September as the Catalyst for Healthy Changes

Sunshine filled days, a carefree spirit and a full social calendar can make the summer season a favorite for so many. It is a season full of fun and a sense of freedom. Most years, I take this sense of freedom to the next level and let some of my more healthy habits fall by the wayside for the two months. I end up drinking more alcohol than I typically allow, I indulge in gluten and sugar laden foods that I usually avoid, and even though I am 'mostly dairy-free' for 10 months out of the year, I do not skimp on the ice cream cones in July and August. I do this all without a sense of guilt, and in fact, most of the time these indulgences happen during a time that I'm experiencing a great amount of joy; a family BBQ, a wedding, a date night with my husband. I make the conscious choice to let go and have fun, but by the time Labor Day rolls around, my body is sending me signals that it's time for some healthy changes.

Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, Deb Salazar, has helped me compile some practical and gentle ways to ease the body, mind & spirit back into a healthy routine and purge some of that excess summer fun!

1. Add in Ginger Tea - ginger is one of the best digestive aids and helps remove some of the dampness that accumulates in the liver after weeks of too much sugar and alcohol. Sip ginger tea before and after meals to help ignite your digestive fire.

2. Get Moving – the lymph system is your best friend when it comes to detoxifying, but it needs movement to get going. A walk, a dance class, a tennis match, jumping rope - whatever it is that brings you happiness, do that!

3. Dry Brushing - another excellent way to stimulate the lymph is to dry brush your body before your morning shower. Dry brushing exfoliates the skin, but it also increases circulation and helps detoxify your organs.

4. Decrease Sugar and Alcohol - give your liver a break with efforts to eliminate your sugar and alcohol intake. It doesn't have to be big, but even cutting out that second glass of wine at night, or eliminating the chocolate chip cookies for a week will make a big difference.

5. Drink Bone Broth - High in mineral content and known for it's immune boosting and gut healing abilities, drinking Bone Broth is one of most nourishing things you can do for yourself. Organic, store bought versions are available at Whole Foods and Organic Market and great options for those weeks when the hours are limited.

6. Schedule some Self-Care - with the kids out of school and company coming and going, our own self-care can quickly fall to the bottom of the list during the summer. September is a perfect time to recommit to yourself - get back to yoga, make your Acupuncture appointment, schedule a facial - whatever it is that takes care of you in the healthiest, most nurturing way.

7. Get a Good Night's Sleep - our bodies have the opportunity to heal and rejuvenate when we get a solid, restful night's sleep. As we enter the fall, Vata season (more on that in our next blog), routine is essential to our good health and wellness. Try to get into bed at the same time every night and develop a nighttime ritual that allows you to start unwinding an hour before you get into bed.

Most importantly, have fun implementing a few of these healthy tips into your life. Your self-care should feel exciting and good, not overwhelming and daunting. Before you know it, some of these healthy practices will become a regular part of your lifestyle and you will love the way you feel!

Getting To Know You - Jodi Fournier, LMT

You've been a Massage Therapist for nearly 20 years. How did you discover your love for Massage Therapy and know that it was a career path you needed to follow?

I had my first massage at the age of 22, right after graduating from college. It was at that moment that I realized the healing power of touch, and how it transformed me, on so many levels. For hours, and even days, after my first session, I felt I had more energy, clarity, and a sense of overall "well-being," unlike anything I had experienced before. Physically, I felt less tension in my body; emotionally, I was moved to tears, as layers upon layers of bottled emotions seemed to unravel.  It wasn't until I was 30, after several years of working in jobs and careers that were less than fulfilling, that I decided to take the "leap," and follow my dream. I wanted to be "that therapist" who would instill the same feelings that I had when I received my first massage at 22.  I enrolled in Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge, MA in 1997, and completed an intensive 950 hour program in February of 1999.

There has not been one day of regret in 20 years...

How would you describe your approach to your bodywork?

My massage technique(s) are multi-faceted.  I was trained in the "Benjamin System" of Muscular Therapy, where I was introduced to thousands of unique strokes, such as long (effleurage), which typically are slow in speed, encompassing larger muscles, like quads or hamstrings. There are also shorter strokes, which have very little movement, that I use for deeper, more concentrated work, where I wrap my fingers or palms around a smaller area and "hold" the tissue, while applying a firm touch to relieve tension.  I also like to incorporate some form of stretching when I do any type of bodywork, as it loosens the muscles and tendons, and helps to avoid any injury.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love the flexibility of being a Massage Therapist.  While raising my son (now 17), I was able to work around his schedule; fortunately, there was no need for day care when he was young as I would see clients on weekends and evenings, and his father would be home to watch him.  I also love the positive feedback I get from clients (still, after 20 years!). I genuinely love the feeling I get from helping others by way of touch, and I feel equally nourished at the end of each session.  It's a win-win!

You and your partner, Don, just moved to the Cape in the last year. What are some ways you're enjoying life on this special peninsula?

Don and I moved to Mashpee in December of 2016. We both love the beach, and anything "outdoors." We've enjoyed kayaking, biking the beautiful trails and along the beaches, and just purchased our first boat, which had its "maiden voyage" September 9th! We are so looking forward to exploring more of the Cape and all of its beauty in the Fall, the only season we have not experienced here so far.

I know we have kept you QUITE busy these last few months at the office. Can you tell us some ways you nourish yourself outside of the office, so you can keep giving so much to your clients?

Massage, as anyone knows, is so physical, and can be so draining, if a practitioner fails to take care of one's self.  Early on, I decided that I wanted to be a full time MT, 25-30 hours per week. For many years, I did do just that, but realized that my quality of life was suffering.  My family life suffered; I had no social life to speak of, and I felt like I was on "automatic pilot," much like I felt when I worked in corporate America.  I needed to change that cycle, and find a "happy medium."   When I reached my level of comfort, about 15-18 hours a week, I realized that I was sleeping better, not drained emotionally, only "somewhat" physically tired, and the balance was restored once again within my family and social network.  Saying "NO" was difficult, because MT'S are, by nature, givers, but saying "YES" to having balance and peace in my life, well...that was easy!

*For a limited time, enjoy a complimentary add-on of Lavender or Eucalyptus infused steamed towels added to your 75 or 90 Minute Session with Jodi.*

Jodi is available on Tuesdays, Fridays + every other Saturday.

School's Out - Teacher's Special

Celebrate the start of summer and enjoy some much needed self-care with our School's Out Special. If you are an Educator, Administrator, Guidance Counselor, School Nurse, Bus Driver, Cafeteria worker or Custodian (did we forget anyone?), we want to thank and honor YOU!

Come on in between June 23rd - June 30th and receive 15% off a 75 Minute Massage, 75 Minute Reflexology Session or a Hydrating Facial.

Sessions will fill quickly - reserve your time now. (508) 428-1288

Mention School's Out Special when booking appointment.

Getting to Know You - Elizabeth Longo, LMT

You've been a part of our team at Therapeutic Bodywork for over 5 years now (WOW!) and have a thriving clientele who loves you and your massage style. Can you tell us a little bit about how you approach your work?

It is hard to believe it has been that long already! They do say 'time flies when you are having fun' and I have definitely loved my time at TB.

Through the years, I have gathered a lot of tools, both literal and figurative, into my massage therapy 'tool box'. However, all of the techniques, strokes, stretches and gadgets, treatments, potions and lotions have become secondary features as I have grown and refined my craft since entering the world of massage and bodywork as a shiny new graduate.

I now understand that the most important tool or skill I possess for being an effective massage therapist is the ability to actively listen. I feel a really successful session is one that is able to best meet the needs of the client on that particular day. How an individual feels physically in their body, how they are feeling emotionally, and the level of 'mental gymnastics' they may be doing, or stress they may be experiencing; these things are constantly shifting. All of those elements, revealed in conversation with my clients, combine to paint me a picture of how to best approach their session and which tools should come out of the box that day. Those few minutes, (or sometimes not so few - ha, ha) of chatting before the work begins are absolutely essential. They are what transform a massage into 'working with' a person instead of 'working on' them - and that is a big difference!

What do you love most about what you do?

I am honestly terrible at picking favorites. I guess that makes it no surprise when I say that I love the endless variety in the work that I do. I see a diverse mix of clients with very different treatment needs, preferences and personalities. This is precisely why it doesn't feel like five years have come and gone around the massage table at Therapeutic Bodywork - no two days have ever been exactly alike! In this field that keeps growing and expanding, there is always more to learn and I love that too. I learn from my clients and co-workers each and every day. I feel that my life is enriched by the work that I do, and the people that I see each day, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

You've been having a lot of fun experimenting with the Lotus Wei Flower Essences and offer a session that bring Flower Essences into the massage. Can you tell us a little about them?

Flower essences are infusions of flowers stabilized in a mix of water and alcohol that are used primarily to promote balance in the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of being. They are subtle, gentle and supportive, lifting your spirits - like the gift of a beautiful and unexpected bouquet of flowers might do. Katie Hess, founder of Lotus Wei, describes them as 'liquid energy that transforms your mood and your mind through your acupuncture meridians'. She likens flower essences to tuning forks that bring your body back in tune with a subtle electrical vibration through sympathetic resonance. 

The elixirs that they have created are taken internally, like other flower essences, throughout the day, under the tongue or in your water or tea. What is so different and exciting to me about Lotus Wei is that they have also combined their flower essence compounds with synergistic essential oils to create a line of deliciously juicy flower essence serums.

These luscious, organic, regenerative serums are intended for use all over the face and body which makes them an almost effortless way to shift your state of mind and a perfect addition to a nourishing massage when you feel you need an extra 'boost'. Whether you are seeking more Joy, Peace, Love, Calm, Inspiration, or Energy, there is a blend for every mood. (Discover more in our Wellness Shop)

You also do a lot of work with Oncology clients. Can you tell us a little about this specialized area of work?

A person's journey after a cancer diagnosis can often be a physically, mentally, emotionally and financially challenging and exhausting one. Those offering Oncology Massage seek to be a small respite from it all, offering supportive, nurturing touch and encouraging relaxation. Unfortunately, massage and other complementary therapies can be cost prohibitive to incorporate while undergoing treatment. That is why we are so fortunate to have the Cape Wellness Collaborative as a resource in our region.

The CWC is a non-profit organization that provides Integrative Wellness Therapies to people facing cancer on Cape Cod + the Islands. Through their various fund raising events each year, they are able to do this at NO COST to the individual. It is a truly amazing thing, and I am proud to be a provider of massage for our community through the CWC.

It is important to determine the types of modifications in positioning, contact and pressure that may need to be made to keep the session comfortable, effective and safe for the client. With training, you learn what to be aware of both during and after active treatment, as chemotherapy and radiation can have long-lasting effects on the tissues and systems. As they say in Oncology Massage - 'Strong Medicine = Gentle Work'.

How do your nourish yourself outside of the office, so that you can continuously give to your clients so generously?

With TACOS! (Just kidding!) Silliness and laughter loom large in my self-care, you see. I feed my creative spirit by finding ways to feel childlike and free - in awe of the natural world. As a multi-passionate being I have lots of options for filling up the tank: gardening, reading, cooking, sewing, painting, drawing, singing, hiking, tinkering, splashing, drumming, exploring new places with my husband, and most of all - traveling to Maine to spend time with my sisters and play all sorts of imaginative games with my four-year-old niece.

*For the entire month of June, enjoy a Complimentary upgrade to a Flower Essence Enhanced session with every 75 or 90 minute session with Elizabeth*

Elizabeth is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays + every other Saturday

Living in Sync with the Season

Your Winter is Melting

Spring is a time of expansion. Just like the sprouts reaching forth from the hibernating depths of the soil, it is time to be reaching up and out. It is a time to be budding with excitement and flowering with joy for the anticipation of summer sun and fun. If spring has arrived and your inner light is feeling downtrodden and overburdened, then a closer look outdoors may help.

In Spring, it is hard to miss the bright colors bursting forth from the dark earth tones of winter. For some, however, it is easier to look outdoors and see the heavy rains and mud treaded earth. Just like a seed beneath the ground, if we are struggling to feel the nourishment of the rains and the expansion upward toward the growing warmth of the sun, then we must look inward to see that which is bogging us down. Is the soil above our heads dense and suffocating? Are we drowning in our own internal mud as winter melts away?

Winter was the time to go deep and look inward. As spring bursts forth, we too spring outward and bring with us whatever we found in our depths over the long winter months. If we lived accordingly in the previous year, then we burst forth with new vigor and strength. If not then we do not burst forth anew, but struggle to come out of our cold New England hibernation and alternatively struggle to transition into spring.

If you are not experiencing the energy and vigor of spring and instead are experiencing sluggishness and inertia (often as gas, constipation, achiness, heaviness, stress, allergies, congestion and/or fatigue) then your body is most likely overburdened and needs some extra attention.

Fortunately, in Chinese Medicine, Spring is the season of the wood element where the Liver and Gallbladder systems are predominant. If we help them along with a few simple lifestyle choices, then we will be living in accordance with nature and begin to enjoy this harmony if continued in the coming year.

First, rise with the sun! Do not take exception, awake before the sunrise and you will be guaranteed to carry the lightness of the sun with you through your day. Arising up to 1.5 hours before 6am is a practice for longevity.

Secondly, lighten up. For many this may mean losing weight, but in general, this means to start eating lighter. We don't need as much food for protection and storage as we did in the winter months. Instead, we think more bitter, pungent and spicy foods while also easing up on dairy, meat and rich, heavier foods. It is also wise to only eat when hungry and 'fast' on ginger tea when necessary. Think light, think green.

Next, Poop More! Yes, it has been said, going number two in the spring is very important. All organs of elimination need to be working optimally to ensure proper detoxification and this includes the colon. If you are feeling backed up and sluggish, or experiencing gas and bloating, then consider psyillium husk to bulk up the stool or triphala to cleanse and rejuvenate the colon.

Lastly, one may also consider stretches that mimic the upward and outward movement of nature or twists and bends that enliven the liver and gallbladder. Either way, take all your winter resolutions and put them into play this spring. It is the time to get moving and stay invigorated. Regain your momentum for the coming year by not letting your winter 'meltings' turn into mud.

Dr. Deb Salazar is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist who specializes in women's health, fertility and difficult/stubborn/chronic/recalcitrant disease. If you are interested in how acupuncture, herbs and Chinese Medicine can help you this Spring, please call (508) 428-1288 to schedule an appointment or click the button below.