For details about medical research on the medicinal qualities of massage please go here, where Dr. Tiffany Fields with the University of Miami has done numerous studies on the benefits of massage.

Have you ever come down with a cold or flu, and realized that you have been demanding too much of yourself? If you had been listening to the signals, you could have possibly  prevented the illness. You were probably feeling stressed, tired, overworked.  I’ve noticed that I get a sore throat if I get angry and “yell”. Coincidence? Probably not. Several years ago, I developed a hand injury while playing the violin because I ignored the early warning signals; I chose to play through the tingling, pain, and numbness in my fingers and arm. The injury ended my violin career, albeit amateur,  and I promised myself that I would never ignore my body again.

If I feel pain or discomfort in any part of my body, I begin an analysis of what it is trying to say to me. If my skin is dryer than usual, I add healthy oils to my diet. If my knee is hurting, I buy new walking shoes and pay close attention to the surfaces I’m walking on. If my neck aches, I check my posture and sleep on my neck roll. If my stomach is upset, I’ve learned to recognize that I’m worrying about something. Sometimes its something I’m not even aware of. That’s when I spend some time in solitude, sorting through my emotions and thought patterns. Eventually, the source of the anxiety will rise to the surface. It seems that once it sees daylight, it begins to diminish.

So practically speaking, how do we learn the language our bodies are speaking? Any exercise or activity that grounds us, that centers us, will help us connect with our physical bodies. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to bring about awareness. The physical experience of receiving a healing touch from another person connects us to our bodies. The relaxed state that a massage delivers also helps us “hear” our body signals more clearly. Yoga and meditation have similar affects. Yoga is defined as “the yoking of the mind and the body” and can profoundly increase body awareness.

Another technique for connecting mind and body is the “body gratitude” exercise. It goes like this; Get in a comfortable position and begin at one end of your body, mentally giving thanks for each body part and the positive role it plays in your daily life. Move through the entire body, giving special praise to those parts that don’t always work correctly. For instance, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, give thanks for the times that the shoulder is free of pain. Recognize how much support you receive from the shoulders and all the burdens they carry, both physical and emotional. Focus on what works in your body. Our bodies are nothing short of a miracle! Recognize it, trust it and respect it. Learn to be quiet and listen. Draw upon the wisdom of your body; It will tell you everything it needs to maintain health and balance.

I recently earned a certification for fibromyalgia massage from Sara Simpson, LMT 25, of  The Healing Arts Group in Jackson, Ms.  The certification included 6 hours of lecture and 12 hours of hands on learning of fibromyalgia massage techniques. I learned that FMS “fibromyalgia syndrome” has been described as arthritis of the muscles. The condition leads to widespread pain, sleep issues and fatigue,  and is diagnosed by testing 18 tender points on the body. Fibromyalgia is the 2nd most common condition encountered in clinics for the treatment of chronic pain. Estimates are that there are between 5 and 6 million Americans affected by FMS with the vast majority being women. There are  many associated symptoms that accompany FMS, including headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ, endometriosis, just to name a few. The causes of FMS are not completely understood but some hypothesis included a genetic predisposition followed by a physical or psychological traumatic experience, or a viral infection.

Treatments for FMS include pain medications and anti-depressants, as well as holistic therapies such as acupuncture, massage, gentle exercise, chiropractic, hypnotherapy, tens therapy, and yoga. I now have a deeper understanding of what life is like for a FMS patient. The cycle of pain and depression can be overwhelming, and some patients find it hard to leave their homes. I’ve learned that every day can offer different challenges, and what works one day may not work the next.

I know, now, that massage offers much needed relief from pain, depression and many other symptoms associated with FMS. I understand that a massage therapist must ask a lot of questions, move slowly, and be willing to be flexible and patient with a FMS sufferer. I understand which techniques to use and which techniques NOT to use for a FMS client. I have a few extra tools for my FMS clients, such as reflexology points to help with fatigue and headaches, techniques for relieving back and neck pain and massage strokes for lymphatic drainage.  I look forward to working more purposefully and skillfully with those who suffer from the symptoms of FMS.

For further information on FMS, visit the National Institutes of Health website.

So, I was thinking… maybe this Christmas can be different. Maybe the best gift I can give my children, my spouse, heck, the best gift I can give the world is a better me. Not a slimmer, smarter, nicer me, but a happier, more centered, more content me. A me that knows that the best gift I can give anyone is simply my presence. My undivided attention type of presence. My love, my happiness, my radiance is such a huge gift. So, how do I give my best self during a typically stress-filled holiday season?

First, I’ll make a commitment to take time every day for me. Maybe its only a half hour or even 10 minutes. Quiet time, thinking loving thoughts about me! Maybe a long soak in the tub. Maybe a solo walk on these chilly mornings. Maybe a few minutes of yoga, meditation or prayer.

Second, I’ll choose to take care of my health. Maybe I’ll get that bodywork done NOW! I’ll enjoy all the holiday cooking, but in moderation. I’ll make time for myself to exercise regularly (Boy that’s a tough one for me because there is always an excuse).

Third, I’ll make a decision to enjoy all the season has to offer and to release all things that cause me stress. Maybe I’ll get everyone gift certificates to avoid the stress of shopping and traffic. Perhaps I’ll order out instead of spending long hours cooking a big meal. I’ll make a list, just like Santa, and the activities that are not kind to me will get crossed through to make room for the stuff that brings me real joy and peace.

I choose Joy and Peace for this holiday season. That will be my best gift!

Massage therapy is increasingly becoming a part of cancer treatment protocols. Undergoing cancer treatment can be draining and stressful. Care providers are looking for alternative therapies to help their patients cope with the stress, as well as the side affects. Many cancer treatment facilities around the country are utilizing massage therapy for this purpose. The Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston MA,  is an example of a cancer facility where massage is commonly used, along with other integrative therapies such as acupuncture, Reiki and music therapy.

According to Tracy Walton, a researcher, writer and award winning educator, who specializes in massage and cancer care, “People who are living with cancer are helped in a number of ways, such as reducing anxiety, easing pain and controlling nausea”. Ms. Walton stresses that a therapist should receive special training before working with cancer patients.

I am hopeful that my training will allow me to help cancer patients enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. I begin this journey of learning in honor of my Mother, Dolores, and my Grandmother, Cora Lee.

Pain and tightness in the neck are very common and can most often be relieved through manipulation of the soft tissue. Causes include accidents which cause whiplash and repetitive motions which put strain on the neck muscles. Bad sleeping habits can also cause neck discomfort.

I have found Myofascial and deep tissue techniques, along with stretching, to be very effective at reducing tension in the cervical area. My neck protocol begins with the client lying face up while I work the anterior neck muscles, especially the SCM, which can hold tension years after a whiplash accident. Working the muscle attachments along the base of the skull (occipital) will often give the client relief from tension headaches.

With the client lying face down, I loosen the back and shoulder muscles, including the trapezius muscles which originate at the occipital and continue down the neck and into the shoulder and middle back  region. This protocol lasts about an hour and will often bring relief from tension and pain in the neck.

For self care at home, try sleeping on a homemade neck roll by folding two sides of a towel in towards each other leaving a small space between them. Then roll the towel and place under your neck for support. A small bath towel or a large hand towel will work. You may need to try some different sizes to find what is comfortable for you. You can place the towel neck roll in a pillowcase. Here is a video briefly demonstrating how to make the towel neck roll. You may find it ultimately more comfortable to purchase a Arc4life Cervical Linear Traction Neck Pillow

Some simple stretches are also helpful. Bend at the waist like you are touching your toes and let your entire upper body hang for a few seconds. You may feel more comfortable lying on your bed, face down, with your head hanging off the edge of the bed. These “hanging” poses will relieve the pressure of gravity and provide some space between the cervical vertebra. It also allows the cervical muscles to fully release. Be sure to slowly bring your head back to sitting position.

When the days heat up and I begin to feel sluggish I know its time to pull out the blender and give myself a delicious boost. The fruit adds fiber and anti-oxidants. The protein gives me energy and the flax seed oil, rich in Omega 3′s, is good for my heart, improves my skin and lubricates my digestive tract. This also makes a great detox smoothie following a massage.

Sharon’s Summer Smoothie

2 cups fresh frozen fruit (strawberries, pineapple and banana are my favs)

1 cup water

1 tbls fax seed oil

1 scoop protein mix

2 or 3 drops Sweet Leaf Vanilla Cream Flavored Liquid Stevia

Mix all ingredients in the blender until smooth. Tip: Any fresh fruit that is becoming overly ripe goes in the freezer. That way I always have supply of frozen fruit. You can substitute ice for water if your fruit is not frozen.

PS I am a freak with the Sweet Leaf liquid Stevia. I use it to sweeten coffee and tea too!