Touch of Radiance

I have moved my business into a professional office space this month. I am looking forward to sharing a beautiful space with several other practitioners. In our suite, in addition to my massage therapy and holistic nutrition services you may find homeopathy, biofeedback, psychotherapy, and an aesthetician. The building next door includes a naturopathic doctor and a chiropractor. My new office is located on Speedway Blvd., between Campbell Ave. and Tucson Blvd., in one of the buildings that used to be the Ronald McDonald House. We are right next to the post office, at 2230 East Speedway Blvd., Suite 120.

This move will enable me to focus on building the nutrition aspect of my business, and to see more massage clients as well. In general, I am available Monday through Wednesday and Friday each week. We will be scheduling a Grand Opening for the whole building in the Fall. I am excited to put my new office to good use!

A common misconception is that deep tissue massage is any massage technique performed with very firm pressure. Deep tissue is actually a modality of massage, a collection of certain techniques designed to achieve specific results. In fact, deep tissue generally doesn’t feel all that deep due to the way in which the techniques are applied. The strategy is to work layer by layer, starting at the surface, to release adhesions (tight spots) in the soft tissue. By the time the deeper layers are reached, the surface layers are so relaxed that the client often doesn’t notice how deeply the work is taking place. This prevents the body from tensing up, and therefore allows the work to be more effective.

Deep tissue massage can help with chronically tight areas, and is often combined with other modalities such as Swedish massage. The techniques involved with deep tissue take time, so choose a specific body part (the back, for example) as a focus area during a massage. And remember, the saying “no pain, no gain” does NOT apply here. There are times when deep tissue can be painful, but it is generally quite relaxing and it does not have to hurt in order to be effective.

Have you heard of “fight or flight”? This is our body’s response to stress or danger, and it comes from the autonomic nervous system (it happens automatically, without thinking about it). The autonomic nervous system actually has two parts, and they work in opposition to each other. The sympathetic nervous system is the side that causes a “fight or flight” reaction. The parasympathetic side causes a “rest and digest” response.

When we enter the “fight or flight” mode, our digestion and immune system shut off and the extra blood supply is sent to the muscles in order to fight the metaphorical tiger or to run from it. Adrenaline courses through our body and we are on edge, ready for anything. Except fighting off that cold that is going around the office, or digesting our lunch. And our body doesn’t distinguish between actual physical danger and “I’m late again, and my boss is gonna kill me!” So when we are stressed out, we are engaging our sympathetic nervous system constantly.

Obviously, this can lead to some problems. Our immune system being shut off means that we are especially susceptible to invasion by any bug we come across. When digestion isn’t happening, our appetites are either gone or very erratic. If we do eat, we often feel queasy or bloated. We can be thoroughly exhausted, but unable to sleep. We need to engage our parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode.

There are many ways to activate the parasympathetic system. As a massage therapist, I am inclined to believe that massage is one of the best methods. Spending an hour just relaxing while someone rubs the tension out of your muscles can be the perfect way to kick-start the “rest and digest” response. Other activities you can use on your own include meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, petting your dog or cat (or someone else’s), listening to soothing music, and going for a walk.

Remember, there is nothing wrong with a “fight or flight” response, and in fact we need the ability to react quickly when necessary. We just don’t want to get stuck in that mode. It takes a split second for your body to initiate a response to perceived danger, but it takes a while to calm down again afterward. By focusing on engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode, we are allowing our body to stay balanced and really be ready for anything.

Which type of massage or bodywork treatment is right for you? With so many options available, how do you know what to choose? In my practice, I regularly recommend one of three main styles of bodywork to new clients. If you visit a spa or massage clinic, you might encounter several more options. While all massage and bodywork styles have value, the same style is not the best choice for everyone.

It is important to think about your goals in receiving massage therapy and bodywork. Are you interested primarily in relaxation and stress relief? Do you have an injury or surgery from which you are healing? Do you have a chronic medical condition that you would like help in managing? Let your therapist know what your goals are and ask which type of bodywork will best help you meet those goals.

Another necessary consideration is what we call contraindications – situations that require avoiding or altering certain techniques or entire bodywork styles for the safety of the client. For example, a person with uncontrolled high blood pressure (not on medication) cannot receive Swedish massage, as it may put an extra strain on the heart. In this situation, I would recommend Shiatsu or Myofascial Release. Another example is that receiving Shiatsu on the floor may be uncomfortable or impossible for individuals with neck injuries or who find it difficult to get down to the floor. For these clients, I can do Shiatsu on a massage table, or we can choose another style of bodywork.

Personal preferences are important as well. Swedish massage is performed with the client unclothed and draped with a sheet. Shiatsu is performed fully clothed. Myofascial Release is either draped or with the client in shorts and a sports bra. Swedish massage is the only one of the three that uses a lubricant. Talk to your therapist about your needs and preferences. And remember – you can choose a different style each time you receive a treatment, so try a few options and see what works best for you.

For more information on bodywork styles that I practice please see Massage Therapy, Shiatsu, and Myofascial Release.

I recently attended a Thai massage seminar, and learned a traditional Thai massage sequence. There are two main styles of Thai massage – Northern and Southern. It was the Southern style that I learned, which uses more acupressure, as opposed to the Northern style using more stretches. The Thai massage I learned has plenty of great stretches as well, and they are blended with thumb pressure and palm pressure into a sequence that flows like a dance.

Thai massage, unlike many other forms of Asian bodywork, does not utilize Chinese medicine for its theory base. The Thai system has its own set of energy channels called Sen lines, which are thumbed and palmed during the treatment. Thai massage is excellent for increasing flexibility and circulation, reducing stress and tension, and flushing toxins from the body. It can help improve sleep and mental clarity, and tends to be rejuvenating and energizing.

Thai massage is performed with the client fully clothed and laying on a mat on the floor. Due to the nature of the work, Thai massage is not suitable for people with recent joint replacements or severe osteoporosis. This style of bodywork is particularly well-suited to athletes, dancers, and practitioners of yoga, who often get limited results from Western massage. Almost anyone who is comfortable getting down to the floor can benefit from Thai massage.

The traditional Thai sequence takes about two hours to complete, and it can easily be modified to fit a 90 minute or one hour session. For a limited time, I am offering a 90 minute Thai massage for the price of a one hour treatment in my practice. Please contact me to schedule your appointment. I look forward to working with you!