Archive for the ‘Body’ Category

How Massage Can Help you Transition between Seasons

September 30th, 2024

It boosts immune function – Regular massage therapy helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in detoxifying the body and boosting immunity.

It also reduces stress hormones, which can weaken immune response, leaving you better equipped to handle seasonal changes.

Massage therapy increases blood flow and circulation, helping to release tension, improve flexibility, and alleviate the aches that come with colder weather. Massage also helps relax tight muscles caused by outdoor activities during the winter months, ensuring your body stays limber all year round.

The shift in seasons often comes with emotional highs and lows. Massage therapy increases serotonin and dopamine levels, the “feel-good” hormones that naturally elevate your mood, helping to ward off seasonal depression and keep you feeling more balanced and centered.

During seasonal transitions, our bodies often need to cleanse and reset. Massage helps stimulate the lymphatic system, aiding in the elimination of toxins and supporting overall detoxification.

As the seasons change, sleep patterns can be disrupted. Massage therapy can help regulate your sleep by calming the nervous system and encouraging deep relaxation. This allows your body to reset and recharge, especially during times when rest and restoration are essential.

Support your wellness through the change of seasons and book a massage today.

CranioSacral Therapy Explained

August 30th, 2024

There are several therapies that can augment the treatment of chronic conditions. One such modality is craniosacral therapy, also known as CST. CST offers advantages for a variety of health concerns, including chronic pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, as well as depression and anxiety.

CST is a complementary treatment that releases tensions deep in the body to help reduce pain, relieve dysfunction, and improve whole-body health and performance. By facilitating the body’s natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive healthcare measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease.

The skull and the sacrum are connected via the spine. The spinal cord and brain make up the central nervous system (CNS).

Connective tissues and cerebrospinal fluid work alongside the structures of the CNS, and help it to work properly.

The craniosacral system refers to the skull, cerebrospinal fluid, and the membranes of the brain and the spinal cord.

Where a therapist identifies an imbalance, they reposition the client to “release” the flow of fluid. Some people fall asleep, others enter a meditative state and feel relaxed or energized (sometimes both). By using a soft touch, lighter than 5 grams, restrictions on the bone and membrane are helped to release.

The body is capable of healing itself, under the right conditions and circumstances.

Craniosacral therapy is considered to be more than just a way to help reduce stress and tension in the body.

Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in the center of the brain in hollow spaces called ventricles. The production and absorption of this colorless fluid by the three membranes of the brain and spinal cord cause a rhythmic expansion and contraction in the cerebrospinal system.

Helps the body regain Harmony

The Cranial Rhythm or Cranial Rhythmic Impulse is the rhythmic motion. The expansion and contraction stages are flexion and extension. Dr. William Sutherland, who pioneered cranial osteopathy in the ’30s and ’40s, referred to the craniosacral rhythm as the “Breath of Life.”
He believed that all other rhythms and flows in the body, such as the rhythm of breathing and the blood flow, were connected to and influenced by the flow of craniosacral fluid.

When the Breath of Life becomes restricted, for whatever reason, the other rhythms and flows are put out of balance. Craniosacral therapy helps the body to regain harmony.

The hands-on, rhythmic movements of craniosacral therapy create small vibrations that help the different parts of the Central Nervous System, and the body in general, by encouraging better communication.

CST was pioneered and developed by John E. Upledger after extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach to evaluating and enhancing the craniosacral system.

This gentle therapy has been proven to help with headaches, migraines, concussions, chronic pain, temporomandibular joint disorder, Alzheimers, scoliosis, autism, sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties, depression, spinal cord injuries and much more! For more information, check out http://www.upledger.com

Experience CranioSacral Therapy

May 30th, 2024

People turn to alternative therapies like craniosacral, when traditional therapies don’t work.

CranioSacral Therapy is a light touch, non-invasive therapy that releases deeper tension in the body and the soft tissue that surrounds the central nervous system.

It is done face up (supine), clothed on a massage table. So, it actually makes it more accessible and comfortable already!

What is a session like?

A 10 Step Protocol is used to give a framework of a session. It begins with stopping the craniosacral fluid, in what is called a still point. I often instruct my clients on how to do this on their own later if they want. Next, we focus on some of the chakra areas of the body and gently following the muscular restrictions that surround them. I place one hand below the chakra area and one hand above. Next we focus on the cranium and working with any imbalances of the plates of the head. It is so VERY gentle, however profound changes occur, the physical and sometimes emotional trauma is released. Sometimes the effects of trauma is released afterward.

Emotions find a way to manifest themselves physically and are often linked with tension. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) works to locate these areas of tension that are restricting optimal function of the brain and spinal cord that make up the basis of the central nervous system. Kleenex is available and no judgement is every made. I am a big believer in crying. You must feel it to heal it!

What are the benefits of CST?

Because of the gentle, calming nature of CST, it is a wonderful therapy alternative for treating both anxiety and depression, as well as a wide range of migraines. As tension is released, the body’s ability to self-correct and combat stress is increased. A calmer nervous system allows for a stronger and more resilient mind and body.

Physical trauma not only impacts connective tissue, but can become embedded in it. CST is able to address the physiological/biomechanical stress from the injury, as well as the neurological patterns that may have occurred as a result. The delicate touch of CST is a comprehensive and effective way to address all of these issues.

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.

Dry Brush + Scrub + Hydration

May 30th, 2024

New treatment alert for the whole body!

Nothing feels
as good as a gritty pumice body scrub.

A deep cleanse for body mind and soul
as well dry
brushing to
encourage lymphatic
drainage (enhancing the body’s detox system)

followed by a healing, hydrating balm massaged into the skin and then a body nectar
oil to seal
it all in!

Are you ready!
Me too.

Just the Back $95
Whole Body $149
mention this email and get $10 off

Hand Sugar Brazilian Wax Package

Save $100 when
you purchase a summer
4 pack by June 5, 2024 to be used by Sept
10, 2024. $299

Signature Cooling Facial Package

Save $100 when you purchase 4 by June 5, 2024 to be used by September 10, 2024
Just $599
PLUS get a FREE gift!

Now that i’m saving you at least $200 😂- let’s get you on my books! Either reply to this email or book online or text me! 🥰

Sugaring? The sweetest method of hair removal

September 4th, 2018

Can a paste made with sugar, lemon and water be used to remove hair, and how does it compare to waxing or shaving? Using a sugar paste is an ancient way of hair removal. It’s all organic, less waste for the environment and is good for sensitive skin types.

An all organic paste made of sugar, lemon & water is used by hand to remove hair at the root. The paste is applied against the grain of the hair and pulled out in the same direction the hair grows. Therefore hair comes back smoother. Waxing can cause up to 30% breakage and is applied with the grain of the hair and pulled out against the grain, which can sometimes lead to hair growing back in different directions.

The other advantage to sugaring is that the paste sinks into the pores and can remove much shorter hair. Hair can be removed every three weeks and since it pulls it out from the follicle, no hair breakage and hair gets thinner and thinner, making the hair removal a faster and less painful experience each time!

Do you have a “gut” feeling that your skin and gut are related?

August 16th, 2018

Do you know the power of your own gut? Your body is full of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi. While some bacteria are associated with disease, others are actually extremely important for your immune system, heart, weight and many other aspects of health. The food you eat directly affects the health of your gut.

Leaky Gut

The human digestive tract is where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. The digestive system also plays an important role in protecting your body from harmful substances. The walls of the intestines act as barriers, controlling what enters the bloodstream to be transported to your organs. Small gaps in the intestinal wall called tight junctions of intestinal walls become loose, the gut becomes more permeable, which may allow bacteria and toxins to pass from the gut into the bloodstream. This is called “leaky gut.”

When the gut is leaky and bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream, it can cause widespread inflammation and possibly trigger a reaction from the immune system. In addition, toxins are therefore excreted through our skin and mucus membranes. Which can lead to other health concerns.

Holistic Help Available

A cleansing of the mucus of the gut becomes vital to restoring health. Also, help with digestion is conducive to restoring gut and whole body health. And then, long term detoxification program is recommended – make a skincare consultation and let’s get started today on recovering your gut and whole body health.

Osmosis Sculpt vs. Body Wraps

April 1st, 2018

The season for pool parties, summer vacations and wearing shorts is here. Recently, I was asked if body wraps were more effective than Osmosis Sculpt. Of course, I said Sculpt, but I would like to explain why.

You may or may not know that your body, when getting an overload of toxins that it cannot process will send those toxins to your fat cells. Toxins are stored on the outside edges of the fat cells. This is a protection for you, but it also causes inflammation in your endocrine system, as fat cells are part of the endocrine system. Also, toxins are bulky and make our adipose tissue larger.

Body Wraps
Most body wraps I have worked with, work with the lymphatic system. They begin with a scrub that starts activating the lymphatic or body’s toxin disposal system. Then an herbal mixture is applied to the body. The body then absorbs up to 60% of these herbs. The body utilizes the healing power of the herbs to help stimulate the lymph nodes (the body’s toxin cleansers) to work more efficiently for the next 24 hours or so. Sometimes the herbs may not be sent to your fat, however, they may be sent to other areas of the body that need healing, in this case, you may not see much of an inch loss.

Osmosis Sculpt

Osmosis Sculpt though does a lot more than just stimulate your lymphatic system. It is a safe, effective, healthy way to energize and detoxify the body. The pads are applied directly to the areas where you want to lose inches. The nano, pico and microcurrent contracts your muscles and this causes strengthening in your muscles as well as glycolosis. Glycolosis results in burning off of glycogen (sugars) and can help start burning fat as fuel faster. One 30 minute Sculpt treatment deeply stimulates your lymphatic system to send those nasty toxins to be excreted through sweating after or your digestive system. Sculpt treatments also increase your cells ATP production, which gives you a nice burst of energy after. Since you will basically be put into fat-burning mode, this will be an awesome time to do a workout to enhance your efforts.

Summary

So, to sum it up: body wraps work by stimulating only the lymphatic system. Sculpt treatments work strengthen muscles, help put you in fat burning mode, and stimulate your lymphatic system deeply.

Book your Sculpt today, mention this blog article and get your first treatment for just $75 (less than the cost of a body wrap)!

Sculpt – holistic detox and inch loss for the body

December 18th, 2017

Osmosis+Sculpt is a revolutionary solution for managing weight – the creators of Sculpt went all out, spending years in development with no expense spared and no technology duplicated. It’s completely original. Here’s what the two creators say about Sculpt:

Weight gain seems to be an inevitable part of the aging process. It is so hard to maintain healthy eating habits in the world we live in today. Your body struggles with the estimated 1 Million toxins that it is exposed to on a daily basis, but actually does a remarkable job of keeping your system operational. One of your best tools for maintaining your body’s health is your fat. I know we love to hate our fat, but it turns out that it plays a critical role in your metabolism and hormone levels as well as acting as a primary storage center for toxins. We created Osmosis+Sculpt because we recognize that freezing, burning or sucking out your fat is not healthy for your system. The body often relaces those lost fat cells anyway because they are so important.” – Dr. Ben Johnson, Founder of Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare and Osmosis Sculpt

As a woman of a certain age, I understand first hand the challenges we have to maintain a healthy toned body. We are busier that ever, working harder and longer and the demands of daily life can be overwhelming. – Char Fontanillis, LE – Founder of Osmosis+Sculpt

Nano-current technology has arrived for body sculpting! Body contouring with Osmosis Sculpt is the most advanced and effective holistic fat loss device in the world. Freezing and/or melting fat harms the body and often leaves patchy results. Osmosis Sculpt works by using patented nano-current contant waveform technology. The advantage is that we create targeted fat loss by safely accelerating the detox and lipolysis needed to create long-term slimming.

It’s very exciting technology!Osmosis +Sculpt reduces the size of fat cells by eliminating toxins, while strengthening and engaging the muscle. The unique combination of nano, pico and micro currents triggers the cell to release trapped toxins resulting in shrinkage and inch loss. Using a holistic approach, increased definition and tone are achieved in resistant areas that hold onto fat. It works very well with intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets as well. After one treatment, the body is put into a healthy state of ketosis.

Perhaps you are looking for a solution to help manage not only your fat, but your health. I understand the struggle and it’s my greatest passion to help you with your journey. The success stories are abundant, and the best success stories are before and after pictures.

How often should you get a massage?

August 28th, 2017

Most people get a massage when they have aches and pains, and it’s a great idea to do that. Many of my members get a monthly massage and it often keeps their bodies in shape with just the occasional ache or pain. Lots of my massage clients are also pregnant, so it can help with 95% of aches and pains, including but not limited to round ligament pain and sciatica.

Massages can also help with:

Relieve chronic pain
Reduce the effects of stress
Lower blood pressure
Speed recovery from injuries
Optimize an athlete’s game
Endorphins – it feels great!
Wellness and Relaxation

If you’re just looking to enhance your health or stress relief, scheduling a massage once or twice a month will probably be enough and easily afforable. I have an easy membership program as well as different packages to best suit your needs.

For those who work in a high-stress environment or have daily activities that risk causing repetitive-motion injuries or postural issues, weekly sessions might be best. Keep in mind that the effects of regular massage are cumulative, and spacing them too far apart might leave you back at square one every time. I have seen amazing results from weekly massage as far as changing posture which helped with pain. It does not mean that you should do a weekly massage forever, just until you get the results you are looking for. That being said, I will also recommend stretches and/or other home care to enhance your results.

For the average athletic person, it depends on your training schedule and whether or not you have chronic muscle issues. One or two massages a month may be enough during lighter training periods, increasing frequency as workouts intensify. I have had the privilege of helping many athletes, especially runners, cyclists, professional dancers, bodybuilders, professional football players, professional cheerleaders and professional baseball players.

Most people find that they need more frequent sessions to start, slowly decreasing frequency as their muscles elongate and relax. I will also suggest stretches you can do at home to maintain the work we have done longer between sessions.

The biggest deterrent to routine massage is usually the cost, which can vary on average from $80 to 165 per hour, depending on where you live and your therapist’s qualifications. Always look for a licensed massage therapist with at least 5 years of experience. Here in the state of Texas, the are required to get 12 hours of continuing education. “Discount” massages with a poorly trained therapist or fresh out of school therapists may not give you the full benefits you seek. Often times you must get “locked in” to get the bargain prices which add up over time.

It’s rare for health insurance to cover massage, but not unheard of, so check your current plan. If you are seeking massage for a car accident, I am happy to provide an invoice so that you can get reimbursed. Physician-prescribed massage is also often an acceptable expense for health savings plans, and it’s usually very easy, we just use your HSA card to pay for the massage (I have the medical coding on my Square) so it’s super easy.

I offer monthly membership programs and packages to help you stay pain-free. It’s been my experience that the mind and body benefits I have received from getting regular bodywork have saved me from more costly medical expenses in the long run. I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2002. My certifications include but are not limited to Deep Tissue, Pregnancy, Post-Partum,

Dark Spots – Hyperpigmentation

August 16th, 2017

AHHH, the end of summer – mixed feelings! Unfortunately, many clients are noticing dark spots from heat and sun exposure. Or perhaps we have suffered from acne in the past and it left small dark spots. We might even have melasma (pregnancy mask or residual) after pregnancy or certain health conditions. Or even all of the above! In my clinic, I have treated all of the above successfully with my customized approach which contains:

1. Ingesting and applying Vitamin C topically twice daily
2. Sun protection – reapplication every 4 hours, wearing hats & long sleeves
3. Retinol to increase cell turnover rate
4. Professional treatments every two weeks until skin is healed

Professional treatments to heal dark spots and hyperpigmentation or all over brightening of the skin can include Collagen Induction Facial, light chemical peels, glycolic peels, Jessner’s peels or lactic masks. The deciding factors include your skin type, do you have a few days to look sunburned and if we are addressing any other issues.

Collagen Induction Facials are great for all over brightening, while providing wonderful anti-aging benefits of reducing wrinkles and helping texture.

Light Chemical Peels work wonderfully by themselves or with other treatments combined to also treat acne and wrinkles. It works for texture, but not as well as Collagen Induction. But it’s the first thing I usually recommend when there is still active breakouts.

Glycolic Peels are a bit old-school, but are amazing for dry skin because it also increases the lipid barrier function.

Jessner’s Peels are designed for acneic skin and will usually work by lifing the dark spots off. You will usually start peeling on day 3 and continue until day 6.

Lactic masks are a wonderful, gentle way of overall brightening the skin. Marie Antoinette and Cleopatra were famous for their lactic masks. Don’t worry if you are lactose intolerant though, it will not go through the blood/skin barrier – lactose molecules are too large.

Not sure of what you need? Just schedule a skin consulation and I will waive the $25 fee if you get a treatment that day.