Supporting fitness with bodywork

Massage -- anything this good must be fattening, right? Wrong! Scientists now confirm what massage therapists have always known: massage can be a powerful and effective weight-loss tool. By improving your body's resilience, aiding muscle nutrition and flexibility, and supporting your mental and emotional well-being, massage can take your weight-loss plan to a whole new level.

The relationship between massage and weight loss is the result of many subtle improvements working together, including better injury prevention and healing. Jeff Wooten, founder of YourBodyMechanic, explains: "Massage helps to heal existing injuries by breaking down scar tissue and other adhesions. This creates a more functional muscle and improves joint integrity." Massage therapists also work to improve your flexibility and range of motion. This makes you less likely to hurt yourself, meaning more productive and pain-free hours in the gym. But the benefits don't end there.

When you receive a massage, you're directly impacting the circulatory system. By constantly moving blood to body tissues, your massage therapist increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients your muscles receive. This soothing cycle eases you into much-needed rest and relaxation time.

Deneen Rhode, a massage therapy instructor who teaches fitness classes, says, "The qualitative style of Swedish massage relaxes the nervous system and takes the body into what is known as the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic state is very restorative to the body--it is where the body needs to go to heal itself." When you accomplish this through massage, it means you'll need less recovery time between workouts and that you can move your fitness routine full speed ahead.

Jeff Mann, the regional manager for Cortiva Institute Schools of Massage Therapy, knows this firsthand. With experience as both a massage therapist and personal trainer, he has seen the way massage can help clients drop pounds and keep them off. "Massage to weight loss is like the padding on a steering wheel--you can do without it, but it makes it a lot easier and more comfortable to hang on to."

Make It Work For You
Losing weight isn't easy. Thankfully, it's simple to incorporate massage into the healthy lifestyle you're building. It's a good idea to have a special consultation with your massage therapist about your new goals and fitness plan so that treatments can be customized to your body's specific needs.

"Generally, massage on a healthy [client] should be no more that 90 minutes; 60 minutes is the most common," Rhode says. Weekly massages are ideal, but you can reap plenty of benefits from monthly visits, too. Your massage therapist will work with you to set a specific schedule of appointments that fits with your workout routine, as well as your finances. Don't be concerned if your MT wants to see you more often at the beginning of your plan--this is normal, and helps him or her to get to know your body's way of handling stress and exertion.

Don't Be Shy
While it's natural for anyone to feel a little self-conscious at first about undressing for a massage, overweight clients often have major anxieties about disrobing. If you've put off massage therapy because you're embarrassed about your body shape, take heart: massage therapists are sensitive to your concerns and don't want you to feel ashamed. Thom Lobe, MD, founder and director of Beneveda Medical Group in Beverly Hills, says, "Massage therapists are just that--therapists. They are used to seeing all shapes, sizes, and conditions of the body. A well-trained massage therapist has an entirely clinical perspective, no different than any other health-care worker. The fact is, when I give a massage...what the body looks like isn't even in my conscious thoughts."

Throughout the course of a massage, clients are discretely draped under a sheet, with the therapist only uncovering the body part being worked on. Of course, you can always wear swim attire or undergarments during your massage, although they can hamper the full therapeutic effects your therapist offers. Remember, rest easy in the knowledge that your massage therapist has been trained to nurture and help you without passing judgment. Nathan adds that massage therapists "do not expect to work on bodies that are already in perfect health; rather, we get excited about supporting our client's journey toward better health."

The Power of Touch
While it's easy to overlook your emotional health when planning a new diet and exercise regimen, it's the primary factor determining your weight-loss success. Along the path to fitness, the role of massage in supporting your mental and emotional health may be a critical component. Massage is a calorie-free reward; a way to treat yourself without guilt. Your massage therapist also acts as a cheerleader who celebrates your victories with you and helps keep you positive and committed.

"The more professionals you have on the team, the better," Wooten says. "The worst thing to do, in most cases, is attempt to get into shape on your own." Adding a massage therapist to your weight-loss plan is a great way to tell yourself just how serious you are about taking this step.

Massage is a powerful way to love, respect, and nurture yourself. When you love yourself, you won't engage in unhealthy lifestyle choices. Rhode calls this "the power of touch"--the unique ability that touch has to make us feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.

Regular massage is all about reconnecting with your body and getting back into yourself. As you continue to take time out to relax and care for your body through regular appointments, you'll naturally become more aware of your body's needs and more motivated to meet them. It's all part of a greater picture of health and fitness, one that Wooten says, "is a journey, and not a destination."

Your massage therapist wants to help you build a bridge between mind and body that will last a lifetime. So update your massage from guilty pleasure status to indispensable health habit, and reap the benefits in the form of a fitter, happier you. You've earned it.

Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Spring/Summer 2010. Copyright 2010. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

Welcome New Junior Massage Therapist, Alex!

Alex studied massage therapy at New School for Massage, Bodywork and Healing. His focus was on deep, specific massage integrating myofascial and neuro muscular work with careful attention to the interplay between mind and body. Lower back, shoulder and neck issues are Alex's specialty areas. He understands well the causes and recurring postural imbalances that lead to pain and tension in these areas. Alex believes whole heartedly in the effectiveness of massage as a preventative and maintenance practice that addresses body issues before they become recurrent, serious problems. Alex incorporates a holistic approach to his massage, assessing posture, diet, and mental wellness before deciding on an appropriate course of healing. His sense of spirituality and understanding keeps his sessions client focused and as effective as possible. 

Click here to schedule an appointment with Alex. He will be offering therapeutic massages in 45 min ($58), 60 min ($72), 90 min ($103), and 120 min ($146) sessions.
 

Sneak Peak: The Fall Detox Menu

Veggie Tart with Celery Bisque Soup
Pasta Ratatouille
Asian Slaw with Rice, Sunflower Seeds & Lime Dressing
Wild Mushroom Leek Pilaf
Veggie Chili with Pasta & Cheese
Kale Stuffed Squash
and MORE!

You can enjoy these tasty meals even if you are not detoxing. Sign up for the meal plan to make your October, 10 meals easier and healthier!  Click here.

3 things you never thought to tell your CAM practitioner

It may seem like your massage therapist, acupuncturist or other CAM practitioner knows more about you than your best friend. However, here are three important details you may have never thought to share with your practitioners.

1) If you wake up at the same time every night. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Universal Qi as well as the Qi in your organs changes every two hours. If your organ Qi does keep pace with the shifting Universal QI, you may experience physical discomforts causing you to wake. The time you regularly wake at night can indicate which organ has an imbalance.

2) If you are using a topical hormone cream (ie, estrogen, progesterone or testosterone). The active ingredients in these hormone cremes can be transferred in skin to skin contact. It is perfectly safe to receive a massage while using these cremes. Still, it is very important for your practitioner to use simple precautions to keep from absorbing the hormones themselves during the session.

3) Your good experiences from other practitioners. Although sharing your past facial, acupuncture or massage experience may not seem relevant, this can be useful information to ensure you receive a spectacular treatment. Every practitioner is different and one may not be able to duplicate the experience. However, this feedback gives practitioners insight into what is important to you and your treatment style. The practitioner can use this information to cater their treatment to your preferences and may even come up with something you like better!

Land of Stuck

An editorial by Betty Balance

I have never given much more than a passing glance to my horoscope but I was on a mission to get out of Stuck, a land of indecision and grief after some mid-life setbacks and losses.  So I met with Lisa Hagenbuch on a Sunday afternoon in the cozy sitting room at Balance for my first Life Pattern Consultation.

Lisa had told me this life pattern stuff works much better when you know the exact birth time and according to my Certificate of Live Birth, I showed up at 1:49 p.m.  Always been more of an afternoon girl.

First, Lisa presented me with my Natal Astrological Chart, based on my birth date, birth city and birth time, showing concentric circles adorned by overlapping lines, triangles and squares penciled in yellow and orange.

“It’s as if someone took a picture of the heavens at the moment of your birth and it’s now frozen on a piece of paper,” Lisa explained, handing me the page. 

“Pretty,” I said. “I think I should frame it.”

Then, she paused a moment and told me that my idea of great artwork showed a complex life full of challenges. Ah, good, art with a message. I was intrigued.

Lisa explained my sun, moon and personality signs and identified some of the key priorities and attributes associated with those astrological signs. She led with my love for children, career in communication fields and desire to always go beyond the surface, deep into the root causes and origin of issues. She noted that I had a largely public life but that I also have a more reserved personality and that I had a vulnerable side, or what others have routinely described as “sensitive,” or more often, “too sensitive.”

True, true, all of it true. I began to think she had read my journals, not just this chart in front of me.

Through the course of the session, I found myself hashing out the particulars of my life in Stuck. Lisa listened intently and followed up with insightful questions, as good of those of a therapist or dear friend. She questioned some of my conclusions, asking if I needed to do more investigation or keep an eye open for other options. She occasionally and very gently suggested ideas, saying, for example, that for a person with my particular chart, it would be important to have introspection time, perhaps via meditation, journaling or running, in order to better process experiences and get new ideas. 

This was not a dramatic revelation or suggestion, I realize, but it was affirming to hear a stranger say such practices, so tried and true for me in the past, were exactly what I needed to be doing once again. Sometimes we just lose our way.

Rather than a predictive reading of my future, the session was much more of an interactive conversation about how I might use my interests, values and personality type to chart a new course.

“I look at it not as situations that are going to be fated…but as a representation of your strengths, your challenges for the lifetime and as a great tool for self awareness and understanding the cycles in your life,” Lisa said.

Lisa reminded me that there’s hope. I felt energized after our conversation and that led me to make some positive changes at home and at work. After all, a life that started at 1:49 p.m. several decades ago  - or any other time - is too precious to be settled in Stuck.

Click here to schedule a Life Pattern Consult

Detox Q&A with Aimee

Here’s a brief Q & A with Balance founder and owner Aimee Duddles about why she started the program and how it has improved her health and happiness. 

Why did you start the detox program? 

AD: During the summer of 2008, I was working 16 hour days for several months in order to meet our deadline for opening in our current space. I knew the stress, lack of sleep and poor dietary choices were not good for my body and health. I wanted to get ahead of it and try to prevent health problems.

I was intrigued by the increasing popularity of "detoxing" and "cleansing,” but, as with everything, I started off as a skeptic. I wondered: `Why do we need to detox? What is the difference between all the detox and cleansing products on the market?’ It seemed to me like people had been managing just fine for generations without detoxing.(I later learned that some cultures have practiced detox rituals for centuries.)

In researching my options, I found most programs failed to meet my parameters, particularly my need to not feel like I was on a fad diet or dramatically shock my system. I finally found the detox plan that I now share with clients. I like it because its comprehensive, offering a mix of great food, supplements and important physiological and nutritional information about the process.

When did you do your first detox? How many times have you done a detox?

AD: I did my first detox in 2009 with my clients. I have done almost every BHC detox since, which is about twice to three times a year. It is challenging to motivate the group while staying motivated myself but time and time again, clients end up inspiring me with their own drive and commitment. This is one of the beauties of detoxing in a group. You can share your experiences, challenges, questions and help each other succeed.

How has doing a detox changed your eating habits?

AD: I’ve learned to practice greater moderation, integration, and creativity with my food choices and menu planning.  Every time I have detoxed, I have moved in a healthier direction.  Sometimes I took five steps forward and others, only one. However, after every detox, I naturally craved foods that offer nutritional value to my body. There are many processed foods that don't even cross my mind anymore and there are significantly fewer in my cabinets. I will still have a fast food meal in a pinch but it is far less often. I pay much closer attention to ingredients. The meals provided on the detox program proved that delicious can also be healthy. It inspired me to be more creative in preparing my own meals. 

With that said, detoxing is not just about food. There are hundreds of toxins we expose ourselves to everyday that should also be acknowledged. Our body can handle anything in moderation, including toxins. However, when we are not eating well or taking good care of ourselves, our body cannot naturally filter the toxins.

When I began to see the big picture, I re-prioritized. I started to work on how I respond and cope with stress. I chose more natural cold and flu remedies and other alternatives to common over-the-counter medicine.

All of these changes collectively reduce my toxicity and help to improve my energy and mood. This in turn gives me the ability to better handle what life may send my way. 

How has it changed your health? 

AD:  After a detox, I have more energy, my skin looks more vibrant and healthy, I don’t retain as much water, ridding my body of bloating and puffiness. Best of all, I am much more clear minded, which makes me more centered and efficient.  I feel better on the inside and look better on the outside.

What are some of the unexpected benefits of doing a detox? 

AD: Compassion; my favorite and most surprising lesson from detoxing is to not be so hard on myself. I have a better grasp on the nuances of what I call "good, better, best" choices. When I feel like I am about to make a poor choice, I offset it with a healthier choice that still satisfies my craving. Instead of snacking on a bag of Cheetos, I will choose some kettle-cooked chips. On a good day, I'll do one better and grab some almonds instead. On a great day, I'll snack on veggies and hummus. Whether potato chips, almonds or veggies, I always feel better about the decision I made.  As time goes on, the "best" choice becomes the automatic choice.

What advice do you have for first-time detoxers?

AD: I think it’s important to use all the support available through BHC but the biggest support is that you’ll have access to ready-made meals and recipes for delicious, healthy food. Detoxing is a great time to slow down a bit, savor the food, and enjoy caring for your body and mind.

Are you processing?

I found a wonderful article in Massage and Bodywork Magazine, May/June 2011 by Jim Gilkeson called A Pilgrim in Your Body. The article discusses why many practitioners feel drawn to energy therapies and explores the process. 


I often talk about organized dysfunction and the symptoms of re-organizing as it applies to the physical body. The below excerpt from A Pilgrim in Your Body talks about the spiritual process, however is a great explanation that also applies to the physical process. 


Are you processing?

"Signs of the Spiritual Process

Marilyn Ferguson, founder of the Brain/Mind Bulletin, articulated a principle from quantum theory that gets to the heart of emerging spiritual process. She says, "Things fall apart, so they can fall together at a higher level of order." What this says about the constant organization, break down, and reorganization of the stuff of the universe also applies to our work with energy and consciousness and the way our inner and outer lives change and grow. Here are some hallmarks of that process:


Disruption.
In big and small ways, something interrupts the continuity of a person's life. In some people, it can be the breaking in of external events, such as a sudden loss, or input from other dimensions of consciousness, perhaps in the form of a profound insight, dream, or inner awakening. In other people, it's not a case of something breaking in, but rather it is the person who breaks out of the status quo.


Reshuffling. 
This is a fluid phase, marked in many people by uncertainty, disorientation, and vulnerability. A person might feel lost and directionless without their old orientation, but these are also times of new opportunities to shape the world they live in. 


Reorganization.
Sooner or later, new patterns crystallize out of the chaos. Remember Ferguson's statement that things fall apart, so they can fall together at a higher level of order. That new, higher level of order will, in its turn, fall apart and give rise to what comes next. That's the way things progress in nature and in us. Our spiritual process is no different."