Long before I began my training to become a licensed massage therapist, I was utilizing the benefits of bodywork in my personal life.

In fact, it’s for that very reason why I chose Massage Therapy as my career. I wanted to be able to provide the mind-body wellness massage helped me achieve and that many others crave.

Most of us spend our time in “go mode.” We can thank our western lifestyle that constantly keeps us in a state of frenzy and anxiety. We have to continuously deal with stress about work, deadlines, time commitments, - the list goes on.  On top of all of this stress, we are fueled by copious amounts of caffeine and sugar. No wonder most of us are burned out and worn down. 

Did you know however there is a simple, natural and time-tested remedy for this? It’s bodywork. Receiving bodywork is a wonderful way to give our system time to relax. However with something so important for our overall health and well-being – massage and bodywork unfortunately has become an idea of luxury.

I often hear from others, “Oh, I simply cannot afford massage on a regular basis”. Or I’ll hear clients say, ““I am treating myself to a massage today, I’ve been too stressed”. This sentiment also makes me chuckle. I mean don’t get me wrong; it’s great that my client is going for bodywork, its just interesting to me that they still consider a massage or bodywork an occasional “treat.” It’s funny to me because if we are spending a huge portion of our time in stressed out, pain ridden, emotionally drained state, then why is that we only provide relief for ourselves sporadically?

I don’t think that anyone enjoys being in state of unease. Yet this is what we have become accustomed to. Why do we associate the benefits of feeling good from massage as something that only happens once in a while? I can’t think of anyone who wants to continuously feel sore, run-down, and out of balance. 

A co-worker of mine told me, “I don’t see the value in getting a massage. I used to go regularly, but the effects don’t last.” For example she mentioned she experience stress reduction, lower blood pressure, mood enhancement and pain relief, but the effects so soon wear off and she couldn’t see spending the money.

I sat back and had to think for a bit. Does anything last? Nothing in our lives stays exactly the same. As humans, we are not stagnant beings – but things change daily, things including our physiology. Our bodies are in a constant struggle to maintain and bring itself back into balance. Just like cars, tires need to be replaced, oil needs to be changed, fluids flushed and even cars need “bodywork”. Our bodies are the same we need regular maintenance in order to keep ourselves working top notch.   

Bodywork is an investment in good health. I sure have benefited from it. Contact me to see how bodywork can help you. 

Massage Therapy is beneficial to your health and well-being year-round, but can be especially useful during the tough winter months. If you live in New England like me, our weather changes on a dime and our bodies are constantly trying to adapt to the varying degrees of craziness. Here are some benefits that you can enjoy through routine use of massage therapy during the winter.

Relief for Sore and Stiff Muscles

We tend to be less active during the winter as we can’t do much outdoors. The desire to spend time indoors, wrapped in a blanket with a hot cup of tea can lead us to not move and stretch as much as we should. As a result, muscles can get sore and stiff from inactivity. Even if you do manage to stay active, colder temperatures can make keeping our muscles warm a challenge and can lead to tightness. Regular massage can loosen tight muscles and relieve soreness.

Alleviating Pain from Shoveling

Lifting and shoveling heavy snow can wreak havoc on the body. Many people will develop sore shoulders and forearms from shoveling. Shoveling snow can also exacerbates lower back pain, and can even put people out of commission for a few days. I've actually been there and done that myself. If you find yourself out of sorts following an intense battle with the snow on your driveway, a massage can relieve pain and help you prepare for the next blizzard. 

Immune Booster

The winter is peak season for colds and flu, and people are generally more susceptible to illness during the winter as we spend more time indoors, in close quarters with other people so germs are more easily spread. Additionally, stress in high levels can lower the body’s ability to fight off germs and illness. Combine high levels of stress with cold and flu season, and you have the potential for developing a nasty cold (or even worse). Massage works to reduce stress which in turn can help your body’s immune system work at its peak potential.

A Warm Oasis

Maybe you just want to get out of the cold for a little bit. A massage is a perfect time to relax while being enveloped in warmth. Many massage therapists (like me!) provide table warmers so you are perfectly cozy while getting your massage. Some therapists also offer hot stone massages which work to add deep warmth to cold and tight muscles. 

If you’ve had enough of the cold weather, book a massage so you can escape into a cozy world surrounded by warmth and relaxation – even if it is only just for an hour.