Into the Depths With Deep Tissue Massage

Many times a month we get calls asking if we do deep tissue massage. If you've checked our website, you will notice that deep tissue massage is not listed as one of our services. In this article, I'd like to explain why we do not offer deep tissue massage; why we actually think deep tissue massage can be injurious; outline better options, for better results, than deep tissue massage.

We start with a basic assumption that muscles always win. When a muscle is tight, in spasm, injured, over used or lacking good blood flow - it is not reliably possible to force the muscle to get better by digging into it and deeply manipulating the muscle. If you get poked in the eye; you don't help the inured eye by poking it again? If you bang your thumb with a hammer; you don't make it feel better by hitting it again with a hammer? (At least I hope not) Likewise, with injured or painful muscles it doesn't make a lot of sense to do things that perpetuate pain or injury.

A muscle, under a microscopic view, is made up of many very fine hair like fibers that act together as a group to create muscle contractions. Under stress, these fibers are easily damaged and can range from small fiber tears to full muscle tears. It is actually pretty amazing how these tiny fibers combine together to perform movements and handle weight loads. Additionally, a muscle and the little fibers that make a muscle create movement, only has one movement function - contraction. The same muscle that is contracted does not have its own ability to un-contract and re-extend itself. The only thing a muscle can do after contraction is - release. A contracted muscle, even when the fibers release and relax, needs help re-extending by the action of opposing muscles. The same muscle can not extend itself to a non-contracted position without help. It makes sense then, that simply working a muscle in a contracted state is not going to actually help it get back to pre-contracted or normal position without some type of supportive movement, opposing stretch, or opposing muscle activity. 

There can be several reasons for sore muscles, such as: build up of waste products (lactic acid) due to exercise or over use; lack of blood flow (ischemic issues); stretched or inflamed tendons (tendinitis); ripped or torn muscle fibers or tendons (worst case - surgery). In any case, deep tissue massage is not likely to produce the best results. Granted, deep tissue manipulation may incidentally help move out lactic acid or improve blood flow - but, because we can't see inside the muscle (unless we have an MRI); we can't know exactly what is happening. Nor, can we only assume one thing is going on. Therefore, the risk of increasing injury or pain with deep tissue massage is pretty high - especially when many massage therapists performing deep tissue massage are not well trained in the process.

Over the years, we have found that there are various options to help sore or injured muscles that do not rely on deep tissue techniques. Depending on our clients situation, the following techniques may be effective:

• slow pumping and kneading of the muscle
• slow and progressive stretches across the muscle insertions
• contrasting cold and heat applications
• gentle relaxation of the muscle by shortening the insertion points to help the muscle reset and relax (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
• use of essentials oils that create an analgesic effect or improve blood flow to the area
• slow range of motion movements, with or without, active resistance
• thai yoga massage stretching techniques
• acupressure point manipulation
• focused breathing and intention to relax the tight or spasmed muscle

The above listed techniques work with the body to help facilitate the natural repair methods that ultimately are what allow for healing to occur. These options are also more likely to be available when a client is in acute pain because these options are gentle and non-aggressive. Because other options exist, we stay away from deep tissue massage and offer services, that more likely than not, will provide benefit without the risk of making things worse.   Click here for more information about Wishing Wellness

Wellness and Healing Crises

It is a new year! Welcome in 2018. The beginning of a fresh year often sparks new or renewed interest in making positive changes in one's life. There is a long standing tradition of making "New Year's Resolutions." At our wellness center, we see an increased interest in our various services by potential and new clients seeking to improve or enhance their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual well being - and that is a great thing. Whether attributed to the spark of a new year, or some other motivator or catalyst, anything that promotes self-improvement and wellness is welcome.

A positive attitude is a primary factor in obtaining our goals - isn't it? We always help our client's try and stay focused on the positive side of things. Our therapeutic hypnosis always tries to help our client's conscious and unconscious aspects tend to their strengths. Our massage & bodywork always targets improvement. Our energy work always highlights inner strength and spiritual positivism. One of our primary goals is to always be a cheerleader for improvement. We always avoid the negative in order to use whatever we can offer to focus on the positive. However, this might be the perfect time to take a step back and provide a little disclaimer about health, wellness and balance.

Why be such a Debbie Downer (I hope no one that reads this is really named that and takes offense) at this optimistic time of the year?  Being aware and forewarned prepares us and gives strength for overcoming one of the biggest obstacles to sustaining our improvement and positive outcomes over the long run. Sometimes, in some situations, our attempts at improvement are met with a natural and inherent resistance to change.

Whether we are seeking physical, mental, emotional or spiritual improvement; an attempted positive shift in the status quo, even from a status quo that is not the best for us, toward improvement, can be met with initial resistance or setbacks. This is the nature of a "healing crisis." There may be rebellious factors in our mind, body, environment, family, or spirit that are slow to change or downright resistant to our efforts. These change challenges are normal, acceptable and expected. In fact, these obstacles represent a vary reliable marker that we are on the correct track toward improvement. By definition, changing the status quo requires meeting and overcoming the natural challenges mustered to keep the status quo in place.

We could choose to quit, stop or back-off from our intended goals when we meet this resistance. This is what many people do when their New Year's Resolution isn't turning out exactly how they expected. A good intention quickly becomes an aborted attempt. Or, we can welcome the resistance; acknowledge it as a sign along the pathway toward our goal; push forward with our desire for improvement; knowing that in order to improve, we must overcome the stagnated and sluggish energy or errant thinking that created our lack of balance and wellness.

Knowing.... most certainly as you can..... that your desire to improve may be challenged by the natural resistance to change..... can offer you a tool to be used in your favor..... in preparation for your growth and goal accomplishment - you now know this... and whether aware or unaware... can use it to your advantage to obtain your goals and resolutions. (a little hypnotic verbiage there)

As pictured above, like a drop of water, in the water, creating a point of change; I hope you have a wonderful year, and it is what it needs to be, for you.   Cick here for more info about Wishing Wellness                 

Lymphatic, Trigger Point, Acupressure, Meridian Sessions at Wishing Wellness

We have recently added a page to our website that discuss lymphatic massage, trigger point, acupressure and meridian based therapies. These types of sessions are subtle and focused experiences. Focused sessions, like these, have a wide range of potential benefits for many people, either at a time of distress and discomfort or prophylactically.  we hope you take some time to review our information regarding these sessions.  Click here for our page.

What is "Wellness?" - Why Do We Do What We Do?

Many times we are asked by current or future clients why we chose the path we have in regard to the services we provide. The simple answer is - We continually learn, research, try out, and keep what helps our clients achieve health and wellness. That simple answer is the tip of the mountain of "why." For those who want more detail, as to our "why," I'll do the best I can to explain how we came to where we are today with our philosophy. 

We are all complete, whole, complex beings. There are no parts that are divisible from other parts. In order to make sense of things, humans try to simplify things. That simplification complicates the understanding of the complexity of wellness. In order to help expand awareness, I use the terms: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual to explain various areas of our human package. But, this is still weak in terms of describing our human nature. In reality, there are no divisions in our human nature or the world around us. We are complex miracles of existence, as is all of nature. So, the following explanation I provide is flawed. The fact is, no one can really explain our existence. To do so travels into the realm of trying to explain the un-explainable.

The gift of life comes with an amazing capability of self-preservation and self-healing. In our Western model of allopathic medicine, we rely heavily on drugs or surgery to help us stay alive and healthy. Sometimes we get lost in thinking that these methods are actually "healing" techniques. I am not really aware of any drug or surgery technique that "heals." Our modern methods really provide a opportunity that gives a compromised person's body the ability to "heal" itself. As a drastic example, if a person can't naturally keep up with immune system responses to cancer; a surgeon will cut out the bad spot in order to let the body focus on keeping the rest of the person healthy and heal. A broken bone is put in a cast to immobilize it so that the body can heal the bone. In many cases, drugs are prescribed to relieve symptoms so that, while our body takes time to fight off illness, the pain or yuckiness is more bearable. In almost all cases - even modern medicine is an attempt to let the body heal itself. We are our own best "healer."

If you believe what I have said makes sense or sounds true, then it positions us to have a better understanding of why we offer our types of services. Our primary goal, a pretty singular goal, is to help a person be in the best position possible to be hardy, healthy and naturally be able to maintain their health and wellness. Since we are complex Beings, we offer services that address (please remember, even as I say this it is an artificial division of a person) physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of wellness. 

Given the chance, our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) (a portion of the autonomic nervous system) is designed to help us naturally heal and repair ourselves. The PNS is often called the "rest and digest" system. At different times such as when we sleep, rest, meditate, are in a hypnotic state, relaxed from a massage... any time when we are relaxed, the PNS helps our immune system be hardy and our body to heal itself. 

Unfortunately, because not much in life is simple, there is another system that opposes the beneficial effects of the PNS. Still part of the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is known as the "fight or flight" system. We need this system too! I don't want to stress you out - but, can you imagine if an animal were attacking you? In that situation, you don't want to be relaxed, muscles loose, breathing easy; you need a lot of blood to the muscles, deep breathing, quick responses, improved eyesight... you need to escape and survive. The SNS has a very good and specific purpose. 

The problem is that as we have evolved, the kinds of stress we handle aren't much about escaping from wild animals anymore. Our stress might be long work days, financial, emotional, heavy lifting, family issues. Our stress can be become non-stop, unrelenting, and insidious. The SNS is not designed to be kept at high alert all the time. In fact, after a while, constant stress is mentally, emotionally and physically overwhelming. We could not function if we were actually aware of that stress, so our bodies habituate to the stress.

Have you ever entered a room with really loud noises, bright lights or strong smells? When you walk in the room it hits your pretty hard; but, after a while, you don't seem to notice the impact of those obnoxious issues. That is an example of habituation. In order to help us function, our body has an ability to tune out things that are overwhelming to us - even physical pain. Habituation comes into play even with constant stress. Eventually, we tune out the stressor. The stressor still exists, we just become numb to it. However, because the stressor still exists, the SNS is still active and in a higher level base line activation state. Whenever the SNS is highly active, the PNS can not be active. Normally the SNS and PNS balance each other. In sustained stress situations, the SNS overrides the ability of the PNS to do its job and we aren't even aware. We may not know how much stress we are under. We are habituated to stress. This situation leads to suppressed immune system function and a subsequent inability of the body to remain healthy or heal itself naturally - enter drugs, surgery, hypertension, cardiac issues and proliferation of cancer. This is a simplified explanation and there are many variables, but for the most part, this is a true story.

Tada!  We now arrive at our "why" we chose an apparent strange mix of services and offerings. We have chosen to try and bridge the gap between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas. Our education, experience and services are designed to, directly or indirectly, help our clients reduce stress, become more centered and balanced, and improve the ability of their PNS to do its job. 

Welcome in the PNS; settle down the SNS. When the PNS functions are more apparent, people can reacquaint themselves with their stressors (which may have become invisible to them due to habituation) and develop strategies to minimize the negative impact on their health and wellness. We use what we have found to work: massage & bodywork, counseling & psychotherapy, therapeutic hypnosis, meditation, Reiki, breathing, aromatherapy, herbology, Shamanic practices... 

Please take a moment to look at the picture at the beginning of this article. True balance can be a matter of perspective. Holistic wellness requires holistic balance. Energy stagnation or congestion encourages illness. Smooth energy flow encourages health. Each one of us is our own best healer. Now and in the future, you can choose to be healthier and happier, isn't that so?     

                   

What Happens Naturally

I walked across the street from the office this morning - I was impressed by what I saw. I thought I would share the picture that I took. Apparently even nature can appear to have conflicting moods; appearing calm on the surface, yet something very strong brewing at the same time. I imagine, as you also probably know, this could be the same for people at times. The interesting thing is, nature is, what it is. A raw form of energy, pure, powerful and inherently self-sustaining. Here long before us and certainly here after we leave. Apparently it is a natural state for Nature (capital "N" here intended) to co-exist with contrasts and diversity. It just happens - naturally. Often, when people encounter what appear to be conflicting energies, emotions, or thoughts, they frequently struggle to resist the dichotomy or confusion. Singularity or simplicity of purpose seems to be a human goal. I felt encouraged after seeing what I saw this morning. Learning from a perfect teacher - Nature; I may choose to look deeper into what I try to simplify and sort out. Maybe strangeness, diversity, complexity, struggle, even chaos, are simply experiences that I need to perceive and accept - Naturally.

Sex Therapy - The Hidden Factor to Many Relationship Issues

Over the last several months I have had several couples approach me for "couples" or "marriage therapy." Sometimes the issues that they present are the common ones, such as: money, discipline of the children, differences in how things should be done, differences in expectations....  In a few of the situations, the issues have been more subtle. It seemed that when one issue was resolved, a new issue cropped up. The couples and I felt like we were trying to hit a moving target.

Over the years, I have learned that when the content of an issue changes, but the interpersonal processes remain the same, the root cause of the issue has yet to be addressed. After some good work on the part of the clients, a common description was provided by these couples - "We get along OK. It seems like we can be good friends, but when it comes to actual or expected intimacy, that is when things start to get difficult." Often times, the intimacy did not appear to be the issue, but after some digging, the intimacy issues were the factor that led to the other arguments or issues. In some of the more significant situations, this led to mental abuse, infidelity, distancing in the relationship by substituting intimacy with pornography or other like substitutes. The other "issues" seemed like they were the issue - but they were not the primary thing that was making the couples feel raw, or angry, or insecure.

In more than a few of the situations, it turned out that one of the partners had a past history of sexual abuse. Upon further conversation and therapy, due to the abuse or some other factor, intimacy, as expressed via sexuality, was not a desirable or comfortable place for that person to be. In several cases, the person either had issues achieving orgasm (anorgasmia) or general relationship based arousal. This can then either lead to avoidance of sexual activity, or participating sexually, but not really enjoying one's self. In either situation, the other partner picks up on the lack of desirable participation and that sets off the cycle of "relationship issues."

Most people would agree, the difference between "really good friends" and "couples" is the sexual intimacy. For couples to feel as though they are really "couples," as opposed to friends or roommates, reciprocal, mutually satisfying sexuality is a key component.

Emotional sexual dysfunction (as opposed to physiologically based dysfunction) can be helped with counseling and psychotherapy. Therapeutic hypnosis can be a great tool to use in helping people overcome issues with sexual functioning. Sexual intimacy in the context of a "couples" relationship is a very important part to a full and fulfilling, mutually satisfying, relationship. Enjoying life and experiencing it to its fullest should be a part of our wonderful existence.

Although sexual desire, functioning and intimacy are extremely personal topics, seeking help and achieving your personal goals in your relationship is important. You may be surprised as to how different things can be. People deserve to celebrate life, themselves, and their relationships to the fullest.    

Sacred Lomi - Why?

Some clients have asked for additional information regarding the Sacred Lomi bodywork session. I am including information here that was previously published in an article that I wrote. Before we get to that info - I am often asked why I choose to offer Sacred Lomi and why I feel it is such a powerful session. I do not assume that everyone will respond to a Sacred Lomi in the same way. For some clients, it is just a nice, long, relaxing session. For other clients, it is much more.

Getting out of one's mind and simply experiencing the here and now has a very powerful effect. The process and nature of a Sacred Lomi is designed to enhance a sense of a journey, right of passage, or rebirth. For many clients, either bodywork or counseling based, the Sacred Lomi is a physical method to feel emotionally or mentally renewed. It is a non-verbal, holistic way to integrate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of ourselves. That was the intent of the Hawaiian Shamans when they brought Sacred Lomi to their people.

Here is the previously published info:

In preparation for the session, it is recommended that the client not eat or drink for at least an hour prior to the bodywork.  Recipients are asked to not wear any perfume, cologne or other strong body scents.  All jewelry will need to be removed including any body piercing jewelry.  Legs, arms and faces that are shaved regularly should be recently shaved so that minimal stubble is present.  No make-up should be worn.  Hair will need to be up so that no hair is able to fall onto the neck or shoulders (we have new scrunchies for each client).  Ideally, the body should be recently showered and clean so that the oil flows smoothly on the skin.  After receiving Sacred Lomi, water should be consumed in significant amounts to help clear and cleanse the body.

This massage is performed while lying directly on the warm massage table, with no bottom sheet, allowing the therapist to perform certain underbody flowing strokes and techniques.  The room is kept very warm to keep the client comfortable.  Often the therapist will breathe audibly to help sustain energy and assist in developing the proper intention.  Generally, there is no conversation between the client and therapist which allows the client and therapist to focus on the intention of the session.  A liberal amount of oil is used.  As is standard with any type of bodywork, the recipient will dress and undress in privacy, and while getting on and off the table, a draping sheet is used.

This is a very beautiful and caring style of massage and the process is, at a minimum, fully relaxing.  Some find it to be personally uplifting and insightful.  Sacred Lomi is best performed with minimal draping based on the client’s comfort level.  The client’s comfort level is the primary consideration.  If the client is not comfortable – then there really is no purpose in providing the massage.  Modifications of the recommended Sacred Lomi draping method are possible, but any modifications will prevent the ability to perform certain strokes, movements and session closing process.  It is necessary that no undergarments be worn – if underwear is worn it is very likely that it will be damaged from oil staining.  During the actual massage, the preferred draping method uses a towel that will always be covering the gluteal cleavage and genital area.  The genital area is never exposed.  As an alternative option, the full draping sheet can be folded down and used for covering the genital area / gluteal cleavage but it will need to be folded to a fairly thin strip positioned between the legs. 

It is recommended that no breast draping be used.  If breast draping is used, it consists of a towel folded into a strip and placed over the breasts; it is folded up at the sides so that the sides of the upper body are accessible. Most people experiencing a Sacred Lomi session choose the option to not have any breast draping.  This choice allows for a much more complete session and utilization of several very beneficial traditional strokes and clear access to the sternum area (the Heart Chakra). 

The preferred leg placement is also different in this style of massage.  Optimal placement positions the legs so that the feet are at the edge of each side of the table.  This allows access for a variety of leg strokes and techniques.  Legs can be placed more center-line to the table, but this limits the effectiveness of the strokes and may prevent certain strokes from being utilized.  Regardless of leg placement, the genital area is never exposed or touched.  The client’s draping choices will be held in the strictest confidence and will need to be indicated on an informed consent before the session begins.

As with many holistic sessions, some people may experience emotional releases during this type of session. This is perfectly normal if it were to occur.  It is suggested to not suppress any emotion and just let it surface; be fully present, let go of worries or concerns.  I believe this is why some people find the session personally uplifting and spiritual in nature - almost cathartic.  The session will continue to progress even if emotional releases occur - of course, if you need a moment to yourself; let the practitioner know and they will respect your wishes. Generally, it’s best to just let the massage unfold on its own.

Will therapeutic hypnosis work for__________?

I have been getting a lot of calls asking about the effectiveness and applicability of hypnosis for a variety of issues. Generally speaking, therapeutic (or clinical) hypnosis is simply a tool that can be used for a variety of issues or targeted goals. A simple answer is - hypnosis can help almost anything with almost any type of an issue or goal. That is a pretty broad statement. But, if increased focus or attention, relaxation, mindfulness, insight, or clarity can help with an issue - then hypnosis can help with the issue. Based on the therapeutic goals of the client hypnosis can help a person achieve    those goals quicker and easier in almost all cases.

Almost everyone can by hypnotized to some degree. The state of hypnosis is not static. When a client is in a hypnotic state, they move in and out of that state. Sometimes very deep, sometimes not as deep. This variation is understandably different between different people, but it is also a variation that occurs within the same person; even within the same session. Just as your conscious awareness changes, so does your subconscious awareness shift.

Even people who are less prone to go into deep hypnotic states can, and do, learn to go deeper and quicker over time, just like any other learned skill. Additionally, the depth of hypnosis is not necessarily related to the success of hypnosis. Often times, the subtle state between awareness and subconscious is a very powerful time for hypnotic work to take effect.

I will address another question: "Can you do hypnosis on my _____ year old son or daughter?" in an upcoming post. 

See our web site link for more information about hypnosis.

Wishing Wellness Update and Remodel

We have recently updated our location and the feedback from clients is very positive. Here is a picture of the massage and bodywork area.

We are trying to get the look and feel that we had at our Sycamore, IL location. That was a very beautiful and special place. It can never be replicated, but we are trying for the same type of ambiance and energy. We hope our current and future clients will like the new space.