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Your Body’s Waste Management System


The lymphatic system is your body’s “waste management” system, and lymph fluid helps remove waste and toxins from the body. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

The lypmphatic system is your body’s version of a trash truck!

The lymphatic system does not possess a muscular pump, such as a heart; therefore, there are three main ways to jumpstart it:

  1. Movement
  2. Deep yoga or belly breathing
  3. Massage

You Got to Move It

I’ve written before about the importance of moving after a massage, but moving, in general, is actually important for your health. Some of my clients set their watches or phones to go off, reminding them to stand, stretch, and move. Consider ways you can incorporate more movement into your day. For example, go for a ten-minute walk between meetings or after finishing a task. You can park in the space farthest from the grocery store, thus increasing the length of your walk. Skip the elevator and choose the stairs.

Breathe Deep

Do you hear strains of The Moody Blues and their song, Nights in White Satin? “Breathe deep in the gathering gloom/watch lights fade from every room.”

Seriously, breathing is something most of us take for granted. We do it without even thinking. The problem is that we’ve learned to live by breathing shallowly. Take a moment right now and feel where you’re breathing. I’ll bet it’s into your sternum area. Breathing into this space indicates stress (did you know that?)

Now, I want to you take three slow, deep breaths into your belly—actually feel it expand (you can put your hand on your tummy to feel the difference). Do you feel the immediate relaxing of your shoulder blades? It’s amazing what taking three deep breaths can do to improve your health and mindset. What this video on how to utilize your breath effectively.

The Space Between

Cue Dave Matthews and picture this: a teeny tiny cleaning person scrubbing the spaces between your cells and blood vessels. This space, called interstitial space (oooh! I’m geeking out!), must be kept clean of debris to ensure healthy cells, proper blood flow, and lymphatic drainage. Massage is THE teeny tiny little cleaner!

Lymphatic massage is often utilized when your body is collecting waste and removing it too slowly. Having this type of gentle massage results in the swifter movement of lymph fluid through the body’s lymphatic system.

Ready to Give Your Lymphatic System a Work-out?

I’m ready when you are! Book now or purchase a MiraclePass to optimize your massage experience.

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Massage Therapy’s Role in Addiction Treatment

In recent decades, massage therapy’s role in addiction treatment has been explored as a means of aiding the detoxification efforts of addiction patients. One significant study published in the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine indicated that a chair massage was more effective than pharmacy-induced methods to increase relaxation and ease anxiety when detoxing.

Free your brain and body from addiction!

A similar study in the same journal highlighted that fifty patients recovering from alcoholism indicated that a back and shoulder massage reduced their Alcohol Withdrawl Scale scores in the early stages of detox.

What Is Detoxification?

As a massage therapist, I often tout the benefits of detox on the body as a result of massage. The medical definition of detoxification is,” the physiological or medicinal removal of toxic substances from a living organism, including the human body, which is mainly carried out by the liver.”

Detoxification in context to addiction means managing the acute symptoms of withdrawal associated with the cessation of drug or alcohol use. It’s the first step among many in the long road to “getting clean.”

Stages of Alcohol Detoxification

In the case of alcoholism, there are three primary stages of withdrawal:

  1. Stage 1: Anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and abdominal pain, which typically set in about eight hours after the last drink.
  2. Stage 2: High blood pressure, increased body temperature, irregular heart rate, and confusion arrives between twenty-four and seventy-two hours later.
  3. Stage 3: Hallucinations, fever, seizures, and agitation begins two to four days after Stage 2 begins.

All these symptoms tend to decrease within a week.

How Massage Can Help

Massage therapy’s positive physiological effects can support a patient during because massage improves lymphatic drainage, promotes the immune system, and improves sleep and relaxation. These positive effects result in the increase of serotonin and dopamine levels and activate the body’s parasympathetic response.

Additionally, massage therapy’s psychological image also supports detoxification by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety.

Who Do You Know Who…?

Who do you know who could use support through the challenges of detox? Gift them with a massage today.

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5 Things to Do After a Massage

You’ve invested time and treasure to receive a first-class massage. To keep the benefits flowing long after you’ve driven home, make sure to integrate these five things into your post-massage regimen:

Drink lots more water after a massage.

One: Do your homework.

We spent ninety minutes stretching and strengthening your muscles. Most of the time, I’ll suggest activities you can do at home to keep muscles feeling supple and loose (if I don’t, please ask me!). By doing your homework, you’ll maximize the benefits you enjoy while on my table.

Two: Keep moving.

I’m channeling the movie Madagascar and singing, “You’ve got to move it, move it.” Getting, and staying, active after your massage increases blood circulation, which we’ve supercharged during your massage. This means great outcomes for your body!

Three: Drink lots of water.

Enjoy extra ounces of H2O throughout the day after your massage. Increased water consumption helps rid your body of toxins and waste. Avoid sugary and caffeinate drinks, though, as these dehydrate your body. I read somewhere that it takes twenty ounces of water to replace the water you lose when you have just one cup of coffee. Also, do not drink alcohol after a massage.

Four: Notice changes within your body.

As you tune into your body through regular massage, you’ll notice how certain techniques impact you. Let me know what you experienced before your next massage so that I can tweak my techniques to maximize the positive impacts on your body.

Five: Be aware of physical and mental shifts.

Many of my clients report that after a massage they feel more alive, have increased clarity, and an overall feeling of wellness. Sometimes, moving the muscles releases deeply stored emotions. It’s just as important to allow space for what you feel and process it as it is to keep moving your body and consume copious quantities of water.

And Lastly

Book your next massage before leaving! Better still, purchase our MiraclePass, which gives you a nice discount and sets you up for a monthly massage–because you deserve it!

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5 Things to Do (or Not) Before a Massage

Some people view a massage as only a luxury or service to be enjoyed on special occasions. I hope that as you’ve read my blog posts, you recognize that therapeutic massage is a medical service. As such, there are five things to do—or not do—before your next massage to ensure you receive the best outcome.

You deserve a massage today!

One: Ensure you’re clean.

Whenever there’s skin-to-skin contact, make sure you’ve recently bathed. In other words, don’t show up just having worked out (and sweated profusely) or done yard work. Sure, your pores are open, but I use medical grade products and essential oils that are easily absorbed into your skin.  If your skin is dirty, you won’t receive all the benefits from your massage.

Two: Show up 5-10 minutes early.

I run a tight ship at Miracles Massage, which means between appointments, I have to strip all bedding and remake the room before my next appointment. If you arrive 5-10 before our scheduled start time, we can do a quick intake and have you on the table on time. My goal is to have you experience the very best massage of your life—and that goes for all my clients!

Three: Don’t eat 60 minutes before your appointment.

Every time you eat a meal, blood rushes to your small intestine, which then carries nutrients throughout your body. Massage encourages blood flood throughout your body, pushing it away from your body’s core, where your small intestine is located. That means your digestion process is interrupted. And no one wants that!

Four: Be considerate if you can’t keep your appointment.

Please don’t be a “no show” or a late cancellation! Not only is this problematic for me, but it’s also rude to my other clients. When cancellations or no-show behaviors habitually occur, it often means that you don’t value yourself enough to keep commitments to yourself. Yikes. Like most massage therapists, I do have a cancellation policy.

Be open and honest about health conditions and injuries.

As a massage therapist, I know a lot about body systems, including circulatory, nervous, digestive, and muscular. It’s imperative that I’m kept up-to-date on any health changes or injuries you have so that I can best serve you. My clinic is a “no judgment zone,” so please be upfront about what’s going on for you.

Are you ready to schedule your next appointment?

Just click on this link and let’s get you in for your next massage.

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4 Ways to CBD Oil Could Help You

CBD oil is derived from the Hemp plant and is legal in all fifty states.

Cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil, is the It-Medicine of the moment.

A few years ago, hardly anyone knew about CBD oil. Today, there’s a huge demand for it. Millions of people are taking CBD oil as a health supplement.

Here are four uses for CBD oil that may change your life:

Relieve Stress

Stress and anxiety are two sides of the same coin. Both result in excessive tension, with stress being related to a specific reason and anxiety, a chronic condition without a direct cause. They both increase cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by your body, which can wreak havoc on your body. Using CBD oil to reduce stress can result in fewer health issues caused by high cortisol levels.

Improve Sleep

Getting adequate sleep is a crucial element to a healthy life, but many people experience sleep disruptions, with up to 35% of Americans experiencing mild insomnia. Users of CDB oil report deeper, more peaceful, and improved sleep.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation of the joints, such as knees, can lead to chronic pain. CBD oil use has been linked to a reduction in both inflammation and the pain it causes. Using all-natural CBD is a safer, non-addictive way to manage pain (e.g., not needing opioids can only be a good thing!).

Beautification

While most of the major benefits of CBD are medical, it’s also used in a variety of beauty products, ranging from bath salts to lip balm. CBD improves the condition of your skin, and its antioxidant properties may combat the effects of aging.

Get Me Some of That

Miracles Massage includes CBD in one version of its body butter, and some of our clients swear by regular use as an all-natural way to rejuvenate their skin. Ask us about CBD-infused products at your next appointment or contact us today for more information.

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5 Ways to Relieve Pain Naturally

You may have heard that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued strong warnings about regularly using non-aspirin non-steroidal painkillers, like Aleve, Advil, and Motrin. Apparently, these increase your chance for heart problems or strokes. So, how can you reduce pain naturally?

One: Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which uses tiny needles inserted into your skin to target your body’s trigger points, corrects imbalances in your body’s natural energy flow. Acupuncture has been proven to aid the body’s healing process and reduce both chronic and acute pain.

Two: CBD Products

Cannabidiol (CBD) products such as topical CBD creams are gaining popularity for those seeking safe alternatives for pain relief. Extracted from hemp,  CBD isolate can be added to creams to alleviate aches and pains.

Three: Yoga

 Practicing Yoga offers natural pain relief by maintaining flexibility in muscles, joints, and other soft tissues through regular range-of-motion movements and poses. It’s also an effective stress-reliever!

Four: Meditation

Meditation is an effective way to reduce and relieve chronic pain. Even practicing meditation for only ten minutes a day can decrease stress levels and induce a feeling of calmness in addition to alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Five: Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a great alternative to pain relief medications (are you really surprised by this?). Massage releases the muscle tension that restricts blood flow and causes many headaches, neck pain, and backaches. Massage therapy has been proven to relieve muscle tightness but also reduces pain from many chronic conditions because endorphins and toxins are released through massage.

Schedule Your All-Natural Pain Relief Session Today

Schedule your appointment today and let’s increase the quality of your life!

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Are Your Cleaning Supplies Toxic?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard lately of so many people succumbing to the flu or this nasty stomach bug that’s been floating around. I’ve always been diligent about handwashing and keeping my therapy space clear of germs. As I scrubbed down the bathroom the other day, I got to thinking about how many of us use chemically-laden cleaning supplies—and the impact it has on our health.

When cleaning, our bodies absorb chemicals in two ways: by us breathing them in and by absorbing them through our skin.

Two Kinds of Chemicals to Avoid

  • Antimicrobial chemicals: Inherently toxic, antimicrobial chemicals are designed to kill living microbes.  While they effectively kill germs on surfaces, there is no evidence that killing germs (particularly in a household setting) is actually effective at keeping your family any healthier—and overusing can lead to a weaker immune system.
  • Products that include “Danger” on their labels: Products like oven and drain cleaners often contain label language stating “Danger” or “Warning” due to their potential for causing serious skin burns and permanent eye damage. Inhalation of fumes from these products can also lead to respiratory irritation and breathing problems.

Possible Effects of Regular Usage

  • Eye irritation
  • Skin rash or irritation
  • Asthma or other lung-related illness
  • Poisoning, especially of children

What to Use Instead

  • Look for fragrance-free cleaning products—or products which disclose the ingredients in their fragrances.
  • Use antibacterial cleaners sparingly. Use them only for particular situations with a high chance of spreading infections.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day and before eating to prevent the spread of disease instead of disinfecting surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes and nose!
  • Read the labels of the supplies you use. Pay attention to products that use the word “Danger” or “Caution.”  Read instructions carefully on these products. Use protective eyewear and gloves as recommended. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Consider All-Natural Alternatives

You can create your own green cleaning supplies using these recipes or use those available through Young Living or doTERRA.

For example, Young Living’s Thieves® essential oil and doTERRA’s On Guard products consist of all-natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals! You can replace dishwashing detergent, hand soap, cleaning supplies, and more!

Thieves® essential oil blend was inspired by the legend of four 15th-century French thieves who formulated and wore a special aromatic combination of clove, rosemary, and other botanicals.

Questions?

If you have questions about how chemicals might be impacting your life, let’s chat.

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Ground Out Winter Blahs

It’s that time of year when anything goes. One moment, snow falls. Another, we’re outside in short-sleeved shirts. And the mud! Welcome to February on the east coast. As I write this, rain pelts against my window and thoughts of preparing an earthy stew tickles my fancy. Another rainy day—and I’m feeling ungrounded.

This transition time between winter and spring often results in the winter blahs. Rather than fighting your desire to toss on comfy sweat pants and curl up in front of Netflix to binge-watch several seasons of “Jane the Virgin,” consider these indoor grounding alternatives:

Diffuse a Grounding Essential Oil

Young Living, a brand of essential oil I use, has a specific blend called Grounding™. It consists of ylang-ylang, pine, spruce, juniper, white fir, cedarwood, and angelica. Not surprising, most of the ingredients are sourced from trees, whose roots dig deep into the earth. By adding just a couple drops to water in your diffuser, you create a grounding environment. (If you’re interested in purchasing this, or other, essential oil, please contact me.)

When you’re in a family situation or experience lack of focus, where you feel the need to ground, you can use put a couple of drops in your palms, rub them together, and create a tent with your hands over your nose. Breathe in its essence and feel yourself chill out!

Tree of Life by Gustav Klimpt (1862-1918)

Visualize Being Grounded

The term grounding can mean removing an excess electrical charge as well as removing an excess emotional charge. Stand with your feet aligned with your hips, feet parallel to each other, and hands at your side. Close your eyes and visualize tree roots extending from the balls of your feet deep, deep into the earth. They anchor you to the ground. Imagine energy from the earth rising up through your left side, going to the top of your head, and going back down your right side until it’s returned to the earth. Breathe deeply as you do this visualization.

Eat Root Vegetables

Root vegetables grow underground and absorb nutrients from the soil (hence, the importance of a pesticide-free world). This group includes sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, carrots, onions, and garlic. My favorite way to enjoy root vegetables is to pan roast them with a splash of extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt. Another is to make a ratatouille—yum!

Use Grounding Crystals

Crystals come from the earth and help shield us from electromagnetic energies. These crystals some of those known to support grounding: black obsidian, black tourmaline, bloodstone, carnelian, citrine, hematite, jade, and red jasper. Each has its own way of grounding, some through increased focus, others through detoxification, and creating calm, peaceful feelings.

Request Grounding during Massage

When your massage therapist asks how you’re feeling before the start of your massage session, tell you that you’re feeling ungrounded. She’ll explore ways to support you, and offer specific oils during the session to help you become grounded. Schedule your appointment today.

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Massage or MFR?

You may have heard talk about a practice called Myofascial Release, which is a complementary, holistic practice to massage. But what is fascia anyway?

Superficial fascia on a chicken breast.

Fascia is the strong, fibrous, connective tissue the envelops and isolates muscles, providing the body what a structural support system. Picture a web of thin, yet strong, fibers running throughout your body. Fascia has three layers starting with superficial fascia just under your skin. The last layer is called subserous fascia, and it’s located deep within your body.

If you’ve ever deskinned a chicken breast, you’ve encountered fascia–it’s the fibrous connective tissue just beneath the skin.

What is MFR?

MFR usually begins with a gentle massage designed to warm and loosen muscles. As an MFR therapist works, she identifies areas of tension which call out for additional attention. Sometimes MFR can be intense, unlocking log buried emotions and associated wounds. Once any stiffness or soreness subsides, the client feels a deeper sense of well-being.

Myofascial Release, or MFR, is a type of soft tissue massage that incorporates stretching muscles and connective tissue. Just like I had to receive training and certification to perform massage, MFR practitioners must log hours in the classroom and in practice before receiving their certification.

Is MFR a Kind of Massage?

Although MFR uses gentle massage to begin a session and operates on similar principles that people hole stress in their muscles, MFR is different than a massage. MFR focuses on areas of blockage and tension, to release the fascia, which then frees up the muscle.

MFR tends to hone in on one or two specific areas. The MFR therapist may only stretch a muscle lightly in order to gain access to the fascia. The MFR process is quite slow and deliberate. MFR clients describe the feeling of fascia loosening as though they were melting and going deeper.

Massage + MFR

Because massage and MFR are complementary practices, you could include both in your wellness practice. If you’re working with an MFR therapist, let me know so we can support you together, providing optimal benefits. To book your massage with me, click here!

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Gas, Bloating, and IBS, Oh My!

We’re guessing that most of you schedule an appointment with me to address tight muscles, aching back, excessive stress, or to enjoy a little pampering. These are awesome reasons to schedule regular massage sessions. But what about other benefits, like to your digestive system?

Upset tummies can be helped with massage.

A brief anatomy lesson

Are you ready for a short anatomy lesson? Don’t worry—there’s no exam! As food passes through your digestive tract, your intestine muscles involuntarily contract. This process is called peristalsis, and it can be thrown off by a whole host of issues, like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, mineral deficiencies, and others. What happens next, you ask? Well, all sorts of unpleasantness unfold such as diarrhea, colitis, gas, bloating, and other bowel-related dis-ease.

Digestive benefits of massage

Here’s where the unsung benefits of massage to your digestive system come into play. A full body massage works to prevent digestive issues by stimulating the involuntary contractions of the intestine, moving things along. A massage also rids the body of toxins—that’s why it’s imperative to drink lots of water after a massage—and increases the release of certain enzymes, both of which have a positive impact on your digestive system.

Let’s see if we can help

If you’ve worked with a medical professional to ensure that there are no serious underlying medical issues, consider how a massage might resolve digestion challenges in a holistic, natural way. Book time with us to see if we can make you a whole lot more comfortable!