato sauce, sugar free
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• fresh cilantro

How to make Butternut Squash Chili

• In a big Dutch oven Pot, heat the oil (olive oil) over medium-high heat.
• Add the red onions and celery, and sauté for three minutes. Then, add the garlic, and sauté for thirty seconds longer.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the meat using a wooden spoon, till it’s cooked through, for about five minutes.
• Add the cumin, red pepper flakes, paprika, coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your taste. Combine everything well.
• Add the red bell peppers, diced tomatoes, butternut squash, tomato sauce, and chicken broth.
• Stir, and bring to a boil, cover with a lid, reduce to a simmer. Cook the chili for 30-40 minutes.
• Serve with fresh cut cilantro on top.
  

Wishing you the very best this Saturday. 

Nancy

mcshane.massagetherapy.com

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The Aura Color Green Part I

 

The Aura Color Green 

Much like the constantly changing seasons, a person’s aura is believed to be an ever-shifting energy field that surrounds the body. The colors of your aura are affected by your mood and personality and may encompass many shades and hues in the rainbow.

While the shades of green may vary, truly, there is no color more suited to growth and healing than a green aura. Just like a lush, evergreen forest, the green aura color is associated with health, growth, calmness and compassion for those around you. I find lot of individuals have green of one shade or another in their Aura.

If you believe you have a green aura, take heart. It could suggest that you are an especially kind person who takes comfort in nature and has an open heart.

These auras are believed to radiate calm energy that others can benefit from. A person with green energy may sometimes need to retreat into nature away from others in order to replenish and nurture their own spirit.

The green aura personality also gives abundantly to others. Friends and partners of people with this energy will probably find endless support and generosity in their relationship. Greens are believed to be protective of their friends and family, which goes hand-in-hand with their tendency to heal and help others. While this is usually a good thing, people with a green aura color may need to remember to step back and let others deal with their own problems.

Wishing you a calm and peaceful day

Nancy

mcshane.massagetherapy.com

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Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Benefits to PreNatal Massage 

Having a child is one of the greatest joys in life. However, before you meet the bundle of joy, your body and your mind will go on a nine-month roller coaster ride of change. Alone from the physical change there’s the exhaustion and emotional change that comes with being pregnant. Prenatal massage can be excellent for you and the baby. 

Stress Relief 

Having a baby is one of the most stressful times in a parent's life. Hormones are rapidly changing, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and depression. A soothing therapeutic massage has proven to lower stress hormone levels and increase dopamine and serotonin levels that help control depression among pregnant women. Lower stress levels can lead to better overall health throughout the pregnancy. This can lead to fewer complications for mom and baby during birth. 

Soothe the Swelling 

When you are pregnant, you’ll undoubtedly experience swelling in your joints. This is because of the reduced circulation and pressure on major blood vessels. Prenatal massage will help stimulate the tissues and help reduce the collection of fluid in your joints. 

Help the Pain

Discomfort and pain will happen when you are pregnant. Regular prenatal massage will help comfort you throughout your pregnancy. General muscle tension, back pain, can lead to headaches and lack of sleep on top of the stress of being pregnant is never a good mix. Relaxing your mind and your body is beneficial for you and the baby. 

6 Breathing Tips To DeStress You

Breathe and DeStress

Got stress? Overscheduling, relationship struggles and other stressors invade our lives on a daily basis, making it easy to feel overwhelmed and out of control. Running at top speed with our minds always three steps ahead, we miss out on much of the joy of being fully present and alive. But it is possible to get off this merry-go-round of distraction and reaction, and to regain a sense of center, purpose and meaning.

Stress is clearly costing us time, money and energy through proper breathing, we can begin break down the toll that stress takes on our bodies and find a sense of balance and revitalization. Take several moments out of your day to just take a deep breathe. While you're driving or standing in line. Or just before the meeting and let's see if you experience a difference. 

Breathing Tips 

• Exhale completely to relax the body and empty your lungs of air. Place your hands on your abdomen.
• Begin to inhale — and then exhale completely. Feel the depth of each inhalation.
• As you continue to inhale and exhale, whether you are sitting or standing, let your body become more symmetrical and aligned; keep your feet on the ground and your upper body erect, as if someone is suspending you from a string through the top of your head. Visualize gravity flowing through you, leaving you feeling weightless yet grounded.
• Focus on the breath and how it happens without your conscious energy. Inhale through your nose. Exhale through your nose or mouth. Notice how the inhalation expands the belly and the exhalation brings it in toward the spine.
• Give breathing your full attention. You might notice your breath getting slower, deeper, quieter and more regular.
• Draw your attention to the present moment. Witness internal and external sensations and thoughts without getting plugged into them. Your choices and thoughts will become more purposeful, open-minded and creative.

With that I wish you the very best today. 

Nancy

mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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Benefits of a 90 Minute Massage

 

60 vs 90: Thirty Minutes Can Make A Big Difference in Your Massage

Massage is a therapeutic means of relaxing and bettering yourself. If you’ve received a massage of any duration (even just 10 minutes!), you’ve experienced the soothing effect that leaves your body and mind feeling rejuvenated. It’s important to make time for any length massage in your wellness routine. While each massage modality offers a distinct experience, how does the length of a massage impact the benefits you receive? 

There have been a lot of discussions about whether it’s better to get a 60 or a 90 minute massage. I tend to believe a 90 minute massage is typically a better deal. Here's why I endorse it. 

1. In a 90-minute session, I have time to incorporate enhanced techniques that cater to your specific wellness goals, such as stretching or hot/cold therapy. 

2. A 90-minute session offers more time to drift into relaxation and allows the me time to focus on specific areas of concern and apply a wider array of techniques. While a 60-minute massage provides intense relaxation and targeted muscle work, there may not be enough time to introduce a number of additional (and beneficial) techniques. 

Finally, although my position is that a 90 minute massage is better, I have to conclude that any massage is better than none. 

See you at your next 90 min. massage.

Nancy

Happy Labor Day

 

Labor Day, a day marked on many calendars as a well-deserved day off from the grind. Which means it should be considered a day to relax and recharge the batteries, not cram in a weekend on endless activities. 

Use these tips to ensure a relaxing and stress-free Labor Day. 

• Connect with Family and Friends 

Connecting with family and friends is a stress reliever. Whether it is over the phone or during a relaxing family barbecue; use this Labor Day to sit back and connect with those you haven’t had time to see or talk to in a while.  

• Exercise 

Although Labor Day is for relaxing, it’s also a day to de-stress. Often when we’re going strong in the office — usually burning the “midnight oil” — exercise gets thrown out the window. Take the day to go for a jog, bike ride or a hike. Get out and enjoy nature, it will help you de-stress, and if you do it early in the day, you’ll be completely relaxed to enjoy the rest of your day. 

• Knock off an item on the “To-Do” list

If you’ve been putting off your to-do list, Labor Day is a perfect day to get something done. It isn't the most relaxing way to spend the day, but it will relieve the looming stress of needing to complete the list. Get at least one thing on your list done and you will feel great and have the rest of the day to relax.

• Catch up on Sleep 

Labor Day is your day off. Take this day to turn off the alarm clock and catch up on some much-needed sleep. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to go. 

• Schedule a Personal Massage.  

Perhaps one of the best things you could do for yourself is schedule some time for yourself to enjoy a well-deserved massage. Your body and your mind will thank you. 

Happy Labor Day from My Family to yours.

Nancy

mcshane.massagetherapy.com    

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Shades of Aura Color Blue Part II

 

Shades of Blue

Just as there are many shades of blue in nature, there are varying shades of blue energy. Aura colors interpretation is an art, not a science, but it may lend some interesting insights into a person’s life. From sky blue to a turquoise aura, every shade of blue is associated with its own unique personality traits. Is your aura a deep ocean blue, lighter, or maybe tinged with indigo?

LIGHT BLUE AURA

A baby blue or light blue aura is sometimes found in people who are good communicators. These people are also thought to be fully open to receiving spiritual or metaphysical energy. Light blue auras may also symbolize a peaceful and positive personality. By some accounts, streaks of sky blue in the aura are thought to be indicators that a person is communicating on an intuitive plane.

ROYAL BLUE AURA

A royal blue aura is sometimes considered the “truest blue.” People who are extremely poised, calm and empathetic may have this color in their aura. This shade of energy is believed by some to harmonize with the intelligence of yellow energy. If both are present in the aura, it could represent genius-level intuition and follow-through. This shade is even more open than light blue, and people with clairvoyant abilities may discover this color in their aura. People with a royal blue aura are thought to be undaunted by new challenges, as they are not held back by negative energy.

MUDDY BLUE AURA

Like storm clouds brewing on the horizon, a dark blue aura is associated with negative emotions. When light blues become muddy blue or tinged with black, the person may be feeling blocked. Perhaps he or she is fearful about opening up to people. This lack of communication can make it difficult to connect with others and share your perspective. Some people think the best method to heal this energy is to take a vacation. After all, dark blue is connected to stress and overwork. Additionally, finding a way to share your feelings can help you open back up and reconnect to the world.

Wishing the very best in the day ahead. 

Nancy 

mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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https://aura.net/blue-aura-meaning-personality/

Getting On and Off the Massage Table

Seems like a simple thing but when you're in a hurry because you may be so excited to finally be getting your massage, things can get complicated pretty quickly. 

When I meet a new client I take my time to go through their health intake form with them. I make sure to check on changes in medications and symptoms. And then I instruct them as to what they need to do to get ready. I don't know about you but at this moment even I get so excited it's like I black out. Did I say face up or face down, how much clothing do I need to take of, and then there is the question of: Do I lie on top of the sheets or between the sheets. If I feel that perhaps you're over excited and will easily forget, I will pull back the sheets even further and emphasize the need for you to crawl under them. I will admit that even sometimes this is not enough direction. And this is normal - no need to feel bad here. I simply ask that you get off the table and we take another try at it - under the sheets. 

Once you've made it on to the table it's time to --

STRAIGHTEN UP

The majority of clients end up in some sort of diagonal position on the table. 

My suggestion is that once you get on the table, under your sheets, that you take a moment to check your bearings:

• Use your arms to feel that table. Are in the middle? 
• Feel with your legs. Are they in the middle of the table? 
• Are your feet hanging over the table? If so - I bet you need to move up onto the table. 
• And here's another question - Is your head hanging off the other end of the table? 
• Do you feel comfortable right where you are. 

Once we are half way through the massage we are required to flip over. At this point don't be afraid to take that moment to check again. I will move your body parts as I need to but I will not know if you're comfortable or not. 

Once your massage is done - Take that time to rest. Again there is NO REASON to leap from that table and run off to do the next errand and if you try I'm guessing (pretty sure this will happen) you will be too dizzy to get out the door. Lie there a while and wiggle your fingers and toes. Stretch out. Once you feel ready then it's time to move. 

My suggestion once you're ready:

• Roll onto your side first
• Then push yourself up with the arm under you and your free arm while at the same time lowering your feet to the ground.
• Once in an up right seated position, wait a moment. What is your head feeling like? Are you light head or dizzy. Wait a few moments longer until it is gone. There is no rush here. 
• Once your are ready - it's time to stand. 

I hope these tips help you have a more enjoyable massage. 

Nancy 

mcshane.massagetherapy.com
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3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sleep Your Stomach

Before you lay down on that bed and fall a sleep, let's look at what you're doing to you body.

I understand that the last thing anyone wants to think about after a long day is how they are sleeping. Does it matter how you are 'RESTING.' Sadly it does. It impacts how you will feel the next day and over time this behavior will compound the symptoms that will become the very thing keeping you up at night and possibly unable to do your job the next day. 

The main problem with this position is that you must turn your head to one side in order to breathe effectively. People tend to consistently turn their head to the same side as a preference: the long-term result can be "wear and tear" on the joints of the cervical spine and unfortunately we also engage our arms while we're sleeping so our shoulder and wrist joints become victims of this whole process as well. 

3 Reasons Why It's Not Good for You

1.  Strain on the Spine

As you've probably already heard, many people who sleep on their stomach experience some kind of pain—whether it is in their joints, back, or neck. It is sure to affect how much sleep they get during the night. Such pains usually lead to waking up in the middle of the night, directly affecting the amount of sleep that you'll get, which then leads to a feeling of discomfort during the rest of the day.

This stress on the spine leads to increased stress on the rest of your body structure and, additionally, to pain in all parts of the body, since the spine could be considered as a pipeline for the nerves. It also leads to sensations such as numbness and tingling, which are rather uncomfortable.

2. Pain in the Neck

Just like with the spine, sleeping on your stomach may also cause neck problems. Unless you manage to find a way to breathe through the pillow, you have to turn your head to one side when you're sleeping on your stomach. This causes your neck to be twisted, putting your spine and head out of alignment, leading to some severe damage. You probably won't notice this damage after only one night, but the problems will unquestionably become evident over time.

One of the biggest neck problems that you certainly don't want to experience is the so-called herniated disk. This issue appears when the spinal vertebrae shift enough to cause a rupture of the gelatinous disk inside, causing the gel to leak out and irritate the nerves. This is very painful and requires professional treatment to heal.

2. Shoulder and Wrist Pain

Most of the belly sleepers I see have spent a life time with their arms wrapped around their head in an effort to find comfort. Over time this wears out the joints and ligaments. They state feeling numbness in arms and wrist pain.

 

What Does A Pink Aura Mean? 

Last week I really took a look at the color Red and what does it mean for me. Aura colors are symbols to those that read them. They let us know what maybe going on physically, mentally, and emotionally with people. So let's take a look at what Pink means. As a Red color, people who are Pink are passionate and they rarely deny themselves anything and may live in a more primal, unreserved way.

When I see a ANY shade of pink it is often blended with a white or brown (I will touch on these later) because this is a symbol to me that the person is hiding from their own reality. Their realty maybe who they truly feel they are on the inside or simply that they are trying very hard to appear OK to the rest of us. My heart goes out to these individuals because I believe that real soul growth would mean you need to address these fears.  

Now I know you can easily google 'Aura Color' Pink and you will get a laundry list of what Google or other people think the color means. And I'm sure you're thinking shouldn't it mean Love or Fun to be with. The people that I know that stay in this color are loving and some of the funnest people to be with. They are the life of the party. They also have a lot more going on in their heart and mind then any of us realize. 

So a question came up - Do I let other's know if I see something wrong with their color? In Pink's case NO. Most of the time this person is well aware what they are doing and even the personal pain they maybe avoiding. It's just takes time. Often years before I will see this color change to Blue-Green or Yellow. 

And With that - Have a great day. Nancy