Aromatherapy is a relatively inexpensive complementary alternative medicine and it is a terrific addition to massage therapy sessions. Unless my clients suffer from allergies or request unscented lubrication, I consistently add essential oils into my massage oil mixtures and strategically place drops of essential oils around the massage table for a double dose of aromatherapy. I use many different essential oils but I would have to say that my favorite is peppermint oil due to its many health benefits.
Peppermint, sometimes termed the world's oldest medicine, has been found in Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 1000 BC, and while peppermint has had many applications over the years, it is probably best known for its medicinal uses. Unlike many other essential oils, studies conducted by the scientific community have proved there are numerous health benefits attached to peppermint oil. Indigestion, respiratory problems, headaches, sinus congestion, muscle aches and pain, asthma, and toothaches are only some of the symptoms that can be treated with peppermint oil. The minty aroma of peppermint is both refreshing and stimulating and has shown effectiveness in treating nervous tension and anxiety.
Below you will find a few home remedies that I have tried. Please feel free to send me your recipes for essential oils and I hope you enjoy mine.
Indigestion: Put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after a meal to help with digestion. ***For those that suffer from heartburn, please consult your physician before you try this because peppermint is carminative. Carminatives combat flatulence and have been shown to decrease lower esophageal pressure, which on the other hand increases the risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or 'heartburn'.
Colic: Put a piece of peppermint candy in a bottle of water to help with cramps associated with gas pain.
Headaches: Apply peppermint oil in a diluted form directly on the forehead and temples. For those that do not have sensitive skin, you might be able to apply the oil undiluted. Lavender oil is another essential oil that I use to treat headaches. Place a few drops on your fingertips and massage it into the base of the skull.
Sinus Congestion: 1)Put a few drops of peppermint in Vick's Vaporub and massage the mixture into the soles of the feet. Cover the feet with white cotton socks and go to sleep. 2)Put a few drops of peppermint on a warm, steamy washcloth and then cover your face with the cloth. Inhale deeply for temporary relief of sinus congestion. 3)Place a few drops of peppermint on a tissue and put the tissue in your pillowcase. This is not only treating sinus problems, it is also a great sleep aid. 4)Combine peppermint and eucalyptus oils and place a few drops on a tissue. Place the tissue over your nose and mouth and inhale for temporary relief.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Martha Stewart She Ain't
The holiday season is always a hectic time of the year, but in a crazy good way. Families and friends come together for good food and fellowship. In most families there is one person that embraces the spirit of the holidays and pulls everything together, and in my family it was my maternal grandmother. She absolutely loved this time of year. Besides coordinating family dinners, she decorated her home the nth degree, made candies and cookies, and her Christmas cards were in the mail before December arrived. Martha Stewart? She was amateur status and Granny was a pro.
When I was a kid I had no idea how much time and energy, not to mention money, went into planning a big family shindig. It was only after I was married and decided to have a dinner party of my own, that I realized how daunting this task could be. When I told my grandmother that I was planning on having my parents and in-laws over for dinner, she decided I needed her assistance. When she asked me what was on the menu, I rattled off a list of dishes without hesitation. "No fruit or jello salad?" she asked. It was then that she gave me her recipe for Sunshine Salad and informed me that no dinner was complete without a jello salad. She reviewed my menu a second time, then told me that I had too much starch and not enough green veggies. After adding a green bean casserole, nixing a potato dish and getting the menu cleared by Granny, I made my way back to the grocery to get Sunshine Salad ingredients.
Now came the preparation. Since I had never cooked more than 1 or 2 dishes at a time for our family dinners, it never occurred to me that I would not have enough casserole dishes or pots and pans to cook 10 dishes simultaneously. So I called my grandmother and told her my dilemma. She rummaged through her cabinets and brought over some of her older cookware with a promise that we would go shopping for casserole dishes of my own. She re-evaluated my supplies and on her way out the door she expressed her displeasure with my Tupperware deviled egg holder and my cheap napkins. I didn't think anyone would say "That was one fine meal.....except for the napkins" but just to be on safe side......I dashed off to the store for better napkins. After my third and final shopping trip, I was ready to put the finishing touches on my dinner.
My home was decorated. My feast looked like a Norman Rockwell print had come to life. My family was amazed that I, formerly known as the person most likely to burn a salad, had managed to finesse my first dinner party. I told everyone it was no effort at all and it didn't take a rocket scientist to read and follow a recipe. Of course when they found the giblets and turkey neck still tucked inside my bird and one of my pumpkin pies had a piece of wax paper cooked under the pie filling....they knew I was no Martha Stewart.
Have a Great Thanksgiving!
When I was a kid I had no idea how much time and energy, not to mention money, went into planning a big family shindig. It was only after I was married and decided to have a dinner party of my own, that I realized how daunting this task could be. When I told my grandmother that I was planning on having my parents and in-laws over for dinner, she decided I needed her assistance. When she asked me what was on the menu, I rattled off a list of dishes without hesitation. "No fruit or jello salad?" she asked. It was then that she gave me her recipe for Sunshine Salad and informed me that no dinner was complete without a jello salad. She reviewed my menu a second time, then told me that I had too much starch and not enough green veggies. After adding a green bean casserole, nixing a potato dish and getting the menu cleared by Granny, I made my way back to the grocery to get Sunshine Salad ingredients.
Now came the preparation. Since I had never cooked more than 1 or 2 dishes at a time for our family dinners, it never occurred to me that I would not have enough casserole dishes or pots and pans to cook 10 dishes simultaneously. So I called my grandmother and told her my dilemma. She rummaged through her cabinets and brought over some of her older cookware with a promise that we would go shopping for casserole dishes of my own. She re-evaluated my supplies and on her way out the door she expressed her displeasure with my Tupperware deviled egg holder and my cheap napkins. I didn't think anyone would say "That was one fine meal.....except for the napkins" but just to be on safe side......I dashed off to the store for better napkins. After my third and final shopping trip, I was ready to put the finishing touches on my dinner.
My home was decorated. My feast looked like a Norman Rockwell print had come to life. My family was amazed that I, formerly known as the person most likely to burn a salad, had managed to finesse my first dinner party. I told everyone it was no effort at all and it didn't take a rocket scientist to read and follow a recipe. Of course when they found the giblets and turkey neck still tucked inside my bird and one of my pumpkin pies had a piece of wax paper cooked under the pie filling....they knew I was no Martha Stewart.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Working Out
When I became a massage therapist, I became a fitness consultant by osmosis. So in my role of fitness/health guru, I advised countless clients that they needed to stretch more and encouraged them to try yoga to increase their flexibility. I was always admonishing clients for not properly hydrating or not listening to their bodies. I asked my clients to invest in their futures by making healthier lifestyle choices. On the outside I simply radiated health and fitness in my every breath. On the inside I knew that I was merely talking the talk but not walking the walk, so my Jimmeny Cricket voice began whispering "Hypocrite". It was only when Jimmeny started yelling that I decided to heed my own advice.
About three months ago, I began working out with a personal trainer. Mind you, the original goal was not to get in shape and be healthier, but to look good for my son's upcoming wedding. I could have listed at least 10 different reasons on why doing yoga and Pilates was important, but in the end my vanity was the greatest motivator. I began working out once a week and my inner voice backed off a bit. The voice still occasionally reminded me that I was not truly focusing on my health as much as I needed to be, since I was more concerned with the number on my scales and how my clothes were fitting than how my body actually felt.
So I started working out two days a week and an odd thing happened...... I actually began to enjoy physical exercise. (Though I will have to say that first abdominal crunch session was not particularly a rockin' good time!) I enjoyed my exercise routine so much that I offered a group yoga class at my office this week so I could share my excitement with others. Stretching. Flexibility. Hydration. All those benefits I once only spoke about were now part of my fitness plan. No more talking the talk, I was walking the walk.
But if that fricking cricket starts making noise again, I might have to get out the Raid.
About three months ago, I began working out with a personal trainer. Mind you, the original goal was not to get in shape and be healthier, but to look good for my son's upcoming wedding. I could have listed at least 10 different reasons on why doing yoga and Pilates was important, but in the end my vanity was the greatest motivator. I began working out once a week and my inner voice backed off a bit. The voice still occasionally reminded me that I was not truly focusing on my health as much as I needed to be, since I was more concerned with the number on my scales and how my clothes were fitting than how my body actually felt.
So I started working out two days a week and an odd thing happened...... I actually began to enjoy physical exercise. (Though I will have to say that first abdominal crunch session was not particularly a rockin' good time!) I enjoyed my exercise routine so much that I offered a group yoga class at my office this week so I could share my excitement with others. Stretching. Flexibility. Hydration. All those benefits I once only spoke about were now part of my fitness plan. No more talking the talk, I was walking the walk.
But if that fricking cricket starts making noise again, I might have to get out the Raid.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Why I Became a Therapist
I have been asked numerous times about what made me choose massage therapy for my career path. My dad likes to tell everyone that when I was a child and was not feeling well, he would rub my back with alcohol or Vick's Salve, and due to this early life experience he undoubtedly shaped me into the massage therapist that I am today. My mom would probably tell you that I took some of the holistic healing advice that her mother handed down to me and expounded on it. Both explanations have some validity, and while they may have aided in my career decision, I think it was ultimately my own experiences with giving and receiving massage that made me want to study this natural healing in depth.
I started getting massage for chronic neck pain when I was in my 20's. I sustained an injury while working at a hospital so it was easy for my boss to get me a prescription for physical therapy, and since the co-payment was waived, I was able to get my therapy for free. It only took one visit for me to appreciate how wonderful my body felt and to know that twice weekly visits were going to be heavenly. At the end of three months my body felt terrific and I was a confirmed massage junkie.
Knowing that my massage monster would be needing a fix, I began researching massage therapy and read everything I could get my hands on that would teach me how to perform this healing art. Twenty years ago this information was not as easy to locate as it is today, but I managed to find some interesting books and articles that taught me the basic massage strokes and some easy points of reflexology. I then practiced massage on my husband and children and found I could relax them to the point of putting them to sleep, and I massaged myself when I got migraine headaches and found that I was able to reduce my pain considerably. So after two years of studying on my own and experimenting on my family and friends, I decided to enroll in massage therapy school and see if I could earn a living doing something healthy and enjoyable.
Five years and many satisfied clients later tells me that this was one of the best decisions I ever made. But if you talk to my dad.....tell him it was all his doing.
I started getting massage for chronic neck pain when I was in my 20's. I sustained an injury while working at a hospital so it was easy for my boss to get me a prescription for physical therapy, and since the co-payment was waived, I was able to get my therapy for free. It only took one visit for me to appreciate how wonderful my body felt and to know that twice weekly visits were going to be heavenly. At the end of three months my body felt terrific and I was a confirmed massage junkie.
Knowing that my massage monster would be needing a fix, I began researching massage therapy and read everything I could get my hands on that would teach me how to perform this healing art. Twenty years ago this information was not as easy to locate as it is today, but I managed to find some interesting books and articles that taught me the basic massage strokes and some easy points of reflexology. I then practiced massage on my husband and children and found I could relax them to the point of putting them to sleep, and I massaged myself when I got migraine headaches and found that I was able to reduce my pain considerably. So after two years of studying on my own and experimenting on my family and friends, I decided to enroll in massage therapy school and see if I could earn a living doing something healthy and enjoyable.
Five years and many satisfied clients later tells me that this was one of the best decisions I ever made. But if you talk to my dad.....tell him it was all his doing.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Quote of the Day
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.~Albert Einstein
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
De-stress Yourself
People that do not get regular massage will sometimes tell me that they think massage is an extravagance or that it falls into the discretionary income category. It is my job as a massage therapist to help educate the masses as to all the healthful benefits that massage therapy offers, but in today's tough economic times, this can sometimes prove to be a hard sell. I like to suggest massage become part of their health maintenance program, like an extension to their already working out and eating healthier, massage should be an investment in their future well-being.
There is an overwhelming assumption that relaxation is the only benefit one gets from a massage. For the sake of a good argument, lets assume that relaxation truly was the only benefit. Is it a crime to relax? The answer to this question is "No", but it is not uncommon for clients to utter feelings of guilt for daring to take an hour out of their week just for some much needed downtime and relaxation. I have to wonder when it became acceptable for stress to be considered the norm and relaxation was relegated to that one or two weeks of vacation time that we all look forward to. Stress-related illness is a serious problem in our society and a great many that are seeking help so that they can function in their daily routines are being treated with prescription medications. As a massage therapist, I am in a unique position to offer a natural alternative to stress relief.
Clinical studies have shown that subjects who received massage therapy regularly have a lower level of cortisol than subjects who did not receive massage. Cortisol is a stress hormone and it is one of the contributors to belly fat. Hear that ladies? Regular massage can minimalize our body's production of this hormone, which can in turn help us from adding more fat to our bellies. This reason alone should sell most of us on why getting a massage is important! If we factor in that massage therapy can improve circulation, decrease headaches, speed up the healing process for over-worked muscles, reduce pain, etc, then it becomes a matter of how could anyone not want to experience a massage.
Is massage a stress reliever? Absolutely! Can your life be changed drastically for the better after only one massage? Probably not, but there is always the possibility that if you are willing to commit to 60 minutes of relaxation, you might just be surprised at what else massage can do for you.
There is an overwhelming assumption that relaxation is the only benefit one gets from a massage. For the sake of a good argument, lets assume that relaxation truly was the only benefit. Is it a crime to relax? The answer to this question is "No", but it is not uncommon for clients to utter feelings of guilt for daring to take an hour out of their week just for some much needed downtime and relaxation. I have to wonder when it became acceptable for stress to be considered the norm and relaxation was relegated to that one or two weeks of vacation time that we all look forward to. Stress-related illness is a serious problem in our society and a great many that are seeking help so that they can function in their daily routines are being treated with prescription medications. As a massage therapist, I am in a unique position to offer a natural alternative to stress relief.
Clinical studies have shown that subjects who received massage therapy regularly have a lower level of cortisol than subjects who did not receive massage. Cortisol is a stress hormone and it is one of the contributors to belly fat. Hear that ladies? Regular massage can minimalize our body's production of this hormone, which can in turn help us from adding more fat to our bellies. This reason alone should sell most of us on why getting a massage is important! If we factor in that massage therapy can improve circulation, decrease headaches, speed up the healing process for over-worked muscles, reduce pain, etc, then it becomes a matter of how could anyone not want to experience a massage.
Is massage a stress reliever? Absolutely! Can your life be changed drastically for the better after only one massage? Probably not, but there is always the possibility that if you are willing to commit to 60 minutes of relaxation, you might just be surprised at what else massage can do for you.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Life Was Good
When clients find out that my husband is also a massage therapist they automatically assume that I am the luckiest woman on the planet...what with all those free massages I must get. Well let me set the record straight on that one.
When I was first learning massage therapy and needed extra practice, Hubby would gladly hop up on my massage table and subject himself to being massaged. Then early on in my massage career I would cheerfully offer to massage him when he came home from work with a stiff neck and sore hands. Hubby used to tell everyone that he was the luckiest man in town. Life. Was. Good.
Skip to Hubby going to massage therapy school. He would ask me if I wanted a massage and I would run to get on the massage table. We shared techniques and traded massage secrets. We were always giving massages or getting massages. Life. Was. Good.
Now lets jump ahead to when we both were striving to be successful massage therapists. Both of us were doing several massages daily and most of our clients requested deep tissue/therapeutic massage. Tight muscles, sore hands and a lot of upper body tension were all signs that we were working hard. Despite all the hard work, we still devoted a great deal of energy and compassion for our clients and each other. When the alarm clock went off early Monday morning, we jumped out of bed and looked forward to our workday. Life. Was. Good.
We now arrive at 2010. Both of us are doing several massages daily and most of our clients ask if we can upgrade their sessions to include a steamroller and/or jackhammer for their extra tight spots. The signs of our hard work are seen in our granite-like upper back and shoulder muscles, in knuckles that pop like bubblegum, and in forearms that give Popeye a good run for the money. Despite all the hard work, we still devote a great deal of energy and compassion for our clients.... When the alarm goes off we gently drag our sore behinds out of bed and look forward to another day of hard work. I mention that my neck is stiff, Hubby says "Join the club". Hubby tells me that he could really use a massage and I reply "Get in line". We dig out the heating pad and take some Ibuprofen, then we reminisce of times when massages flowed like milk and honey. You know, when life was good?
When I was first learning massage therapy and needed extra practice, Hubby would gladly hop up on my massage table and subject himself to being massaged. Then early on in my massage career I would cheerfully offer to massage him when he came home from work with a stiff neck and sore hands. Hubby used to tell everyone that he was the luckiest man in town. Life. Was. Good.
Skip to Hubby going to massage therapy school. He would ask me if I wanted a massage and I would run to get on the massage table. We shared techniques and traded massage secrets. We were always giving massages or getting massages. Life. Was. Good.
Now lets jump ahead to when we both were striving to be successful massage therapists. Both of us were doing several massages daily and most of our clients requested deep tissue/therapeutic massage. Tight muscles, sore hands and a lot of upper body tension were all signs that we were working hard. Despite all the hard work, we still devoted a great deal of energy and compassion for our clients and each other. When the alarm clock went off early Monday morning, we jumped out of bed and looked forward to our workday. Life. Was. Good.
We now arrive at 2010. Both of us are doing several massages daily and most of our clients ask if we can upgrade their sessions to include a steamroller and/or jackhammer for their extra tight spots. The signs of our hard work are seen in our granite-like upper back and shoulder muscles, in knuckles that pop like bubblegum, and in forearms that give Popeye a good run for the money. Despite all the hard work, we still devote a great deal of energy and compassion for our clients.... When the alarm goes off we gently drag our sore behinds out of bed and look forward to another day of hard work. I mention that my neck is stiff, Hubby says "Join the club". Hubby tells me that he could really use a massage and I reply "Get in line". We dig out the heating pad and take some Ibuprofen, then we reminisce of times when massages flowed like milk and honey. You know, when life was good?
Thursday, November 4, 2010
No Talk Zone
When I was attending massage therapy school we were told a good rule of thumb was to not talk to the person you were massaging unless they talked to you first. After all the clients are there to relax, and most people prefer quiet to noisy if they are trying to get their mellow on. For the most part I tend to follow this guideline with new clients, but for some unknown reason I seem to attract clients that like to chat while they get their bodywork. Now for anyone that knows me, they know that I have never been a believer or follower of the Silence is Golden way of thinking so being quiet can be tough for me sometimes. Not like you probably think though. I can totally respect someone needing a little bit of down time and I have no problem letting my mouth go on vacation for an hour or so while I give a massage. My problem arises when the client broaches those subjects that I was always told you should never discuss with business associates or clients. You know the ones your grandparents and parents handed down to you? Religion. Politics. Money. Those were like the 3 Deadly Sins of work-related discussions. And really I only have trouble buttoning my lip with 2 of the 3 as I have no money and have no qualms about telling anyone that I am on a budget. Let me hit the lottery and see how quiet I am!
So that leads us to religion and politics. Big taboo times two. Thankfully, I have some well-read and educated clients that engage me in thought-provoking conversations and occasionally they bring these topics up and ask my opinion. Like this last month which led up to the local elections or two years ago around the presidential election, or the recent declaration, by the Louisville Southern Baptist Seminary President, that "yoga could be dangerous to Christians' faith". I have lots of thoughts about politics and I read political blogs on a regular basis, but I have found it best to lay up short when it comes to sharing your political views. The most common answer I give is "I think most of them are crooks and I vote for the candidate that I think will do the best job, irregardless of their party affiliations." Other than that, I might offer a "hmm" or "I can see how you would feel that way" to dodge the bullet.
Religion is tougher. I was raised Southern Baptist and was drug into church every time the doors were open, but I have experienced religious teachings in churches that were Catholic, Mormon, Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist and Pentecostal, and I have read up on several other religious groups and philosophies as well as atheism. I know a little bit about several Western religious denominations and I know just about nil on Eastern religions, so I dance around this subject as if I was barefoot, trying to dash across a bed of hot coals to freedom. What I do share is that I am a spiritual person and that I have found most religions have some things I can appreciate and some things I do not agree with. I will sometimes point out that some of the more uptight over-the-top evangelicals who bomb abortion clinics are really no different than some of the radical extremists that we consider terrorists. I usually try not to linger on this subject anymore than I absolutely have to because it is so very personal and from past experience I have seen a light and friendly chat go south in a hurry.
We can still choose to share intimate parts of our lives with our massage clients without baring our souls. Facebook much? But I also think there are degrees of disclosure and faith and politics are my two hot topics that I keep to myself. Is privacy the best policy? In my case, it is.
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