How to regulate HEALTHY stress levels!

Stress is a NORMAL part of life. 

The body's stress responses are your first line of defense in life-threatening situations. However, while stress is a normal part of life, PROLONGED stress is another story.

Persistent reactions to stress can lead to:

·         Health conditions such as high blood pressure

·         Suppression of the immune system

·         Negative impact on school or work performance

So, what responsible for managing your stress level?

The short answer is… your nervous system.

The parts that make up your nervous system:

·         autonomic nervous system 

·         sympathetic nervous system 

·         parasympathetic nervous system 

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling many of the body processes we almost never need to think about, like breathing, digestion, sweating, and shivering. The autonomic nervous system has two parts: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems.

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for sudden stress, like if you see a robbery taking place. When something frightening happens, the sympathetic nervous system makes the heart beat faster so that it sends blood more quickly to the different body parts that might need it. It also causes the adrenal glands at the top of the kidneys to release adrenaline, a hormone that helps give extra power to the muscles for a quick getaway. This process is known as the body's "fight or flight" response.

The parasympathetic nervous system does the exact opposite: It prepares the body for rest. It also helps the digestive tract move along so our bodies can efficiently take in nutrients from the food we eat.

Often the problem is that our brains have become overly accustomed to staying the "fight or flight" mode.  If you notice you simply can’t slow down and rest, it is imperative that you take steps to do so!  Massage is a great way to unwind and slow down…

How does massage actually help you to relax?

Well, massage stimulates the sensory and proprioceptive nerve fibers of the skin and underlying tissues.  These messages pass along the afferent fibers to the spinal chord. 

From there stimuli disperse through the central and autonomic nervous systems - producing various effects in any zones supplied from the same segment of the spinal chord. ... Such reactions are called reflex effects.  Massage bombards the skin and subcutaneous tissues with stimuli, which produces a local effect and exerts soothing effect on the body as a whole.

Massage is more than systematic manipulation of soft tissues and soothing stroking.  A massage has the ability to BALANCE your energy and reactivate the parasympathetic nervous system  by utilizing the "therapeutic touch" only received by human interaction.  This increases hemoglobin levels in the blood this is truly beneficial and healing for the nervous system. 

That’s it in a nutshell…  While making sure I crossed all my T’s and dotted all my I’s found a really cool site to brush up on Anatomy & Physiology.  As the saying goes, "use it or lose it" and there is just SO MUCH about our bodies to know and remember…  I wish Anatomy & Physiology had been made this simple when I was learning it to become a massage therapist!   I think this is a fun resource so I'm sharing it with you!  http://library.thinkquest.org/5777/ner1.htm 

Cheers,

Yvonne L Larson | LA’s NECK Work Expert

http://www.facebook.com/NeckworkExpert

Taboo or Not Taboo? ... Here are the TOP 10 Questions potential clients are too shy ask about massage!

Never had a massage because you have questions?
Have you HAD a massage but it wasn't what you expected?
These answers will relieve your uneasiness about getting a massage!

NUMBER ONE:
What can I do if I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the massage therapist to see me?
People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are:
  I'm overweight.
  I have excessive hair growth on my body.
  I've got acne on my face or back.
  My feet are ugly.
  I have scars.Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist.  If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area.  Or, you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing, such as shiatsu or Thai massage.
Because no massage oil or lotion is used, you remain fully clothed during the session.  If you feel too embarrassed to speak directly about the reason you are self-conscious, you can opt indicate this on your massage preferences form.

NUMBER TWO:
How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic?
Although you might think massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may look obviously seedy, it can be sometimes be difficult to spot these places.  Today many social sites provide you with instant access to client comments / reviews.  You should be able to distinguish a legitimate massage therapist by these comments / reiviews.  

If you're still doubtful, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:

• Do you offer therapeutic massage?
• Is the massage therapist certified / licensed?
• Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?

NUMBER THREE:
Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
In North America, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table UNDER the top sheet.  The massage therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room, so you shouldn't worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you.

NUMBER FOUR:
Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?
Some people prefer to keep their under garments on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.  An experienced massage thrapist will be able to adapt to your preference.  Keep in mind, however, if your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.   In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered. 

NUMBER FIVE:
What if I get an erection during the massage?
Believe it or not, some men refuse to get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection.
Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.
The good news is, you're not abnormal if this happens.  Here's the biology of it...
The parasympathetic nervous system can be activated when massage therapy is being administered, which can send signals causing a partial or full erection.  Typically, simply KNOWING this fact causes enough relaxation to bypass the occurance.  Over time the body becomes familiar with the process of massage therapy and it is no longer an issue.
In the beginning, however, you need not fear or become embarrassed, your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will not call any attention to its occurance.  If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers. 

NUMBER SIX:
What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?
I've had this happen on many occasions, so you certainly won't be the first!  
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table.  Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue. 

NUMBER SEVEN:
How do I express to my massage therapist that thier technique / pressure isn't right for me, without insulting them?
Yes, the massage therapist has studied this art and you rely on them to be the expert, but everyone has a different experience of touch.  What works for one individual does not necesarrily translate to the next.  A professional massage therapist EXPECTS your feedback so they can adapt to your personal needs.  It is encouraged that you communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective!  Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.  Regarding pressure, here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven. When you completing you initial intake forms for a new therapist, remember to provide complete and accurate information regarding your health history & massage preferences, so that the massage therapist is aware of any precautions or contraindications.

NUMBER EIGHT:
Is it appropriate to ask for certain gender massage therapist?
You should feel comfortable during your treatment so this is a very important question!  
Unfortunately, men who choose to become massage therapists are often unprepared for the discrimination they face. When clients request female over male therapists, spas stop hiring them, however skilled they are.  Women therapists are also discriminated against because of the myth they will not be strong enough for deeper massage work.  
It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession, but some men don’t feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. While some women also prefer a female massage therapist because they say they feel more comfortable.  Believe it or not this doesn't just apply to massage therapy. A University of Michigan study found that 43 percent of women preferred a female doctor for a colonoscopy. Of these women, 87 percent said they would be willing to wait more than 30 days to get an appointment with a female colonoscopist, and 14 percent would be willing to pay more for one.  I say, don't short change yourself!  I believe it's important to challenge your preconceptions. Here are some tips to help you expand your ability to get skilled therapy REGARDLESS of gender:

• Have a consultation with the massage therapist before you book the appointment to become better acquainted and comfortable with them as a professional, caring technician that is commited to your health and well-being.
• Start with an active form of massage, such as deep tissue or sports massage or a type of massage that is done fully clothed, such as shiatsu or Thai massage.

NUMBER NINE:
What is a good tip for my massage therapist?
The answer to this question can be a little tricky.  Generally speaking, when you are receiving a service the normal 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services applies.  When it comes to massage services the tip can be calculated by the price of the service or the duration of your session.  If you have received a promotional rate you will want to calculate your tip according to the normal rate the service is offered.  If you are using time a your scale a “good” tip will range from $5-$10 PER thirty minute segments.  If your treatment is being delivered in a clinical / medical setting such as a hospital, it is likely that no tip appropriate.  Tips can come in the form of your referrals!  Any massage therapist will be grateful when show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers.  If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face.

NUMBER TEN:
Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?
Conversation can sometimes be a point of contention, because some clients like to talk during a session while others prefer silence. It's up to YOU to dictate this aspect. Talking is permitted, especially when it helps to destress. Talking is encouraged when something is "off" about the massage or when trying to distinguish the cause of a symptom. Although talking does not inhibit the execution of the massage it may detract from receiving the maximum benefits of your session. I will only initiate conversation if I need clarification/feedback, UNLESS you have requested absolute silence.  Even though some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you HAVE TO make conversation with the massage therapist.  After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party!  Feel free to close your eyes and relax.  Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.  Be sure to speak up if:

• the room is too hot or too cold
• you experience pain
• you have any questions related to the massage
• there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation

I hope my answers have been helpful!

Cheers,

Yvonne L Larson | LA's Neck Work Expert

http://www.facebook.com/NeckworkExpert

What's all this fuss about KNOTS?

Perhaps, when you have gone to get a massage you have heard the therapist refer to knots.  Maybe the image here is what comes to mind...  Well, the knots an MT talk about can certainly make you FEEL all tangled up, but it's not exactly what they are referring to!

What exactly is a knot? 

Knot is the more common word used for the scientific term myofascial trigger point or trigger site.  Essentially, a knot is a section within the muscle of the body that has been constricted, creating a nodule causing pain that is consistent.  The knot becomes hypersensitive and causes unexplained pain to radiate from the local area of tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the knot itself.  This phenomenon is known as referred pain. 

How did I get this knot?

There are numerous contributing factors that account for the formation of knots.  The biggest culprit is stress.  Stress is known as mental, emotional, or physical strain/tension on the human body.  When your body is stressed it goes into the flight or fight mode. In this condition the muscles contract and stay engaged for a long period of time. This contraction severely inhibits the cleansing fluids of blood and lymph to that area.  Without proper cleansing of the area, ‘toxins’ accumulate, cluster, and congeal.  Once the knot is set in the muscle it restricts optimal movement of that muscle group and paves the way for a chain reaction of straining a body part.  Another cause for knots is consuming foods that are not particularly nutritious for the body such as rich foods, fried foods, over processed foods, or alcohol.  The body has to work harder at breaking these things down so it can’t attend to cleansing and repairing the daily wear and tear placed on it.

Hmmm, can you give me an analogy? 

I like the mental picture I give clients that ask this question.  Imagine you have a bundle if knitting yarn. You can twist it, stretch it, and scrunch it all up without any difficulty or obstructions. This is the state your muscles should be if they’re functioning healthfully.  Now, imagine taking a whole tube of crazy glue and dribbling that crazy glue on the bundle of yarn in several different spots.  Leave it to dry over night, or a couple of days, or a few years...  (Most people are too busy to pay attention to these knots right away!)  Then, try to twist it, stretch it, and scrunch it all up.  Not so easy to do anymore, it is a heck of a lot harder, huh?!  This is the state your muscles are in when they are all "knotted up".

How do I get rid of my knot? 

MY solution for you, MASSAGE… of course!  When you come in for a massage I can physically examine the affected area by feeling the knot to determine its size, shape, firmness, or location.  Then by the numerous massage techniques such as compression, cross-fiber release, and stretching I can break up the knot  my flooding the area with cleansing blood and lymph.  ... Walla, NO KNOT, that's how to get rid of knots!!!

Cheers,
Yvonne L Larson | LA's Neck Work Expert
http://www.facebook.com/NeckworkExpert