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?

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.

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.