How Massage Helps

Posted on January 6, 2012

Ease into the new year with Soma Studio! Tell us how massage has helped you and win a free one hour massage with a Registered Massage Therapist.

 

Therapeutic MassageMaybe you were recovering from an injury, or looking to find ease in your body during pregnancy. Maybe you were dealing with stress in your job or daily life. Postpartum depression. Anxiety. Whatever your reason for choosing massage therapy, we want to hear-in 50 words or less-how it has helped you.

Don’t worry if you’re not the next Wordsworth or Hemmingway. We want real stories from real people to share on our blog and in our monthly newsletters. So tell us about yourself; drop us a line with your story in the body of the email, and you’ll be entered to win a one hour massage with any of our talented therapists.

Contest begins January 9, and closes January 22. Winner will be announced online January 23. Brought to you by Soma Studio and Vancouver Mom.

 

Posted by admin at 9:13 am | comments | Massage, Soma News Tagged , , |

New Years Resolutions: Meditate.

Posted on December 31, 2011

January is certainly a popular month for meditation retreats. Who among us hasn’t resolved to give meditation a try, or to step up our daily practice? I did my first retreat in January five years ago. It’s often a bit of a low month for me: there’s the inevitable Christmas letdown, long dark mornings, and still no sign of spring. A ten day Vipassana retreat is like a clock winding. I emerge calm, confident and full of gratitude. It’s a powerful tool for dealing with life’s challenges.

But you don’t have to do a ten day silent retreat to experience the benefits of meditation. I have a couple of friends who spend their New Year’s day completely off the grid: no phone, computer unplugged, some even leave the lights turned off. Their aim is to spend the day completely silent, and to remain meditative and self aware.  This might involve several short meditation sittings, walking meditation, long walks outside, or all of the above. There are wonderful guided meditation talks you can have ready on your Ipod (I know I said “off the grid”, but hey, these are the times we live in) if the idea of just sitting in silence is daunting. If the famous “lotus position” is uncomfortable for you, sit in a chair. It’s still meditation, even if you don’t look like someone who works at Lululemon while you’re doing it.

The important thing is to eliminate opportunities for distraction, and to spend as much time in your body as possible. Simple vegetarian (or light, easy to digest) meals are prepared ahead of time, so that very little time is spent cooking. There is plenty of hot herbal tea ready and stored in a thermos. You might find yourself feeling pretty sleepy, but it’s better to try and stay away from caffeine. My fave Buddhist teachers always say that it’s important to be gentle with yourself and listen to your body, so if you find yourself sleeping for part of the day, it’s probably what your body needed. You wouldn’t expect yourself to run a marathon on your first attempt at running (or second, or third…) so don’t worry if you find yourself flipping on the telly after a few hours. Meditation is challenging. Keep trying!

I chose the photo for this post, because I want to stress that meditation can be done anywhere, and at any time. I like to do something called Metta, or loving kindness meditation when I’m on the Skytrain. Metta is all about radiating kindness and compassion to everyone around you. You can use a little chant if you like (May all beings be happy. May all beings be peaceful. May all beings feel love.) or perhaps a visualization of positive energy building up inside you and shooting out to those around you. Scoff if you want, but I guarantee you’ll feel much happier after a transit ride doing Metta, than a trip spent grumbling about the “guy on his cell”, or the “girl with too much perfume.” Although, okay-too much perfume really is annoying.

Here is a link to some great guided meditation talks.  Good luck!

Be happy,

Carleigh.

 

 

Posted by admin at 8:51 am | 4 Comments | Meditation Tagged |

‘Tis the season.

Posted on December 19, 2011

cans of foodChristmas is imminent! We’re collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the Vancouver food bank again this year. A hearty thanks to those who have already contributed!

*Most needed items: Canned meat or fish, peanut butter, bags of whole wheat pasta or rice, pasta sauce, canned fruit or vegetables, cereal, baby formula and baby food.

Please note, we are not able accept the following items: Homemade items, expired baby food, products containing alcohol or open packages of food.

Donations of goods other than food help keep the Food Bank running and are always greatly appreciated. Some examples are: Common household goods such as computers, office furniture, warehouse equipment in good working condition, trucks or vans with an opportunity to showcase your logo and community social responsibility, professional photography and videography.

*Source: The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Posted by admin at 8:55 am | comments | Soma News

Eating Right For The Seasons.

Posted on September 16, 2011

Alison McKenzie RMTThe arrival of September always brings a natural shift of temperature, and a shortening of the days.  It is the time to begin another school year, back to regular work hours, and to re-examine our habits and routine.  As we officially enter into the fall season later this month, it is a great time to check in with our body’s natural rhythm and dietary needs.

There is no shortage of information these days on health and wellness, especially what we ‘should’ be eating. Unfortunately, due to this overwhelming amount of advice, we often forget to listen to our greatest advisor…our own bodies!  If we are constantly following a specific diet, cleanse, or the latest food trend, we have no chance to befriend our greatest ally in our personal health.  Yes, periods of meal planning and cleansing are of great benefit, but it is when we are perpetually nourishing via some sort of plan that we are drowning out our inner voice.

Everybody’s body is unique and brilliant. They will tell us exactly what we need if we listen. Fall is one of the greatest times to tune into this voice because of the distinct change in what is abundant and available.  It is my favourite time to visit the local farmer’s market: winter squash, a variety of apples, pears, potatoes, and pumpkins. The harvest gets heartier and denser as the weather cools, and our bodies will be preparing for a warmer nourishment of grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. It is a time to prepare more warming foods such as soups, stews, and heartier grains to balance our internal environment with the shifting external.

To eat with the seasons is to tune into the earth’s natural cycle, as well as our own innate cycle.  I invite you to take some time this month to observe what your body is saying.

Alison McKenzie is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. You can reach her at amckenzie.rhn@gmail.com

 

Posted by admin at 10:47 am | comments | Healthy Eating and Cleansing Tagged , |

Soma Summer Potluck

Posted on September 2, 2011

Sunday, Aug 28 at Locarno Beach.

Denis, BBQ master, and Lori. Lori told us she bought the salad bowl, made out of a single piece of reclaimed Arbutus, before she met Denis. "I thought I was never going to get married, so I might as well buy some nice stuff!" Now she has a beautiful salad bowl AND a great husband!

Needless to say, the food was spectacular.

Kaely, Fran, and Emily relax.

Mandy and her mom came too! We're going to miss Mandy while she's on maternity leave. She's promised to come by and visit us.

I brought some Hula Hoops, and they were a big hit. Nearly everyone thought they wouldn't be able to do it, but it's easier than it looks. Here's Denis and Teresa giving it a go!

 

 

 

Posted by admin at 9:32 am | comments | Soma News Tagged |

My Massage with Denis

Posted on August 26, 2011

I told Denis that I wasn’t just some wussy when it came to massage. He could get right in there. I could take it.

He grinned. ”We’ll see.”

I don’t know why I felt the need for this show of courage. After all, Denis is the expert; he’d be able to judge what my body needed. So why the swagger?

I’ve had a few massages in my time, from Shiatzu at the mall, to hot stone massage in the open air studio at the Wickinninnish Inn in Tofino (yeah, I know. Lucky girl.)  But this was the first time I’d ever had a massage with (gasp!) a man! Would it be weird? Awkward?

The answer? No.

I’d been doing some serious life renovation in the weeks prior to my massage with Denis: new house, new job, new relationship… When I change my world, I like to go big. But change, even for the better, is stressful. My back was a mess. Shoulders up around my ears. Discomfort in my hip, inciting a barrage of “geriatric girlfriend” jokes from my new, much younger boyfriend. Sheesh.

But don’t cry for me, South Granville. I mean, I work at a massage studio.

Denis did a full body massage, though he focused on my upper body. We did a lot of Yoga-like moves, with me breathing in for a count of seven, and exhaling while he gently stretched out my muscles. “Do you do Yoga?” He asked.

“Yes.” Was my immediate, slightly defensive reply. Then after a pause: “But not as much as I should.”

Bet he hears that a lot.

By the time he’d reached my lower back, I’d dropped the superhero routine. This was “me” time; I didn’t have to impress anyone. Denis’ hands are strong, and at times the massage was deep and slightly intense, though he regularly asked how the pressure was. Just before the end of my hour, he put my earlier braggadocio to the test.

“Okay,” he said, “This might hurt a little, but it will really help.”

“Right, I’m ready.” I was rolled over onto my back by then, so I put on my brave face.

He moved his fingers down my collar bone slowly, from the throat area towards my shoulders. Woah. Little fireworks of pain exploded along my neck, and I worked to keep breathing normally.

“That okay?” He asked.

“Yeah,” I croaked. Brave face.

And when it was over, release. Muscle release. Stress release. Much like my experience with Lori, I felt almost giddy afterwards, giggling with the therapists at the front desk before I left. I felt so relaxed and positive the next morning, I sent Denis a little email, even though I was going to see him at work. If you have a massage story or testimonial you’d like to share, we’d love to hear it!

Thanks Denis!

 

Be happy,

carleigh.

 

 

Posted by admin at 11:27 am | comments | Massage, Testimonials

Everything I know…

Posted on August 6, 2011

I had the great fortune to be the daughter of a wise woman. My mother was ahead of her time in many ways; most notably, her interest in herbs, alternative wellness, yoga and massage.  This was revolutionary stuff in small town Saskatchewan at that time. When I was 12 years old, she became a Registered Massage Therapist  and started a small practice in our home. I have known massage therapy to be an alternative to pain medication since I was quite young.  As a figure skater, I benefited greatly from her abilities.

One of the myriad things that Mom taught me was that people use massage for many different reasons.  I hope to clarify for you how massage therapy can be used in your life.

Medical:

Some clients are referred to a registered massage therapist (RMT) by their MD, chiropractor or physiotherapist, for a specific health concern. It may be headaches, back or neck pain, injury from a car accident, sport injury, stress or depression. Often these situations require urgent attention and a patient might see an RMT twice a week. For both therapist and patient, getting the symptoms under control is a priority. After seeing an RMT for 3 weeks or so,  the main issue may be alleviated or at least under control. These clients may then stop coming for treatments until some other problem arises.

Lifestyle/chronic conditions:

Other clients choose to come for treatments as part of their wellness plan.  There may not be an obvious problem to work on or a nagging injury; this is more of a preventative approach to wellness. Clients book a treatment once every 2 weeks or once per month, on a regular basis. They reserve the time and make it a priority, like exercise.  Usually this type of treatment involves relaxation. Relaxation time should not be underestimated!  We live in a stressful world, with stress-induced illnesses. When the body knows how to relax, it can deal more effectively with what we put it through on a daily basis.

Some of our clients have chronic conditions such as Fibromyalgia. Massage therapy lessens the effect of the condition and adds to the quality of life for someone who faces these additional challenges.

Temporary conditions:

At Soma, we are all trained in pre and postnatal massage therapy. We’re very comfortable helping pregnant women cope with the many changes of the child-bearing year.  Many clients begin treatment at the beginning of the 2nd trimester, although massage therapy is very safe during the first trimester as well.  We recommend treatments once every 2 weeks in the beginning, increasing to once per week for the last month. Regular massage during this time helps to reduce swelling, lessen fatigue and decrease back strain. We also suggest that massage treatments continue for at least a few weeks after the birth, to help with hormonal adjusting, fight fatigue and reduce strain on the body.  Some women continue with regular treatment even after the baby is born to help with strain from breast-feeding, or simply for some “Me” time.

So you see, massage therapy can be useful for everyone, at all stages of life! Listen to your body, and be good to it. Bring it in to Soma once in a while for a tune-up; you’ll be happy you did.

Wishing you health and vitality,

Lori

Posted by admin at 10:30 am | comments | Infant Massage, Massage Tagged , , , , , , |

My Massage With Lori.

Posted on July 21, 2011

I’m not saying you’ll buy yourself a bottle of wine and a green tea mousse cake after a massage with Lori. I’m just saying that’s what I did. Results may vary.

Although we work together, Lori insisted we didn’t talk business on my “massage day”. I’d booked myself in for a one hour session on the first day off I’d had in weeks. To say I was looking forward to it is an understatement.

As always, my neck and shoulders were tight, but Lori did a full body treatment on me. It brought to my attention parts of my body I hadn’t considered much over the last few months. My hips for example. I’ve been running pretty regularly, and though I always take time to stretch the usual suspects: hamstrings and quads, I’d been ignoring my hips. Lori really got into the cracks, and after my massage, my hips felt more open. Heres a few good hip opening stretches too.

Lori has been doing this for awhile, and it shows. Her hands are strong, and adept. I was a little sore the day after my massage, but it was that good kind of soreness, the kind that makes you feel connected to your body. I followed her advice, and drank a lot of water.

And, as I mentioned, I also had a little bit of wine. And a lot of cake. Some say that your muscles hold emotional memory. Well, since my massage with Lori, I am a firm believer in this. Sure, it was a lovely sunny day when I left Soma, but wow! I felt incredible. Light and breezy, with this feeling that I was doing great, and deserved a little reward after my challenging work schedule over the last few months. The massage was an excellent start, and a few hours (and glasses of wine) later, my reward was complete. Thanks Lori!

Be happy,

carleigh


Posted by admin at 8:00 am | comments | Massage, Testimonials Tagged , , , , , |

10 Most Popular Types of Massage

Posted on July 7, 2011

Swedish massage therapy: Therapists use long, smooth strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

Aromatherapy massage: Massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.  The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing or balancing.  Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions with an emotional component.

Hot stone massage: Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.  The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them.  The warmth is comforting.  Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension, but prefer lighter massage.

Deep tissue massage: This massage targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.  The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.  Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury.  People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.

Shiatsu massage: A form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.  People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time.  It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm and there is usually no soreness afterwarsds.

Thai massage: Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points.  Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches.  You don’t just lie there — the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures.  It’s like yoga without doing any work.  Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage.  It also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.

Pregnancy massage: Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers.  Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman’s body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.

Reflexology massage: Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage.  Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that corresponds to organs and systems in the body.  Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day, or just have tired, achy feet.

Sports massage: Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity, but you don’t have to be a professional athlete to have one — this type of massage is used by people who are active and work out often.  The focus isn’t on relaxation, but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.  A combination of techniques are used.  The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage.  Facilitated stretching is a common technique.  It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Back massage: Some massage clinics and spas offer a 30-minute back massages.  If a back massage is not on its menu, you can also book a 30 or 40-minute massage and ask that the massage therapist focus on your back.

Source: altmedicine.about.com


Posted by admin at 9:00 am | comments | Massage Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

My Massage With Kaely.

Posted on June 22, 2011

One incredible perk about working with a fabulous group of RMTs is an occasional complimentary massage. You can imagine my delight a few weeks ago when, during a lull in the action at Soma, Kaely  leaned over my stooped shoulders and asked:

“You busy right now?”

Never too busy for some professional TLC. As a writer, I spend an inordinate amount of time hunched over my computer—not to mention the nights spent slouching oh-so-nonchalantly at coffee shops, and  poetry readings on The Drive.

Kaely asked me where I’d like to focus on. I mentioned the pain in between my shoulder blades and some trouble I had breathing deeply. My chest felt a little concave.

“No problem.”

On the table in Soma’s bright, airy treatment room, I already felt more relaxed. I caught a glimpse of Japanese maples and a small stone Buddha statue out the window before laying my head down. Kaely breezed into the room, with an air of kindness and professionalism that really is Soma’s trademark. She asked me a few questions, and seemed to spend some time getting a feel for my body before she launched in. I really appreciated this. It’s always a bit strange letting someone take care of you isn’t it?

That strangeness didn’t last long. After about 40 minutes of deep massage, with an emphasis on re-aligning my bent posture, I felt incredible. I was breathing deeply, and my voice had dropped an octave. Kaely gave me a few tips on correcting my posture at work, and then we were done. Though relaxed, I had no trouble going back to work for the rest of the afternoon. If anything, I was probably more productive. Thanks Kaely!

Be happy,

carleigh

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