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Share you best health tips as a Massage Therapist.

I did chair massages at the Titans Draft event on last night. I have noticed a change in my body from the first time I did a massage until last night. I use to drip sweat when I first started massage school. I know it is normal to sweat, but I was dripping sweat until it interferred with my work. I learned I was not drinking enough water. So my tip is drink PLENTY of water daily, eat light, exercise and do some sort of fun activity that you enjoy. I normally Zumba dance, but I will taking Belly Dancing lessons the whole month of May. It can be exciting and healthy. What are your BEST tips to help us all stay healthy?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shama Kern on April 30, 2011 at 4:14am

I have this little mantra in my head that I use in my sessions. I simply think "softness". I don't mean that the massage is less effective, but that the way how I touch people uses the power of softness rather than the power of muscle. I used to have problems with thumb and wrist joints in the beginning of my massage career, but now I know that one of the best remedies to keep my joints healthy is to use bodyweight instead of pressure, improve my ergonomics, and work with my entire body instead of using my arms in an isolated fashion. Then I focus on breathing with my movements. All these elements give me more power with less effort and keeps me healthy.

Shama Kern

http://thaihealingmassage.com

Permalink Reply by Carri Smith, LMT NCTMB on April 30, 2011 at 5:37am

I, too, drink a lot of water...and I have a yoga video that I use (on average) 4 times a week. It's not a heavy duty routine...it's fairly gentle and keeps the circulation flowing in my spine and keeps my connective tissue and muscles stretched out very nicely. I have scoliosis and issues with my left QL and left SI joint...and this video brings amazing relief when I'm feeling discomfort (actually...pain)! Besides massage, this video has been the only thing that has brought me relief when these issues flare up!

Permalink Reply by Tracy Wilson on April 30, 2011 at 5:58am

My best tips for staying healthy is to DO WHAT YOU LOVE! BELIEVE in what you DO! Practice BEING, HERE, NOW. I love the quote from Joseph Campbell, "Follow Your Bliss". When I work with clients, play with my dogs, go hiking in the woods, prepare beautiful, healthy meals, plant my new spring garden....I remember to BREATHE and ENJOY these moments ...all strung together....into LIFE. I love Shama's tip ...including focusing on the breath. "Following your bliss" is not always effortless....but it is close. I have been so very fortunate in my life...I have followed my bliss, mostly, and have had many adventures! May you be happy! May you be well! May you follow YOUR BLISS! By the way, do you know what makes you happy??

Tracy Wilson, LMT and Health Coach

http://backinbalancehealthcoach.com/

Permalink Reply by Tanya Shyes on April 30, 2011 at 4:45pm

Hi Carrie, please share the name of the yoga video that you use. In class we touched on yoga just a little, but I am interested in knowing more. If you don't mind please share.

Carri Smith, LMT NCTMB said:

I, too, drink a lot of water...and I have a yoga video that I use (on average) 4 times a week. It's not a heavy duty routine...it's fairly gentle and keeps the circulation flowing in my spine and keeps my connective tissue and muscles stretched out very nicely. I have scoliosis and issues with my left QL and left SI joint...and this video brings amazing relief when I'm feeling discomfort (actually...pain)! Besides massage, this video has been the only thing that has brought me relief when these issues flare up!

Permalink Reply by Tanya Shyes on April 30, 2011 at 4:48pm

Tracy, very great health tip, many people do not know that your bliss is apart of being healthy. If you love what you do, you will have more energy, feel great and produce awesome results. Wellness is being healthy mind, body and spirit. Thanks for sharing
Tracy Wilson said:

My best tips for staying healthy is to DO WHAT YOU LOVE! BELIEVE in what you DO! Practice BEING, HERE, NOW. I love the quote from Joseph Campbell, "Follow Your Bliss". When I work with clients, play with my dogs, go hiking in the woods, prepare beautiful, healthy meals, plant my new spring garden....I remember to BREATHE and ENJOY these moments ...all strung together....into LIFE. I love Shama's tip ...including focusing on the breath. "Following your bliss" is not always effortless....but it is close. I have been so very fortunate in my life...I have followed my bliss, mostly, and have had many adventures! May you be happy! May you be well! May you follow YOUR BLISS! By the way, do you know what makes you happy??

Tracy Wilson, LMT and Health Coach
http://backinbalancehealthcoach.com/

Permalink Reply by Tanya Shyes on April 30, 2011 at 4:50pm

Shama great tip, less is more and I had to learn that since I like trigger points and love using my thumbs. I will remeber your tip. thank you for sharing
Shama Kern said:

I have this little mantra in my head that I use in my sessions. I simply think "softness". I don't mean that the massage is less effective, but that the way how I touch people uses the power of softness rather than the power of muscle. I used to have problems with thumb and wrist joints in the beginning of my massage career, but now I know that one of the best remedies to keep my joints healthy is to use bodyweight instead of pressure, improve my ergonomics, and work with my entire body instead of using my arms in an isolated fashion. Then I focus on breathing with my movements. All these elements give me more power with less effort and keeps me healthy.

Shama Kern

http://thaihealingmassage.com

Permalink Reply by Carri Smith, LMT NCTMB on May 1, 2011 at 6:52am

Hi Tanya...I use Wai Lana Easy Beginner's Workout. I have used some of her other videos as well, but I always come back to this one...there's just something about the asanas she uses and their progression that help my particular issues.

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!!

Tanya Shyes said:

Hi Carrie, please share the name of the yoga video that you use. In class we touched on yoga just a little, but I am interested in knowing more. If you don't mind please share.

Carri Smith, LMT NCTMB said:
I, too, drink a lot of water...and I have a yoga video that I use (on average) 4 times a week. It's not a heavy duty routine...it's fairly gentle and keeps the circulation flowing in my spine and keeps my connective tissue and muscles stretched out very nicely. I have scoliosis and issues with my left QL and left SI joint...and this video brings amazing relief when I'm feeling discomfort (actually...pain)! Besides massage, this video has been the only thing that has brought me relief when these issues flare up!