Bone Broth Recipe

Bone Broth Recipe (adapted from Nourishing Traditions)

CHICKEN STOCK*

1 whole free-range chicken or 2 to 3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones and wings*

gizzards from one chicken (optional)

2-4 chicken feet (optional)

4 quarts cold filtered water

2 tablespoons vinegar

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped

1 bunch parsley

If you are using a whole chicken, cut off the wings and remove the neck, fat glands and the gizzards from the cavity. Cut chicken parts into several pieces. (If you are using a whole chicken, remove the neck and wings and cut them into several pieces.) Place chicken or chicken pieces in a large stainless steel pot with water, vinegar and all vegetables except parsley. Let stand 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bring to a boil, and remove scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 6 to 8 hours. The longer you cook the stock, the richer and more flavorful it will be. About 10 minutes before finishing the stock, add parsley. This will impart additional mineral ions to the broth.

Remove whole chicken or pieces with a slotted spoon. If you are using a whole chicken, let cool and remove chicken meat from the carcass. Reserve for other uses, such as chicken salads, enchiladas, sandwiches or curries. Strain the stock into a large bowl and reserve in your refrigerator until the fat rises to the top and congeals. Skim off this fat and reserve the stock in covered containers in your refrigerator or freezer.

*Recipe courtesy of Aimee Raupp

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