Monday, January 31, 2011

Pregnancy & Massage

It was by accident that I began doing pre- and post-natal massage.  I have seen one of my regular clients after one pregnancy and into another.  It's gratifying to work with these women as they create a new life.  But, oh, the lower back pain they suffer!  And the upper back after birth, carrying the newborn.  My body mechanics need to adjust, working with my client in a side-lying position, bolstered to make sure she's comfortable.  They say the baby can feel the clockwise gentle effleurage on the mother's belly.  How wonderful!  Looking forward to my next session!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Warming Up

Getting ready for a full day of massage. I must remember to warm up, stretch, watch my body mechanics, and cool down afterwards. Drink water. I love working on Sundays because my office building is empty, and the place is totally quiet. Okay, off we go!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Self Care in 2011 (2)

Well, I've been doing pretty well with 1, 2, and 3. Eating much better, drinking less wine.  I am sleeping longer and better (therefore), and I've continued working out in spite of an arm injury.  Picking up running again, doing intervals to get my wind back.  Now, I haven't been stretching enough, nor have I returned to a yoga class, but I certainly will.  More as it happens...

Monday, January 10, 2011

Drumming

Remember drumming on your or a friend's chest and talking at the same time?  It made that wonderful vibrating sound and sounded so funny.  Well, little did we know that this massage technique (called "tapotement") yielded therapeutic benefits.  The light pounding (usually on the back) has a stimulating effect during the first 30 seconds, but it then has a relaxing effect over the long term.  No wonder we kept doing it!  (And we sounded funny, too.)