November 28, 2011 in Emotional Healing, Energy Work, Massage Therapy by empoweringwellness

Massage Therapy – Healing through the scars

In my post today, I continue on my theme from last week on the positive effects of regular bodywork and massage on body image.

Healing through the scars

A negative body image is not necessarily about those few extra pounds on the hips. It might instead be tied to the scars of past injuries and surgeries. Massage can help here, too. For example, for burn victims, research has shown massage can help in the healing process, while for postsurgery breast cancer patients, massage and bodywork can reintegrate a battered body and spirit. And of course, in the case of physical or sexual abuse, massage therapy helps to reconnect the client with her body.

In addition to softening scar tissue and speeding postsurgery recovery, or helping to heal the trauma of violence and abuse, massage therapy and bodywork is about respect, reverence, and learning to look at, and beyond, the scars.

The Value of Touch

Touch is a powerful ally in the quest for physical and mental health. It not only can help you be more in tune with your body, but it can help create a sense of wellness and “wholeness” that is often lost in our segmented, over scheduled lives. When we regain that connection, it’s much easier to remember that our bodies are something to be cherished, nurtured, and loved, not belittled, betrayed, and forgotten.

Take the first step. Schedule an appointment with me today by using my online scheduling system.

November 22, 2011 in Massage Therapy, Women's Health by empoweringwellness

Would you ever see a male massage therapist?

As a male massage therapist, I’m in the minority in my field. While the numbers are always changing, less than 20 percent of all certified massage therapists in the United States are male. Massage therapy is a field that is dominated by women and some of my male colleagues report of “gender bias” when it comes to finding jobs. They claim that job opportunities for the male massage therapist are harder to come by than for female therapists.

It is impossible for me to say how many women won’t come to see me because I am a man. I will never know that. But, I can also say that I’ve developed a vibrant practice that focuses on women’s health issues. 100 percent of my clients are women, and the majority of them have been seeing me for years now. So for me, I can say that being a man in a profession dominated by women has not been a significant problem.

The difference between men and women therapists

I think there are a number of myths when it comes to male and female therapists. One of the common myths is that men are stronger and can give a deeper massage. I can tell you that nothing is farther from the truth. Doing deep tissue work is more about using proper technique than shear strength. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to the ability to do deep work. I have personally received some of the best deep tissue work from small, female massage therapists.

Another myth involves the ability to nurture. While it is probably true that women are usually more associated with nurturing and caring, men can embrace this side of their personality as well. In fact, I think I have been successful in working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence because I embrace that nurturing side. What clients are able to experience (maybe for the first time), is what I call “balanced male energy.” They are able to feel the strength of traditional male energy, but it is balanced by the warm, caring female energy. This duality exists in all of us, and when a male massage therapist is able to tap into it, it creates a powerful healing environment.

Respect for boundaries and being professional

Male massage therapists are held to the same educational, licensing and ethical standards as female therapists. I belong to three professional massage therapy associations, and members are required to agree to abide by a code of ethics and standards of conduct.

Establishing professional boundaries and respecting the limits of clients is an absolute must. For me, that means creating a safe and sacred space for each client, and holding them within that space. It means respecting the story and history of each client, and working within the limits and comfort level of each client. This is especially important when working with clients who have a history of abuse or trauma. Caring touch can help these clients begin the healing process, but it has to be introduced on their terms and at their pace.

At the end of the day, the decision on whether or not you would see a male massage therapist is completely up to you, the client. But I can say with absolute certainty that this male massage therapist works very hard to create an environment of acceptance and non-judgment for every client. She is the focus of the attention, and during each session, she is the most important person in the room.

Take the poll! Would you ever see a male massage therapist?

November 17, 2011 in Massage Therapy, Wellness, Women's Health by empoweringwellness

The impact of popular culture on body image

My recent article and video about Lomi Lomi massage has sparked a discussion about body image. In my post yesterday, I talk about the positive impact of touch therapy on body image.

Today, my readers have a special treat. I’d like to introduce my friend and fellow blogger Jennifer Youn. In today’s post, Jennifer shares her first-hand experience dealing with body-image issues as well as her thoughts on how the media and popular culture affects our perceptions of our bodies and ourselves.

Exposed to unrealistic body ideals at an early age

I remember doing research on the topic of body image as a senior in high school. My thesis was “How does popular culture infuence views on body image?” It was a detailed discussion about how women are constantly exposed to a world of unattainable beauty/body ideals via the media. I mentioned to Fred the other day that there is an overwhelming pressure on young women to be size 0′s. The impact of the media and popular culture is enormous. There are some estimates that up to 80 percent of American women are unhappy with their appearance.

It starts at an early age. Toys like Barbie influence the body image of millions of girls all around the world. The retail shopping experience also affects our sense of what is normal. It’s funny to me that when I see a pair of pants I like and there is a greater number of size 0-2′s than normal sizes 4 or larger. I was never a size 0 (except for a brief time in the 6th grade) and I would never want to be either. The point is we, as women, have power over these giant industries because ultimately we dictate what / how their business is trending.

Trends. It’s what the fashion labels try to create season after season and year after year. If body image was a brand, skinny would be a long, ongoing trend. The question is, who’s setting the trend? If the average woman in America is a size 14, clearly there is a huge discrepency between fantasy and reality. If people want to start talking about the 99 percent and 1 percent, maybe we should start an “Occupy Supermodels” movement. It’s called genetics and a lot of them would rather do crack and be completely miserable than to eat whatever they please and actually enjoy life. Personally, I have a HUGE problem with that.

I enjoy being a size 6. I enjoy having curves. I enjoy eating. I enjoy being a real woman. So does my boyfriend.

How has popular culture affected your view of your own body?

If you are a parent, do you talk to your daughter about body image? What do you say and do to reinforce a positive self image?

Massage therapy can have a very positive affect on body image. Take the first step. Schedule an appointment with me today by using my online scheduling system.

November 16, 2011 in Emotional Healing, featured, Massage Therapy by empoweringwellness

The positive impact of caring touch on body image

I recently posted an article on Lomi Lomi, which is an ancient Hawaiian form of massage that has been passed down from family member to family member for several thousand years. It’s a very beautiful and flowing form of bodywork and healing that involves long, full strokes across the entire length of the body. And traditionally, the draping used in Lomi Lomi is minimal compared with what we have become used to in the United States.

Several of my readers commented to me that they would feel very uncomfortable with Lomi Lomi (especially after having viewed the video that I include in the post), because they were very self-conscious about their body, their weight and so on. And that started a whole discussion around body image, hence this post.

I hope that this will be the first in many articles on the topic of body image. I will also invite guest bloggers to weigh in on the topic as well. My friend, Jennifer Youn will be one of those guest writers and what has prompted her to write on the topic is the overwhelming pressure young girls put on themselves to be a size 0. So, look forward to Jennifer’s posts here soon.

I will approach the topic of body image from a slightly different perspective – from that of a massage therapist who has worked on thousands of women over the years. My perspective is also that massage therapy and bodywork, when performed by a caring, sensitive and competent therapist encourages awareness of the body just as much as it enhances our ability to ground ourselves and to relax.

The book Body Image: A Handbook of Theory, Research and Clinical Practice describes massage therapy as a “somatic (of the body) approach that is helpful in positively affecting body image by helping the client to reconnect to the body in a very concrete manner.” That reconnection and the ability to establish a positive experience through caring touch is at the core of the work that I have done with trauma victims and survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.

Imaginal massage

A recent article published by Massage and Bodywork Magazine suggests an exercise called “imaginal massage.” This exercise involves the client visualizing a massage occurring, with the healing hands of the therapist as a means of accepting her own body. The client can also use this technique during the actual massage session by imagining the healing and affirmative energy being transferred into her body.

Love your body, love your belly

Every muscle in our body has a beginning point and ending point. We call this the origin and insertion. I believe that the origin and insertion of our soul lies within our belly, and gentle abdominal massage is an important part of my work. Unfortunately, it’s not practiced that widely in the US anymore. The belly is a very sensitive area for women and many are not used to having it touched.

Eastern cultures view this part of the body as the source of our intrinsic energy – the source of life. The Japanese call this the Hara, and they believe that our vital spirit resides within it – specifically at a point just below the navel called the “Tan-Den.”

In addition to gentle abdominal massage, I encourage my clients to perform a simple exercise that I call “love your body, love your belly.” I suggest that they do this when they are in the shower in the morning or at night. This exercise will help connect your with your body, and helps to improve the overall condition of your body.

Start the exercise by placing one hand just below and the other just above your navel. Begin gently rubbing your belly in a clockwise, circular motion (from left to right). Allow your breathing to come from your belly by filling it with air and slowly letting it out. This helps to engage the thoracic diaphragm. Feel your breath as it expands into the depths of your belly. As you exhale, draw the belly in, letting the energy circulate throughout your body. As you perform this exercise, if you notice any part of your body where there is pain or tension, allow the breath to come into that spot in your body, and as you exhale, allow the breath to take the pain and tension away.

Massage therapy and body image

Receiving regular bodywork is a way for you to revere and care for your body. It helps to nurture the connection between your mind and body and helps you to begin the process of accepting yourself exactly as you are. A sensitive massage therapist, using caring touch, can help you to bridge that connection. Your therapist will hold a sacred space for you as you make that journey.

Take the first step. Schedule an appointment with me today by using my online scheduling system.

November 14, 2011 in Healthy Eating, Recipes by empoweringwellness

Thai Green Curry Paste and Vegetable Curry

I love curry. I love the fragrant aroma of curry simmering on my stove top. So much so, that I spent a portion of my weekend making my own green curry paste.

Now you can purchase green, red and yellow curry paste at any quality Asian market (and even from many grocery chains). But, it’s so easy to make your own and you’ll have the satisfaction of making it yourself and knowing exactly what goes into it!

I use a green curry paste recipe that I found online, and I’ve modified it for you here. Total prep time is about 20 minutes. Total time for the vegetable curry is about 40 minutes.

Green Chili Paste Ingredients:

This recipe yields about 1 cup of curry paste. I use the entire cup in the vegetable curry recipe below.

• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
• 3 green chilies, sliced (Thai chili, or use Serrano or Jalapeno)
• 3 shallots, peeled and sliced
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 2-inch piece of galangal (Thai ginger), or regular ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves & stems
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper (available in most supermarket spice aisles)
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 3 Tbsp. fish sauce or you can substitute 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tsp. shrimp paste (available at Asian stores); Vegetarians: substitute 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. coconut milk (just enough to blend ingredients together)

Green Chili Paste Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor, chopper, or blender.
2. Process well to form a green curry paste.
3. Taste for salt and spice. If it is too salty, add some fresh lime. To make it spicier, add more chili. This will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. I also freeze this and take it out whenever I need it.

This recipe yields about 1 cup of curry paste, which is enough for 1 batch of your favorite curry.

Thai Green Curry with Vegetables

You can easily add chicken or beef to this. But, this is my “meatless Monday” recipe for today.

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1-2 Tbsp. oil
2. Add 1 cup green chili paste and stir fry for about 1 minute until the spices begin to bloom and become fragrant.
3. Add chickpeas and sweet potatoes and stir for 2 minutes
4. Add the stock (or water) and coconut milk and bring to a boil
5. Reduce heat so that the curry simmers and then add the remaining vegetables.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are fork tender
7. Remove from heat and taste for spice. You can add more salt if you feel it is not salty enough. If it is too salty, add lime juice. If it is too spicy, you can add more coconut mi
8. Place into serving bowl and sprinkle fresh basil on top
9. Serve with Jasmine rice and sliced red chili on the side

Serves 4 (with leftovers!)

November 10, 2011 in Essential Oils, featured, Massage Therapy, Wellness by empoweringwellness

Lomi Lomi massage – a true mind-body experience

When people first experience my bodywork, they often comment that they have never experienced anything like it before. Like many massage therapists, I combine a wide range of techniques to meet the needs of my clients on any given day. During each session, I am likely to combine essential oil therapy, energy work (both Reiki and Cranial Sacral) with a wide range of Western and Eastern massage techniques.

Of all of the different massage techniques to which I have been exposed or in which I have been trained, two techniques have influenced me profoundly. My first experience with massage was more than 30 years ago, when I had my first ever massage at the Esalen Institute, located just south of Monterey, CA. For years, I thought that this was the way all massage therapy was done. It wasn’t until I moved back to Washington, DC that I discovered Swedish or western massage was quite different from the nurturing, integrative and flowing massage that is a characteristic of Esalen massage.

When I became a massage therapy student, I learned the traditional Swedish style of massage. But, I was determined when I began my own practice that I would integrate much of what I experienced at Esalen into my own work. And then, I discovered Lomi Lomi, a Hawaiian form of massage and that changed the course of my work forever.

Lomi Lomi is more than a physical technique. Lomi Lomi involves a holistic approach to the person and seeks to heal and promote wellness in body, mind and spirit. In the Hawaiian language Lomi Lomi literally means “to and from,” referring both to the massage motion as well as to the healing energy that passes between the practitioner and the receiver. There are various kinds of lomi massage including “polole lomi,” the mother’s gentle hand; “oluea lomi,” harmonizing body, mind and spirit; and “oluli lomi,” igniting the life force.

Lomi Lomi is part of a broader Hawaiian belief system that embraces the body, spirit and healing. Therefore it traditionally includes the elements of prayer, breath and energy, rooted in the ancient Hawaiian philosophy known as Huna. It relaxes the nervous system, increases circulation and creates a tangible sense of well being. It is useful for maintaining health, and relieving pain from injury and debilitating illness.

What is it like to experience lomi lomi? This video provides an excellent example of a typical Lomi Lomi session.

Lomi Lomi differs from other forms of massage in many ways. It is an experience that overwhelms the mind with sensations and at the same time communicates an acceptance and a nurturing of the inner self. Most massage techniques work on only one level, usually the physical such as in remedial massage. Massage is often used in stress management but not necessarily addressing or transcending the cause of the stress. Lomi Lomi changes the way you think, feel, move and breathe.

Some of my clients request a full Lomi Lomi session. But, even for those who don’t I incorporate many of the same techniques into a massage session customized specifically for the client. Lomi Lomi is the “dance of massage,” and is just as wonderful to give as to receive.

Aloha!

November 1, 2011 in Emotional Healing, Essential Oils, Mindfulness and Meditation, Wellness by empoweringwellness

The “art” of letting go of anger

According to one survey, traffic in our nation’s capital where I live, is the fourth worst in the country. The three cities that are ahead of DC are (in order), Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. I’ve driven in all of those places, and believe me, there is not much difference between the worst on this list.

I drive about 40 minutes (on a good day!) from my home to my office in Arlington. The most direct route has me driving into the teeth of the worst traffic in the area. And like most drivers, I get frustrated and upset whenever someone cuts me off, drives too slowly, or changes lanes without signalling.

This past summer, I noticed that I was becoming really upset and tense during my daily commute. It’s not a feeling that I enjoyed, but what could I do about it? I certainly did not want to bring this tension and anger into my work, into sessions with my clients. After all, I was supposed to help them relieve tension and anxiety, not contribute to it.

The answer was actually pretty simple. I just let those feelings go. As traffic increased and became more congested, I decided that I needed to let that tension, created by all the drivers around me, to just pass through me. I decided I was not going take it on, and not let it stick.

Whenever I felt myself becoming tense or anxious during my commute, I would focus on my breath, breathing deeply and slowly from deep within my belly. I performed little grounding meditations while driving to help bring on a sense of calm and well-being. I kept telling myself that all of these people around me are just trying to do the same thing that I wanted to do: get to work, drop a child off at school, attend a meeting, or drive home. Once I realized that we were all in this together, that we all were trying to do the same thing, it became much easier remain calm even during the very worst of the rush hour. My daily commute became an extension of my meditative and mindfulness practice.

I also did some very practical things this past summer that helped me to reinforce the practices I performed in my car each day.

I started keeping my car scrupulously clean. I subscribed to a service at the local car wash that allows me to get my car washed once a day. I usually don’t do this, but I always go in at least once a week, and often several times during the week. I decided that if I were going to spend more than an hour a day in my car, that it would be a pleasant and relaxing experience. I apply essential oils to the inside of my car. A blend of patchouli, bergamot, sandlewood, rose absolute, jasmine, cinnamon, vetiver and ylang ylang laced with vanilla helped create a powerful proprioceptive anchor onto which my calming meditations could cling. Friends who ride in my car now say that driving with me is like getting a massage!

The end result is that I am able to get through my day and release anger that would otherwise build up. Is it perfect? No, of course not. Do I still get frustrated when traffic backs up? Of course I do. But, each moment of frustration and anger creates an opportunity for me to release and let it go. And rather than get down on myself, I embrace these opportunities to start each moment fresh. It is part of the “art” of letting go of anger. It takes practice, but it is so worth it!