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

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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!

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I got the letter!

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

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ImageMany 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.

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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.

 

Make yourself a priority this New Year!

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Take care of yourself this year!

The New Year is HERE, now is a good time to resolve to take better care of yourself! Taking care of yourself is NOT a selfish act, but many times, we tend to feel as if it is. Take time to recharge your batteries, for a dead battery is good for no one.

Exercise is a great way to increase endorphin hormones in the body – the ones that increase your feeling of overall well-being. Exercise is not strictly relegated to the gym, you can do it indoors, or out, at home, or in the mall. Partnering up with a friend will help you have an accountability to each other, as well as have a cheerleader when the times get hard. Black Girls Run is a national running team that encourages you to get off the couch and get going, and if you’ve never run a race before, but you’ve always wanted to, they have a Walk Before You Run (WALKB4URUN) program.  That way, you can train properly for the run with other women, at your own speed (pun intended!). You could also get a great playlist of music to get you moving, this way you can sneak some fun into your exercise, and really have a great time.

Make sure that you put yourself on the TOP of your priority list this year!

Make sure that you put yourself on the TOP of your priority list this year!

Aromatherapy – is a great way to help improve your emotional balance and a sense of well being. Think it doesn’t work? If you go to Bath & Body Works, or use scented soaps, bodywashes, or anything that has a scent, you are using aromatherapy, to an extent. My earliest remembrance of aromatherapy is my Mom doing my hair, as a child. She used Blue Magic hair conditioner with Bergamot when she did our hair every week. Different scents require different means of use. Aura Cacia is a great resource on how to properly use essential oils and scents.

Lets make 2014 the best year ever!

Don’t Stress During the Holidays!

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Alright, the days are getting ever closer to Christmas, but don’t let it stress you out! Here’s my best advice for enjoying the holiday –

1- Schedule time for yourself. Find a sitter service that will help you care for your kids, so you can have a well-deserved break. Or, if you have friends and family members that you trust that would LOVE to take care of your kids, take them up on it. You can return the favor when they need you to.

2- DELEGATE– don’t do everything yourself. You’d love to be Martha Stewart, but even she has helpers. If people offer to help, don’t refuse the resource. If people haven’t asked, ask them; maybe they don’t know how to help you the way you need them to.

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Take time to take care of yourself; your body will appreciate it.

3- Use the internet to your advantage. Don’t know how to spruce up your home for the holidays? Use Pinterest to spark an idea. You don’t have to go overboard. Many crafts are easy to make with stuff you already have on hand. 

4- Everyone has a skill. You may have a friend who bakes but your cookies might look more akin to hockey pucks. Ask them for advice. They’ll love to share the knowledge.

5- Get together with your friends, and do a craft together, or just hang out! I’ve been invited to do massages at an event where the ladies are going to get together and enjoy each other’s company, and just relax. 

What advice would you share about taking care of yourself during the holidays?