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1/17/2018 0 Comments How to receive a massageI see it all the time. Someone comes in for a massage appointment and they just have the "look". A little nervous, a little unsure, a little wide-eyed. It's ok! We've all been there. I thought I'd take this opportunity to share with you my best advice for how to receive a massage and get the most benefit out of it. Do I have to undress completely?In short... No, you do not have to undress. If you are uncomfortable, let your massage therapist know and they can do work over your clothing to help relax you and ease your aches and pains. If you do not want to undress, please wear clothing that is light weight and close fitting like yoga pants or a tank top. Most people undress for their massage. It is easiest to address your issues if your LMT can contact and glide on your skin. About half of our clients chose to leave their underwear on and the other half choose to remove them. It's totally up to you. That being said, all areas of modesty (breasts, genitals, gluteal cleft) will be covered by a sheet during your entire massage. Your massage therapist will ask if there are any areas you do NOT want to touched and it is a great time to say "Don't touch my feet" or "I don't like work on my glutes (aka rear end)". It's your body and your choice! Do take your jewelry offRemove your jewelry before you get on the massage table and leave it on the side table next to your chair. It is difficult to address the muscles of your neck while trying not to pull a necklace or avoid getting massage cream on it. If you have trouble with the clasp, we are happy to help! Rings are not terribly obtrusive to work around, if you prefer to leave them on. Do breathe and pretend your are jelloThis is your time to be cared for. If your LMT needs your arm in a different position, she/he will move it. You don't need to help! Just let every part of your body be heavy and sink into the table. If we lift your arm, we will continue to hold it for you. No need to hold it up! Sometimes, your massage therapist may wiggle or gently rock a part of your body to bring attention to the tension you are holding there. It can be hard to let go and we understand. You can even say "I can't let go!" and we can talk about it a little bit to see if we can help. Do tell your massage therapist if you are taking medicationsThere are some medications that affect your ability to feel pain and discomfort. Totally awesome when you need it, but not so great for massage time. If you are unable to feel the true level of your pain or discomfort, you aren't able to give your massage therapist feedback if they are working with too much pressure or if a stretch is too much. Being on medication doesn't mean you can't have massage! It just means your LMT needs to know and adjust the work accordingly. Don't be afraid to talkIf something is uncomfortable to you, please speak up! Your massage therapist is an expert in anatomy, but only you know how their work feels in your body. This isn't a "no pain, no gain" situation. Is the table warmer too hot? Speak up! Music too loud? Let us know! Do you like aromatherapy? Holler! Your massage therapist is here to be the best part of your day. We try to set everything up to your liking, but everyone is different. Don't ever hesitate to speak up if there is something we can adjust to make you more comfortable. Don't be afraid of silenceYou do not need to entertain your massage therapist. We are very entertained with the work we are doing to help you feel great! Of course, we welcome the chance to chat and get to know you a bit if that is what helps you get the most out of your treatment. On the flip side, you do not need to make small talk. It is ok to close your eyes, stay quiet and let your mind rest. Don't worry. I've done this before!Your massage therapist is there to help. It's ok to tell your LMT that you are nervous and not sure what to expect! We want to be able to answer your questions and help you feel at ease. If I have someone that seems a little timid, I like to tell them, "Don't worry. I've done this before, so I'll get us through this!" It usually gets a laugh and helps set them at ease. So, as my mom used to tell me when I was a teenager, "Just remember, Do, Do, Don't, Don't and you'll be just fine." Take good care! Kristina
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12/15/2017 0 Comments 20 Questions with ErinWe are excited to launch our new blog series “20 Questions” - not just because it’s full of fun and goofy questions, but because it’s a great way to get to know our team beyond the massage table. Without further ado, let’s get started!  A few weeks ago, we were excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Erin Whitworth. With experience providing sports massage, deep tissue therapy, and prenatal massage, we knew she would bring some awesome knowledge and techniques to the table - literally. Since we’re still pretty excited about her joining Body of Work Wellness, I thought it would be great to interview her for our new blog series, “20 Questions with Lindsay”.
What made you decide on a career in massage therapy? I wanted to become a massage therapist because I wanted to be able to work for myself, and help others at the same time. I have always been fascinated with the human body and how our muscles hold us all together. How long have you lived in Oregon? Have you lived in any other states? I have lived in Oregon for 3 years. I grew up in Idaho, moved to Montana, and then Washington. Tell me three of your favorite restaurants in the area, and your go-to menu item from each. Gin Thai - Green curry Pho Gabo - Chicken Pho with lots of spice Any Indian buffet. What music do you enjoy listening to when you’re not giving a massage? Dance mixes - anything upbeat to help me stay motivated. Aside from being a Massage Therapist Extraordinaire, do you have any other hobbies or talents? I was once a dental assistant, a wild-land firefighter (college years), and I love to refurbish old furniture. What was the last good book you read, and why did you enjoy it? The last thing I read was an acupressure book. I enjoy educational science books. How do you usually spend your days off from work? My days off are spent being a mom and working out. What is your spirit animal and why? A horse. I love them! What is your perfect way to spend a rainy day in Oregon? Snugged on the couch watching a movie with a big cup of coffee. What is your favorite quote? “You are where you are supposed to be, just breathe.” What is your go-to karaoke song? “Zombie” by The Cranberries. Describe the perfect pizza. The perfect pizza is made with simple, great ingredients. Pesto, Mozzarella, basil, and in an outdoor pizza oven. What is your favorite kind of tea? I love black tea with a little sugar. What was the last TV show that you binge-watched? I’m currently binge-watching This Is Us. Tell me the corniest joke you know. How do you make a Kleenex dance? Put a little boogie in it! (I got that one from my son) Before you started studying massage therapy, what was your favorite subject in school? Science - A&P. Do you have a favorite stand-up comedian? Amy Shuman. If you could pick any fashion fad to make a comeback, what would you choose? MC Hammer pants! What is your favorite vacation spot? My dream vacation is in Olgiasca, Italy. This is where my family is from. Finally, what is a weird/fun/little-known fact about you? In high school, I was in FFA (Future Farmers of America). So there you have it! Be sure to book an appointment with Erin soon - she is available Monday 9-2, Tuesday 8:30-1:30, and Thursday 8:30-12. And stay tuned for the next “20 Questions”! 11/15/2017 0 Comments BOW FavoritesOprah has her favorite things..... |
| Native traditions have always recognized the interconnected nature of the mind and body. This is something we sometimes recognise in western thought. It’s a well known statistic that 70% of the people filling hospital beds are there because of stress related illness. We know that stress starts in the mind, only becoming physical as our body reacts to the mental state of stress. Modern research is beginning to better understand the mind body connection (for example - research is exploring the ways that gut bacteria affects our mental health)! It is not a leap we have made as a whole in our western medical system just yet. |  |
he variety of shamanism I have learned is a conglomeration of many different cultures and traditions. My teachers looked to what practices were common cross culturally and what was at the core of those practices once local superstition was removed. Superstition has always been a way of connecting practices to the emotional/psychological core of what is really going on. It has been a way of explaining that which we don’t understand and often fear. But we have science to help us in these processes now so we can blend modern psychodynamic work with ancient healing practices.This makes the work much more potent for those of us who have grown up with the western mindset.
So what does this all look like? I may have a client who comes in to me saying they feel stuck in life. That the feeling of being stuck and not being able to move forward is contributing to depression, anxiety, headaches etc… My job as a shaman is to help the client get to the core of what is going on “what kind of stuck?” I might ask “What does that feel like?” We will seek out the original wound that set the client on this path in the first place. Often modern psychology stops here (although more and more psychological modalities are moving beyond the talk therapy model) saying “There it is! That is the reason you are this way. Now stop it!” But if we could talk ourselves out of it we would have already done so long ago. These core issues are layers and layers of years and years of trying to find ways to dance around a wound that never had a chance to heal. Here is where shamanism excels. Through a variety of practices we search for the mind body connection to this ongoing issue and begin the repair work, the true healing. Sometimes it’s as simple as affirming something that the client needed to hear but was never told. This repair work may include, Soul Retrieval, Energy Extraction, Sacred Drama, Guided Meditation, Journeying, Illuminations, Energetic Resets or a variety of other practices. Each session is tailored to what the client needs. I don’t know what sort of healing is needed until we are in the session in that moment. Shamanism is above all a practice of mindful awareness of being present with what is true now and helping the client to do the same.
If there is an issue in your life that other forms of medicine and healing don’t seem to help, regardless of whether it’s physical or emotional or life circumstances. Shamanic healing may be a new avenue for you to try to experience deep and true healing. I am excited to now be offering these services here at Body of Work Wellness.
Shamanism is a general term for the indigenous healing practices of native peoples. Much of our western medicine started here with the plants and insects and tinctures of these native wise men/women. There is another aspect to the healing these medicine women/men do which is universal across cultures. They not only look after the physical health of their people but also their emotional and spiritual health.
So what does this all look like? I may have a client who comes in to me saying they feel stuck in life. That the feeling of being stuck and not being able to move forward is contributing to depression, anxiety, headaches etc… My job as a shaman is to help the client get to the core of what is going on “what kind of stuck?” I might ask “What does that feel like?” We will seek out the original wound that set the client on this path in the first place. Often modern psychology stops here (although more and more psychological modalities are moving beyond the talk therapy model) saying “There it is! That is the reason you are this way. Now stop it!” But if we could talk ourselves out of it we would have already done so long ago. These core issues are layers and layers of years and years of trying to find ways to dance around a wound that never had a chance to heal. Here is where shamanism excels. Through a variety of practices we search for the mind body connection to this ongoing issue and begin the repair work, the true healing. Sometimes it’s as simple as affirming something that the client needed to hear but was never told. This repair work may include, Soul Retrieval, Energy Extraction, Sacred Drama, Guided Meditation, Journeying, Illuminations, Energetic Resets or a variety of other practices. Each session is tailored to what the client needs. I don’t know what sort of healing is needed until we are in the session in that moment. Shamanism is above all a practice of mindful awareness of being present with what is true now and helping the client to do the same.
If there is an issue in your life that other forms of medicine and healing don’t seem to help, regardless of whether it’s physical or emotional or life circumstances. Shamanic healing may be a new avenue for you to try to experience deep and true healing. I am excited to now be offering these services here at Body of Work Wellness.
Shamanism is a general term for the indigenous healing practices of native peoples. Much of our western medicine started here with the plants and insects and tinctures of these native wise men/women. There is another aspect to the healing these medicine women/men do which is universal across cultures. They not only look after the physical health of their people but also their emotional and spiritual health.
- Amber Van Winkle
In this 7 week CLASS we will be learning:
HEALING GONG 1 - GATHERING HEALING QI FROM THE UNIVERSE
This is a self-healing form that is easy to learn and practice. It is done seated on a chair. It can easily be implemented in daily life and the rewards will be obvious.
FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS - Sept. 6th 11:30 - 1:00 pm
Cost: $90 for the full series or $15 per class.
RSVP to Maria at 503-863-9173
SHENG ZHEN GONG consists of graceful moving and non-moving qigong forms. These forms strengthen and relax the body, dissolve negative emotions, clarify the mind, open the heart, and ultimately elevate the spirit. Sheng Zhen translates as "sacred truth" and also as "unconditional love". Sheng Zhen Gong is the qigong of unconditional love.
HEALING GONG 1 - GATHERING HEALING QI FROM THE UNIVERSE
This is a self-healing form that is easy to learn and practice. It is done seated on a chair. It can easily be implemented in daily life and the rewards will be obvious.
FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS - Sept. 6th 11:30 - 1:00 pm
- 7 week series offered Wednesday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
- Sept. 13th through Oct. 25th
Cost: $90 for the full series or $15 per class.
RSVP to Maria at 503-863-9173
SHENG ZHEN GONG consists of graceful moving and non-moving qigong forms. These forms strengthen and relax the body, dissolve negative emotions, clarify the mind, open the heart, and ultimately elevate the spirit. Sheng Zhen translates as "sacred truth" and also as "unconditional love". Sheng Zhen Gong is the qigong of unconditional love.
 | Maria Solomon, an ardent practitioner of meditation and the healing arts for several decades, has been authorized to teach Sheng Zhen Gong by Master Li Junfeng, the founder of Sheng Zhen and head of the International Sheng Zhen Society. Maria enjoys sharing this wonderful Qigong with others. |
5/22/2017 0 Comments
Online scheduling has moved!
You spoke and we listened!
Our clients simply adore the option of scheduling their appointments online, whenever it's convenient! It has served us well for years. Recently, we've noticed that you want more information at your fingertips.
Enter MindBody, We've moved our online schedule to Mindbody. You may be familiar with it as it is popular with local gyms and yoga studios. Simply create your account with the email address you've used with us in the past and the world is your oyster!
You can
Change can be hard, but we know you can do it! Update your browser favorite for Body of Work Wellness online massage scheduling https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=984344&stype=-9
We're honored you choose Body of Work Wellness for your massage therapy needs and we strive every day to earn and deserve your business. This change will enable us to better serve you. Thank you!
Our clients simply adore the option of scheduling their appointments online, whenever it's convenient! It has served us well for years. Recently, we've noticed that you want more information at your fingertips.
Enter MindBody, We've moved our online schedule to Mindbody. You may be familiar with it as it is popular with local gyms and yoga studios. Simply create your account with the email address you've used with us in the past and the world is your oyster!
You can
- Schedule online
- Purchase gift certificates for friends and family
- Prepay for your service so you can breeze out the door afterwards
- Check how many sessions you have left in your prepaid package
- Cancel or reschedule appointments
- See your visit history and anything you have schedule in the future.
Change can be hard, but we know you can do it! Update your browser favorite for Body of Work Wellness online massage scheduling https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=984344&stype=-9
We're honored you choose Body of Work Wellness for your massage therapy needs and we strive every day to earn and deserve your business. This change will enable us to better serve you. Thank you!
3/17/2017 1 Comment
How to give a good massage
Everyone wants a massage, but sometimes making it in to see your favorite massage therapist (hi there!) just isn’t feasible. It’s in those unexpected and inconvenient moments that knowing how to give your partner a pretty great massage yourself can make the difference between a rotten day and a better one. But of course, this hinges on one thing: do you know how to give a good massage? Giving an at-home massage is not that hard. Here are my favorite tips:
Use firm pressure, but not hard.
People get confused about pressure in two opposite ways. If your partner is smaller than you, you may have a tendency to use very light pressure. This is okay to a point (you probably won’t hurt anyone), but can be a little frustrating if your partner is tense or sore or, even worse, ticklish. On the other side are the people who come from the “no pain, no gain” school of massage. Don’t buy into this myth! Massage should be pleasant. If your partner has to tense their muscles and clench their jaw in order to get through your ministrations, it’s not helping.
Slooooooow doooooown.
There are absolutely occasions where someone might want a fast-paced, vigorous massage. But unless your partner is getting warmed up for a race or ballroom dancing competition, this is probably not one of them. You’re not going to miss some key muscle if you take your time. If you seem relaxed, your partner is going to relax too. So take a deep breath, put your hands out, and make each stroke last.
If you meet a bone, leave it alone.
There is one exception to the firm pressure rule, and that is bones. You don’t need to be an anatomist to recognize the ones that stick out, like knees, elbows, ribs, and spines. With little padding between them and the skin, these areas can be quick to bruise or feel painful. If you find your hands arriving at one of these bony landmarks (yes, that’s actually what massage therapists call them, it’s like reading a topographical map), you have two options: turn around and go back the way you came, or skim over them using gentle pressure and keep going with your massage on the other side.
Practice good body mechanics.
If massage shouldn’t be painful for your partner, it also shouldn’t be painful for you. If you are hunched over, if your wrists are bent at an awkward angle, if you are using your thumbs or fingers in ways they weren’t designed to work, you will end up regretting the day you ever offered to give a massage. Use bigger muscles in place of small ones whenever you can: use your back to provide pressure instead of your arms, and your arms instead of your fingers. Whenever possible, push instead of pulling. When you move to a new part of your partner’s body, adjust your entire position, not just your hand placement. It may feel strange at first, but imagine if you tried to shovel snow by standing in one place and using just your arms to move the shovel from one side of you to the other. If that image seems ridiculous, you already understand why proper body mechanics are so important.
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
Really, you probably don’t need to talk to a massage therapist to learn that open communication between you and your partner is key to anything you undertake together. But it’s especially true in a situation like a massage, where one of you is more vulnerable than the other. As the massage giver, it’s important that you check in regularly: How does this feel? Would you like more or less pressure? Do you remember whether I turned the oven off? (Okay, maybe not that one.) The same goes for communicating your own needs. If you are getting tired, or thirsty, or really need to leave for work, say something. Don’t leave your partner feeling guilty about enjoying a massage because you made a unilateral decision to sacrifice your needs for theirs.
Learn from the pros.
As with any skill, one of the best ways to learn to give a massage is by watching the people who are already great at it. Getting regular professional massage (hello again!) and taking a couples massage class are both helpful.
If you follow these guidelines, you’re going to be fine. If you can give a caring, relaxing massage without hurting your partner or yourself, you’re way ahead of the curve on this one. And if you feel like you need more than that … well, give us a call.
Use firm pressure, but not hard.
People get confused about pressure in two opposite ways. If your partner is smaller than you, you may have a tendency to use very light pressure. This is okay to a point (you probably won’t hurt anyone), but can be a little frustrating if your partner is tense or sore or, even worse, ticklish. On the other side are the people who come from the “no pain, no gain” school of massage. Don’t buy into this myth! Massage should be pleasant. If your partner has to tense their muscles and clench their jaw in order to get through your ministrations, it’s not helping.
Slooooooow doooooown.
There are absolutely occasions where someone might want a fast-paced, vigorous massage. But unless your partner is getting warmed up for a race or ballroom dancing competition, this is probably not one of them. You’re not going to miss some key muscle if you take your time. If you seem relaxed, your partner is going to relax too. So take a deep breath, put your hands out, and make each stroke last.
If you meet a bone, leave it alone.
There is one exception to the firm pressure rule, and that is bones. You don’t need to be an anatomist to recognize the ones that stick out, like knees, elbows, ribs, and spines. With little padding between them and the skin, these areas can be quick to bruise or feel painful. If you find your hands arriving at one of these bony landmarks (yes, that’s actually what massage therapists call them, it’s like reading a topographical map), you have two options: turn around and go back the way you came, or skim over them using gentle pressure and keep going with your massage on the other side.
Practice good body mechanics.
If massage shouldn’t be painful for your partner, it also shouldn’t be painful for you. If you are hunched over, if your wrists are bent at an awkward angle, if you are using your thumbs or fingers in ways they weren’t designed to work, you will end up regretting the day you ever offered to give a massage. Use bigger muscles in place of small ones whenever you can: use your back to provide pressure instead of your arms, and your arms instead of your fingers. Whenever possible, push instead of pulling. When you move to a new part of your partner’s body, adjust your entire position, not just your hand placement. It may feel strange at first, but imagine if you tried to shovel snow by standing in one place and using just your arms to move the shovel from one side of you to the other. If that image seems ridiculous, you already understand why proper body mechanics are so important.
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
Really, you probably don’t need to talk to a massage therapist to learn that open communication between you and your partner is key to anything you undertake together. But it’s especially true in a situation like a massage, where one of you is more vulnerable than the other. As the massage giver, it’s important that you check in regularly: How does this feel? Would you like more or less pressure? Do you remember whether I turned the oven off? (Okay, maybe not that one.) The same goes for communicating your own needs. If you are getting tired, or thirsty, or really need to leave for work, say something. Don’t leave your partner feeling guilty about enjoying a massage because you made a unilateral decision to sacrifice your needs for theirs.
Learn from the pros.
As with any skill, one of the best ways to learn to give a massage is by watching the people who are already great at it. Getting regular professional massage (hello again!) and taking a couples massage class are both helpful.
If you follow these guidelines, you’re going to be fine. If you can give a caring, relaxing massage without hurting your partner or yourself, you’re way ahead of the curve on this one. And if you feel like you need more than that … well, give us a call.
2/17/2017 0 Comments
R.A.K. it up!
3 Easy Random Acts of Kindness
February 9-15th was International Random Acts of Kindness Week. I don't think random kindness needs to be confined to a single week, so I'm honoring it even though I'm late to the party! The website is packed with great ideas on how to celebrate, and I especially love the approach of committing a random act of kindness for three different people:
Someone you don't know
This is pretty simple and can quickly become a habit. (That's a good thing!)
Smile. When you're in a depressingly long line at the bank, watching a parent deal with their toddler's public meltdown, or sitting next to another car in traffic. A kind grin goes a long way when you're feeling a bit hopeless about the daily hassles in life.
Someone you know
Take a moment to think about who in your life may be a little touch-deficient. Maybe you know someone who is recently widowed, a single parent with older children, or a new empty-nester. Maybe even a young teenager in an especially introverted stage of awkwardness.
Make it a point to touch someone. It could be a warm hand shake, high-five, or great hug, whatever is appropriate for that person and situation. Touch is shown to make us happier and healthier, and it benefits both you and the receiver!
Yourself
People depend on you, so it's important to take care of yourself. If you've only got a few minutes, steal away and flip through a great magazine. If you can set aside some more time, get a massage, go for a walk by yourself to recharge, or window shop at your favorite local stores.
Kindness doesn’t have to cost you anything, and it doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. All little goes a long way!
February 9-15th was International Random Acts of Kindness Week. I don't think random kindness needs to be confined to a single week, so I'm honoring it even though I'm late to the party! The website is packed with great ideas on how to celebrate, and I especially love the approach of committing a random act of kindness for three different people:
- Someone you don't know
- Someone you know
- Yourself
Someone you don't know
This is pretty simple and can quickly become a habit. (That's a good thing!)
Smile. When you're in a depressingly long line at the bank, watching a parent deal with their toddler's public meltdown, or sitting next to another car in traffic. A kind grin goes a long way when you're feeling a bit hopeless about the daily hassles in life.
Someone you know
Take a moment to think about who in your life may be a little touch-deficient. Maybe you know someone who is recently widowed, a single parent with older children, or a new empty-nester. Maybe even a young teenager in an especially introverted stage of awkwardness.
Make it a point to touch someone. It could be a warm hand shake, high-five, or great hug, whatever is appropriate for that person and situation. Touch is shown to make us happier and healthier, and it benefits both you and the receiver!
Yourself
People depend on you, so it's important to take care of yourself. If you've only got a few minutes, steal away and flip through a great magazine. If you can set aside some more time, get a massage, go for a walk by yourself to recharge, or window shop at your favorite local stores.
Kindness doesn’t have to cost you anything, and it doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. All little goes a long way!
Our wacky weather has certainly shown us just what Mother Nature thinks of our plans! Whether you were home with the kids for far too long, navigating the icy streets or spending hours reading political news, we know it took its toll. Sounds like you need a massage! We continue to welcome Kelly to our team and will extend the "welcome Kelly" special price through February. A 60 minute massage with Kelly is just $55!
Qigong classes were postponed during the snowpocalypse, so you're in luck if you'd like to join! The new 6 week series starts Wednesday, January 25th from 6:30-8:00. Call Maria to RSVP! 503-863-9173
We're cooking up some Valentine's Day specials for the month of February, so stay tuned!
Many thanks -
Kristina
Qigong classes were postponed during the snowpocalypse, so you're in luck if you'd like to join! The new 6 week series starts Wednesday, January 25th from 6:30-8:00. Call Maria to RSVP! 503-863-9173
We're cooking up some Valentine's Day specials for the month of February, so stay tuned!
Many thanks -
Kristina
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