Tactical Operations Kit for Finals Week

Posted by Sonia on April 29, 2014 in Massage Therapy, Mind/Body, self care 4 comments

Testing time, especially Finals Week can be especially stressful for any student of any age. Cramming over books or a computer doing research, can tie the calmest person in knots! It can almost feel as if the Hunger Games are a real event –

Sometimes, Finals week can feel like the Hunger Games…

Here are some things that can help you not only stress less during testing time, but actually thrive-

Peppermint – This can be Essential Oil, candles, teas or candy. This can help with clarity, focus and concentration.
Lavender – This can be Essential Oil, lavender buds, teas or candy. This will help calm you, and relax.
Chamomile – This can be Essential Oil, chamomile buds, teas or candy. This also can help calm you.
Tennis Ball & Sock – This can help address knots that you cannot reach on neck & shoulders.
Golf Ball – Self massage for feet. Roll foot over ball to your preferred pressure. Pick it up after you’re done! 😉

These can help even the most stressed student stress less during testing period.

Naturespace app for iPhone, Nature Sounds for Relax & Sleep for Android – Relaxing atmospheric soundtracks. You can ‘be’ at the beach or in the woods, for hours on end to help studying, or sleep!
My Thought Coach – Meditations, guided imagery and positive thoughts for varied occasions.
Get a Massage – You may not have enough time to get a full body massage during testing time, but getting a massage is a good investment on your stress level, and those knots you get from studying and doing research for hours on end. Check to see if your Student Activities Board has Massage Sessions set up at your college or university. If not, check out ‘Find A Massage Therapist’ on the AMTA or ABMP websites.

Own Your ‘Tall’!

Posted by Sonia on April 14, 2014 in Mind/Body, self care 1 comment

Unless you are the World’s Tallest Person, there will always be someone taller or shorter than YOU.

We’ve all been there – the first day of middle school – and you look around the playground or cafeteria. Your friends, who you’ve just seen, only a few months ago that were your same height, have either grown taller without you, or, vice versa. It’s not even slight; it’s noticeable. You crave being back where you used to be, just so you don’t stand out so much. So, you slouch and shrink, just to fit in.

There’s only one problem. You are where you are, for the time being. You’ve either grown as much as you can, or have more growing to do. There’s not much you can do about it, except own your ‘tall’. Unless you are the World’s Tallest Person, there will always be someone taller or shorter than you.

You were designed to stand out as you are. So, why try to conform on something so arbitrary as height! Own every inch of height you have, and don’t ever let anyone make you feel little. (Or too tall, for that matter!) Own your own version of “tall”; better yet, celebrate it!

NiaMassage FAQ #4 – Can I Keep My Underwear On?

Posted by Sonia on April 7, 2014 in Massage Therapy 0 comment

Believe it or not, I get this question more often than not. Working on your back, it wouldn’t be a good idea to have your bra on, since it could end up with whatever massage medium (gel, oil or lotion) that the therapist uses during a standard massage. In a Chair Massage setting, it will be less likely that oils or lotions would be used. You will be covered up, and the only part of the body that will be exposed is the part that I’m working on. If I’m working near your underwear, the sheet would be tucked into the underwear, to protect them, as well as providing a border to show you where the work will be done. Boxers makes the tucking a little tricky, but not impossible. It helps you know where I’m going to be working.

If I have to work on the pecs, or inside leg, a hand – yours or mine – would be placed in the area, providing a modesty border to work with. Pec work is primarily done when your shoulders are tight, and need to be loosened, to increase range of motion, and increase lung capacity. If balance is kept in mind, if the pecs are contracted, the shoulders must be stretched out.

In either case, if you are not feeling comfortable during your session, please speak up, and let your therapist know.

I got the letter!

Posted by Sonia on March 24, 2014 in Business, Massage Therapy 2 comments

Imagine my surprise, after applying in December, and with not hearing a yea or nay, I got the familiar blue & white envelope last week, allowing me to return to volunteer at the Boston Marathon!

I’m not looking for donations… I am looking to do a combination of 5 Workplace Wellness Chair Massage Sessions with local companies (3 Hour Session), or Diva Parties (2 Hour session) within the next month, starting this Monday for my trip to Boston. If you own a business or know of one that would appreciate having this service in the Metro Atlanta area, please let make your appointment today!

If you’d rather have a Table Massage, I am also looking to do at least five to ten 60 or 90-minute massages in that same time frame, as well. If you would like to book an appointment, please click here.

If you’re not in the area, I also have an Etsy Store called The Relaxation Station, where you can purchase handmade items to help you de-stress, and take care of yourself. Purchase a gift for yourself, or someone else!

Thank you in advance for all of your help! I truly appreciate it.

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How Deep is TOO Deep? NiaMassage FAQ #1

Posted by Sonia on February 28, 2014 in Massage Therapy 2 comments

Many times, when I talk to potential clients and they ask what types of massage that I do, one of the modalities I mention is ‘Deep Tissue Massage’. I can already see a wince of pain crawl across their faces. They are visualizing steamrollers running over little marshmallow Peeps, wondering if that is how they’ll feel after getting the same massage. I’ve even read articles that people have written, alluding the same feeling after getting a deep tissue massage.

Some people LOVE feeling like a lump of clay after getting a Deep Tissue Massage. It doesn’t have to be painful to feel that way.

What I try to explain to them is that everyone’s pressure tolerance is different. Some clients may LOVE feeling like a lump of clay after getting a deep tissue massage, and that’s absolutely perfect, for them. Bruises don’t look cute on anyone. I encourage everyone, that if you are not comfortable with the pressure, definitely speak up – This is YOUR session. There are different ways to address your goals for your session.

Now, in some cases, it is going to be painful – gluteal work is literally a pain in the butt, and axillary massage is uncomfortable because, well, how often have you gotten a massage where the therapist worked in your armpit? In these cases, I’m going to let you know so that you are prepared, and that we can work together. This way,you still get your best massage session. There are coping mechanisms as well as techniques that I can show you, so that you are able to still enjoy the massage, and get what you need done.

So next time you’re getting a Deep Tissue Massage, and you’re not getting the pressure you need, let the therapist know! They’ll do their best to accommodate as well as they can.