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Welcome to a ringside seat of the random things that pop into my brain. Consider yourself forewarned.
November 20, 2009
ARE YOU PREPARED?
For what, you ask? Well, anything.
Living in Manhattan on September 11th taught me many things. I was on the George Washington bridge when the second plane was flying over the river. As NYC was waking up on that sunny morning, we were blissfully unaware of what was descending on us. On the most basic level, I wasn't prepared for that level of tragedy. I don't think many of us were. I certainly didn't think that when I dropped my 8 year old daughter off at her school on the Upper West Side and drove to my NJ office that I would not see her again until 10 pm that night, and then only after a stroke of luck of getting one phone call through after trying repeatedly for almost 8 hours. Times are different now and self-education is important.
I completed my Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training last night. It is a free 8-week course offered locally at the Monroe County Public Safety building. I learned so many basic things about being able to help in disaster situations. Did you know that the standard response time for professionals in a "major" disaster situation is usually a minimum of 72 hours? Would you know what to do for yourself, your family, and your neighbors during that three day period if emergency responders were not available? People in California are used to living with earthquakes and developed the CERT program, which is now nationally taught. The training was incredibly professional and informative, and fun! It was a free class and I highly recommend seeking out your local CERT training. There are also several single classes and online classes that give valuable information. I'll leave you with a quote that sums up my thoughts on being self-motivated to seek out knowledge:
"Real education must ultimately be limited to men who insist on knowing–the rest is mere sheep-herding." - Ezra Pound
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November 8, 2009
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT - BOOK YOUR MASSAGE
The drawback of travel is that it creates wear-and-tear on your body and stress on your system. Sitting in cramped quarters with reduced oxygen is not pleasant, and add in any disruptions or ticketing issues and your wonderful trip just became not so wonderful. So what's the answer?
When you book your travel plans, make sure they always include booking a massage on either end of the trip. This way, even if your trip is disrupted, you know there is a nice, warm, massage table waiting for you at your destination (just don't book it too close to landing time, and be sure to alert the person you are booking with that you are traveling, in case any delays affect your appointment time.)
Then once you return home, you'll have an appointment where you can unwind from your trip, relax and process your trip in a quiet, meditative, and thoughtful way while you relax in a nice, restorative healing session.
Also, if you want a specific referral, ask your regular massage therapist if they know of anyone in the area you are traveling to - sometimes that is better than just rolling the dice and scheduling with someone who's training and experience are unknown.
Happy trails!
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October 23, 2009
YOUR LAST MASSAGE WAS WHEN???
I've had this situation come up more than a few times, so I thought I would blog about it. A new client comes for a massage. They schedule a deep tissue session and say they have been getting massage either once a month or every other week by a therapist for the past couple of years.
The session begins and soon I realize that they have so many muscular issues, their body actually looks like they haven't had a massage in 10 years -- or ever! Also, they can't handle the deep work, and I either back off or switch the session to a relaxation massage instead.
What happened here?
How can someone who has been paying for "deep tissue" massage on a regular basis be in such bad shape physically?
All massage therapists are different - levels of pressure they use, training, and continuing education. Licensing varies from state to state, and many states don't even have licensing requirements. Don't assume anything about a massage therapist's level of skill or ability to address your muscular issues and enhance your well-being. And if you are not finding relief from your massage sessions, it's time to find another therapist!
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October 19, 2009
PAMPER NO MORE!
I had a client recently who had not received a massage for over a year. Needless to say, there were many muscular issues, stress levels were high, and circulation was diminished since the last appointment. The issues were far more than what we could address in a one hour session. I explained that she would need several appointments within a short period of time to get her back on track (no pun!) and then they could return to a maintenance system of every month or two. The client's response was "I guess I need to pamper myself more."
Wrong!!!
It's important to understand that massage is not "pampering", it's an important part of a regular health care routine. Going to a fancy spa could give a person the impression that massage is only for a special occasion, only for wealthy people, or is only a beauty treatment. Not true at all!
You know how amazing you feel after a massage. This is not a "luxury" item. Bodywork is an integral part to a living a healthy life. Taking care of yourself might involve eating nourishing food, meditating, exercising, and yes, getting regular bodywork.
From the American Medical Association website:
Surveys of hospitals, conducted through the American Hospital Association, have shown a rapid increase in use of massage in the
hospital setting. A consumer survey released in 2007 shows 38% of American adults have received a massage some time in their lives.
Growth in the consumer acceptance of massage over the last 2 decades has been substantial.
But please don't wait until you are in the hospital to start taking care of yourself! Book your appointment today and make the committment to yourself to live the healthy life you were born to live.
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September 28, 2009
PURE LOVE IN ROCHESTER
I've been so busy with school I have been neglecting to blog as much as I would like, but we're here now!
What inspired me to get back to the blog was the FANTASTIC meal I had last night at Natural Oasis. First, much love to Chef Nick, resident Chef in the NO kitchen. He invited up buddy and fellow Chef Neal Harden from my beloved Pure Food & Wine in NYC. Last night was a delicious tasting menu - apps and seven courses - each more delicious than the last. And I met some wonderful people, which re-ignited my hope that there are people interested in raw food in Rochester!
I can't wait until the next special event at NO - in the meantime, Chef Nick puts together a wonderful Ethiopian buffet for lunch each day and a healthy vegan tapas-like localvore menu for dinner. Very reasonable and nourishing! In the wake of many veggie restaurants that haven't made it in Rochester, I really think NO and Chef Nick are in for the long haul. Please support them!
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September 5, 2009
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
"The Love You Give Yourself Is The Love You Give To The World"
I welcome you to schedule a massage, reflexology, or bach flower session, take a walk, a yoga class, or meditate~do something just for YOU.
You MUST take care of yourself so you can be your best self!!
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September 1, 2009
RAW SPIRIT! RAW SPIRIT! RAW SPIRIT!
What a wonderful month August has been! I just got back from working at the 1st annual Raw Spirit Festival East Coast. I can't say enough good things about events like this. There is a community of fun, lively people who get together and talk about two of my favorite subjects: Food & Health!
I'll have to write a more comprehensive review of my experiences at the RSF, but in a few words, I got to assist demo chefs (and learn a lot of great tips), hear some very inspiriational speakers, and eat some awesome raw food.
Stay tuned for more on raw food - especially if you are in Rochester, NY!
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August 24, 2009
YEAH.....WE LIKE TO PAR-TAY
I was blessed with the opportunity to cater my very good friend's 40th birthday party. Her request was to have a party with healthy food, including gluten-free and dairy-free options for the 100 guests. Above all, she wanted to have people feel nourished and leave feeling better than when they arrived. My menu started at our local Public Market, where the bounty of seasonal fruits and veggies was huge! Then I added in some specialty items for the event from other stores. The spread included dishes such as Seven Bean Vegetarian Chili, Homemade Hummus with toasted Gluten-Free Limpa, Carrot-Pineapple-Raisin Salad, Cedar Grilled Salmon with Mango-Pineapple-Jalapeno Relish, Roasted Autumn Veggies, and a Warm Stone Fruit Compote with Fresh Whipped Cream, and lots more! The birthday "cake" was actually Gluten-Free Coconut Carrot Muffins, arranged in a large "40". The best testimonials for me were that the kids liked them! Parents were also happy to be able to have their children attend a party and not have to bring out their own food from the car. For me, it was a great time and I'm looking forward to many more parties where I can offer a menu of healthy alternatives.
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August 19, 2009
OUR FUTURE'S SO BRIGHT WE'VE GOTTA WEAR SHADES
What has been going on in the world of massage therapy? Lots! This modality is growing in leaps and bounds, which is great news all around. In NY, we get a solid start to legally performing massage with our training. Anatomy, Pathology, Myology, Techniques and more are all included in our 1,000 hour program. Some therapists get a taste of this and move on to higher medical training. Others settle in to expanding our offerings around massage through continuing education.
Did you know massage is classified as a health care profession in NY? Since our body of work (no pun!) centers around healing through improving circulation and lymph/immune function, increasing mucle mobility and range of motion, and decreasing stress, it only seems logical that people are gravitating to a modality that can help them feel better or heal faster after injuries. There are almost 16,000 massage therapists in NY state alone, and no matter how much automation or digital advancements are made in medicine, you'll never really be able to replace the compassionate and loving kindness you get from the skilled touch a human massage therapist.
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July 24, 2009
AND THE WINNER IS....
Hey! I won something. I was blessed with a training course in a specific massage modality called Pillossage - for free! The universe must have really wanted me to share this with people. The technique uses heated flax pillows positioned on the body in a way that they can be incorporated into a myofascial stretching routine. Developed by an RN, this unique routine will help clients who have issues with tight muscles. The combination of the heat and the stretching will really help to relax and open up the body.
So while I am the contest winner, I feel like the real winners are you - my clients - because I can't wait to share it with all of you!
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July 22, 2009
GOOD FOOD, BAD FOOD, ANY FOOD
I started volunteering at Foodlink, which is an area warehouse stop for donated food items to be sorted, bundled, weighed, and sold at a very low cost to churches, soup kitchens, and places that feed the hungry (who often pay with government grants.)
I am overwhelmed that people in our society today go hungry. Not only is that fact devastating to me, but also the fact that much of packaged food is denatured, loaded with chemicals, and of very little nutrition. And on top of that, the huge amount of waste of food that goes bad and gets thrown out. Of course, at a certain point, packaged food is better than starvation. I just don't know how we as a culture have veered so far off track from eating healthy, life-sustaining, life-supporting foods.
Foodlink does a noble service - and if you have it in your heart to volunteer your time, they welcome people and groups all the time. Many hands make a light load! But the reality is, we have to start thinking of new ways to address food, nutrition, and hunger.
After leaving the Foodlink facility today, I know I should have focused on the people who will receive the food I bundled up, but I couldn't help thinking of all the people who still won't eat today. Or the people who will eat, but not be nourished. All I can do today is pray and be grateful. All I can do tomorrow is help out and contribute. All I can do from there is be a good example and nourish those in my life or those who come to me in need. Even though I comprehend all that, it just never feels like enough.
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July 20, 2009
I'm trying to get massage therapists organized, for the purpose of being a supportive network for each other and building a stong community of healers. This is a brief thought about one of the challenges involved in starting the process:
THE MEETING
A group meets, they all agree to open the door wide, so all may enter.
At the first meeting, a mountain lion wanders in, hungry. The startled group shuffles each other to safety and talks of the near miss of being eaten.
At the second meeting, one person suggests, perhaps we should close the door? The group is adamant. No! We want to be inclusive of all! All must be able to enter! Sure enough, during the second meeting, a hungry bear wanders in looking to eat whatever it can. The group, a bit more startled this time, scurries to safety much quicker. Afterwards, they spend their meeting time talking about their wonderful good luck surviving two near misses and how they must be blessed or watched over to have such good fortune. How exciting to have the chance to be blessed twice!
Third meeting: the voice for closing the door becomes a bit stronger from a few in the group. But the louder voice of the group prevails and says NO! All must be welcomed! We must be seen as a group who welcomes all! That is of the utmost priority! The meeting progresses. Now a fierce and hungry tiger enters the room. People, already jittery from previous meetings, scatter and take cover, pushing and stepping on each other to get to safety. Adrenaline is high, conflict is rearing it's ugly head, and they begin to become bitterly divided on the path the group should take.
Fourth meeting: no consensus can be achieved about the door situation. Half the group believes a civilized person who will be able to contribute to the group positively will be able to "knock" and be permitted entrance, while a wild animal looking only to disrupt or kill should not be given free and equal access. So the first group chooses to hold their meeting behind a closed door. The other half, stubbornly holds firm to their original mantra. What if a person doesn't know how to knock? What if a person doesn't see us because the door is in the way! What if a person sees a door and changes their mind because the door is not open! The second group decides to meet with an open door, citing the importance that all are welcome, and there should be no question of their loyalty to all having equal access.
The fourth meeting goes well for the first group meeting behind a closed door - their reputation for holding a safe meeting spreads. New members arrive and knock and are graciously welcomed into them meeting. They achieve many goals in their calm and uninterrupted environment. The group makes plans for future meetings and they are very successful.
The second group cannot believe how the first group is behaving. How awful that they are acting exclusive by closing the door! We are peaceful people and should always be inclusive! The second group, to make a point, spends their meeting time making large signs to post outside their door. "All Are Welcome!" and "We Accept All" and "We Are The Group Who Includes All", the signs all read. Satisfied that their point has been made and fiercely holding to their open door policy, the second group is so focused on sign making and discussion of how they are clearly the more benevolent and wise ones to leave the door open, that they don't see the lion, bear, and tiger all enter. They meet their bloody end swiftly and the second group is no more.
The lesson: Open doors are not a replacement for discernment. Wise people know when it is time to open doors, and when it is prudent to close them.
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July 18, 2009
RAW FOOD, MY WORLD
I feel so blessed to have access to so many wonderful local organic farmers. The public market was just brimming with great produce, it was our turn to go to the farm to pick up the raw milk for our co-op, a new copy of Living Food by Sarma Melngailis arrived on my doorstep, and I saw a wonderful massage client who wanted to discuss raw foods. A very good day indeed!
People often ask me about raw & living food resouces. Probably because this city has very few resources available, and I'm happy to share what I've been lucky enough to learn over the years. So here are my tips for anyone looking to learn more about raw food:
1. Read all you can - both books and online raw communities. Search Amazon for the latest titles and check out my links page for websites. There are also some websites with extensive recipe databases, too. You can almost never screw up a raw recipe.
2. Invest in your equipment - I would be hard-pressed to live without my Vitamix & Breville Elite juicer. OK, maybe that is a little dramatic, but not much!
These are invaluable tools. An Excalibur dehydrator is also wonderful, but many exist without it. Sprouting takes little more than a couple of quart jars. Of course there are kitchen gadgets - and I probably have them all - but all you really need is a great juicer and a Vitamix.
3. Take a retreat or classes. Explore The Hippocrates Institute in Florida. Living on Live Food certification in Maine. Living Light Institute classes in California. Visit any of the raw food restaurants listed on my links page an see just how yummy raw food can be!
4. Find friends who share your interest or host a raw food pot luck dinner. It is slim pickens in the Rochester area right now, but you can always invite me and I can usually rustle up a few people who have some interest in raw food.
5. Have fun with it. Be creative. You don't have to overthink this. It's eating! Don't obsess, don't judge, don't be rigid. It should be enjoyable! Raw food makes people HAPPY and FUN TO BE AROUND.
Don't you want to be happy and fun to be around? :-)
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July 17, 2009
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE NY LICENSED?
With the proliferation of health care options, it is important that people do some research on who they choose for their health care services. For massage, a therapist must be licensed by New York state. Most people don't know that New York has the highest requirements in the United States to be a massage therapist. Our profession is under the umbrella of Health Care Practitioner and we are held to the same standards of other medical professionals in the state. This should insure that the care you receive when you receive a touch therapy is skilled, verified, and professional. That is why you may have received massage while on an island vacation or in another state that may have been very different that what you get in NY.
According to NY law, touch therapy encompasses all kinds of massage, including reflexology, acupressure, and any other service in which you receive healing through the direct contact of the practitioner's hands on your body. There have been a number of people operating illegally and without knowledge of things like contraindications or pathologies, and this could potentially cause you harm. A legitimate practitioner of massage, a reflexologist, or bodyworker in NY must display their current New York massage registration and present it if you request to see it. Any other certifications are not valid, legal replacements to having an official New York license. If you have any indication that you have seen a therapist who is performing touch therapy services without a license (which is a felony), or the therapist has acted inappropriately or made sexual advances during a session, or they are participating in any other illegal activity such as insurance fraud, you may report them to the Office of Professions here.
Oh, and just for the record, I'm legit. :-)
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July 16, 2009
MY BEST EFFORT - BLOGGING 101
Welcome to my first blog! Since I have rejected joining almost every social networking site (much to the chagrin of just about everyone I know), I thought I would at least make an effort to post up some communicae to stay "in touch" (<-- a little massage therapist humor there.) You see, when your chosen life's work involves long stretces in a dimly lit room in one-on-one sessions with all of your intent and focus on assisting another person on their healing journey, it doesn't leave a lot of extra time for IM, chat, texting, or computers.
Not that I am complaining at all - I love my work more than anything - you just have to admit, it would be awkward if I stopped mid-session from a massage to change my facebook status to "happy my client's hamstrings are releasing!", or to text someone: CLIENT ZO RELXD DAT DEY JST FELL ASLP 4 THA HOL SESSION or twitter everyone "Just resolved a giant trigger point knot in my client's upper back & shoulders. So excited!" So I'll do my best to keep everyone informed of things going on in my life via this blog. But don't expect miracles. Those are between me and my clients, behind closed doors, in a peaceful, dimly lit room. :-)
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