Spring into Health - an evening of massage, movement, and nutrition
March 09, 2009
December 28, 2008
December 11, 2008
Testimonials
| TESTIMONIALS A few months ago I had asked for testimonials to include in my web-site. These are the wonderful responses I received. |
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It's amazing what can happen in an hour! I feel like I've been on vacation for two weeks! Hannah
Nicky has the magic touch! Cimmi Beneath Nicky's hands (and feet), I feel completely relaxed, and confident that together we can find the best way to relieve my muscle tension. Her massages are intuitive and loving--by staying present and inquisitive, she is able to attend effectively to my body's needs. Elizabeth I love the way Nicky can do very deep and focused work and still provide a very gentle and nurturing massage. Sonia Truly your hands are becoming stronger and more thorough and I always love the feeling at the end of our session together. Jane I could feel the caring heart! Tana |
October 24, 2008
October 05, 2008
Equinox Celebration at the Gibian Wellness Center
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October 04, 2008
Meditation class at the Gibian Wellness Center
Announcing a new Vipassana ("Insight") Meditation Class
Based on the Buddhist teachings of the foundations of mindfulness
Eight Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00
beginning October 23, 2008
Taught by Alison Reitz
This
class will be suitable for beginning meditators, for those who have had
an introductory class, and for those who wish to put new energy into
their practice. The class will consist of basic mindfulness meditation
instruction, silent meditation practice, short dharma talks, and time
for questions about your practice.
Please pass this announcement along to anyone who might be interested. Alison can be contacted at
805-692-9615 or
In
the long tradition of Buddhism, the teachings are considered priceless,
and they will be offered free of charge. You will have an opportunity
to make a contribution to the teacher if you wish on the basis of Dana
(the Pali word for generosity). There will be a one-time fee of $25 to
cover the room and other administrative costs.
The class will meet at the Gibian Wellness Center
1522 State Street
September 16, 2008
September 07, 2008
Equinox Celebration at the Gibian Wellness Center
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June 25, 2008
Barefoot Deep Tissue and Lower Back Pain
I have been doing Barefoot Deep Tissue for three years, and over and over again I find it is the best way to get to tight areas in the gluteus muscles. It is a particularly effective method to treat Trigger Points.
A
trigger point is a microscopic muscle knot that is sensitive when
pressed upon and causes pain locally or in a predictable pattern. Finding those spots and applying pressure to them allows them to release and eliminate the pain and tension they cause.
Trigger
points in various parts of the glutes are largely responsible for a
number of pain symptoms in the lower back.
Because of the size of the gluteus muscles, barefoot deep tissue is particularly well suited to apply trigger point work. Using my thumbs on these larger muscles can feel "poky" for the client and not nealy as satisfying as Barefoot work. Pressure of the heel feels very comfortable for the glutes, and the possibility for applying the pressure gradually and for an extended period of time allows for the muscles to release deeply and fully.
There is an excellent article on Trigger Point Massage in About.com
June 04, 2008
What is Barefoot Deep Tissue?
The question I most often get is: Is that the one where you step on people?...well, no, not excatly. I do use my feet as a tool for massage. If I am standing, I always have one foot on the ground, and often use a stick for balance and safety.
I use my foot to do slow deep compressions. I target specific muscle groups and specific parts of a muscle, based on knowledge and principles of sports massage and trigger point therapy. I have found that this work is extremely beneficial for people who have deep tightness in their shoulders and hips from stress and emotional fatigue, and for people with lower back pain.
The beauty of this work is not so much how deep the work is - though it certainly can be very deep and satisfying. Rather it is the way the strength, sensitivity and versatility of a foot can be used to do very gentle and detailed work. Our feet have as many nerve endings as our hands, and with training and experience, I have come to be very sensitive to what happens under my heel or the ball of my foot. Because of the natural strength of the foot and ankle joint, I don’t need to exert myself, and I can apply pressure in a very relaxed way, modulate my pressure with great subtlety and focus on what I am feeling. In addition to that, I can easily sustain the pressure for great lengths of time, allowing me to simply wait for the muscle to fully relax.
In the next issue: Why is Barefoot Deep Tissue beneficial for lower back pain?
