What's Up (and a Discovery)

I've been a little out of blogging touch, as we've been working on the next phases of my website.  First of all, this blog will soon move over to http://PatrickSmithLMT.com.  My site will have my favorite links, online booking for massage treatments, and my blog, all in one place.  SO much easier.

But wait -- there's more -- in the coming months we'll be introducing an online store, where you can purchase my massage and skincare products.  Great, natural, paraben- and other yucky stuff-free products.  More on that as it develops.

And I discovered that a favorite maker of beauty products -- who shall remain nameless...J.M... -- uses parabens and synthetic fragrances in its products.  Very disappointing to some of my friends who swear by this company...which is owned by Estee Lauder.  Lesson: if the full ingredients are not on its website, write to the company and ASK.  Keep that nasty stuff off of your skin!

Oil & Water/Serum & Lotion

I started moisturizing my face my first year in college.  I'm not sure why; it just seemed to make sense, and it felt good on my face.  Now, after, ahem, several years of moisturizing, I've tried just about everything.

That is, until I started using natural oils.  It started with a great serum from Naturopathica.  Then I started blending my own serums.  It's amazing how great my face feels using these nourishing oils.  Who knew?

What I'm trying to understand is what the difference in effectiveness is between lotion (water & oil, basically) and serums (oils).  Does anyone know?  What's the benefit of a lotion?  A serum?

In the meantime, I'm going to stick to my serums (evening primrose, rosehip, pumpkin seed, avocado...ahhhh....)

Massage & Depression (2)

As a follow-up to yesterday's posting about how massage can help depression, I just read that depression can worsen arthritis symptoms.  As this article relates, a massage addresses 2 things at once (at least).

With that in mind, doesn't it make sense to get regular massage?

See the article in Massage magazine here: http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=10797&catid=292&title=depression-increases-perception-of-arthritis-related-pain

Massage & Depression

A 2010 review of studies has suggested that massage may be beneficial in the battle against depression.  Despite the inability to perform truly "blind" clinical trials (i.e. it is obvious to the subject and clinicians if a subject is receiving a massage or not), there seems to be sufficient evidence in studies to point to the effectiveness of massage in reducing depression.

This is an encouraging development in research.  Although the percentage of adults with major depressive disorder has declined over the past years (7.9% --> 6.4% from 2004 to 2008, according to the National Institute of Mental Health), it is still a positive development that natural methods of treatment are options for combating depression.

As research is constantly proving, massage is good for you.

Read the original article from Reuters here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/03/30/us-massage-depression-idUSTRE62T4AK20100330

Chiropractor Spotlight: West 79th Street Chiropractic

Feeling a little off? Trouble turning your neck? Pain in the leg? Pay a visit to West 79th Street Chiropractic.

With a practice on a beautiful block on the Upper West Side in NYC, Dr. Rob provides chiropractic care to a range of patients, from newborns to 92-year-olds. "It is never to early or too late to start" is his philosophy.

The office is open, light and inviting. And Jesse, Dr. Rob's seven-year-old cocker spaniel, is always waiting at the door to welcome you in.

Now, in full disclosure, I am fortunate to rent my equally beautiful massage space from Dr. Rob. Within a month of moving in, however, I discovered that half of my friends were already seeing him! As one of them said, "He's a great guy." After hearing this from her, I knew I had landed in the right place.

Dr. Rob participates in most insurance plans, and he takes appointments as well as walk-ins. Check out his website for more information: http://www.west79chiro.com.

Oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic, Oh My!

I've been boning up on my carrier oils and their benefits.  Although I have used jojoba and olive oil (infused with arnica) in my massages, I have been exploring some of the other oils out there.  I'm still learning, but here are some things I've found:

Apricot Kernel Oil
With a high percentage of oleic and linoleic acids, this oil is very good for sensitive and aging skin.  A base in many cosmetics.  As linoleic acid is one of the 2 essential fatty acids that we need for various biological processes, absorption of this oil through the skin can be beneficial to its health.  I use this in my skin care products.

Grape Seed Oil
Another oil with a high percentage of linoleic acid.  Grape seed oil is easily absorbed and has a somewhat astringent quality.  Good for sensitive skin.  I am eager to work with this oil to see how it performs in skin care tests.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Rich in fatty acids (98% long chain fatty acids), this oil is moisturizing and very good for damaged skin.  It may also provide some ultraviolet ray protection, and serves as a moisture barrer (i.e. keeps moisture in).  This is a sustainable oil, as the seeds are edible and are often served to animals after the oil has been expelled.  Meadowfoam is also a renewable crop and is planted in rotation with other crops.  I'm definitely going to check this one out!

What other oils have you used in your massage and skin care practices?  I'm eager to hear what you've learned.

Rover Wants a Massage!

Did you know that animals can benefit from massage just as much as humans?  Yes, Rover does indeed enjoy a massage, and so does Fluffy.  And the benefits are the same: strengthened immune system, decreased pain, improved range of motion, etc.

State regulations of animal (usually horse or dog) massage vary.  According to the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork (IAAMB) in 2009, 21 states allowed animal massage without veterinary supervision.  Some states restrict animal massage to veterinarians only.

So the next time you are sitting with Rover (or Fluffy), go ahead and give him a nice shoulder rub.  He'll appreciate it.

Note: Please perform animal massage within your scope of practice and following your state's regulations.  For more information about animal massage, including state regulations, safety, contraindications, and other precautions, please visit the following sites:

IAAMB
All About Animal Massage