Connections

What is Fascia and why does it matter?

JDotson — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:46:03 +0000

This article has a great description of how the fascia works in our body. A tennis ball and foam roller are great tools to have for your own self care. Both craniosacral therapy and myofascial release work directly with the fascia to release the restrictions and help the body to return to it’s normal state of balance.

Relieve Neck, Back and Knee Tension By Working the Fascia

By kenscott@youble.com

Do you feel tightness and tension in your head, neck, shoulders, back, legs or knees? Chances are you can alleviate a lot of it by working on your fascia.

What the Fascia?!

The fascia is a system of connective tissue that runs through your entire body, holding every major system of our body in place. It has been described as the “plastic wrap” that holds our muscles together, but it actually encompasses every organ, nerve, blood vessel, and skin cell.

The fascia runs through your muscles and helps attach your muscles to your tendons and ligaments. It acts as a shock absorber for many of your muscles and a net that provides leverage for your muscle fibers to contract and produce movement. About 90% of all muscular injury is not from your muscle fibers, but your fascia.

So Who Cares, Right?

As you get older, and from a variety of other reasons, your fascia will tighten, making injury and improper movement more likely. Other factors leading to tight fascia include physical trauma, muscle soreness, structural and muscular imbalance, burns, surgical scarring, bad posture, stress, inflammation, and infection.

When your fascia gets tight, a section of your muscular tissue will become “glued” within the muscle, preventing the muscle from operating in a proper way. And to make it worse, fascial tension can cause other parts of your body to compensate for that imbalance, forcing misalignment in other parts of your body, which causes further injury.

Think of a hammock tied on each end to a tree. The hammock is the fascia between two joints (the trees). If a person sits in the hammock (representing muscle contraction or tension), the trees take on the pressure in a balanced way. Once the person gets out, the trees (and the hammock) return to normal. But if one tree were pulled in an opposite direction, the hammock and the other tree would be pulled in that same direction to compensate. From head to toe, your body is interconnected, and that if one part is affected, the other parts will also be.

In fact, there are physical connections of fascia that start from the bottom of your foot, go up your back, and over your skull. So, believe it or not, releasing tension in your feet can release tension in your neck!

Relief For Your Fascia

To relieve tension throughout your body, and prevent injuries before they occur, you need a healthy dose of massage, stretching, and foam rolling. Massages are awesome, but can be quite expensive. So for most of us, the most practical thing is to make it a habit to spend 15-30 minutes a day to stretch your entire body both before and after a workout, and at the end of a long day sitting in front of a computer. If you’re not quite sure what to do, you can join me in my Stretch & Roll class, where I guide you through a complete routine using a foam roller.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

JDotson — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:35:25 +0000

This Valentine’s Day give the gift of Health and Wellness!

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle and effective process

that allows the body to relax, unwind and let go.

Gift Certificates Available…. Call 314-805-9544

And remember- New Clients will receive the first 30 minutes FREE!

The healing power of Touch…

JDotson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:36:10 +0000

A beautiful description of the healing power of touch…

“By touching a body, we touch every event it has experienced. For a few brief moments we hold all of a client’s stories in our hands. We witness someone’s experience of their own flesh, through some of the most powerful means possible: the contact of our hands, the acceptance of the body without judgment, and the occasional listening ear. With these gestures we reach across the isolation of the human experience and hold another person’s legend. In massage therapy, we show up and ask, in so many ways, what it is like to be another human being. In doing so, we build a bridge that may heal us both.” –Tracy Walton, “The Health History of a Human Being,” Massage Therapy Journal, Winter 1999.

The Healing Power of a Gentle Touch

JDotson — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:41:58 +0000

Curious about Craniosacral Therapy and it’s benefits? Discover what other’s are experiencing…

http://rediscoverwashington.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/craniosacral-therapy-the-healing-power-of-a-gentle-touch/

Washington Healing Arts Center

JDotson — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:36:09 +0000

Bringing you back home to yourself….

Check out this wonderful article about the Washington Healing Arts Center!

http://rediscoverwashington.wordpress.com/2011/12/24/washington-healing-arts-center-bringing-you-back-home-to-yourself/

Here’s what I know…

JDotson — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:30:19 +0000

Great article by Dr. Christiane Northrup’s daughter!

Dr. Christiane Northrup

This just in from my daughter Kate. I loved it. Thought you would too. Plus I used the advice during my work this morning:

” If it’s not a hell yes to a request, it’s a NO.” Really streamlines things. http://katemoller.com/heres-what-i-know/

Here’s what I know…

Body Sense Winter Issue

JDotson — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:24:11 +0000

Dear clients,

I want to thank you for your business by sharing this complimentary issue of Body Sense magazine.

www.abmp.com/bodysense/winter-2011

Body Sense provides valuable information about how to make massage and bodywork a healthy part of your lifestyle. Inside, you’ll find out how the perfect massage pressure offers a powerhouse of health benefits; learn about the healing process after an injury; and discover five ways to soothe seasonal stress.

I am excited to discuss any of the information you find inside, and happy to schedule your next appointment.

To unsubscribe from this mailing, please reply back with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.

About ABMP

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) is a professional membership association founded in 1987 to provide massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies practitioners with professional services, information, and public and regulatory advocacy. ABMP is devoted to promoting ethical practices, protecting the rights of practitioners, and educating the public regarding the benefits of massage and bodywork. Its current membership totals more than 79,000. Members must meet strict educational requirements and adhere to a published code of ethics.

De-Stress this holiday season….

JDotson — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:45:44 +0000

It’s clear to us why massage has been practiced for centuries. Check out this article and see if you already knew these little-known benefits!

Things You Didn’t Know About Massage Benefits

www.livestrong.com

A massage helps soothe achy muscles and ease away
tension. It also has been proven to manage anxiety and depression, increase
immunity, and help regulate blood pressure. There are many types of massage
including Swedish, deep tissue and trigger point massage. To find a certified
massage therapist, speak to your doctor, ask employees at your health club, or
ask a friend for a recommendation.

Anxiety Fighter

Numerous studies and research have shown that massage
helps increase serotonin and oxytocin, which may help manage depression and
feelings of anxiety. Other studies claim that just the simple act of touch
translates to feeling comforted and cared for, stimulates a bonding atmosphere
between you and the massage therapist, and boosts happiness. Massage is used to
help reduce the anxiety of patients about to experience major surgery as well as
cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy.

PMS

Women who suffer from premenstrual symptoms, such as
bloating, pain and mood swings, should consider massage. According to the
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals organization, massage along with
exercise, a healthy diet, and other forms of stress relief, such as yoga, is a
safe and effective way to help reduce these symptoms as well as reduce feelings
of anxiety and depression. Schedule a massage one week before the start of your
period to help alleviate PMS symptoms.

Immunity Boost

Not only does massage boost feel-good hormones, it also
boosts immunity too. Massage helps stimulates your white blood cells, which
helps boost your immune system. It also reduces stress hormones, such as
cortisol. As a result, you are less susceptible to the flu and colds. Massage
also helps reduce blood pressure, eases away aches and pains, as well as boosts
brain waves, which helps promote improved attention levels when you’re awake and
deep, restful sleep at night.

More Than Just a Treat

Massage should not be considered an indulgence or a
pampering treat that you allow yourself every once in awhile. There is also no
need to spend a lot of money. Spend 10 to 15 minute each day doing some form of
massage. Ask a friend or family member to massage tense spots or learn how to
self-massage. Stimulate digestion by rubbing your stomach in a circle clockwise.
Gently pound your arm and leg muscles before and after exercise. Massage your
hands as you apply lotion or use a tennis ball and roll it under your
feet.

References

Giving the Gift of Touch

JDotson — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:28:18 +0000

Finding imaginative gifts that express sincere caring for friends and loved ones is always challenging. The gift of touch, offered through craniosacral therapy, can be an unexpected surprise that is affordable and appropriate for so many occasions and types of people.

Craniosacral therapy is the gift of soothing and healing relaxation. This light-touch therapy works to release superficial and deep restrictions throughout the body and is gentle, effective and often immediately relieving. In a world where stress is a prevalent health problem, craniosacral therapy can transport the gift recipient to a place of incredible calmness and well-being.

Please let me know how I can help you with your gift giving this holiday season. Gift certificates can be purchased by calling 314-805-9544.

Holiday Blessings to All!

Gratitude and Blessings

JDotson — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:14:36 +0000

As this Thanksgiving Day approaches I am truly grateful for all my family, friends and clients. I am honored to join you on your journey of health and wholeness and I treasure the trust you have placed in me. Thank you!

And so I leave you with this special blessing from St. Therese…

Heatfelt Blessings,

Julie

May today there be peace within.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you….
May you be content knowing you are a child of God….

Let this presence settle into our bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of you.

St Therese