Deep Tissue vs. Deep Pressure 

What is the Difference?



Deep Tissue Massage involves manipulation of the deep layers of muscle and fascia within the body. These are the muscles that provide the first line of structural integrity to the joints. Fascia is the membrane of collagen based connective tissue that surrounds the muscle. When the muscle is used in a way that stretches the fascia beyond it's normal tension and strength, this disrupts the muscle and fascia fibers. Instead of running in one smooth direction, the fascia fibers run in all directions and dimensions similar to a knotted piece of hair or a crumbled piece of paper. This in turn causes restrictions of movement and pain. The goal of deep tissue massage is to break up adhesions and correct structural imbalance to improve the symptoms of chronic pain and stiffness. It serves to increase mobility, flexibility and structural integrity. The techniques are used in a very slow and deliberate fashion which is meant to realign the soft tissues. The massage uses very little oil or cream and is more friction and compression based. Anyone with chronic pain, stiffness or a history of subsequent injuries would benefit from this type of treatment. Some times this kind of treatment can cause temporary soreness for a few days after treatment.  When we work on the deep layers, we are bringing blood to the area through compression to nourish the muscle so that it can heal itself, sometimes, this results in minor bruising. This type of massage can feel painful in some spots but not excruciating. Always inform your therapist of tender or painful areas as well as notifying us immediately if the pressure has gone beyond your tolerance.


Deep pressure is something entirely different. This term is used to convey a deeper effleurage and all around pressure during a swedish massage. Effleurage is a long sweeping stroke that helps to improve circulation of blood and lymph and assist the body with flushing natural excess chemicals caused from muscle contractions such as lactic acid from the muscles. Some people cannot tolerate a deeper pressure massage such as this but some enjoy it. As much as this can be a personal preference, it can also help to: sedate the nervous system, reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisone in the body, support healthy immune function and assist the body with circulation problems by improving the flow of fluids throughout the body.

As with any other massage, it's important for the massage therapist to be aware of your medical history so that you can both decide if these types of treatments would be of benefit to you without causing further injury.

Have questions about massage you knead answered? I welcome you to participate and submit your questions by commenting below, on Facebook or by emailing me through the link at the top of the page.

Happy Summer! I know it's been awhile since my last blog but I will be keeping it more routinely updated going further.


Today's topic is stretching. Yes and most people do not stretch regularly even at their massage therapist's insistence! :)


When muscles are in use or contracting, they are short. Muscles have an origin and insertion point. This is where they begin and where they end. Whatever joint they cross, gives you an idea to their function. When we use a muscle, we are bringing the origin and insertion points together. When we stretch a muscle we are lengthening and moving the origin and insertion points farther apart.

Knotted parts of your muscles are where that part of the muscle is stuck in working mode. So that part of the muscle is contracting over and over again. It's almost like pinching off that piece of muscle which makes it harder for proper blood flow to get to it. Kind of like a kink in a hose. Muscles are about 75% water. The blood flow brings hydration plus nutrients to the tissues that allow your body to heal and relax that tissue. This is part of how massage works, when you hear increases circulation. Yes, we can benefit overall circulation but we can also work out those kinks to improve the circulation to particular areas of tension.

This is all well and good. However, between treatments, if you are not making any changes to your posture, activities or water intake, you could be back to where we started by the time your next treatment rolls around. Yes, I would love for you to come in and see me twice a week but that's not realistic for most of our budgets.

This is where stretching comes in. Every single one of us should be stretching about 5-10 minutes a day. Whether you work out or not. In fact, even if you sit at a desk all day, your muscles will still need a stretch. The more active you are, the more stretching you should be doing because your muscles will be working harder.

Stretching increases circulation and flexibility. It brings healthy fluids back into the muscles, it shuts off the contraction phase and signals the nervous system to relax those muscles.

When you stretch a muscle, you are simultaneously using/contracting it's antagonist/opposite. For example, your biceps flex the elbow and shoulder and triceps extend the elbow and shoulder. When you stretch the biceps, you are contracting the triceps. When you stretch the triceps, you are contracting the biceps. So, even basic stretching is also making your muscles work. Over time, with routine stretching, you will be building stronger and more efficient musculature. You will be decreasing your chance of repetitive use injuries and increasing overall relaxation and flexibility in your body on your own.

I cannot stress enough how integral stretching can be for everybody but even more so with those of us with chronic pain and tightness.

I suggest starting with a one or two minute routine. This would allow for about four stretches. Each stretch should be held for about 30 seconds, it takes this long for the nervous system to acknowledge the stretch, the parts of the muscle that talk to the brain and say, "I'm relaxed or I'm not."

Another very important guideline for stretching is you don't want to feel pain. If you feel pain, you have gone beyond your threshold. You only want to feel the stretch.

We all have busy schedules and it's hard to find time for yet another thing to do. But stretching doesn't require much. It can be done at your desk, while you are making your breakfast, sitting on a train, waiting on line at the supermarket, etc.

It's something so easy to do and so worth it in the long run. Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Qi Gong are all great classes to take that will give you a foundation for stretching and improving your posture.

So, stretch, stretch, stretch your way to a healthier you! :)

Here's a chart with some basic stretches:

Everyday we are surrounded by various neurological inputs that affect our senses and minds. It's easy to get through a day without a moment of peace and quiet. Especially when you are a mother as I've learned through my friends. Some of us are very career-driven and that means long hours, lots of effort and stamina and very little sleep.

Everyday, no matter how miniscule the amount of time may seem to you or those around you, take a quiet moment. Even if you have to spend that quiet moment in your car. It's so important just to give yourself that space to take one or five or ten minutes out of your day to sit in silence.

Now, at first, for many that are go, go, go; this may seem awkward. You may tell yourself, "this is stupid." Just sit with it. Make it a habit.

It's an awesome way to start or end a day and just breathe, just be. It's an excellent grounding exercise as you're taking your moment to stand or lay down in silence, imagining roots growing from your body down through all the layers of the Earth. Kind of like a tree! :) A tree may sway in the wind but its roots are firm.

Making it a daily discipline to take just a moment a day to envelop yourself in the loudness of silence is part of taking care of yourself. Giving and gifting yourself; allowing yourself to have this time to unwind or begin your day can be beneficial on all levels of your being. Just feeling who you are and where you are for a few minutes daily can be perspective changing.

In my moments of silence, I always find that my mind wanders to the things in life for which I am grateful. But the idea isn't to over think this, it's to just sit, stand or lay there without giving so much weight to the thoughts that come and go. Just allowing the moment to come as it does and watch it go as it does without attaching to it. Observe. Let the thoughts float on by like clouds in the sky of your mind.

Wishing you all a relaxing and peaceful holiday weekend!

Greetings Everyone!

Today I would like to elaborate on the therapeutic properties of gemstones and crystals.

I started collecting rocks when I was about five.  I've been using crystals and gemstones for their healing benefits on myself and others for about 20 years now. I have quite a collection. :)

Crystals and gemstones are comprised of a lot of the same elements and molecules as the human body; oxygen, iron, manganese, sodium, nitrogen, hydrogen, etc. The use of these stones for their healing properties goes back to ancient civilizations. I always have a skeptical take on things and I like to understand the process that connects one to the other so it makes sense.

It is scientifically proven that the human body uses energy to do its job. It is through a process of our metabolism that our bodies harvest energy and then direct energy throughout our systems. In resting state per day, on average, each human contains about 80 watts of energy. That's enough to power a light bulb! Not to get too quantum physics but everything is energy. Everything around us is comprised of atoms and ions vibrating very fast, so fast we believe everything is solid but in fact, it is not. Atoms are comprised of a nucleus, protons, electrons and neutrons.

"If a body has more or fewer electrons than are required to balance the positive charge of the nuclei, then that object has a net electric charge. When there is an excess of electrons, the object is said to be negatively charged. When there are fewer electrons than the number of protons in nuclei, the object is said to be positively charged. When the number of electrons and the number of protons are equal, their charges cancel each other and the object is said to be electrically neutral. A macroscopic body can develop an electric charge through rubbing, by the triboelectric effect." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron

A crystal is an ordered pattern of arranged ions, minerals or atoms. Crystal formation happens when a liquid or gas changes to a solid. This happens within the Earth's crust. Living organisms can also produce crystals. Ever see a kidney stone under a microscope? Mollusks like snails can produce calcite.

I'm of the opinion that the Earth provides everything we need. It grows plants and herbs that have therapeutic properties. I believe crystals also have therapeutic properties specific to each stone. Crystals can attract, repel, absorb or release energy just like we can.  Therefore for me, it's not a stretch to understand how a crystal could serve to balance one's energy and energetic fields.  This is the fundamentals of crystal healing. Whereas, your own body has the ability to balance on its own, crystals and gemstones serve as a tool to help and facilitate that process along. Especially emotionally. Emotions are energetic expressions. Emotions too have energetic signatures and you don't need to understand physics to know that; love, anger, hate, joy, grief; it's not hard to discern the energy between them.

Your chakras are the energy hubs of your being. Each one has its purpose and relative effect on your physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. You know these three bodies exist, correct? You know about the Law of Attraction? So most of us know that what we do in life affects the entire being simultaneously. Life is a constant exchange and interchange of energy between you and all. Energy vibrates at different intervals and when measured in light waves, creates colors as we know them.

Each chakra vibrates at a different frequency and hence is associated with its own color.  So you see when we transform energy into light, we get colors. When we transform energy into sound, it becomes a note.

During a crystal healing session, I first like to smudge with sage. I use stones that correspond to each chakra and add additional stones as I become more in tune with the energy of your body. I find the body will tell me what it needs and what it doesn't; some stones will fall off telling me, "I don't need this."  Instead of using my hands to massage the body, I let the stones do the work. I also like to incorporate the use of bells/sound (and in the future, tuning forks.) Sometimes, energy can get stuck especially when we are overwhelmed in our thoughts and emotions. When we continually focus on something painful or bothersome, energy gets tied up. Sometimes we can even hold memories within our muscles.The use of crystals and sound disperses the energy so that it can be balanced out and re-routed as the body sees fit. It's like when you focus on a sad time in your life; it makes you feel rundown and tired. The more you think about it, the more energy you invest into it. Crystals, gemstones and sound help the body to recalibrate itself. It's like getting a tune-up for a car.

A crystal therapy session with me is not just a session, it's an experience. It combines the five elements; earth, air, fire, water and spirit. As an aside, crystal and gemstone formation happens through a combination of those elements. I see the Earth as a living being in itself. Things grow on and within it. So, I believe Earth has a spirit element as well.

For now, I offer these sessions in the privacy of your own home. The length can vary from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. Usually your first treatment will range between 60 and 90 minutes. I charge a flat fee of $111 a treatment regardless of treatment length. Some days it will be longer, some days shorter depending on your state of being at the time.  I ask my patients to please plan to schedule your treatment in a way that affords you some peace and quiet for the duration of the treatment.

If you would like to know more or to book a crystal healing session with me, please email or use the contact form on my webpage and I will get back to you promptly.


Stay tuned for my new blog feature, "Gemstone Sunday." Each week,  I will highlight a stone and its therapeutic benefits.

Happy Afternoon!


Stop by my new Facebook page chock full of other great informational tidbits! I plan on updating it daily so there will always be something new! Also will be updating on events, specials and my weekly schedule.


https://www.facebook.com/massagetherapyJJK

  Allergy season is around the corner. For most of us that means hay fever, headaches, congestion, sore throats and runny noses. We all know that massage is great in helping to reduce pain and stress. Did you know massage can also help to alleviate your sinus symptoms?

Massage is a relaxing and natural way to relieve congestion and sinus pressure. Your sinus cavities are located above the eyebrows, under your eyes and around your nose.

During this treatment focus is given to these areas by applying finger pressure to acupressure/acupuncture points (they are the same) and gentle massage to promote sinus drainage. I know from experience that sometimes when allergies are running crazy, the pressure behind the eyes can be unbearable. Massage to the back of the neck at the ridge of the skull (occipital ridge) can serve to relieve this pressure and let you get on with your day. This treatment is also great for any type of headache. This is a customized treatment that was passed down to me from a highly regarded acupuncturist and was given to him by one of his mentors, a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Over time, I have added some of my own techniques to this treatment. I have had a 95% success rate with my history of patients in relief of sinus pressure and alleviation of headaches, migraines as well.

This 30 minute treatment provides massage and acupressure to the face, scalp, neck with some shoulder work as well. As a finishing touch, enjoy some beneficial and refreshing aromatherapy with deep inhalation of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils for further relief.

Book an appointment by calling Incentives Organic Spa and Salon at (631) 893-3490 or book online here http://www.incentivespasalon.com/Sinus-Relief-Massage.html

Hello Everybody! Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!

Below you will find helpful tips that will keep you feeling good between massage treatments:

I hope these tips and advice come in handy! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask and I will be happy to answer!

Happy Solstice to you and yours! Today's blog is going to be about Aromatherapy; again, another frequently asked about topic.















So what is Aromatherapy?
According to Miriam Webster Dictionary it is:

“massage of the body and especially of the face with a preparation of fragrant essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, and fruits; broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being”

Because of the name, one would just assume by the “aroma” prefix that these oils are only good for stimulating the olfactory senses. However, a more detailed approach to aromatherapy is massage. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream therefore affecting the entire body.

I've been into aromatherapy for a long time. As a kid, I could spend hours upon hours in the library. Do you remember those recipe cards that used to come in the mail? Well I used all my babysitting money to get natural healing cards. Every month, I would get another bunch of cards with information on different plants and their healing properties.  From then on, I always use this information as an added supplement to my normal healthcare. For example: Did you know that clove oil is great for toothaches? Just rub it on the gums.

When I became a massage therapist, I knew before I even graduated, that aromatherapy was going to be a part of my practice. I encourage all of my clients to try it out. However, do your due diligence when experimenting on your own because some oils are very irritating to the skin. Some oils need to be diluted in another oil or a lotion. Some may cause an allergic reaction; so it's always wise to test on a small area of skin first and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction.

Essential oils are highly concentrated. So let's say, you want to use oregano because it is antibacterial and high in antioxidants (here's a great website that lists its attributes: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=73) Who hasn't used oregano as a spice for cooking? There are a few differences between eating herbs/plants and using an oil. Freshness is always important because the oils of a plant lose their potency over time. Sometimes dried herbs are completely devoid of those oils. Cooking sometimes also drains the plant of its beneficial properties. So, although eating healthy and using herbs therapeutically in your diet is great; it will not pack the same punch as the concentrated oil. An ounce of oregano essential oil is made from many oregano plants. There are various methods used to extract oils but I prefer the steam distillation method because it is natural. No other chemicals are added as compared to extraction. This is something to keep in mind when shopping around. Quality essential oils are not cheap either but they are worth it. I charge a reasonable $5 additional for aromatherapy just to offset the cost of the oil.


Here's a list of some of the more common herbs along with their healing properties that I use in my practice:

Lavender: Calming. Promotes relaxation and sleep. Eases tension. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, expectorant (breaks up mucous), reduces muscles spasms and knots. This is an all around wonder plant. It's great for insomnia, stress relief, muscle spasms, bug bites and sores. Just inhaling the scent of lavender is a great way to bring about relaxation.

Eucalyptus: Decongestant, expectorant, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory. Stimulates nervous system, combats tiredness, increases concentration. Great for respiratory conditions and digestive issues. Also, the scent is very refreshing and stimulating.

Peppermint: Best oil for stomach upset. Digestive aid. Natural analgesic and is especially great for migraines and other headaches. Relieves nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas/bloating. Good for menstrual cramping.

Rosemary: Reduces fever, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory (especially good for arthritis), astringent, anti-spasmodic. It is also a carminative, which means it prevents the formation of gas and also facilitates the release of said gas which helps to ward off flatulence. Carminatives have been shown to reduce pressure in the lower esophagus which is usually a contributor to acid reflux and GERD. Rosemary is also great for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Rosemary affects and sedates the nervous system. It also stimulates the mind for increased clarity and alertness. Used as a brain tonic in Eastern Medicine for thousands of years.
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As you can see a lot of these herbs/plants/flowers have similar therapeutic attributes. Sometimes, a combination of oils can be used as they complement each other.

There are so many other wonderful plants out there that I could easily write a 20 page blog about them without blinking. I have listed above my go to plants but I also love rose oil, tea tree oil (awesome for mosquito bites), aloe, witch hazel, lemon, sage, parsley, arnica, basil, orange, frankincense and myrrh and the list goes on and on!

Remember …

• Always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil (ex: grape seed, coconut, almond or olive oil) or a lotion. Use only a few drops of the essential oil per 1 oz of carrier oil or lotion.
  
  
• Always research the therapeutic properties and precautions before using the oil on yourself or others.
  
  
• Always check with your doctor first, especially if you have sensitive skin. Always do a 24-hour spot test before using the oil.
  
  

Aromatherapy & Massage

If you would like to add aromatherapy to your massage treatment, mention it to me during our consultation and we will come up with a therapeutic combination made on the spot specifically for you.

In my practice, my aromatherapy techniques use a combination of: hot towels infused with essential oil, customized aromatherapy blended massage lotion and the encouragement of deep breathing done by my client. An aromatherapy massage is usually a light to firm pressure massage. No deep tissue or deeper work is necessary.

A lot of my patients ask me about posture and how it affects your muscles. Improper posture can fatigue and weaken muscles and over time can permanently change the structure of your skeleton.

Muscles attach to bones through ligaments. Muscles and ligaments work to move, support or stabilize bones. When your body is held in a position outside neutral for an extended period...like slouching for example. The classic sitting in front of the computer, back curved, shoulders rounded, head extended. In this scenario, you are holding your body in a position that is outside the comfort zone for your bony structures and muscles. This fatigues muscles that are contracting to keep you in that position and weakening the antagonist muscles because they are being over-stretched. This leads to muscle spasms, decreased muscle tone, trigger points (which are knotted bunches of muscle fibers) and in turn pain and discomfort. The muscles and ligaments involved are also pulling on the bony structures that they are attached to, like the shoulder joint. So, everything is all jammed up and all you did was slouch at your computer for an hour. Can you imagine the health of those muscles and joints if you slouched everyday? Also, the muscles that stabilize the spine are always involved when you sit, stand, move and even breathe. So improper posture can just as easily affect the lower back and hip joints. In most cases both parts of the body are involved and even down to the muscles of your legs and feet. Everything is connected. Imbalance in the shoulder puts pressure on other muscles to compensate and can very well present as lower back pain.

The abdominal muscles are also very important in maintaining proper posture. If you have weak abdominal muscles, your stabilizing back muscles have to compensate to keep you upright. When there is a balance is the front and the back, your muscles can work more effectively and with less tension which means less pain and spasms for you in the long run.

As a student of Tai Chi & Qi Gong, I often recommend it to my clients who are interested in developing a better posture. It's very slow moving so it's great for those of us who live with chronic pain and have a hard time moving and positioning. Yoga is also great for learning posture but it is definitely more strenuous than Tai Chi or Qi Gong. Even if you took one class, I think you would be able to grasp a foundation that could last a lifetime as far as posture goes.

Developing a mindful awareness of your body and your posture gradually will turn into a good habit that can help you maintain balance and alignment within your body's muscles and skeletal structure, which means less trips to the massage therapist or chiropractor to alleviate pain and soreness but don't tell anyone I said that. :)