Enjoy these final days of the year, with the days of celebration and the changing of the seasons.
I hope you feel profound gratitude, share lots of love, and know boundless joy!
Friday, December 9, 2011
news + promos
The wish list is open! Don't forget to let me know if there's a special "wish" you'd like me to steer your Santa to for the holidays. This is a great opportunity to try something new out, or get started on a membership if you don't already have one.
I can make gift cards in any denomination, I can take credit card payments by phone, and I can accommodate it if you have more than one person "going-in" together. If you send them to my by e-mail, have them put "Gift Certificate" in the Subject line.
Cheers!
I can make gift cards in any denomination, I can take credit card payments by phone, and I can accommodate it if you have more than one person "going-in" together. If you send them to my by e-mail, have them put "Gift Certificate" in the Subject line.
Cheers!
quick tip - movement
I shared a quote on my Facebook feed that I thought worthy of a repeat as a gentle reminder.
We get so involved in our tasks, or so focused on completing them as quickly as possible, that sometimes we abuse our muscles by keeping them still for too long.
Figure out a method that works for you to take occasional breaks (one-two per hour) from sitting in one place. Stand up to talk on the phone, walk down the hall to your co-worker, stop frequently on a long car trip. Set a little alarm if you need to.
Your muscles (and other parts of you) will thank you!
We get so involved in our tasks, or so focused on completing them as quickly as possible, that sometimes we abuse our muscles by keeping them still for too long.
Figure out a method that works for you to take occasional breaks (one-two per hour) from sitting in one place. Stand up to talk on the phone, walk down the hall to your co-worker, stop frequently on a long car trip. Set a little alarm if you need to.
Your muscles (and other parts of you) will thank you!
Monday, October 31, 2011
kristina's corner
Why do we always pin the metaphors of sadness and distress on rain? Why does the darkening of the sky elicit negativity instead of happiness? Does the storm cloud not bring vital water to quench and replenish?
Perhaps we should dance, happy, in the rain. Perhaps our songs of rain should give praise. Perhaps we should seek out rainbows.
While I chose the name Nimbus primarily for it's connotation of a person's glow or aura, which massage helps enhance towards the positive, it does carry another meaning of the clouds. Occasionally someone will look at me and say "don't you know that's a storm cloud?" Technically, it is the uniform, grey covering cloud (which may or may not bring rain), and I have always liked this as part of its meaning.
Grey happens, rain happens- we are the ones who choose whether we associate it with the negative or the positive- or simply as part of life. A nimbus is, very basically, an atmosphere-and, light or grey, we each have our own little morphing patterns. And while I love bringing a little more "light" into someone's atmosphere; I really only get to facilitate. Ultimately, we all call our own "light!"
Perhaps we should dance, happy, in the rain. Perhaps our songs of rain should give praise. Perhaps we should seek out rainbows.
While I chose the name Nimbus primarily for it's connotation of a person's glow or aura, which massage helps enhance towards the positive, it does carry another meaning of the clouds. Occasionally someone will look at me and say "don't you know that's a storm cloud?" Technically, it is the uniform, grey covering cloud (which may or may not bring rain), and I have always liked this as part of its meaning.
Grey happens, rain happens- we are the ones who choose whether we associate it with the negative or the positive- or simply as part of life. A nimbus is, very basically, an atmosphere-and, light or grey, we each have our own little morphing patterns. And while I love bringing a little more "light" into someone's atmosphere; I really only get to facilitate. Ultimately, we all call our own "light!"
news + promos
Nimbus has a new addition to our referral program!
We are now adding an option to host an in-home massage gathering- Pampered-Chef-Style! We'll bring the massage to you and your friends, they can get introduced to what Nimbus has to offer (and maybe accomplish a little holiday shopping), and you will earn massage for yourself! Yay, massage!
(Plus, we still have the traditional referral benefit- your person gets their first session at your member rate and you get 15-minutes free for each person you refer.)
We are now adding an option to host an in-home massage gathering- Pampered-Chef-Style! We'll bring the massage to you and your friends, they can get introduced to what Nimbus has to offer (and maybe accomplish a little holiday shopping), and you will earn massage for yourself! Yay, massage!
(Plus, we still have the traditional referral benefit- your person gets their first session at your member rate and you get 15-minutes free for each person you refer.)
quick tip - warmth
As the days and nights cool, many with muscular tension and pain will feel an increase in how tight their muscles feel. Cooler temperatures do promote constriction. Staying warm and adding heat can help your muscles stay looser.
Stretching after a warm shower is an easy way to use heat at home to enhance the positive effects of stretching. You can certainly use other heat sources like heating pads or hot packs for localized relief of an area, either as an aid in itself or along with stretching or self massage. (If you're dealing with an injury, however, you should apply ice in the early days following the trauma.)
At the studio, we'll be using our table warmer during these cooler months to help keep your muscles warm and relaxed!
Stretching after a warm shower is an easy way to use heat at home to enhance the positive effects of stretching. You can certainly use other heat sources like heating pads or hot packs for localized relief of an area, either as an aid in itself or along with stretching or self massage. (If you're dealing with an injury, however, you should apply ice in the early days following the trauma.)
At the studio, we'll be using our table warmer during these cooler months to help keep your muscles warm and relaxed!
Friday, September 16, 2011
kristina's corner
About a half-an-hour in to washing the blinds from the studio, wet and cursing the fact that I had ever undertaken this endeavor, because who's even going to notice, another idea dawned on me. Stewardship.
Suddenly, I felt like a caretaker lovingly tending to the details of something I care about. Because taking care of the things we find important, is important.
Perhaps the blinds themselves are not all-important, but they make part of a whole. A detail of the tableau, working with the rest of the elements to create a scene. And the room's comfort and appeal are important to me because they inform your experience.
And performing the little "chores" to keep it pleasant and relaxing are easy ways for me to impart the energy of care into our space. It's why we have Spring Cleaning.
Now, I almost feel ready to tackle the office!
Suddenly, I felt like a caretaker lovingly tending to the details of something I care about. Because taking care of the things we find important, is important.
Perhaps the blinds themselves are not all-important, but they make part of a whole. A detail of the tableau, working with the rest of the elements to create a scene. And the room's comfort and appeal are important to me because they inform your experience.
And performing the little "chores" to keep it pleasant and relaxing are easy ways for me to impart the energy of care into our space. It's why we have Spring Cleaning.
Now, I almost feel ready to tackle the office!
quick tip - protect your hands
As a person who works with her hands, I love to hear information and tips about keeping your hands in good shape.
A member, who is a Physical Therapist specializing in hand therapy, recently shared the following fact with me. The pressure that you put on the tip of your thumb, through pressing or pinching, transfers 30 times that amount of pressure to the joint at the base of your thumb (where it meets the wrist). If that joint becomes inflamed, it can then radiate back up the thumb. (And I will add that joint inflammation can trigger the surrounding muscles to tighten in an effort to protect the joint further; contributing to any discomfort that may be present.)
Many people who work with their hands, or who suffer from arthritis, experience discomfort in this area. If you have begun to experience modest tension or pain in this area, you can help mitigate the pain by finding ways to limit the use of your thumbs until it has subsided.
Some things we therapists do to protect our thumbs include: using elbows, knuckles, or other fingers to press; finding tools to help us work; and finding alternatives to grasping. (And, of course, getting massage- reflexology is great for this!)
I hope this statistic helps-- and thanks Pat!
A member, who is a Physical Therapist specializing in hand therapy, recently shared the following fact with me. The pressure that you put on the tip of your thumb, through pressing or pinching, transfers 30 times that amount of pressure to the joint at the base of your thumb (where it meets the wrist). If that joint becomes inflamed, it can then radiate back up the thumb. (And I will add that joint inflammation can trigger the surrounding muscles to tighten in an effort to protect the joint further; contributing to any discomfort that may be present.)
Many people who work with their hands, or who suffer from arthritis, experience discomfort in this area. If you have begun to experience modest tension or pain in this area, you can help mitigate the pain by finding ways to limit the use of your thumbs until it has subsided.
Some things we therapists do to protect our thumbs include: using elbows, knuckles, or other fingers to press; finding tools to help us work; and finding alternatives to grasping. (And, of course, getting massage- reflexology is great for this!)
I hope this statistic helps-- and thanks Pat!
Monday, August 8, 2011
kristina's corner
Define your success.
As we move through life, many of us strive toward a picture of success learned at an early age. Hopefully, from time to time, we stop to examine our ideal of success and reassess our ever-changing goals. The epitome of a life well-lived at 20 may not add up to the same set of "must-haves" at 50, or 90.
Knowing your true definition of success and why you have defined it so, will steer your thoughts and actions ever towards your goal.
Do you seek enlightenment, happiness, financial freedom, adventure, a happy family...? Do you feel like you already walk this path? What would you need to change to attain it? Can you allow for life's surprises along the way? Why does this weigh in your soul?
As I pondered this for myself, I realized that I feel very successful right now. But not based on (our) society's definition of success, or even what I thought of as success five years ago. In a few more years, things will probably change again...
But for now, I will enjoy it while I feel it.
As we move through life, many of us strive toward a picture of success learned at an early age. Hopefully, from time to time, we stop to examine our ideal of success and reassess our ever-changing goals. The epitome of a life well-lived at 20 may not add up to the same set of "must-haves" at 50, or 90.
Knowing your true definition of success and why you have defined it so, will steer your thoughts and actions ever towards your goal.
Do you seek enlightenment, happiness, financial freedom, adventure, a happy family...? Do you feel like you already walk this path? What would you need to change to attain it? Can you allow for life's surprises along the way? Why does this weigh in your soul?
As I pondered this for myself, I realized that I feel very successful right now. But not based on (our) society's definition of success, or even what I thought of as success five years ago. In a few more years, things will probably change again...
But for now, I will enjoy it while I feel it.
news + promos
Floor work special! For the remainder of the month of August, Kristina will offer a "guinea pig" special on one hour floor-work sessions. Just $45 for the hour now through August 31st! Members you will receive a separate notice for a members-only promo.
Melody now has regular Friday hours at Nimbus. She will be available 11:00am-8:00pm Friday's.
Melody now has regular Friday hours at Nimbus. She will be available 11:00am-8:00pm Friday's.
quick tip - breathing
Breath work and deep breathing exercises help calm the body and mind, aid in meditation, and complement body building practices.
It can also improve your massage experience! When you first get on the table for your massage, take a few deep, centering breaths to foster deeper relaxation and bring your attention into your body.
As your therapist works and finds tender areas, take deeper breaths and slowly release as she increases her pressure. This will aid the muscles in releasing their tension.
It can also improve your massage experience! When you first get on the table for your massage, take a few deep, centering breaths to foster deeper relaxation and bring your attention into your body.
As your therapist works and finds tender areas, take deeper breaths and slowly release as she increases her pressure. This will aid the muscles in releasing their tension.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
kristina's corner
After month's of threatening, I finally booked my appointment with Rob for a Past-Life Regression session. I found the experience intriguing and would be happy to answer any questions about it.
After the session, we discussed how part of the process involves opening yourself to a lesson or message from Spirit that has some bearing on your life.
"My spirits," I said, "laugh at me a lot.... Oh, and they like dancing."
I thought this sounded silly, but Rob didn't miss a beat. He shared how he has learned that part of our so-called "mission on Earth" is to have fun. To enjoy the corporeal. To not take ourselves too seriously.
This feels to me like truth.
I came home that night, put on the radio, and danced around the living room. Much to the amusement of my husband. I had lost touch with how much fun it was to just goof off.
So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go find something silly to enjoy!
(And, if you're brave, post it here in a comment, on my Facebook page, or e-mail it to me and I might add it as a guest spot on the newsletter.)
After the session, we discussed how part of the process involves opening yourself to a lesson or message from Spirit that has some bearing on your life.
"My spirits," I said, "laugh at me a lot.... Oh, and they like dancing."
I thought this sounded silly, but Rob didn't miss a beat. He shared how he has learned that part of our so-called "mission on Earth" is to have fun. To enjoy the corporeal. To not take ourselves too seriously.
This feels to me like truth.
I came home that night, put on the radio, and danced around the living room. Much to the amusement of my husband. I had lost touch with how much fun it was to just goof off.
So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go find something silly to enjoy!
(And, if you're brave, post it here in a comment, on my Facebook page, or e-mail it to me and I might add it as a guest spot on the newsletter.)
news + promos
My massage floor mat has arrived! Floor sessions will be coming soon...
In a floor session, the client wears comfortable clothing and lays on the mat. The therapist works on the client using a variety of techniques including stretching, massage, meridian work, and barefoot massage.
For those who benefit from stretching, working on the floor allows us to accomplish a greater variety of stretches.
Being on the floor also allows the therapist to deliver deep pressure uninvasively. We can get a lot of pressure, but using the foot disperses the pressure over more area.
Looking forward to it!
In a floor session, the client wears comfortable clothing and lays on the mat. The therapist works on the client using a variety of techniques including stretching, massage, meridian work, and barefoot massage.
For those who benefit from stretching, working on the floor allows us to accomplish a greater variety of stretches.
Being on the floor also allows the therapist to deliver deep pressure uninvasively. We can get a lot of pressure, but using the foot disperses the pressure over more area.
Looking forward to it!
quick tip - focus sessions
As a long-time recipient of massage, I know that my body really craves a full-body massage if I haven't had one in a while. As an active person, I have problem areas that need focused attention. Sometimes I feel conflicted as to whether I want less focus on my whole body, or intense focus on one or two areas. What's a girl to do!
One strategy that works for me is setting a rotating schedule. Full-body, upper body focus, lower body focus. Sometimes, I go even more in-depth and rotate between hands/arms/shoulders, neck/shoulders, back/neck, legs/hips/feet, hands/feet.
If you haven't yet had a chance to try a focus session- give it a go! We can choose a strategy based on your problem areas and lifestyle. Give those stressed-zones the extra attention they deserve!
One strategy that works for me is setting a rotating schedule. Full-body, upper body focus, lower body focus. Sometimes, I go even more in-depth and rotate between hands/arms/shoulders, neck/shoulders, back/neck, legs/hips/feet, hands/feet.
If you haven't yet had a chance to try a focus session- give it a go! We can choose a strategy based on your problem areas and lifestyle. Give those stressed-zones the extra attention they deserve!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
kristina's corner
This month, I just want to say "thank you."
You guys make me happy to get up and come to work each day. I love getting to know you and working with you to help you with your wellness goals. It really means a lot to me to have such wonderful clients.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You guys make me happy to get up and come to work each day. I love getting to know you and working with you to help you with your wellness goals. It really means a lot to me to have such wonderful clients.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
news + promos
This month we are offering a two-day special.
In order to better acquaint you with Melody and Margaret, each will be available for one day at a special rate.
Book an hour session for $45 (the half-hour rate), book a 90-minute session for $70 (the hour rate)!
Melody will be available this coming Friday 6/10/11 and Margaret will be available this coming Saturday 6/11/11. Please call 804.714.7932 by close of business Wednesday 6/8/11 to book this deal. (On-line booking not available.)
In order to better acquaint you with Melody and Margaret, each will be available for one day at a special rate.
Book an hour session for $45 (the half-hour rate), book a 90-minute session for $70 (the hour rate)!
Melody will be available this coming Friday 6/10/11 and Margaret will be available this coming Saturday 6/11/11. Please call 804.714.7932 by close of business Wednesday 6/8/11 to book this deal. (On-line booking not available.)
Friday, June 3, 2011
quick tip - why lift with your legs
By now, we've all heard the urging "lift with your legs, not with your back;" but we rarely hear the why behind it.
While in school we learned some spinal stats. The skinny being: An average spinal column can take around 1000 pounds of pressure while it is properly aligned. Get out of alignment (especially twisted) and that number drops to under 100 pounds. All it can take is a quick jerk in the wrong direction and a tiny little package can lay you flat.
While in school we learned some spinal stats. The skinny being: An average spinal column can take around 1000 pounds of pressure while it is properly aligned. Get out of alignment (especially twisted) and that number drops to under 100 pounds. All it can take is a quick jerk in the wrong direction and a tiny little package can lay you flat.
Monday, May 2, 2011
kristina's corner
I love to travel and, two weeks ago, I got to vacate for the first time in a couple of years. What a great chance to leave it all behind, reset, and explore some new scenery! The destination? Portland, Oregon and environs.
But, as we all know- it's the journey, not the destination.
We hiked among and behind cascading waterfalls, drove over the snowy mountain passes and into the desert sunset, and enjoyed the good food and drink of the Pacific Northwest. It was a trip of wildflowers and stones, sun and storm, breathtaking views and wrong turns-- all fantastic.
I have luckily had the opportunity to travel occasionally over the years. A gift from my family early on that has grown into a fulfilling and enriching part of my life. For those of you who haven't tried it, I encourage you to explore its potential. Choose a journey and let yourself discover the wonder of a new experience. (PS- It doesn't always go smoothly, but that's part of the fun!)
For those of you who share my love of the great unknown, I'd love to hear your stories.
But, as we all know- it's the journey, not the destination.
We hiked among and behind cascading waterfalls, drove over the snowy mountain passes and into the desert sunset, and enjoyed the good food and drink of the Pacific Northwest. It was a trip of wildflowers and stones, sun and storm, breathtaking views and wrong turns-- all fantastic.
I have luckily had the opportunity to travel occasionally over the years. A gift from my family early on that has grown into a fulfilling and enriching part of my life. For those of you who haven't tried it, I encourage you to explore its potential. Choose a journey and let yourself discover the wonder of a new experience. (PS- It doesn't always go smoothly, but that's part of the fun!)
For those of you who share my love of the great unknown, I'd love to hear your stories.
news + promos
We can, and would be happy to, help with your Mother's Day needs. Remember, you can purchase Gift Certificates at your Member Rate (or you can have someone purchase you a gift certificate at your Member Rate).
We still have the wish list, too. If you've always wanted to try a Reiki, or a Reflexology, or a Hot Stone, or a 90 Minute Session- put it on the Wish List and we will steer any gift givers in the right direction!
We still have the wish list, too. If you've always wanted to try a Reiki, or a Reflexology, or a Hot Stone, or a 90 Minute Session- put it on the Wish List and we will steer any gift givers in the right direction!
quick tip - massage on the road
Many of us like to get a massage while on vacation. One resource for finding a Therapist in another area is the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) "Find a Massage Therapist" index.
http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/index.html
The AMTA is a national professional association that requires its members to adhere to professional, educational, and ethical standards. The organization works to educate the public about massage, create and uphold professional standards, and ensure fair legislation concerning massage.
Kristina has held an AMTA membership since becoming a Certified Massage Therapist in 2007 and currently volunteers as a local organizer for the association.
http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/index.html
The AMTA is a national professional association that requires its members to adhere to professional, educational, and ethical standards. The organization works to educate the public about massage, create and uphold professional standards, and ensure fair legislation concerning massage.
Kristina has held an AMTA membership since becoming a Certified Massage Therapist in 2007 and currently volunteers as a local organizer for the association.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
kristina's corner
What would you say to your teenage self?
I had the opportunity to address teen-aged students at my high school alma mater yesterday. Public speaking has ever presented a panic-inducing challenge for me, but after much self Reiki, breath practice, and positive encouragement from my peers, I quieted my nerves enough to go ahead. First! As a leader! Four times! Whew...
I was put in the Life Journey panel- we were all presenting on how your life path is often winding. And difficult. And full of challenge. And how to try to integrate the negative and learn from it to create positive outcomes. And ironically (correct usage?) one of our panelists couldn't make it unexpectedly leaving us with only two people to cover forty minutes in one of the presentations. (We had been told to prepare for five minute presentations.) As an excellent example of turning a seeming negative into a positive, I turned one of my talking points into a group exercise and my co-presenter and I got out into the group and mingled. At the end we had the best question and answer period our group had all day. We actually had students rushing up to us at the end to ask us more.
I was completely unprepared for this.
One of the students asked how to handle a downturn if it was "particularly bad." I hope I answered sufficiently well, and I may ask the guidance counselor to follow up, but my head has been spinning ever since with more ! better ! answers to his question. I don't think I'm going to be able to stop thinking about it until I write it all down. So, my next little mental project is going to be writing "Letters to my Teenage Self." (I hope its not already taken.)
What's the first thing? Perhaps, there will be joy.
I would love to hear your advice to your teenage self.
I had the opportunity to address teen-aged students at my high school alma mater yesterday. Public speaking has ever presented a panic-inducing challenge for me, but after much self Reiki, breath practice, and positive encouragement from my peers, I quieted my nerves enough to go ahead. First! As a leader! Four times! Whew...
I was put in the Life Journey panel- we were all presenting on how your life path is often winding. And difficult. And full of challenge. And how to try to integrate the negative and learn from it to create positive outcomes. And ironically (correct usage?) one of our panelists couldn't make it unexpectedly leaving us with only two people to cover forty minutes in one of the presentations. (We had been told to prepare for five minute presentations.) As an excellent example of turning a seeming negative into a positive, I turned one of my talking points into a group exercise and my co-presenter and I got out into the group and mingled. At the end we had the best question and answer period our group had all day. We actually had students rushing up to us at the end to ask us more.
I was completely unprepared for this.
One of the students asked how to handle a downturn if it was "particularly bad." I hope I answered sufficiently well, and I may ask the guidance counselor to follow up, but my head has been spinning ever since with more ! better ! answers to his question. I don't think I'm going to be able to stop thinking about it until I write it all down. So, my next little mental project is going to be writing "Letters to my Teenage Self." (I hope its not already taken.)
What's the first thing? Perhaps, there will be joy.
I would love to hear your advice to your teenage self.
news + promos
We have pretty big news this month. After a year of operating on both sides of the river, we plan to re-consolidate back to our original Carytown location as of May 1, 2011. We love our little Bon Air studio, but the vast majority of you prefer the Carytown studio. Thank you to all of you who ventured to the South Side-- we hope you will continue to visit us at our original home!
quick tip - letting go
We all accumulate injuries over time to our emotional make up. As they build up they can lead to increasing malaise and can sometimes manifest into physical problems. I find that working to let go and forgive makes a huge positive difference in my emotional well-being and my overall well-being.
I've been working with Mimi, a life coach and spiritual coach with GraceMoves, and she has passed along some great ideas on moving forward. Journaling, of course, is a tried-and-true method of venting the negative out. If you have a particular person with whom you have negative energy, writing a letter to them and destroying it, or at least not sending it, can help get things moving. Or, simply, having a conversation "with" them when they are not actually there.
Meditation is a great tool for grounding and centering and leading a balanced life. I have to admit to being pretty terrible at meditation, but even at my level, I still get a benefit from it. Reiki is also a great tool for surfacing energies that need to be released and rebalanced. And even organizing and Feng Shui'ing your physical environment can have a positive impact.
Mimi and I have started putting our heads together to develop an integrated program to help those on a healing journey. Stay tuned for details!
The first step, however, is realizing that there is something that needs to be let go. Then you can start on the path towards healing and integration.
I've been working with Mimi, a life coach and spiritual coach with GraceMoves, and she has passed along some great ideas on moving forward. Journaling, of course, is a tried-and-true method of venting the negative out. If you have a particular person with whom you have negative energy, writing a letter to them and destroying it, or at least not sending it, can help get things moving. Or, simply, having a conversation "with" them when they are not actually there.
Meditation is a great tool for grounding and centering and leading a balanced life. I have to admit to being pretty terrible at meditation, but even at my level, I still get a benefit from it. Reiki is also a great tool for surfacing energies that need to be released and rebalanced. And even organizing and Feng Shui'ing your physical environment can have a positive impact.
Mimi and I have started putting our heads together to develop an integrated program to help those on a healing journey. Stay tuned for details!
The first step, however, is realizing that there is something that needs to be let go. Then you can start on the path towards healing and integration.
Monday, February 28, 2011
kristina's corner
Over the years I have taken many personality indices and assessments. The Myers-Briggs, the Communications Style, a couple of different "color" surveys, I've even explored my archetypes. Lately it seems that I do not know myself very well. The last couple I've taken, I have found much difficulty in objectively analyzing myself.
The last one I took, which asked me to circle all the words that described how I acted at work, came out very even on all styles. The facilitator said that people who came out that even were "gaming the system." But it got me thinking.
What makes our personality anyway?
I guess people have mused and philosophized about this for millennia, but in turning it on myself I find I wonder. How much is inner wiring, how much is forced behavior from family and society, how much is image fulfillment, and how much is given in grace?
The more I think about it, the freer I feel to not be tied down to "who I am." Because maybe that person has more to it than has been previously allowed to shine.
The last one I took, which asked me to circle all the words that described how I acted at work, came out very even on all styles. The facilitator said that people who came out that even were "gaming the system." But it got me thinking.
What makes our personality anyway?
I guess people have mused and philosophized about this for millennia, but in turning it on myself I find I wonder. How much is inner wiring, how much is forced behavior from family and society, how much is image fulfillment, and how much is given in grace?
The more I think about it, the freer I feel to not be tied down to "who I am." Because maybe that person has more to it than has been previously allowed to shine.
news + promos
I am working on improving my skills in the Differential Assessment in which I recently completed a course and I need some guinea pigs! Basically, this tool allows us to more thoroughly explore consistent "problem" areas and guide us towards better relief. The work itself is not massage, but more of a consultation and some movement tests (followed by me doing research) which may lead me to discover new courses of treatment options. If you would like to participate, let me know, and we can plan to have you come in early for one of your sessions.
quick tip - massage at home
We use our hands constantly and we often overlook them when we ask for massage. They get shoved aside for a nice foot rub or for attention to our aching necks and backs; but, I have to say, a thorough hand massage is one of my favorites (especially to receive).
To treat someone to a relaxing hand massage try the following:
Find some lotion, cream, or oil (especially at this time of year- skin can be dry and cracked). I usually use all natural products.
Have your person relax. You can sit across from them at a table (you may want to cushion their forearms with a towel or pillow) or have them recline and sit or stand next to them. Let them know to just relax their arm and you will move it as necessary.
You can begin with pressing down on the hand and arm with your palms, just to warm up the area and get the circulation going. Then put some lotion in your hand (and hold it for a sec to warm it) and apply it to their skin. Use long gliding movements with your hands on the forearm and gentle pulls on the hand.
Next use your fingers to massage the palm. Make sure you treat the whole area with special attention to the "meaty" areas below the thumb and pinkie. You can use a combination of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and circular sweeps. You can also press in with your thumbs if they prefer a lot of pressure. Also work around the wrist.
Then move to the back of the hand. Work the back of the wrist. Then the hand, you can sweep along and in between the bones then across them. Next work up each finger- ending with a gentle tug.
Since the muscles that control the wrist and fingers go all the way up to the elbow, glide and knead the front and back of the forearm. You can end with a few more presses to "set" the work.
Then have them work on you!
To treat someone to a relaxing hand massage try the following:
Find some lotion, cream, or oil (especially at this time of year- skin can be dry and cracked). I usually use all natural products.
Have your person relax. You can sit across from them at a table (you may want to cushion their forearms with a towel or pillow) or have them recline and sit or stand next to them. Let them know to just relax their arm and you will move it as necessary.
You can begin with pressing down on the hand and arm with your palms, just to warm up the area and get the circulation going. Then put some lotion in your hand (and hold it for a sec to warm it) and apply it to their skin. Use long gliding movements with your hands on the forearm and gentle pulls on the hand.
Next use your fingers to massage the palm. Make sure you treat the whole area with special attention to the "meaty" areas below the thumb and pinkie. You can use a combination of vertical, horizontal, diagonal, and circular sweeps. You can also press in with your thumbs if they prefer a lot of pressure. Also work around the wrist.
Then move to the back of the hand. Work the back of the wrist. Then the hand, you can sweep along and in between the bones then across them. Next work up each finger- ending with a gentle tug.
Since the muscles that control the wrist and fingers go all the way up to the elbow, glide and knead the front and back of the forearm. You can end with a few more presses to "set" the work.
Then have them work on you!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
kristina's corner
Over the past couple of weeks I have been musing on happiness. Specifically on our public images. Someone commented on last month's body image entry, that constantly seeing media portrayal of air-brushed beauty can damage our self-image. It got me thinking while perusing the pages of a fashion magazine, that they send another subliminal message, too.
No one looks happy.
Vacant, detached, ferocious, dazed, tough, wanton, imperious, ambivalent... no happy.
We hold up these "edgy" looks as iconic desirable states to attain. I don't know about you, but I don't want to strive to maintain a cool detached demeanor. A moving manequin of unflappability. And I don't really like to spend a lot of time with other people like this.
These images suggest a notion strength and invincibility. But it's much harder to allow yourself vulnerability and trust that you will grow through it and emerge better. What if the true strength lies in showing a little truth?
No one looks happy.
Vacant, detached, ferocious, dazed, tough, wanton, imperious, ambivalent... no happy.
We hold up these "edgy" looks as iconic desirable states to attain. I don't know about you, but I don't want to strive to maintain a cool detached demeanor. A moving manequin of unflappability. And I don't really like to spend a lot of time with other people like this.
These images suggest a notion strength and invincibility. But it's much harder to allow yourself vulnerability and trust that you will grow through it and emerge better. What if the true strength lies in showing a little truth?
news + promos
Nimbus has a new partner therapist, Margaret Ellis, lending her skills at the Carytown location. Margaret graduated from the American Institute of Massage in 2010 and has a passion for Therapeutic Massage. Margaret does great Deep Tissue work and looks forward to working with you!
With Valentine's Day around the corner, Nimbus is poised to offer Couple's Massage and, as always, gift certificates. Both locations now have the capability to accommodate you and your Valentine side-by-side for a couple's escape. Call to set up your couple's appointment.
With Valentine's Day around the corner, Nimbus is poised to offer Couple's Massage and, as always, gift certificates. Both locations now have the capability to accommodate you and your Valentine side-by-side for a couple's escape. Call to set up your couple's appointment.
quick tip - chronic pain
A majority of my clients come to me with consistent problem areas. Tight muscles created by repeating an action over and over which stresses the muscle and at a frequency which disallows the muscle to heal properly. I created my membership programs with this in mind.
In many cases, the offending action is work-related; and while we'd all love to take a month off to rest our bodies, reality usually forbids it. Thus we must create a management program to help reduce symptoms and manage pain.
Personally, massage comprises a major part of my plan. In addition to receiving regular sessions, I exercise, stretch, rest well, watch my posture when I'm using the offending area, meditate and do-self Reiki to reduce stress, and lately I have been improving my diet. Putting all of these things together helps keep the pain at bay and my range of motion in tact.
I found a list of "warning signs" that indicate repetitive stress injuries on www.massagemag.com (Massage Magazine's website). Here is the list.
"• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty using body part
• Waking up with pain
• Tingling, numbness and burning
• Recurring pain
• Lack of endurance
• Feeling of heaviness in body part"
Feeling these sensations consistently in an area tells you that you need to start taking steps to care for that area.
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