Posts Tagged ‘massage’
Happy New Year!
Hello again, dear friends. We’re glad to see you on this side of 2020. Since we reopened in our new location this October, business has been great! We have all of you to thank for that. Your continued support of us and other small businesses is a big part of what makes Lexington a great place to call home.
If you haven’t kept up with us on social media, we have exciting news to announce. We’ve added two new licensed massage therapists to our team!
MEET CHELSEA AND ELLA!
Chelsea Klinksiek and Ella Rutledge both offer Swedish massage, deep tissue, and fire cupping. Ella specializes in Reiki and energy work, while Chelsea enjoys working with other equestrians (like her!) to help them bring balance into their bodies and riding postures. Both Chelsea and Ella do excellent work and are taking new clients for massage therapy now.
Read more about them and schedule your appointment here.
Get Healthy in the New Year
-a note from Charley, the Herbalist-
Ah yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to regret all the rich and hearty roasts, cakes, and bourbons you consumed. Just kidding! We’re not about that life here at White Willow.
The holidays are for merrymaking, and it’s only natural to put on a few extra pounds during the winter months. There are actually a few reasons for winter weight gain. One is that our bodies produce more melatonin during the darker days of winter. Melatonin suppresses the thyroid (don’t worry, it may sound scary, but there’s an important biological reason for this) which causes our bodies to hold extra insulating fat through the cold months. It’s natural and normal. So eat, drink, and be merry! Remember that we’re all surviving a pandemic and this is no time to be stressing ourselves further with harsh diets and skipping meals.
If you’re feeling unwell…
Herbal wellness consultations are available. I am trained in Western Herbalism and Southern Folk Medicine. I treat chronic ailments such as autoimmune conditions, fertility and hormonal issues, anxiety, and more! Herbal consultations are available on a sliding scale. If you have questions, please read more about wellness consultations here or reply to this email.
Pictured here are some medicinal herbs we harvested this year. Goldenrod is most often used to treat the respiratory system (allergies) and urinary system. Red clover can also treat allergies, but in a way that’s different from goldenrod (ah, the magic of herbalism). Red clover is an estrogenic moistening lymphatic (a fluid-moving herb that contains estrogen), which makes it an invaluable medicine for women.
A note about COVID-19
We’ve had a lot of question about when we’ll resume our Metaphysics Monthly classes. We’re sorry to say that we have no plans to hold gatherings until things simmer down out there in the world. Rest assured that we are taking every measure to keep our staff, clients, and customers healthy. We are sanitizing surfaces and wearing masks. Someday soon, we’ll gather in classes again, learn new things, and share stories. Soon. The good news is that the masks are working! Here at White Willow, we’ve all stayed healthy and feel comfortable offering massage therapy sessions with our current sanitization procedures. So come see us!
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you soon!
Beat the Winter Blues!
So far, December in the bluegrass has been mostly warm and sunny. Soon, however, the clouds and cold will move in. Seasonal depression is not uncommon at this time of year. Many people experience mild winter blues, while others feel like they can hardly get out of bed.
This year, we invite you to get one step ahead of the winter blues. Here are some tips and tricks:
1. Get out in nature! Even if you don’t want to, and even if it feels too cold, we encourage you to get outside. Just be sure to bundle up and drink plenty of water. Yesterday I went to Veteran’s Park in Lexington before work. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it. They have grassy trails around a wooded creek and you can even take your dog. It’ll do you both a world of good.
2. Try essetial oils. You might keep a couple of bottles at work and at home so that you can smell them a few times a day. You can use a cotton ball to drop the oils onto, or you can diffuse them. Essential oils of orange and grapefruit are uplifting and may help to remove the fog of winter from your mood.
3. Count your blessings. Whenever you’re feeling down, make an effort to turn your thoughts around. Keep a gratitude journal or simply speak your gratitudes in your mind. Be thankful for your health, for sunshine, for a warm house, and for your food. Be thankful for your friends and family. You might feel better after you remind yourself of all the great things in your life.
4. Organize a family or friends dinner party. Winter starts off with a bang! We’re very busy in November and December with holiday celebrations and New Years, and then the rest of the winter is pretty slow. Break up the monotony of day-to-day life by throwing a little party, maybe in February when things get quiet.
5. Take time to appreciate the season rather than wishing it away. Winter is an important time. Time to slow down. Time to hibernate. This slow season gives us time for reflection of the past year and planning for the new year. Time for crafting, cooking cozy dinners, and curling up with a good book. When you step outside, try to see the beauty of winter. The trees aren’t dead, they’re only sleeping.
6. Get a massage! Really! Massage helps your body to release lots of feel-good hormones and endorphins to keep you healthy and combat the winter blues. The massage table is warm, the music is ethereal, and your muscles are ready to relax under the hands of your friendly massage therapist.
Here are some photos from my walk through Veteran’s Park yesterday:
Note: If you’re feeling depressed, you might consider seeing your healthcare practitioner. I’m particularly fond of Chinese medicine and can recommend a good acupuncturist if you’d like a referral.
Be well!
-Charley Caudill, Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients
To say that cancer is hard on the patients and their families would be an incredible understatement. A terrifying disease whose treatment can be even more brutal than the disease itself, just hearing the diagnosis can leave devastating impacts on a person’s mental health and wellness. Physically, cancer and chemotherapy wreaks havoc on the body, but the emotional toll from the start and even years after treatment is significant. Thankfully, many sufferers of cancer find relief with massage therapy. A study done by The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that many cancer survivors are already using massage therapy to cope with lingering physical issues, anxiety related to fear of recurrence, and other symptoms.
Studies have shown massage therapy to be effective for reducing the pain associated with cancer and its treatment. Results from 12 different international studies were compared and concluded that “Massage therapy significantly reduced cancer pain compared with no massage treatment or conventional care.” There are also countless studies confirming that the quality of life of cancer patients is improved by bodywork, as well as a few other practices such as meditation and yoga.
While massage therapy is safe throughout many stages of cancer treatment, anyone with a medical condition should consult their healthcare practitioner before receiving bodywork. Not only is massage helpful for cancer patients, it’s also beneficial for caretakers. A caretaker’s stress is significant, and too many times we see family members who nurture and provide for their loved ones, but never make time for themselves. Self-care isn’t selfish, and can be relieving for the friends and family members who are affected by the illness. Pain comes in many forms; We want to help alleviate as much of it as possible.
-Breanna Kinman, Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that is currently incurable, but treatable. The symptoms range from mild to severe, coming and going, while never going away for good. Like any chronic disease or syndrome, it can be hard to cope with the constant pain, fatigue, and variety of other symptoms. Fortunately, also like many other chronic issues, massage therapy can help.
If you or someone you care about has MS, you know that even a few hours of relief can be worth more than gold. Massage has been proven to reduce pain levels and may even lengthen the remission period between flare ups in some people. According to a study reported in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, participants who received 10 weeks of massage therapy reported pain levels up to 50 percent lower than the control group. The proven stress reducing benefits of massage may also help reduce the frequency of flare ups in people whose symptoms often worsen in time of stress.
This article from MultipleSclerosis.net was written by an MS sufferer and her experience with massage. It’s worth a read, but the bottom line: she’s a fan.
When looking for a massage therapist, be sure to find someone licensed in their state, knowledgeable about your condition, and willing to work with your individual case. In cases of chronic illness, it’s always a good idea to inform you therapist of any sensitive areas of you body that may need to be avoided or treated gently. During your massage, you comfort is top priority and an important part of your treatment.
If you have any questions about whether or not massage is right for you, please talk with your health care practitioner and give us a call to discuss your particular plan.
-Breanna Kinman, Licensed Massage Therapist
“Symptoms of multiple sclerosis” by Mikael Häggström – All used images are in public domain.. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons
Spotlight: Charley Caudill, Licensed Massage Therapist and Professional Birth Doula
- When is your birthday?
- December 28th, right in between Christmas and the New Year.
- Where are you from?
- I’ve lived in Lexington for a while, but I’m originally from Viper, a small town in southeastern Kentucky.
- What is your favorite massage modality to practice?
- I’m especially drawn to the subtle modalities, specifically CranioSacral Therapy. This work, though light in tough, can help the body to self-heal and release deep restrictions that are emotional, physical, and energetic.
- What CEU class are you looking forward to next?
- So many classes, so little time! In November I’ll be flying to Dallas, Texas for SomatoEmotional Release, which is an extension of CranioSacral Therapy and my third class in this modality.
- What is your favorite movie?
- I have a hard time picking a favorite, but I’m especially fond of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter movies. I also love The Fountain. Anything with a bit of magic!
- What is your favorite color?
- Green or turquoise, depending on my mood and the season.
- What is your favorite food?
- Sushi! I recently had some great sushi at Sapporo in Louisville. In October, however, my favorite food is caramel apples.
- If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
- I would like the ability to change my appearance like Mystique of the X-Men, or maybe telepathy.
- What’s the best part about your job?
- I love building a relationship with my clients and helping them to heal. I love being a part of the transformation and growth of bodies and spirits.
- What’s the worst part about your job?
- I don’t like talking on the phone very much, so most of my clients know to text me instead. I’m also not fond of accounting. All in all, it’s a pretty great job. I get to hang out in a sparkly room all day, listening to ambient music and helping my clients to feel better in their bodies. I love it.
White Willow Progress
So it’s been twelve days since our official business opening. We’ve got a few things in the works:
- Our logo has been slow-coming, and there have been some bumps along the way, but it’s almost here!
- Our sign, hand painted by Charlie Campbell, is on the way and we have a feeling it’ll be gorgeous.
- We commissioned an oil painting from Justin Birdsong. We’ve seen a sneak peak photo, and we love it! You’ll see it hanging in our waiting room as soon as the paint dries.
- We now (finally!) have gift certificates available for purchase on our website. Massage makes the best gift, of course.
- We’re working on putting together a grand opening party. Come see the space and have a snack. Stay tuned!
Our waiting room, sans new painting.