A recent Testimonial from the Mailbag....... October 27, 2014 Healing Hands is the perfect name for Eric's service. I've had both the Swedish and Lomi Lomi style massage, and both were exceptional. Eric is devoted to providing an experience that is as relaxing and healing experience as possible for the client. His kind, grounded, and giving nature put me totally at ease. I have literally never gotten to such a relaxed place during a massage. It is down to the care that Eric puts into the session from start to finish -- the room, the music, his presence. Smooth relaxing motions, appropriate amounts of pressure, no corners cut. I can't wait to go back! Lisa O. Thank you
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MUSIC MATTERS
Alongside my experience as a trained massage therapist, I have a continuing, life-long passion for music. I am moved by music and often it is the first and most important aspect of taking me "away" to another mood, and bringing me into the present. Music moves me as it moves many people. Being massaged and listening to music are two of the great pleasures in life, but all too often, a massage is conducted to a randomly-chosen New Age CD. Massage married to perfect music is a radically different experience. A truly music-loving therapist wants to the recipient to leave the session aurally-transported and more wholly satisfied. For me music also helps with my timing and rhythyms, especially during a Lomi session. For routine clients, I have often made custom playlists, but as well have found that many enjoy what I have selected. The creation of the perfect music/massage session hinges on choosing the right music for the session. A good DJ knows how to fit the music to the mood of the audience, and this is particularly important when combining music and therapy. The client is generally in a surrendered state with heightened receptivity and the slightest input can affect the body and mind in a magnified way. The proper auditory ambiance can really help the client "drift away". While the wrong music (or volume) can be jarring, and cause restlessness and unease. When I receive a massage I personally enjoy taking a musical journey around the world – ambient and sometimes rhythmic tracks from different genres, multi-layered and complex. Because of my musical training the brain receptors seem to be able to cope with more auditory information. This might not suit everyone and indeed people generally find it easier to reach a state of 'no mind', if the ears don't have to wrap themselves around music that requires more conscious and dedicated listening. If you have noticed this difference and would like to share a comment, please do so. For more information on music and massage contact me through this site. The benefits of foot massage go way further than just a relaxing treat. It has long been known and accepted that the feet contain lots of different pressure points and nerves that can be manipulated to provide relaxation, pain relief, and more. Having a foot massage performed by a trained reflexologist, pedicure technician, massage therapist, podiatrist, other therapy professional or even your partner can help relieve your pain and leave you reinvigorated. With over seven thousand nerve endings in the feet, they are a treasure trove of pressure points waiting to be unlocked to provide tension release and relief. Massaging the feet can alleviate anxiety and bring about a deep state of relaxation. One important point that is situated on both feet is the solar plexus reflex. The solar plexus is sort of a little warehouse where all your stress is stored. When the solar plexus point is pressed on, stress is released and the body is renewed. Applying pressure to the solar plexus pressure points in your feet will immediately release stored stress and allow your body to decompress, relax and unwind.
Cancer patients also report multiple benefits from receiving foot massages. After receiving foot massages, cancer patients report feeling less nausea, pain, fatigue, vomiting, and decreased anxiety. Massage may help cancer patients on multiple levels, both physically and mentally by providing pain relief and tension relief. Incorporating massage therapy into a cancer treatment plan can be a successful way to manage the ravages of cancer. Ancient people revered the feet as the house of pressure points and knew that manipulation of those points can effect the way people feel and function. Tap into this ancient wisdom try a foot massage once a day for a week and see if you do not feel differently. Once you see and feel the difference, you will be a devotee of foot massage and its benefits. Sensual Bliss - When given to your partner, a foot massage can create the setting for a romantic evening. Rubbing the feet is sensual, relaxing, nurturing and loving, and it is a wonderful way to show your partner you care about him or her. Put Yourself on Your Priority List If everyone else around you is worthy of care and attention, then so are you. You not only deserve this time, but you need it for your own well-being. Lack of time for ourselves often leads to feeling frustrated, tired, overwhelmed and out of balance. Without this time for ourselves, we lose sight of what's important to us. People ask, "Doesn't exercise count as 'me' time?" Well the answer is yes and no. If you approach exercise as another responsibility to cross off the list, and/or get more joy when you are done vs. enjoying the actual time spent working out, you are probably getting lots of health benefits, but not the same kind you get from "me" time. Unless you walk away from your routine feeling renewed, refreshed, relaxed and ready to take on the world once again, you may still need another activity that you do just for the pure joy of doing it. If, despite a regular exercise routine, you still feel overwhelmed and yearning for personal time, scheduling a few "me" time activities will do you a world of good! Let's look at some ways you can make "me" time a reality: First, decide that you deserve some time to yourself each day. Stop feeling guilty for taking time out for you, and realize in the long run, it's a win-win for everyone. When you are tired, stressed out and pulled in too many directions, it is hard to give your best to all you must accomplish. Remember, self-time is not selfish—it's a necessary dimension of self-care! Learn to Say No One of the best strategies to reduce stress is to take on only what you can. As tempting as it is to join every single club or accept every job and social responsibility, it’s only going to hurt you (and others) in the long run. Unplug We’ve heard it time and time again: “Turn off the cellphone,” “Get off social media,” “Time to shut the laptop.” And as much as we would like to give a teenage-roll-of-the-eyes at these phrases, it’s actually very good for you to turn off the electronics every once in a while. Write Things Down Have you ever gone to bed and just as your brain slowly starts to doze off…you suddenly start thinking about things you forgot to do? In order to avoid this moment of panic, try to write everything down. It’s easy to think that you’ll remember everything but It’s much safer to write it all down in a planner or at least some sort of piece of paper. Invest in Yourself In order to do your best, you need to feel your best. Stress can accumulate fast if you don’t take the time to take care of yourself by giving what your body needs. Sleep is a big one. Exercise, Yoga, walking, massage (!!) are great tools for reducing stress. There are some obvious reasons why having your own personal massage therapist would be ideal, namely: convenience. But there are also many practical benefits beyond convenience that you might not think of right off the bat. Here’s a great explanation on why hiring a personal massage therapist for regular work is a great way to support a healthy and active lifestyle:
Have you ever gone to a new therapist only to leave feeling like the session was just ‘okay’ or maybe even disappointed with the experience? This is not uncommon, and here’s why: You live with your body every day, but your body is entirely new to the therapist, and since everyone’s body is different it can take even the best therapists in the world a session or two to understand the details of your anatomy and physiology, and to completely dial in their plan best suited to you. Over time, your therapist will begin to see trends and will become better suited to address the issues that are bothering you the most. Of course, there is the great added benefit of creating a therapy regiment that compliments your exercise and nutritional regiments. Make a commitment to improve your overall physical and emotional well being - improve your day to day health and help you live a longer and happier life with minimal stress and pain. |
A Really Good Massage BlogAbout MeI write about things that I myself need to be mindful of. ways in which I would like to improve. It is not from the perspective of preaching - but rather writing helps me work out what I myself need to do - we are all in this together.
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