My Blog

Guided Imagery and Oncology

10/25/2011 19:43:00

Really nice article by Belleruth recalling how guided imagery went from "unmitigated fruitloopery" (hee) to "a respectable, recommended mind-body therapy" in the oncology field.

p.s. She's offering a 10% discount off any CD or download through the end of the month, with a portion of proceeds going to support breast cancer research... use code bcr1011.

A History of Guided Imagery and Cancer: We've Come a Long Way

Infant Massage Classes start June 8th, 2011

05/21/2011 18:27:00

Bond with your baby! Learn how to safely touch your baby with Infant Massage.

Infant Massage Classes start June 8th with Sara Garvin, LMT at Somerville Therapeutic Massage.

Sara has been a licensed massage therapist since 2003. Her calm, nurturing demeanor makes her well-liked by both parents and babies. In this series of five classes, you’ll learn how to massage your baby, handle common issues such as colic and gas, meet other new parents and have fun!

Studies have consistently shown that babies who are massaged sleep better, hit developmental milestones faster, bond more closely with their families, and have reduced colic and crying. Take advantage of this wonderful healing art and learn to massage your baby safely with Sara.

“I feel more confident that I can touch her in ways that are relaxing and comforting, and won’t hurt her.” –a recent Infant Massage graduate

Classes start on Wednesday, June 8th and run for five weeks. The cost is $100, payable by cash, check, or Visa/MC. There will be two class groups, one meeting at 3:00 and the other meeting at 6:00. Each group will be capped at 5 parent/baby pairs, so contact Sara today!

To sign up for a class, please call 617-284-6150, or write to info@somervillemassage.com.

For more info about Sara, see www.somervillemassage.com

For more info about the benefits of infant massage, see www.infantmassageusa.org

Toxins In Our Skin Care?

01/18/2011 12:58:00

I've just added the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Database to my list of resources. If you're concerned about what's in the products you slather on your biggest organ every day, this is a great resource. It lists toxicity and health concerns for each ingredient, and rates the product. The government does not currently regulate personal care products, and manufacturers do not have any oversight outside of their industry.

Unfortunately, Biofreeze (which I sell) does NOT have a good score. It's a great topical pain reliever - one of the best, as far as I'm concerned - so this is disappointing news. On the other hand, it is a spot-treatment, not intended for use over your entire body (ick!). If you're a heavy user and you have concerns, please look it up in the database and see what you think.

I was pleased to see my emollient of choice (Hobacare pure jojoba) has a hazard score of ZERO. Hooray! Good news, considering I work with pregnant women and babies AND spend many hours with my hands covered in the stuff. Yay for Hobacare!

Last minute appointment available!

01/11/2011 14:59:00

Hey blog subscribers! I have an appointment open at 6:00 tonight - if you need a massage (and you know you do) reply to info@somervillemassage.com. First come first served.

"Would you like a massage?" - some random thoughts on infant massage

11/15/2010 22:47:00

I just finished the four-day training to become an infant massage instructor. The class was marvelous - a great group of interesting women. I was somewhat surprised to be one of only two LMTs in the group, but encouraged that so many people in other disciplines are helping spread the acceptance of positive touch.

One of the most important parts of the massage we teach - if not THE most important part - is Asking Permission. The baby's parent rubs oil between their palms so the baby can hear it, then shows their open hands and asks, "would you like a massage?" If the baby communicates a Yes then they proceed. I remember in massage school watching a demonstration of this and feeling shocked - it made a strong impression on me. While I would never force a massage on a baby (or anyone, for that matter), it simply hadn't occurred to me that permission should be asked.

Now that I've learned more about infant massage, Asking Permission makes so much sense. One goal of infant massage is enhancing communication between baby and parent - helping parents respond to the baby's behavioral cues rather than simply react. Asking Permission is an excellent starting point. Also, as children get older they are taught about "good touch" vs. "bad touch" - massage with respect is "good touch", and that will help a child understand "bad touch" as they get older.

More and more studies are showing that the "leave them alone to cry it out" approach is a great way to end up with anxious and depressed adults. Infant massage helps support parents' nurturing instincts, and the end result is happier, less tearful babies. It's a win/win situation... who doesn't love that?

One more thought: there are some interesting studies out there recommending Infant Massage classes to mothers with postpartum depression (e.g. "Postnatal depression and mother and infant outcomes after infant massage" O'Higgins 2008). Turns out all those good bonding hormones like oxytocin are kickstarted through the massage process. If you know a new mom having a hard time, whether it be "baby blues" or something darker, it might be good to help her find an infant massage instructor. (Like me! I'll be fully certified by spring 2011.)

But you don't have to wait for me - see www.infantmassageusa.org for instructors in your area.

p.s. I'm still looking for migraine sufferers for a self-care workshop! e me at info[at]somervillemassage.com if you're interested.

What a wild ride! Also: CEIM, artists, and migraines

11/04/2010 14:50:00

Whew! I haven't posted in a while, but I have an excellent reason: my first month in business completely exceeded my expectations. I figured I'd have plenty of time to write about the subjects that interest me, fuss with the website, and make connections with other businesses... Nope! I've been busy arranging appointments, delivering excellent massages... and doing laundry. The laundry never ends. (Side note: if you never figured out how to fold a fitted sheet, and you're dying to learn... I'm the girl to ask.)

But I'm not stopping here. I have some very exciting plans in the works!

1. Next week I'm taking a course that will add some more letters after my name: CEIM. That stands for Certified Educator of Infant Massage. To complete my practicum, I'll need five volunteer babies and their parents to go through a class taught by me, and give feedback. Send an e-mail to info[at]somervillemassage.com if you're interested in participating!

2. I'll be bringing in some works by local artists Sean Sullivan and Molly Tomlinson to beautify the treatment room and add to its relaxing benefits. I'm also featuring aromatherapy jewelry by Clare Gould.

3. Suffer from migraines? I'm looking for people to test-drive a workshop on self-care massage techniques for migraines. If I have a lot of interest, I may have to find a larger space, and in that case I'll charge a small fee to cover the rental. E-mail info[at]somervillemassage.com if you'd like to be my guinea pig.

Thank you for your support!

Coming soon: self-care for back pain, the difference between Relaxation and Swedish Massage, and more ramblings from yours truly.

New Arrival: Lotus Touch Aromatherapy

10/14/2010 15:51:00

I've just received a sampler of Lotus Touch therapeutic grade essential oils!

I'm trying out the following blends:

Clear Mind: Woody and slightly camphorous aroma. A fusion of Basil, Lemon and Peppermint to clarify and stimulate fatigued minds, blended with Elemi and Benzoin to help reduce stress.

Lotus Love: A unique essential oil blend with relaxing and meditative oils of Patchouli and Lavender combined with sensual Jasmine and Frangipani.

Relaxation: A woodsy, sweet, and fresh aroma to encourage a state of deep relaxation. Helps promote calmness and uplifts the soul. It includes sedative Petitgrain and calming Tangerine essential oils.

Headache Relief: Fresh, bright and green aroma. Essential oils of Eucalyptus and Grapefruit, incorporated with relaxing and balancing oils of Roman Chamomile and Rose Absolute make this the ideal blend for headache sufferers.

Stress Management: A powerful aromatic blend of Organic Orange to uplift and energize, Lavender to balance and calm and Sandalwood create the perfect blend to de-stress.

Next time you come in for an appointment, let me know if you'd like to try one out. Essential oils are free with every massage.

How does aromatherapy work?

Aromatherapy works in three different ways: by association, conditioning, and chemistry - the action of volatile molecules on the body's receptors.

The association effect of aromatherapy occurs when a smell evokes a pleasant memory. For example, if your grandmother liked to bake, the smell of cinnamon might remind you of her and a feeling of comfort. Those feelings release endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain, which help regulate your body's stress responses.

Aromatherapy can be used to condition the mind and body to help it relax more easily. If you study for an important test with a certain aromatherapeutic blend, and then bring that scent with you to the test, it may help your brain push through anxiety and recall the information more readily.

As for the chemical aspect of aromatherapy, there is some interesting research being done. I'm looking into that and I'll bring you more in another post.

Be well!

p.s. I'm working with an artist to bring in some aromatherapy jewelry in the next couple weeks. More to come!

Want to Experience Rubenfeld Synergy?

10/12/2010 10:17:00

I've just learned that my friend and fellow LMT Matt Ryan is looking for volunteers for a few practice sessions of Rubenfeld Synergy. Here's Matt:

I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist with 10 years experience in private practice. I'm now studying Rubenfeld Synergy (in my 3rd year), and very excited about it! I'm at a point in my training where I need a few volunteers to come for 5 free sessions of this mind/body healing discipline.

What is Rubenfeld Synergy? Stress and emotions store up in the body. These can manifest physically, leaving one aching and emotionally drained. Rubenfeld Synergy provides a gentle way to access those stored experiences and reconnect mind, body and spirit.

RS sessions invite clients to express thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. The client lies fully clothed on a cushioned table while the Synergist makes contact at places such as the back of the neck and feet. This listening touch invites the client's awareness of what is happening in their body while they share their experiences. When we see how our physical and emotional experiences are connected,we are empowered to improve the quality of our lives.

Sound interesting? More information is available at www.rubenfeldsynergy.com, and you can contact Matt at MattRyan[at]pobox.com.

I can vouch for Matt - having received bodywork from him, I can say he is very compassionate and good at what he does! Contact him and be part of his advanced training.

Grand Opening!

10/04/2010 17:11:00

UPDATE: this offer has been extended through Friday, October 15. Tell your friends!

The day has arrived! Somerville Therapeutic Massage is now open at 111 Rice St. in Cambridge.

I'm offering an amazing special to celebrate the grand opening...

**50% off any sessions booked by the end of this week - October 9, 2010! **

Buy them now and use them whenever you like. I'll never discount this deeply again, so take advantage! Lock in your low price now by buying a package: you may buy up to 10 massages, all at 50% off. Call me or e-mail me now: 617-284-6150/info@somervillemassage.com. I offer a range of massage modalities, from relaxation and hot stone massage to sports massage and pregnancy massage. Please visit www.somervillemassage.com/Service-Menu.html for details.

While I'm new to the area, I have eight years of experience massaging away the stress of daily life and soothing aching bodies. I am a graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy (now Cortiva Institute), and have been certified in Prenatal Massage since 2003 by the nationally recognized Carole Osborne. Massage is not just a luxury - it's an essential part of health. With regular massage, you'll feel calmer, you'll move more easily and your body will feel better - I'll make sure of it. I'm committed to giving you the best.

Tell your friends! The first person who sends me three new clients will get a complimentary 90 minute hot stone massage. Just tell them to write your name down on my intake form under "Referred By" - that's all!

For ongoing specials and news:
- send a note to info@somervillemassage.com to be put on my mailing list ( non-spammy, once a week maximum)
- Like my business on facebook (www.facebook.com/somervillemassage)
- subscribe to my blog at www.somervillemassage.com.

I'm also looking for:
- other massage therapists who might like to network
- local artists who might like to show their work in my space
- Lamaze, Bradley, Hypnobirth, and other birth education class leaders
- other local alternative health people (e.g. acupuncturists, Pilates instructors, yoga teachers...)
- someone who enjoys fixing small appliances and might like to trade services. (My hot stone heater goes on strike every now and again.)

Thank you all for the support and friendship you've extended to me since my move here. I really appreciate it.

Please send this on to anyone interested in feeling amazing!

Thanks again,
Sara

Harbor To The Bay

09/28/2010 16:01:00

[Well, I messed up, and now everything's out of order. This post is referring to an event that took place on 9/25/10. I also posted a quick followup titled "Harbor to the Bay! part 2."]

I'm going to be volunteering in the massage tent at Harbor To The Bay this Saturday. Harbor To The Bay is a fundraising event that benefits local AIDS charities. 350 cyclists will ride from Boston to Provincetown - 125 miles! And I'll be there in the massage tent, as they fall off their bikes and into my hands.

In massage school, I did my Community Outreach internship on a hospice unit, where I saw firsthand what AIDS does. It's an ugly, heartbreaking disease.

AIDS has seemingly fallen out of the national conversation in recent years - the meds work really well, and people aren't dying in the numbers they did twenty years ago. Ironically, AIDS organizations need more funding than ever, because those meds are expensive... and people aren't being as careful about protection as they once were.

I'm glad to be part of this event!