Don't be Sad

Seasonal Affective Disorder 'SAD', can rear it's ugly head with many symptoms. Most people experience them, during the winter months when we have less exposure to sunlight. Some signs of SAD are, mood swings, sluggishness or exhaustion, lack of interest, and weight gain.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body. One of it's roles, is to help regulate sleep. The amount produced depends on how much light we get in the course of a day. When it's dark, we naturally produce more Melatonin to induce sleep.
With the decrease of light in the winter, our bodies maintain a higher level of melatonin throughout the day, which is why many of us feel tired, and get moody during winter days. Our bodies think we should be sleeping!

Some of us are affected more than others. Some ways you can help yourself through this period is to make sure you drink plenty of water, exercise, and watch your diet. Cutting down on, sugar, refined carbs, and high fat foods, is a great start. Eating more Low GI Foods,  is an interesting approach to managing your moods, energy levels, and weight control.

Getting out into the light slows our body's production of Melatonin. Walk, take in the fresh air, and, leave your sunglasses off to get as much light through as possible.

Serotonin is another hormone produced by the body. Widely known as the 'feel-good' hormone, or, the body's self made tranquilizer. The more your body produces, the more relief you can get from your symptoms of SAD.
By testing saliva, Medical research has shown a rise in serotonin levels in individuals after Massage, therefore, lowering stress, and leaving you with that feel-good feeling!

Along with diet and exercise, relaxation, and rejuvenation are key to getting your body, mind and soul out of the SADness doldrums of the Winter months.

After Your Massage.. how do you feel now?

It's a fact that regular Massage offers many health benefits. Here's a little refresher for those who may be new to this health-enhancing service.

Massage can:

• help the body to rid itself of some excess toxins by increasing circulation
• help the body to assimilate nutrients, and, nourish skin by increased blood flow
• keep joints more limber, and, reduce pain by nourishing and keeping muscles 'warmer and looser'
• rekindle the 'mind-body' connection by enjoying relaxing/therapeutic touch

After Massage:

We need or want Massage for different reasons. And, we don't always have a Massage for the same reason every visit. Sometimes we are more tired, injured, not feeling great, hung over, or extremely sad or happy. Due to these normal emotional and physical fluctuations, your Practitioner should be open, and, intuitive enough to 'read' you, and, to listen to your needs, every time.

This being the case, you won't always feel the same after every Massage, and, you have to be aware and intuitive as well, and learn to tune into your body's needs, after your Massage. Some people are going back to work, others, are finished for the day, and are on their way home, or, to other activities.

Some post Massage tips are pretty straight across the board for all, such as:

• drink water 
• make sure you are "back to yourself' -  not too tired or, pleasantly out-of-it" to drive/work
• take advantage of the good feeling, and, pace yourself for the rest of your day

Our hope is that you feel relaxed, pain free, and experience a good night sleep after your Massage. But sometimes, an emotional or physical release can work on you for a couple of days.

Communication and trust is the key to getting the most out of your Massage. Be sure you leave your  sessions feeling positive and secure, so that... you can't wait for the next one!

Calm yourself with Aromatherapy

Fortunately, we have become more accepting of the reality of the emotional and physical unbalances we can experience due to everyday life challenges, (positive & negative). Research is ongoing, in the quest for finding cures, band aids, and relief, for the symptoms. Sites such as *Living With Anxiety , offer amazing support, with questions, answers and info.

Books, like The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotionby Valerie Ann Wormwood, tell how Aromatherapy uses combinations of, or single, fragranced essential oils, to help to balance our emotional & physical selves, and, promote feelings of good health and well-being. Uses of different oils, and how to choose, and mix them, is an education all of it's own.
Massage influences our body's and minds, by adding warmth, as circulation is increased with squeezing, and kneading techniques. Using Oils such as Master Massage Soothing Blend Aroma Therapy Oil, which are pre-mixed compounds that include 100% grade French Lavender, Cedarwood, and Sweet Orange oils, adds to the relaxation process. These oils in particular, are known for their calming and relaxing properties.

*Please read these sites for info & education. BUT, if you have been diagnosed with, or know someone) who has been with these symptoms, ALWAYS seek the advise of a health care professional before embarking on treatments of your own.

Do you Need a Massage?

I am often asked "How do I know if I need a Massage?"

As part of Wikipedia's extensive information on the history and types of Massage,  it is defined as" enhancing muscle function and promoting relaxation and well-being."

We all strive  to lead healthy, vibrant lifestyles, with as little stress as possible. Our goals to reach for the top, often push us over the edge, causing emotional and physical tension, that can lead to muscle tightness, soreness, nervous angst, and fatigue.

Anyone shaking their head's in agreement, and saying to themselves "that's me"... needs a Massage! But, for some, everyday stress and tension, is minimal, and they have Massage because they want to. They enjoy the feeling, and the communication. Sadly, some often feel 'guilty' for going for, or wanting Massage.  Don't ever let anyone tell you it's wrong to have a Massage, simply because you like it.

I encourage those who have Massage because they want to, as much as I do those because they need to!

If you've never had a Massage before, here are few tips to get you on the right track.

• If you've had an injury, and are going on the advice of your health care provider, try to get referred to someone (or a clinic) that they are familiar with. 
• Maybe you're going because you've heard great things, and, you'd like to try it. If so, talk to friends, etc, who might see someone they are very *comfortable*, and happy with. Massage is a personal thing, and, some like to keep it that way, and not share the fact that they go, or their Therapists either! In this case, a high profile Sport's Med clinic is a good place to go into, ask questions, even talk to a Therapist before hand about your needs, and concerns. If they're not open to this... you're in the wrong place.

*Earlier I used the word, comfortable. Remember, this is your Massage, and it should be a stress free experience. Do not hesitate to get up from the table at any time, if you are not being listened to by the Therapist, or feel compromised in any way.

Yes, there IS such a thing as an 'emergency' Massage!

Here is another brief story to add to my long list of rewarding experiences during my career as a Massage Therapist.

I received a call this morning from a client... "Hello, Shelly? As you remember me telling you, this is a very important day for me. I woke up this morning... and I CAN'T MOVE MY NECK!!"
Remembering the importance of this day for her, I wasn't too surprised to hear her news.

She only had time for a short visit. We talked, did some Reflexology, concentrated on upper body and neck work, with some serious deep breathing on her part. Working together, we got the job done, and, happily, she got through her day with flying colours.

My artform... the magic of Massage.