5 Ways I Use Thieves Oil

Thieves Oil Blending

I use thieves oil often; and by often I mean that I may use it several times a week or several times a day.  I have a bottle on my night stand, in my medicine cabinet, on my desk, in my bag (purse), and in my massage room.  I use it on myself, my husband, and my massage clients.  I have even used it on the dog a few times.

I find that it is considerably more rewarding for me to blend my own thieves oil. A good friend and colleague, Rebecca Lee conspires with me to do the blending. You can find her at Spiritworks Therapeutic Massage or the illustrated crone. We use Jojoba as a carrier for the essential oils.  Our not so secret recipe includes clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, & rosemary essential oils.  We make a new batch each fall for the cold & flu season.

Getting the last drop of the Clove Essential Oil while measuring the Lemon Essential Oil.

Adding the Cinnamon Essential Oil.

A funnel & steady hands needed for filling the 1 fl. oz. bottles.

Now for the ways I use thieves oil:

1. In place of commercial hand sanitizer.  I volunteer two nights a week at our VFW Bingo hall.  On average there are 200 people in the hall each night. Handling money can be a dirty job.
2. As an immune booster.  I rub some on the bottom of my client's feet.  The feet have the most concentration of pores anywhere on the body.  This helps to absorb the essential oils.
3. Deodorant.  The essential oils kill off odor causing bacteria and thieves oil smells great.
4. To calm Rosacea.  The cause of Rosacea is not known, but for me thieves oil calms my Rosacea symptoms.
5. To prevent infection. Those few times that I used thieves oil on the dog was after a tick bite.  

I'm sure that there are many more uses for thieves oil.  Tell me how you use it by leaving a comment below.

One Month Weaning Off Cymbalta Down: One Week To Go

I considered doing a video blog today, but then I saw myself on camera. That will have to wait until I have improved my speaking skills. Here is a picture from the testing instead.

I am down to taking 20 mg of Cymbalta every other day. Yesterday was the first day that I 'skipped'. I was tired most of the day, but then couldn't sleep last night. As I write this I have been awake for more than 24 hours. I am hoping that once the medicine is completely out of my system my circadian rhythm will balance out.  (My loving husband would like it to be sooner.)

I received a massage this week from a therapist whom I have not seen in over a year. It was nice to chat while he worked out the kinks for me.  I think that I should have been paying closer attention to my body though. The next day I was extremely sore, but the tension and knots were gone. The soreness faded throughout the evening and was gone by morning. I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression; I get a massage at least once a month, usually twice a month, more if I can trade with several therapists. How often do you get a massage? Do you prefer to stay with the same therapist? Or do you like to change it up?

I have lost a few pounds over the last couple of weeks.  I do not know if it is from the general sugar detox or from mostly giving up my sodas. I still have a Mountain Dew every few days with a meal. I am just not ready to let go completely. It is a comfort that I have relied on for more than 30 years. If anyone has faced this and could give me some guidance, I would really appreciate your comments.

This week I have also started using a Fit Bit Flex. The app has a food log along with the activity and sleep trackers. I like that I can monitor it from my computer, tablet, and smart phone. It is helping to keep me motivated. If you are interested, there are plenty of evaluations on You Tube. I recommend doing some research as there are many devices out now with these capabilities. That is how I decided which one was right for me.

I am finally starting to drain down. I'll be taking a nap today. When was the last time you had a nap? Did it change how you slept that night?

New Massage Room

Things around here have been very busy over the past month.  The new massage room is finally complete. My loving husband received the first massage in it this week (after shoveling snow). I'm sure that there will be some refinements as I work and discover where things should be.

My Virginia license hangs prominently over the water cooler as you enter the room.

As you turn to the left into the room the massage table is centered for ample access in any direction.

My Loving Husband calls this my 'Ego Wall', displaying my certificates and diploma.

Around the corner hangs a Reflexology chart.

A Hobby Lobby find.

A re-purposed computer cart holds my paraffin bath and hot towels. The middle shelves pull out for access.

A family heirloom hangs above the mini refrigerator.

Looking back toward the hallway.

A storage bench from Kohl's under a great find from Lowe's. I could not have picked a better matching color.

This view shows the spacious entry with a side view of the water cooler.

The walls are Dew-mist Delight, the trim is Mushroom, and the doors are white with brushed nickle hardware.

Let's see what's inside.

Hand crocheted bottle holster.

Plenty of room for storage.

Hooks and hangers for the client.

Oils and lotions.

Essential Oils and Special treatments.

The lamp is also from Lowe's.

I hope that you enjoyed the photo tour. I left out a few special details though. Subscribe to my blog to be notified when my next blog posts covering those.  If you have any questions about how we did something or where we found an item that I didn't cover leave a comment.

Focus on the New or the Old?

It is pretty much a given that all Bloggers post a New Year's Blog.  The question I asked myself was should I review the past year, or should I look ahead to the coming possibilities.  I'm certain that there are many ways to include everything such as writing two separate posts, following a timeline, or write before and after scenarios.  I wonder how you, my readers, feel about it.  Do you mark the new year with resolutions or celebrate that you survived another year?

I believe that we all need to review our past to a certain point.  I like to look at things and consider what I could do better.  There is always room for change, but I don't believe in waiting.  I try to make changes as I see the need, not on a special date or when 'everyone' else does.  That is the extent of my thoughts on resolutions.  I do wish the best for you if you choose to make them.

To look forward to the new year I have a project planned.  My husband and I will be creating a new massage room.  My current room is a little cramped and a larger room has become available.  It is empty and the possibilities are endless.  I plan to document the progress in regular blog posts.  I invite you to come along for the journey and make suggestions if you like.

The first step will be to prep and paint the walls.  We are planning a No VOC paint in a light green such as Beach Glass:

Dewmist Delight:

Flowering Cactus:

Delicate Frost:

Pick your favorite and leave a comment.  

Thanks for being a part of our lives.

Booking Appointments

If every time I heard someone say "I need to make an appointment with you" they actually made an appointment, I would always have a full schedule.  Unfortunately, this is usually followed by one of many excuses; i.e. 'I don't have my calendar' or 'I need to find a sitter'.  Comment below with the best excuse you've heard from a client for not booking a massage.  I will make recommendations during their session, but it is ultimately up to the individual.  I am not 'pushy' about booking appointments. I feel that a person knows when they are ready for or need a massage.

If it is a regular client, I give them a couple of choices that I know are available so that they can make a quick choice. If they aren't ready to schedule, I usually ask them to call me the next day.  I already know that they will book the appointment, it is just a matter of how soon. I have the same general times that I like to book my appointments, but for a frequent client I am willing to adjust my schedule occasionally.

If it is someone that I have not worked with before, I give them my business card and suggest that they review my web site.  This usually answers questions that they may have as well questions they haven't even thought of.  New clients are usually less sure of booking.  Even after they book an appointment it is more likely to be rescheduled or canceled.  Just like many doctors I have specific days and times that I will see a new client.  This allows me to set aside more time for intake and evaluation.  I want them to relax and become comfortable with me not feel rushed or anxious.

I like to keep things simple.  I use an on line calendar to keep track of my schedule.  I am familiar with how it operates and it doesn't cost me anything.  It syncs between my computer, my tablet, and my smart phone so I always have an up to date schedule.  I can set reminders for myself by email or notification and email confirmations can be sent to the client automatically.  This helps prevent missed appointments. Which is an entire topic on it's own to be discussed in a later blog.

Along with the excuses I'd love to hear how you respond to get the client booked.

Everybody Deserves a Massage

Just wanted to share this video with my readers.

Enjoy the rest of your week and don't forget to schedule your next massage.

Traits for Self Healing Part 8: Inspiration

Part  8 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today's topic is Inspiration.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

INSPIRATION
Intention drives our creative processes.  Bringing into our awareness an inspired vision of who we are and who we are to become fuels the creation of an intentional reality.  When problems appear in our lives, there is a tendency to focus so intently on the problem that an individual may define himself by the problem.  This type of focus also drives our creative processes. Keeping our consciously chosen intention clearly in focus will help us move forward in a chosen future.  How we inspire ourselves is unique to each individual.  The key is to identify and engage in practices that help us focus on our highest and best selves.  How is your mastery of inspired vision?--John Kroneck

I believe that inspiration may have a small or large scope. It can be be anything from a recent continuing education class to new music causing you to  change your 'normal' routine.  When I was a child, my mother worked standing on her feet a lot and asked for someone to rub her feet. Today one of my main modalities is reflexology.  I have a set of black out curtains that I really love the pattern and color.  They do not match the color my massage room is painted. While searching for a rug to place in the room, I looked for something to go with the paint scheme. Instead I found a rug that goes perfectly with the blackout curtains. Soon I will be repainting the room. Michael J Fox inspires me to focus on the things that I can do, not my limitations. What or who inspires you?

Traits for Self Healing Part 7: Acceptance

Part  7 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week we are focusing on Acceptance.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:

• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Acceptance
Releasing is only part of the healing process.  The other part is to accept who we really are.  Can we accept who we are? Likewise, can we receive the goodness life has to offer?  Accepting ourselves without judgment can be cathartic; accepting our true nature, and therefore real potency, is empowering.  How is your mastery of self-acceptance?--John Kroneck

Do you focus on the negative or the positive? Do you worry that you can't do enough or do you accept your abilities?  For some people it is more difficult to accept their talents than their weakness.  Body image may also be a large part of acceptance. Society portrays that we should all be thin and athletic, but the majority of society are not.  Do you accept yourself as you are, or do try to change who you are?

Traits for Self Healing Part 6: Beginners Mind

Traits for Self Healing Part 6: Beginners Mind

We are on week 6 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). This week's topic is Beginner's Mind.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Beginner's Mind
This trait has to do with a belief that anything is possible that even preconceived ides, rules, or standards can change.  Once we think we know "the way things are" and that this cannot change, we block ourselves from recognizing other opportunities that may evolve with an issue. A beginner's mind is open to untold possibilities and is willing to give the creative process and opportunity to play itself through without rushing to a final resolution.  In the emptiness of the beginner's mind is found fertile ground for the unfolding of creative ideas, adventures, and even new life.  How is your mastery of the beginner's mind?--John Kroneck

 Have you ever heard someone say, "We've always done it that way."?  I believe that is the furthest you can get from a beginner's mind. I hope to always be a student; willing to learn new ideas.  What ways do you use to keep things from becoming stagnate?

Traits for Self Healing Part 5: Nonjudgment

We are on week 5 of a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonjudgment, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• nonjudgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonjudgment
The ability to accept what we see in ourselves, without casting judgment, is also an important trait. Once judgment is cast on a feeling, thought, or intention that emerges from within during a healing process, there is a tendency to easily slip into self-shaming. Human beings are capable of a wide range of feelings, thoughts, and intentions, but some of these are not always considered "holy" in their nature. Having the ability to own these and to accept these as indicators of an issue on our journey, without casting judgment, allows for us to move beyond these dynamics, releasing the misqualified energies and reintegrating in a healthier manner.  Although we are always responsible for our actions toward others, the inner healing process must have room for us to be honest with how we interpret the world we live in.  This room expands when we understand the benefits of nonjudgment, then practice it well.  How is your mastery of nonjudgmental thinking?--John Kroneck

Traits for Self-Healing Part 4: Nonresistance

This is the fourth in a 10 Part series based on the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork'). Today we are focusing on nonresistance, a part of non attachment.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Nonresistance
There are times when the tendency to protect ourselves from the perceived danger of revealing a truth about ourselves can take precedence over the desire for seeing the truth.  This resistance to what is occurring can frustrate a client's progress.  Nonresistance is the willingness to experience whatever dynamic may show itself.  It includes having the courage to directly face fear, pain, and shame without shrinking from the experience.  It is also a critical tool in moving through what we fear in the quickest, most efficient manner possible.  How is your mastery of nonresistance? -- John Kroneck

I interpret this as denial. A client may not want to tell their massage therapist  all of their recent activities or even admit to themselves that they spent 5 hours playing video games the day before their massage. This information could help quickly pinpoint the source of a client's pain, anything from poor posture to repetitive motion injury. This can also come in the form of an injury that may not be something massage can effectively treat, but the client not wishing to visit their doctor and have diagnostics done schedules a massage instead.
I would also consider guarding in this category. I find this most often in shoulder range of motion. As I move the arm upward the client will tighten up to avoid previously felt pain. This action prevents the therapist from observing where the limitations are and to what degree. Communication is crucial at this point as well as trust.

How do you interpret this trait?  How would you try to improve your own nonresistance and encourage it in others? 

Traits for Self Healing Part 3: Awareness

This week brings us to Awareness, part 3 of an ongoing series based on "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork').  If you have not been following along, that's alright, just jump in here and then click the links to review the previous blogs.

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

Awareness
Pure awareness is shown in the ability to notice without letting the mind fill in the story that seems to be involved. There are times we are pulled off awareness because we think we know what the next step is and then start projecting what we think is true. Once this happens, being aware of the present moment is lost. The action of being aware is simply noticing what is taking place without projecting our own beliefs, desires, or ideas on the issue. There is an intimate interconnection with the actions of awareness and present moment. That is, to be in the present moment, we must be aware of the moment. Likewise, when our awareness is pure, we find ourselves living in the present moment. How is your mastery of being aware? -- John Kroneck

Have you every driven home from work and then wondered how you got there? You know the way so you don't even think about it; you are not fully aware. What happens when there is an accident or construction and you are required to take a different route? You no longer know what is next and therefore must be more aware of your surroundings and what you are doing. 

As a massage therapist have you become set in a certain routine? Do you always start with your client face down? Have you been lost in your own thoughts and can't remember if you worked on a certain muscle or for how long you have been holding a trigger point?

During a conversation are you listening to everything that is being said? Or are you already thinking of your response? 

Leave a comment with ways that you stay aware.

Traits for Self-Healing Part 1: Stillness

I recently read the article "The Traits of an Energy Practitioner" by John Kroneck (July/august 2013 'massage & bodywork').  In it he lists 8 primary traits necessary for healing; two of which are subdivided further into 2 more specific traits:

1. Stillness
2. Presence:
• present moment
• awareness
3. Non attachment
• nonresistance
• non-judgment
4. Beginner's Mind
5. Acceptance
6. Inspiration
7. Responsibility
8. Kindness Quotient

I believe that each trait deserves attention and would make great discussion. So, over the next ten weeks I hope that you will all join me in focusing on them one at a time.  I will start with a quote from the article:

stillness
For a majority of people, one of the most difficult things to do is to be still.  This could be because the mind has so many stimuli today, but it may also be that being still is frightening.  To be still means that pain has time to show itself without the distractions of life.  Being still within our consciousness opens healing avenues as it stimulates an alignment and integration of the body and its systems.  How is your mastery of stillness? -- John Kroneck

Think about how this applies to you. When are the times you are still?  If you can't think of any, try it now. Find a quiet place, turn off the electronics, and calm your mind.  What occurs during that time?  

If you are a therapist, how do you help your clients in this aspect?

I will start the discussion by leaving my thoughts as the first comment.  I can't wait to hear what everyone has to report.  

Remember to come back next week for the second trait: present moment.

Taking care of Things before it becomes an Emergency

The front load machine we were using had a bearing going out. It still operated OK, but the spin cycle was extremely loud. Even with the laundry room door closed, we were unable to hear the television or a conversation in the nearby rooms. The clothes came out clean and even with the noise the washer spun them fairly dry. The main problem was that we didn't know how long this would last.
We have an American Home Shield policy. (If you've never heard of this, I highly recommend that you check into home protection plans. There are several companies that offer this type of plan.) After procrastinating for longer than usual I called the 800 number and asked for service on our washer. The customer service at AHS set us up with a local repair company (SEARS) and scheduled a date and time frame (Mon. between noon and 5 pm) for a repairman to visit our home. The repairman called the night before to confirm and then again about 15 minutes before his arrival. He quickly diagnosed that it was a bearing. After a trip out to his truck, he reported that it would be at least a couple of weeks before they could get the parts and schedule a repair time. I paid the repairman our contracted repair fee, $75. He also reported back to AHS the problem and his recommendations. The following day AHS called with our options:

1. We could schedule the repair at no additional cost to us
2. We could choose a new washer model and AHS would ship it to us. We would pay them the difference above the repair cost. Depending on the model we chose this could be $0 to $$$$; and take several weeks
3. We could purchase a new washer locally and send AHS the proof of purchase. They would then send us the amount up to the repair cost (about $600)

My LH and I decided to do some online research first. We checked out different retailers and different manufacturers. We read a lot of reviews. We found out that the prices weren't much different between retailers. We also found that the bearing failing is a common problem among front load washers. I don't know if it is design problem or simply overloading of the machines, but if it happens once it is likely to happen again (my opinion).
My LH is a hands on kind of guy, so we next went to our favorite home improvement store (Lowe's). We opened & closed doors and lids, pushed buttons, turned knobs, and read descriptions. We compared prices, capacities, energy usage, and functions. We talked with fellow consumers and sales associates. We discussed what we needed, what we liked, and what we didn't like. We asked questions: Why is it on sale? Does it come in white? Is it in stock? When could it be delivered? Do you remove our old washer? Is that an extra charge?
We made our decision. Our new washer was delivered this morning:

New top load washer.

Now you may not think that other than clean sheets this has little to do with massage, but I'd like to point out the analogy for you. When an injury happens there isn't always a debilitating pain or loss of use. Sometimes it is merely an inconvenience. Someone may not be able sit or lay in a certain position. Sometimes there is pain, but procrastination results in 'getting used to it'. Maybe a person limps or can't reach as far or high, but still functions. The question then becomes, 'How long will this last?' or 'How long before this gets worse?'.

Using a sore or injured muscle can cause it to become worse and cause the supporting muscles to become sore or even injured as well. Taking care of the problem as soon as possible can result in a shorter recovery time and less pain. Most massage therapists will require a 72 hour wait after any injury before performing massage. During this time ICE (Ice, Compression, Elevation) is what I would do or my doctor's advise if different.  A severe injury does require a release from your doctor before massage may be performed.  

We don't get the option of a new body so we have to take care of the one we start with. Regular massage can help maintain a well functioning body. It takes longer and more effort to help repair a dysfunctional body.  

Thank you for stopping by today. If you liked what you read and would like to stop by again, enter your email address at the top of the page and I will let you know when the next entry is posted.

I have found that things tend to work out for the best if I let them. I was worried this week, because I woke up with a sore throat on Monday morning. It is a dilemma between possibly passing on an illness to a client or canceling an appointment on short notice. Neither choice is something I want to do.
As I was trying to make this decision I received a text from my Monday evening client stating that she was having difficulties and had made an appointment with her doctor for this week. She didn't feel up to coming for her massage. No problem, I agreed that it would be best to consult with her doctor before seeing me again. I had not confirmed the second client booked for Monday evening. She did not come for her appointment, because she was in the ER with a debilitating migraine. I would not wish that on anyone, but it worked out to my favor.
Tuesday morning brought on an earache to go with my sore throat. I did not have any clients scheduled, but my LH (loving husband) and I work BINGO at our local VFW on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Since I do the inventory on Tuesday night and have limited contact with people; I determined that it was OK for me to attend. I made it through the evening without any problems.
Wednesday morning I was feeling very poorly. I slept most of the morning hoping that I would feel better before having to get ready for my 2:30 client. Upon checking my phone messages, however, I discovered that she wouldn't be coming. Her Granddaughter was born in the early morning hours. She was out of the state. I was off the worry hook.
 I will leave out the details, but Wednesday night my condition was worse. I do not have any other clients scheduled for this week and will not be making any.  I am resting, drinking hot tea, and counting my blessings.

How do you handle situations when there isn't a 'good' choice? Do you hope for the best and let things work themselves out? or do you make a decision and take action?

I know that I should have called my Wednesday client on Tuesday and rescheduled. When you are a care giver, whether it be a mom, a doctor, or somewhere in between; it is difficult to remember that in order to take care of anyone; you first have to take care of yourself.

Stairs

I realize that it is time for an update on the business. The client list is growing. That has helped me increase from an average of one to two clients per week to an average of three to four clients per week. I have also had several clients increase their time from an hour to ninety minutes.  Things are progressing in the right direction.

I am do to renew my insurance at the end of next month.  Being a member of abmp is a great benefit. The monthly magazine helps keep me current in the massage industry. I can get discounts on products and services. They offer continuing education and marketing information. It is a good source for any questions I may have.

There are a lot more stair steps from the sidewalk to my massage room than I had realized. I traverse them daily and barely notice it. For someone who may be injured or who has arthritis the steps may cause a great difficulty getting to and from the treatment room. The step from the walkway to the porch does not have a handrail either. This may be our first project this coming Spring. Does anyone else have issues with where you get your massage?

Speaking of the stairs...I have always wanted to live in a home on one level. More and more I am given reasons to continue this desire. Recently my husband slipped on our stairs and bruised his Talus (heal). He required crutches or a cane for a week, because he was unable to bear weight on his heal without severe pain. He is doing much better now. Not to be outdone; I missed the last step as I was bringing the laundry downstairs a few days ago. I landed on my knee rather than my foot, bending all of my toes back in the process. I spent the day with an ice pack on my elevated knee and foot. The following day it was sore, but I had no trouble bearing weight. The proper treatment can prevent lasting discomfort. We have no intention of ever moving, but I still have the dream of living without stairs.

Communication

The following is a conversation that I recently overheard:

- We all agreed that we would be here every week.
~We said that we should be here every week.
- That's what I said.
~It's not the same thing.
- It is to me.
~Obviously not to everyone, or they would be here.

I had to laugh, because I can relate to this. While giving a massage I often ask "Is the pressure too deep?"  A common response is, "It's OK.". Well, that could mean a wide range of things; from, "it could be deeper" to "you're killing me, but I know that I need it".  I usually need to follow with a few more questions to determine how to proceed. To get the most benefit, communication is extremely important during massage. Ask questions and give feedback to you're therapist; especially if it is your first time working together. Over time a therapist and client develop better understanding, however, this is all the more reason for better communication. Speak to your massage therapist about any changes that have occurred since you last worked together.  Remember that mind reading is not a perfect science.

Following my own advice...

I wanted to let everyone know that I do follow my own advice. I am drinking water and soaking my feet as I write this today. Trying a Hydrogen Peroxide soak that I saw on Pinterest ( yes, I am addicted to Pinterest) . Usually I use Epsom's Salt for my foot soak, but wanted to try something different.

added heated stones to a foot soak helps to keep the water warm longer

The weather has been very erratic this year.  Today the temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The meteorologists are forecasting snow for tomorrow. Of course they also forecast snow last week, but we didn't see any where I live. The temperature has been like a roller coaster ride. That could be a contributing factor to the prevalence of people suffering from the flu virus.

If you are one of these unfortunate people, please, remember that influenza is a contraindication for massage. During the initial stages, when you are not sure if you have it or not, the influenza virus is most contagious. Getting a massage at this stage will make you feel worse and expose your massage therapist to the virus. This not only effects them, but potentially all of their other clients. If you are running a fever, or just don't feel well, contact your therapist to discuss the situation and most likely reschedule your appointment. I had this come up during my last trade. I did not have a fever, but did have an occasional cough and was feeling generally run down and achy. My massage therapist and I discussed the situation and decided that it would be in both of our best interest to not do the massage. I saw my doctor a couple of days later to find out that it was not the flu, but simply an allergy. Now we can do the trade and both feel good about it.

Well, my feet feel great! They are a little dry, but that is normal for me in the winter. Time for me to get my husband's feet soaking and put some lotion on mine.

Starting 2013

I am ready for the new year to start. I have taken most of December off to rest and reflect. My health seems to have improved in the process. Even with the cold weather setting in, I am experiencing less pain and have been able to do more.

I spent a week in Ohio with my family. It was good to see everyone during their everyday lives. It was an opportunity to communicate openly and get re-aquainted. I miss living close to my family more now than ever before.

I have started scheduling appointments for January. Everyone needs to relieve the holiday stress, myself included. I have a trade set up for this week. That limits this weeks availability, but there are still a few openings. Give me a call with your request.

I would also like to remind everyone to drink more water. During the winter months the air is drier and absorbs the moisture from our skin faster. Unfortunately we switch to hot drinks, which most contain caffeine, instead of increasing our water.

The weather here was not cooperative to allow me to enjoy the Full Cold Moon,also known as the Full Long Moon. I do hope that some of you were more fortunate. It is a great time to place your crystals outside for clearing negative energy.

I would like to wish everyone a blessed year. Remember, even if it's not from me, be sure to get a massage.

massage trade

Trading Massages

I try to take my own advice and receive massage at least monthly. My schedule is just as busy as anyone else's so sometimes we have to get creative. For a massage therapist the easiest way to get a free massage is to give one. Monday I took advantage of that process.  I was a little sore a couple of days after, but it helped relieve my pain a great deal.  

It is also helpful that I received a massage in my own massage room.  I discovered that while on the table I can't hear the creaking floorboards over the music. That is a relief.  The fleece table cover was a good investment. It helps cushion and holds heat from the table warmer. Unfortunately even with the door closed all the time there is still white dog hair getting on the black rug.  Most likely it is being tracked in from the entryway. Something to work on.

I also discovered that while some things work well for me, they may not be right for everyone.  I use a workout ball to sit on instead of a rolling stool. I find it quieter and it increases my core muscle strength.  My colleague said that it would be fine, and eventually it was. The first attempt however had her grabbing the table with one hand, the other braced on the floor, and both feet in the air.  It is a good thing that she was receiving  her massage last. Not everything goes smoothly, but we carry on.

Just remember to make time for your massage. Even if you have to get creative.