A Healthy Transition to Fall

Autumn is the season of transition as we move from the light, long days to shorter, darker days. In Chinese Medicine, it is known to be the season when our Qi is most unstable, as the yang of summer transitions to a quieter, slower, more introspective yin energy. As we move towards the Autumn Equinox next week, it is a great time to start slowing down and get back to a nourishing routine.

Ease into fall with a few of these simple, self-care rituals:

  1. Deep Breaths:  Fall is the associated with the lungs in Chinese Medicine and one of the best ways to strengthen the lungs is to breathe deeply. Many of us move through an entire day without taking deep breaths. Not taking deep breaths can affect things like our memory, energy levels and immune system. So, go out for a walk outside, notice the beautiful colors of nature around you and fill those lungs with deep breaths of fresh air.

  2. Warm It Up: It’s time to start cooking again! Cold, raw food creates dampness and mucus which can weaken the lungs and interfere with the transportation of nutrients and energy in the body. Move away from the smoothies and salads and start warming up your food.

  3. Let Go: The colon is the second organ associated with this season, which is responsible for eliminating things that are unnecessary in the body. Autumn is a perfect season to do the same in your life; purge your closets, let go of relationships that no longer serve you, clean out your office.

  4. Hydrate: Autumn is also associated with dryness, so sipping on teas and warm water is essential to stay hydrated and keep all systems functioning optimally. Good hydration will also support the colon and help with better elimination.

  5. Sunshine: Even though the days are getting shorter, there’s still plenty of sunshine and taking in 20 minutes of unfiltered sunlight everyday is one of the simplest things you can do that will enhance your health in a myriad of ways. So while we still have the warmer temps, get the morning sun on your skin for 15-20 minutes.

As you get back to your wellness routine this fall, we are here to support your transition with Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Skin Care, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage and CranioSacral. We look forward to continuing to help support all of your health and wellness goals through this fall season and beyond.

LED Light Therapy - Why You Want It

What is LED Light Therapy? 

Low-level light therapy, also known as photobiostimulation, is the application of light energy to the body to obtain therapeutic benefits. The treatment is for all skin types, and is non-invasive, painless, and requires absolutely no downtime. 

How does LED Light Therapy work?

Red and near-infrared wavelengths are utilized in the LED light therapy devices to combat the signs of aging. These specific wavelengths of light energy are clinically verified to enhance your body's natural ability to generate collagen and elastin by activating the fibroblast cells. This reaction in the cells triggered by the red light, supports skin rejuvenation and boosts smoothness, elasticity, and appearance. 

While red light stimulates collagen and helps promote elasticity, blue light is designed to target blemishes and prevent breakouts. Blue LED light, especially in combination with red light therapy, triggers a natural response in human tissue, killing acne-causing bacteria, decreasing inflammation, and improving skin tone, texture, and clarity from the inside out. 

What are the benefits? 

  • Skin rejuvenation 

  • Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines

  • Decrease in inflammation

  • Improve skin tone and texture

  • Decrease and prevent acne breakouts

  • Increase lymphatic system activity

Is LED Light Therapy right for me?

The treatment is for all skin types and is completely painless. Clinical studies have shown this therapy was well-tolerated by all patients with no adverse effects.

Is there anyone LED Light Therapy isn’t right for?

If you are taking photosensitive medication or have epilepsy, LED light therapy is not recommended. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the LED light should not be placed over the stomach or breasts. The LED light should not be placed over a cancer site. 

All clients will complete an intake form to disclose any applicable medical conditions that may be contraindicated. 

I’m ready to book, what do I need to know? 

LED Light Therapy can be added to any skin care session (Facial, Microchanneling, Peels, etc.). The LED device will be placed over your face for 30 minutes, leaving you feeling relaxed, glowing and enhancing the effects of your skin care treatment. Skin should also be free of clothing, makeup, or anything else that may deflect light away from the skin.

Now Offering - Ashiatsu

We are beyond excited to be offering Ashiatsu Massage at Therapeutic Bodywork with Winny Harlow and Kirsten van der Bil.

This session is deeper than ‘deep tissue’ and we think you’ll be blown away by how precise and deeply relaxing a massage with the feet can be.

What is Ashiatsu Massage? 

In the Japanese language “Ashi” translates to foot and “Atsu” into pressure. Ashiatsu Massage is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. These long fluid strokes also help flush the body’s lymphatic system, releasing toxins in the body. 

Working with the client on the massage table and using bars installed on the ceiling for balance, the Ashiatsu Therapist is able to work with gravity, instead of against it, to deliver up to 3x deeper pressure than with traditional hands-on treatment. Utilizing the broad surface of your foot as your massage tool provides consistent pressure and contours to the body making it one of the deepest, most relaxing sessions. 

Is Ashiatsu Massage right for me?

Anyone can benefit from Ashiatsu Massage but it is especially beneficial for those who find they do not receive enough pressure from a traditional therapeutic massage. This modality is also great for athletes and people who are muscular or have dense tissue.

Is there anyone Ashiatsu isn’t right for?

If you are pregnant, have had major surgeries in the last 6 weeks, or are currently taking pain pills or steroids, Ashiatsu Massage wouldn’t be the right fit for you.

What should I wear?

Just like a traditional massage, you will remove your clothing and be covered with a sheet/blanket on the massage table. You are welcome to remove your underwear, or leave it on - whatever is more comfortable for you!

How long is the session?

Your Ashiatsu Massage will last for 90 minutes. You will also have time before the session begins to discuss any specific needs or areas of focus with your Massage Therapist.