feel vibrant this holiday; your guide to thrive

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection, but it can also be a whirlwind of obligations, late nights, and endless to-do lists. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and neglect your own well-being, leaving you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the brink of burnout.

Taking small, intentional steps to care for yourself will help you stay vibrant and present, ensuring you can navigate the busyness without losing sight of what truly matters. Here are some simple yet effective tips to prevent burnout, stay grounded, and feel vibrant throughout the holidays:

Schedule Self-Care - The holidays are all about giving, but don’t overlook giving to yourself. Whether it’s a Reflexology session, a hydrating Holiday GLOW Facial, or a relaxing Massage, regular care can keep you feeling grounded and rejuvenated. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to show up for others with kindness and generosity.

Celebrate Connection, Not Perfection - The magic of the season lies in meaningful connections, not in perfect decorations or extravagant gifts. Let go of the pressure to create a flawless holiday. Instead, cherish the moments that bring joy—whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, or simply being present with loved ones.

Gargle - Gargling for 30 seconds or more will stimulate your vagus nerve, triggering a relaxation response in the body and increasing your overall stress resilience. Gargle with water after you brush your teeth or grab our Sinus + Allergy Throat Gargle to ward off a host of allergy and sinus related issues, while stimulating your vagus nerve.

Spend Time Outside Daily - Nature is a powerful mood booster, even in the chill of winter. Studies show that spending time outdoors enhances energy and well-being. Just 10 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference. Bundle up, breathe in the crisp air, and let the beauty of nature fuel your spirit.

Sip Warm Water and Tea - Hydration is the key to keeping your mind sharp and your body functioning optimally. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood and energy. Warm water or herbal teas not only hydrate but also soothe your system during colder months. Keep a thermos handy and sip throughout the day to stay nourished and vibrant.

Eat Mindfully - Holiday feasts are meant to be enjoyed, but balance is key. Start meals with nutrient-rich options like vegetables or protein to stabilize blood sugar and avoid overindulging in sweets. Mindful eating ensures you savor every bite without feeling weighed down.

This season, prioritize your well-being so you can embrace the holidays with a full heart and vibrant energy. Wishing you a joyful, balanced, and truly memorable holiday!

holiday gift guide

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The holiday season is here, and finding meaningful gifts can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Therapeutic Bodywork has everything you need to make your holiday shopping stress-free and easy. Our Wellness Shop is FULL of carefully curated products to support self-care and nourish the mind, body, and spirit. From essentials for daily self-care to tools that promote relaxation and recovery, our selection offers something for everyone.

All products are available to ship anywhere in the US.

If you’re a local, simply choose ‘Pickup in store’ and we’ll get your gifts wrapped and ready and to go for easy shopping!

Unique Gifts Under $50

Meaningful and budget-friendly gifts that inspire relaxation, mindfulness, and comfort. Perfect for bringing a touch of wellness to the holiday season, these thoughtful options are ideal for anyone seeking a little extra joy and care in their daily routine.

For the Skin Care Lover

Treat the beauty enthusiasts in your life to gifts that elevate their skincare rituals. From age-defying essentials to tools that enhance relaxation and rejuvenation, these luxurious picks are perfect for nurturing radiant, healthy skin all season long.

For the Athlete

Support the active individuals in your life with gifts that help them perform at their best and recover with ease. From hydration and muscle recovery essentials to tools that relieve tension and enhance mobility, these thoughtful picks are perfect for keeping athletes energized and ready to tackle their next challenge.

For Stress Relief

Give the gift of calm with soothing items designed to ease tension and promote relaxation. Perfect for unwinding after a long day, these thoughtful picks bring moments of peace and balance to both adults and kids alike.

botox results without the risks

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Considering diving into the world of botox but concerned about the side effects and need for regular upkeep? Microchanneling is an ideal alternative if you prefer a non-toxic, long-lasting option that works with your own body’s natural abilities and benefits the health and beauty of your skin from the inside out. 

While Microchanneling and Botox can both help achieve a youthful look, Microchanneling offers unique advantages, especially if you're seeking a more natural, long-term approach. Here’s why microchanneling can be a better choice:

Say goodbye to ‘Frozen Face’

Botox: Works by temporarily paralyzing specific facial muscles to smooth wrinkles. While effective, it can sometimes create an artificial “frozen” look, especially if overused.

Microchanneling: Stimulates your body’s natural healing process, encouraging collagen and elastin production. This approach doesn’t change muscle movement, so the results look and feel completely natural.

Long-Term Benefits that Build Over Time

Botox: Requires ongoing maintenance, with effects lasting around 3-6 months. It addresses wrinkles temporarily but doesn’t improve skin texture or quality over time.

Microchanneling: Delivers long-term benefits, as each session builds upon the last, making skin stronger and more resilient with a naturally youthful glow. Results continue to improve as collagen production increases, offering lasting improvements.

Non-Toxic, No Injections

Botox: Involves repeated injections of botulinum toxin. The injection process can be uncomfortable and cause side effects like bruising, swelling, or headaches.

Microchanneling: Uses a gentle, non-invasive technique that tricks your skin into thinking it’s been ‘wounded’, encouraging a cascade of collagen and elastic production, resulting in firmer, healthier skin without the potential risks of toxins or injections.

Improved Skin Texture and Tone

Botox: Primarily targets dynamic wrinkles but doesn’t affect skin texture, pore size, or overall tone.

Microchanneling: Reduces the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, large pores, and uneven tone. This leads to smoother, more even skin overall.

Support Skin Health to Prevent Future Signs of Aging

Botox: Works best for those with established dynamic wrinkles but does little to prevent deeper lines from forming.

Microchanneling: Supports skin health by boosting collagen production from an early stage, making it an excellent choice for preventative care. This can help maintain youthful skin before deeper lines and wrinkles develop.

 
 

Book your microchanneling session today for natural, non-invasive results.

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Fall into Balance: Tips for a Smooth Transition to Fall

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As the days become shorter and the warmth of the summer sun begins to fade we move away from the expansive and outward (yang) energy of summer and into the more reflective and slower (yin) energy of winter.  Fall is a pivotal season between summer and winter and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a time when our Qi is most unstable. It is a time of transition, reflection, and letting go. Just as the trees shed their leaves, we are encouraged to release old habits, emotions, and ways of being to create space for new growth and preparation for winter.

Governed by the Metal element, the Fall season is connected to the Lung and Large Intestine meridians which control our ability to "take in" and "let go." The lungs, which draw in fresh air, and the large intestine, which expels waste, mirror this natural cycle of release and renewal. The climate of the fall season is dry which can directly affect the body, particularly the lungs and skin, which are also responsible for moisture regulation.

Signs of Balance and Imbalance in Fall

An unbalanced state in fall often manifests as:

  • Respiratory issues, such as dry coughs or congestion

  • Dry skin or constipation

  • Excessive grief, melancholy, or difficulty letting go of past experiences

In contrast, a balanced state during fall looks like:

  • Clarity and emotional resilience

  • Clear, hydrated skin

  • A strong immune system with the lungs and large intestine functioning optimally to protect and cleanse the body

  • The ability to process and release grief, moving through the season with grounded energy and a sense of emotional peace

Create a Balanced Fall Season

Diet

So long, salads and watermelon!  Consuming raw, cold foods during winters accumulates water within the body resulting in congestion, heaviness, lethargy. Instead try:

  • Moistening Foods: To balance the dryness of fall, TCM recommends incorporating moistening foods like pears, apples, sweet potatoes, and honey.

  • Warming Foods: As the weather cools, warming foods such as ginger, garlic, and root vegetables are recommended to support the body's yang energy.

  • Nourishing Soups and Stews: Break out the crock pot and cook large batches of soups and stews using bone broth, root vegetables and warming spices to aid in digestion, boost immunity, and soothe the respiratory system.

Lifestyle:

  • Embrace Rest and Routine: A structured routine can provide stability and help manage the transition from the more active and spontaneous summer months to the slower winter months. Aim for consistent bedtimes and wake times to support your body’s natural rhythms. 

  • Get Organized: Use the fall season to de-clutter your home, creating a more organized and peaceful environment in preparation for the winter months when you will be spending more time indoors.

  • Let It Go: The large intestine encourages us to let go, so take some time to think about what might no longer serve you – whether it is a habit, a relationship, personal belongings, or even outdated opinions that you hold about yourself. Thank it for its service in the past and let it go.

Activity:

  • Focus On Your Breath: Strengthen the lungs and calm the mind with deep breathing exercises or gentle movements that focus on breathing such as qi gong and yoga.

  • Get Outside: Take advantage of the crisp fall air and vibrant foliage by walking local nature trails or beaches. Nature walks not only support your lung health, but they are also a great time to process emotions and release unwanted thoughts.

  • Self-Care Practices: Consider treatments that support emotional well-being and lung health such as reflexology, acupuncture, and massage. Keep your skin hydrated and restore the moisture barrier with the Oxygenating Trio Facial. Boost your immune system and support your lungs to prevent illness in the colder months with Elderberry, The Lungs Fire Tonic, and Nasya Oil.

From Abundance to Grounding: transition into late summer

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As the long days of summer start to shorten, we enter the unique period of Late Summer. You may already feel the transition from the long, carefree days of summer to a more inward, quiet energy drawing you back to routine and regularity. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this powerful fifth season, which takes place from from mid-August to the fall equinox in September, invites us to cultivate practices that will sustain us through the approaching autumn and winter season. It’s time to take stock in the celebration and abundance of summer and let that nourish both our body and mind. Although this is a short season, it can be marked with intense transformation in nature and within yourself.

Late Summer is associated with the Earth Element and the Spleen and Stomach organs.  When these factors are out of balance, you may experience a variety of digestive issues such as well as feelings of heaviness, fatigue and swelling. Issues like brain fog, trouble concentrating, overthinking and worry can also arise.

During the hot days of Late Summer, you can also experience issues of dampness - humidity, heaviness, phlegm - which show up in the body in many ways including physical fatigue, mental fatigue, anxiety, digestive problems, and muscle weakness, to name a few. 

When Earth is balanced it manifests as satisfaction, integrity and harmony. There are many ways you can support yourself to effectively transition into the Late Summer Season and achieve this balance in the body and mind.

Tips for living in harmony with the Late Summer Season:

Diet:

Because the spleen and stomach meridian systems are particularly impacted by dampness, food therapy becomes so important to keep everything on track. 

  • Focus on healthy digestion: Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid cold or raw foods that can strain your digestion. Instead, opt for lightly cooked meals that are easy to digest.

  • Eat breakfast between 7-9am: According to the Chinese Medicine clock, the Stomach has optimal digestive capacity between 7-9am. Your meal should be substantial and fortifying. Optimal breakfast foods are energetically warming foods, such as breakfast congee, sweet potatoes, and eggs.

  • Enjoy nutrient dense, seasonal fruits and veggies: Favor foods like melons, berries, cherries, tomatoes, summer squash, rice and oats as their sweet flavors naturally strengthen the Stomach and Spleen. Cooling and damp draining foods like celery, spinach, mushrooms, radish, asparagus, broccoli and seaweed keep damp-heat from accumulating in the system. Opt for cooler proteins like turkey, duck, clams, white fish, lentils, chickpeas, tofu and tempeh. 

Lifestyle

  • Establish a Routine: As we wind down from the uber-busy summer season, now is the time to get back to a daily routine that includes regular meals, sleep, and relaxation times. Consistency can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of stability.

  • Connect with your community: Participate in local events, such as farmers' markets, or plan a fun activity with friends. Sharing meals and spending time with loved ones can enhance your emotional well-being and create a sense of belonging allowing you to feel grounded and satisfied.

  • Be mindful of what you mentally ingest: As our focus turns to the health of our Spleen and Stomach organ systems and its relationship to the "Yi"- our mind and intellect- we need to be mindful about what we MENTALLY ingest, as well. Think about your relationship with social media and the news and create boundaries around screen time.

Activity

  • Workout between 9am-11am: While the stomach is most active from 7am-9am, the Spleen’s energy is at it’s peak between 9am-11am. During this time, the spleen is most efficient at transforming and transporting nutrients, making it an ideal time for activities that involve the muscles, such as an exercise class, yoga, or walking. It is also a great time to treat the muscles with cupping, massage and topical rubs, like Moonglow Minerals Magnesium Cream.

  • Book a session at Therapeutic Bodywork to treat your muscles and calm your mind.

    • Acupuncture: Acupuncture can help regulate the Stomach and Spleen organs, improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gastrointestinal health.

    • Reflexology: Reflexology can stimulate points related to the Stomach and Spleen to reduce bloating and alleviate symptoms of indigestion. 

    • Skin Care: Damp conditions can lead to clogged pores and dull skin. Book a Deep Pore Detox Facial for a deep cleanse that will leave your skin visibly clearer and more radiant.

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By embracing the practices of TCM during Late Summer, you can foster a sense of balance and well-being that will carry you through the coming seasons with vitality and harmony.