Taking Care of Yourself

Hi All,

How are you doing?  I hope you're all doing well.  Things are going well here in the desert.  Our winter has been wonderful, (not trying to rub it in northerners).  Our summer was long and hot - so it's nice to have a nice cool winter.  I know some of you are enduring a bitter cold winter and it's cold and flu season as well.  Today I'd like to just touch on some self care basics, from a little bit of an holistic point of view.

I'm no longer a full time holistic healthcare professional, but I still enjoy sharing some info that I've learned about holistic living.  First thing - what are you feeding yourself?  Holistically this entails, your food diet, but are you taking a little time to feed your spirit?  Do you feed yourself a diet of negativity on TV - like the never ending news cycle, (too much of that is not good for the soul).

Diet is important - eating a good, well balanced diet is a great idea.  Good quality, whole foods is best - organic, if you can.  Raw fruits and vegetables should be a part of that.  Moderation in food intake is also a great idea...people write books on this topic - I'm not going to here.  Do your best and I know, (as an EMT on the road for long hours), organic, locally grown food is not always easily available.  As my Holistic Nutrition teacher would say, "whatever the food available on your plate - bless the food and eat it with gratitude, and it will serve you well."

It's fresh lemon season here.  Slicing a lemon and adding it to a pitcher of water is

 a healthy and cleansing drink

 TV/Media Diet is also important to look at.  If we over do it with screen time or constantly feed our minds/consciousness negativity, it can and will affect our attitudes and our outlook on life.  Most news shows are a constant barrage of negativity.  Its enough to keep you up at night if you're not careful.  For me, I try to stay informed, but not overdo the news.  I enjoy shows on TV to be entertained as well, and I like to just do a little reading once in a while.  Too much of any of it throws me out of balance.  Evaluate your screen time, (computer, TV, tablet, phone, etc...), is it in balance or are you over doing it? 

I feed my soul with some uplifting spiritual study on a regular basis.  I feel like this is important for me.  Traditionally, going to church has been a staple of our society for spiritual uplift - and it's good.  I'd ask, how to you feed yourself spiritually?  Reading or studying can be a good avenue for this as well as on-line videos or other spiritual media.  Another great one is to be of service, either formally volunteering or helping someone out who's in need.  There's always plenty of opportunities to volunteer all around us - it's good to give back, and it's good for you, on every level.

Exercise is always good for the body.  It may be cold outside, but there are things you can do inside.  You may belong to a gym or have home gym equipment - use it.  I have an exercise bike.  Full disclosure - I've been getting back on it again lately.  Walking can be a very effective exercise for health.  Get the blood flowing a little bit, (or a lot) every day.

Dietary Supplements - do you take them?  Do you feel they make a difference?  There are some fantastic supplements out there.  Typically I'd go to more of a higher end or health food store for them, rather than purchasing from a standard grocery store - the quality of product is what you're after.  There are certainly some very good products available from your holistic practitioner or specialty shops - herbal supplements and remedies, vitamins and minerals, CBD oils, cremes, tinctures, capsules.  Do a little research and get the products that are going to help you heal or get back into balance.

Massage, Holistic Therapies - A very good way to take care of yourself.  I recommend a massage once a month.  It's a very wonderful way to relax, decompress and release some of the stress and tension that can build up in our bodies and minds.  Find what works for you and a therapist that you like and practice some self care directly to your muscles.  If you have medical conditions there are massage and holistic therapists that specialize in types of massage that can be very beneficial.  However - if you have a cold or the flu, you should wait until it passes to get a massage.  Your therapist can let you know if there are contraindications.  Of course, if you have a medical condition and you're unsure if you can get a massage - ask your doctor.

This winter (what's left of it), and all year long -- take care of yourself.  Be gentle with yourself.  There are some really good things that can help us remain healthy this time of year, but at the end of the day a balanced lifestyle will be best for most of us.  Take good care.

Peace,

Tom   

Holistic Therapy Solutions - A Closer Look

Hi All,

I hope everything is going well for you.  It's been a whirlwind several months.  I've been in the new office for a while now, but I also enrolled in and recently passed an Emergency Medical Technician course.  My mother in law and sister in law came to live with us at the same time, and my mother in law was able be comfortable and well cared for, in her final few months of life (we'll miss you Kathy - she was a wonderful part of our family).  It was a very busy and sometimes crazy time, but it was a gift to be able to spend this time with my mother in law. 

As things are changing and resolving a bit, I realize I need to get back to focusing more on my business - Holistic Therapy Solutions.  Although I've been working and seeing clients, one of the things I never really did was properly show the new office and facilities.  So let me introduce Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC in it's new/current location.  About 8 months ago I moved offices to the Pointe Business Plaza in the northeast part of Phoenix (16th Street near Glendale Ave).

The Pointe Business Plaza is a nice, well maintained, clean and comfortable business/office complex on 16th Street, right off the State Route 51.  I share office space with Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Katie Nuckolls.  We also share the office suite with three wonderful Licensed Professional Counselors.  If you need any of their services, I highly recommend all four.

It really is a comfortable office and when you arrive, there's a waiting area with comfy furniture and a nice relaxing space.

The office is just right for the massage and holistic therapies that I provide.  It's conveniently located...not far from central Phoenix, and close to all East Phoenix locations and Scottsdale.  It's just south of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (in the shadow of Piestewa Peak).

Book an appointment soon.  Therapies include massage, craniosacral, and reiki.  I'm also available to consult on other holistic topics if you're interested.  I want to help, whether you need a nice relaxing session or you want to heal from injury or illness.  I also can bring chair massage to your office or event - always a nice perk for hard working employees or event guests.

 In the coming weeks I'll be discussing some of the therapies we provide and how they can assist with your health.  I'm also going to be outlining some of the new therapy options that you may find to be just what you need.

The office is at 7227 N. 16th Street in Phoenix, Suite 213.  Call, text or email for an appointment.  My website has all the info - www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

I hope your year is off to a great start.  This year - treat yourself well and kind.  Treat yourself with the love and respect, that you would treat others with.  Be kind to others as well...everyone needs that.  Together, we can make a difference.  Have a wonderful week.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT, RM, CST
Holistic Therapy Solutions, Phoenix, AZ
cell/text: 443-850-4126
email: tom.kbrink@gmail.com
web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

 

Cranial Unwinding...Amazing Holistic Therapy

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year!  2017 is here and I feel that it's going to be a good one.  I hope you're feeling well and enjoying the start of this new year.

One thing I'd like to do is to get back to blogging again.  I know there are a lot of folks who are hurting physically or psychologically.  There are many healing treatments and therapies available that can provide outstanding results.  I offer a few that can be very beneficial.  Today I'd like to highlight one: CranioSacral Therapy, (also known as Cranial Unwinding).  The following is the text taken from a flier that I put together, to educate folks on this healing modality.  I hope this helps.

CranioSacral Therapy flier - to offer a brief explanation and answer questions regarding this therapy.

What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral therapy is an energetic bodywork modality.  We work with the cranium, cerebro-spinal system, and connective tissue systems of the body.  Thru tuning in to these systems, palpation and other light touch therapeutic techniques, we can help you release physical, mental, and emotion imbalances resulting from stress and trauma.

What is the Cerebro-Spinal System and Connective Tissue?
Cerebro-spinal system is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, the fluid that flows in and out and around these, and the membranes that surround them and contain them.
Connective Tissue is fascia.  It surrounds and is in muscles, around bones and organs, under our skin…it give us our shape and hold us together.

How does this help?
The brain and nervous system are the computer and sensory systems that “run” the body, and our mental and emotional selves.  They’re subjected to stress and strain on a daily basis.  Sometimes they’re damaged or out of balance from trauma.  These can result in restrictions around the brain and spinal cord and in connective tissue throughout the body.  When these systems get out of balance, damaged, or restricted we feel pain; physical and emotional.

Cranial Sacral Therapy is an energy work modality that can be very helpful for people who have struggled with various forms of trauma and stress.  This gentle energetic therapy can be very healing and can help you to come back to place of balance in your body and life.

Sometimes, (using the computer analogy), this therapy is like a “re-boot,” to the system; helping to bring back balance and wellness.  Also – there’s a physical unwinding aspect.  This therapy helps to release and unwind areas in the Cerebro-spinal system where flow is restricted and also helps release holding patterns in connective tissue…both result in helping the body function in a more balanced way.

I've worked with several military veterans who have suffered from Post Traumatic Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injuries.  This calming and natural therapy has always been helpful to release some of the tension and pressure that remain long after the tour of duty.

..............................................................................................................................................................

If you feel this therapy can be beneficial for you, let me know.  I'd be happy to discuss it or set up an appointment for you.  I'm located in Phoenix, AZ.  Call, email, or text for an appointment.

We're in a time of new beginnings...with the new year, we tend to start fresh again.  If you're suffering, and you're ready to try something different - this may be a solution for you.  Be good to yourself and love yourself...you're worth it.  Have a great 2017.

Peace,

Tom

Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC
Tom Kreienbrink, LMT and Holistic Therapist
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
email: tom.kbrink@gmail.com
phone or text: 443-850-4126
Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions
Blog: http://tomkbrink-design.blogspot.com

Fascia...What is it and why should I care?

Hi All,

We're heating up here in Phoenix....summer time.  Ahhh!  I hope you're enjoying summer, wherever you're reading this.

Today I'd like to talk a little about fascia.  Fascia is the web-like structure of tissues that hold everything in the body together.  It gives us our shape and form.  It's very sheer and very strong.  On the photo below you'll see its the gooey clear substance covering the exposed tissues.

Fascia covering tissue.

Fascia is around everything from the cellular level, to muscle fibers, to muscles, organs, under the skin, in and around everything....it's everywhere.  Our nervous system runs thru fascia as well as blood and our energy meridians. 

So why should we care about fascia?  What does this mean to us all?  When our fascia is hydrated and loose and in balance, all is well and the body feels good and functions great.  However, sometimes it gets out of whack.  Parts of your fascia can get dehydrated, or get torqued or get holding patterns from trauma....this will make your body hurt in those areas.

Damaged fascia can block hydration, and inhibit nervous system signals and blood flow.  That can have profound effects on the body.  It's not like you can just drink water and loosen up and hydrate these tissues.  You need to take some action.

Fascia sheath...super strong, sheer and web-like.

There are things you can do.  Getting some body work would be a good start.  There are massage techniques for releasing fascia.  Energy body work can also help unwind those holding patterns and stuck areas of fascia as well.  I practice CranioSacral Therapy, (also known as Cranial Unwinding).  It's a great modality for this kind of body work.

CranioSacral helps unwind holding patterns in fascia and help to bring you and your fascia back to a place of balance...where you feel good.  Ultimately, we want to feel good and be in a place of balance.  Remember - when your fascia is in a healthy balanced state, your body systems flow and work the way they are supposed to.

What else can we do to keep our fascia healthy?  We can drink plenty of water and eat good wholesome food.  You are what you eat right?  Eat junk...then that's probably not going to serve you in the long run.  We can exercise our body...move that thing and do some stretching every day.  Keep the body limber.

Here's the disclaimer.  Body work doesn't take the place of seeking medical help when needed.  However, mainstream medicine doesn't always have all the tools and answers.  That's why an integrative approach to wellness is so important.  I share an office with a Naturopathic Physician.  She has so many great answers that are not always available from your general practitioner.  Everyone has their place.

I hope this is a helpful introduction to fascia and fascial health.  I'm certain you'll be seeing more and more about this as it becomes a bigger focus in the holistic and medical communities.

Have a great summer.  Be good to yourself and others....Life's short.  Enjoy every moment.


Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
I'm a massage and holistic therapist located in Phoenix, AZ.
For more information go to:  www.holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com
have a blessed day.

New Office - Holistic Therapy Solutions

Hi All,

Well, it's the first of May and today is moving day.  I'm excited to announce publicly that Holistic Therapy Solutions is moving to a new location.  The new location is in the Pointe Business Plaza at 7227 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.  It's south of Northern Ave on 16th Street.

Moving day...the front door.

 I was just fine with the location that I was at (19th Ave and Camelback), when a friend of mine, (Dr. Katie Nuckolls), asked if I'd like to share office space at the Point Business Plaza.  It's a great location and a very nice professional business plaza.  So I'm a little sad as I leave the old location, but looking forward to the new opportunity.

Our comfy waiting area...ignore the stuff stacked up - still organizing the office space.

We share a suite with three other people.  They're all counselors/psychologists.  We all share a nice waiting area as well.  It's a very nice quiet comfortable and professional environment...great place to relax and get a massage or cranialsacral therapy.

The office.  Getting set up and ready for this week.

I'll be booking appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  I'll be starting there tomorrow.  Let me know if you need an appointment.

Have a great week. 

Peace,

Tom

www.Holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com

New At Holistic Therapy Solutions

Hi All,

It's a beautiful Friday morning here in Phoenix, AZ as I sit down to write a quick blog post.  It's one of perhaps that last few cool days before the hot Arizona summer takes hold.  So we're enjoying it.

As you may know, I've been in a new location for a few months now.  I rent an office suite with Ray Kopakowski, who is owner/therapist at Inner Power Hypnotherapy.  Recently, Ray and I decided it's time to reach out to the neighborhood and introduce them who we we are and what we do.  Part of that is that we're going to offer some great lunchtime and anytime services.

Flier for Holistic Therapy Solutions

We've developed fliers that we can distribute in the local area that offer some great deals to help with the stress and tension of daily life.  I'm offering Chair Massage Tuesdays - 11:30-1; 15 minute chair massages for $10.  I'm also offering 30 minute lunchtime massages for $20.  These focus primarily on the back, neck, shoulders, and arms.  I also have a coupon for 20% off your first appointment. 

Flier for Inner Power Hypnotherapy

My office partner Ray is offering a coupon for a Rapid Lunchtime Induction.  These hypnotherapy sessions can help with stress and tension release, and also weight loss, smoking cessation and other changes that people may want to change in their lives. With coupon it's only $35, ($7.50 off the regular price).

Of course these deals are open to everyone, not just the neighborhood business people.  So stop by on Tuesday for a chair massage, or make an appointment for a rapid induction session or a 30 minute lunchtime massage.  We both still provide all our other services as well.  I'll post both of our websites at the bottom of this post.  Check us out.

Have a great day everyone, wherever you're at.  Enjoy this day - be present in everything you do.

Peace,

Tom

Tom's website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Ray's website: www.InnerPowerHypnotherapy.com

New Home for Holistic Therapy Solutions

Hi All,

I hope things are going well for you - wherever you're reading this.  It's been an interesting month.  I've been busy with artwork and had a busy month with the holistic therapy biz.  I've been enjoying the nice weather and family and friends as well.  The month hasn't been without it's hiccups though.

In the middle of the month, I found myself looking for a new place to run Holistic Therapy Solutions out of.  I was renting a room and I was assured I would have 24/7 access to the room.  However - at the prodding of another tenant, a policy was put in place that severely restricted my access to serving clients in the evenings and on Saturdays.  Of course, I needed to move the business again.

Front door - Inner Power Hypnotherapy - my new business home.

 

The first person that came to mind was a friend of mine - Ray Kopakowski.  He's a clinical hypnotherapist. One of his specialties is working with professional and amateur athletes, to help them with performance enhancement.  He also is owner of Inner Power Hypnotherapy located on 19th Ave, just north of Camelback, in Phoenix.  Sure enough - he had a room available and I moved in the end of February.

Reception/Waiting area.

 It's a nice place and a good location.  It's convenient to downtown and major freeways.  The light rail runs right up 19th Ave and down Camelback.  Of course, it's in Northwest Phoenix, but quickly accessible to the East side of town...even Scottsdale.

My therapy room - ready to work.

 If you need a good massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, reiki, or hypnotherapy - give me a call, text, or email and we'll get you an appointment set up, right away.  I'm here to serve - and once again - have a business home where I can do that.  Of course, I still do out calls if you'd rather I bring the table to you.

So, sometimes life is an interesting ride.  Lots of fun, mixed in good work, and even some surprises - not all welcome surprises.  But, I know it always works out for my best and highest good.  Of course there's always a lesson in all of it.  Sometimes its just an opportunity to have faith...faith in God, faith in the process, and know it'll work out.  Today I'm very grateful - I'm blessed in so many many ways...and grateful for the opportunity to find, what I'm expecting will be the home of Holistic Therapy Solutions, for a good long while.

Have a great week everyone.

Peace,

Tom

Web:  www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Follow on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Holistic Therapy Solutions - New Year Updates

Hi All,

Well, we're in the midst of winter here...it's 80 degrees and perfect in Phoenix today.  Sorry - I know up north its pretty cold; I shouldn't rub it in.  This is the season we love the most here - and it'll change soon enough too....but not today.

It's been a busy winter with changes happening in the business and events coming up.  Of course - I'm still providing the work;  Healing and Nurturing Massage, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki, and Hypnotherapy.

First, as of 1 February, I've moved full time into a new location near 24th Ave and Peoria Ave....right around the corner from Beyond Today(my previous location).  

I'm renting my own therapy room in Healing Heart Creations.  I'm really excited to offer more scheduling options.  Since I'm not sharing space anymore, it provides much more scheduling flexibility.

Address:  Healing Heart Creations (my new base of operations)

               2432 W Peoria Ave.

               Bldg 10, Suite 1180

               Phoenix, 85029

Upcoming Events:

I've been doing regular Reiki/Energy Shares for a while now.  I'm going to continue that, once a month.  If you're a practitioner, it's a good place to practice, and if you're new to it, it's a good place to come experience Reiki and learn more about it.  It's very healing, nurturing energy...and we try to have a good time too.

Next share: 26 Feb, 6:30-8:30pm in the classroom at Healing Heart Creations.  Refreshments are provided.  Cost: Donation.

Mindfulness and Meditation Workshop.  5 March, 7-9pm at Healing Heart Creations.

If you'd like more peace and serenity in your life, this may be an event for you.  Learn mindfulness techniques and meditation techniques as well.  It takes some gentle practice, but you can change your mind/thoughts - and change your life...remember - it's all an "inside job."

Cost: $15

Mondays - I've developed a part-time partnership with Lauri Hernandez at, At The Center of You.  It's a shop and holistic center in Wickenburg, AZ.  I'll be providing massage and therapy there on Mondays.  It's a great shop - right next to the old movie theater in the historic district on Hwy 60.  Stop in when in Wickenburg.

I know there's a lot going on right now - so make time for yourself.  Take a walk, meditate, go to a movie...and massage or holistic therapy is excellent as well.  If you're feeling good; it's good maintenance.  If not, my therapies are very therapeutic and can be very healing.  What ever you do - make the decision to take good care of yourself - today.

Call, Text, or Email me for a session.

Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT, CST, RM

443-850-4126

tom.kbrink@gmail.com

Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions

Massage

Hi All,

Wow - is it a beautiful day in Phoenix, AZ today.  This is why we deal with the long hot summer - because of days like today.  I hope things are going well for all of you and that you're enjoying yourself wherever you are.

I came across this little graphic on facebook recently that lists many benefits of massage.  It got me thinking about my clients that come in and return for regular massage.  The clients I see that come for massage regularly report experiencing many of these benefits in their lives.

Some of the benefits I see and hear about from my clients include - an overall feeling of relaxation; mentally and physically.  They report better sleep and muscles feeling less tense and less painful.  I see and feel the improvement in muscle tension when I work on them.

One of my favorites is better sleep.  Getting a massage or body work, helps you relax and get a good nights sleep.  It's so gratifying when I hear someone tell me they're sleeping better and feeling less tense and sore during the day.

I really enjoy what I do and like that I can help folks heal and feel better.  Check out the graphic - the list of benefits of regular massage and decide for yourself if regular massage would be of value to you.  If so - find the therapist thats right for you, that you like.  Try some different ones out - find the one that makes you feel good, and you will start seeing the benefits of massage.

If I can be of service - call, text, or email for an appointment.  If not - find a licensed massage therapist who give you the massage you like.

I hope this upcoming holiday season is the best ever for you.  Enjoy every day....don't worry about tomorrow or regrets of the past.  Enjoy this day - at work, at play...wherever you're at. 

in gratitude,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Taking Massage on the Road

Hi All,

Here I am again, pursuing a new opportunity.  As most of you know, I run my holistic therapy biz out of an office in Phoenix, AZ and I'm always open to new opportunities to expand my business.  I only have Tues, Thurs, and Sat in my room at Beyond Today Co.  I'm also starting to work Monday and Fridays at Healing Heart Creations in October (Peoria Ave and I-17).  So I'll be available for appointment 5 days a week.  But - I've got an opportunity in an unlikely place....Wickenberg.

A few months back I designed a logo for a friend of a friend, Laurie Hernandez, and her new store in Wickenberg, AZ.  It's called At The Center Of You.  It's a small shop with various CDs, crystals, clothing, organic soaps and candles, and much more.  It's a really great little place.

At The Center of You...the shop.

Afterward, as we got to know each other, I got the opportunity to do chair massage at Laurie's grand opening and eventually, we discussed me traveling once or more a month to provide massage and holistic therapy at the store.

On the road thru the desert

Well, I was happy to accept the invitation and give it a try.  Wickenberg is a great little western town about 60 miles NW of Phoenix.  There's not very much massage or holistic therapy available in the town either.  So I'm excited about the possibilities.

Selfie...on the road...don't crash the car!

Recently, I took my table and drove up there for a couple of massages.  It went great!  The space is great and very peaceful.  It's truly a great little place for relaxation and healing.  I'll be providing Massage, Reflexology and CranioSacral Therapy to those who want it.  Laurie (a practitioner herself), is a Reiki master, Life coach, and Hypnotherapist and will practice those modalities.

Shops and courtyard by At The Center of You

Wickenberg is a great little town with a lot of history in the old West.  I'm told John Wayne (and others), filmed a lot of westerns in Wickenberg and surrounding area.  The shop is right in the old town area and it's located in one of the "suite's" of an old motel.  There's other shops, restaurants and entertainment immediately surrounding the shop.

The logo I designed for the shop

So if you're in Wickenberg - stop in at At the Center of You, and check it out.  It's a great place.  I'll be up there on Mondays sometimes too.  Schedule a massage there or with me in Phoenix.
Take care - be good to yourself and be kind to others....help make this place a better place for all of us.

Peace,

Tom

www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Public Healing Day

Hi All,

Well, it's been quite a night and morning here in Phoenix.  We've had our most rainy day on record (rain last night and this morning).  It came down good and caused much damage from flooding all over town.  I'm so grateful that we haven't sustained any injury to family or property.  Hopefully we don't get too much more rain today.

Hopefully your week is starting out well.  Enjoy the week - if you're working this week, have a great work week.  If you are in or around Phoenix, come check out the Public Healing Day at Beyond Today Co (where I rent space, to practice massage and holistic therapy).  Let me explain the details.

Facebook and social media advertisement

We're holding the public healing day on the 4th of October, from 11am - 4pm.  The day will have holistic practitioners that work out of Beyond Today co. coming together to provide mini sessions, for donation only.  The mini sessions will be 20-30 minutes.  The modalities include Massage, Reiki, Re-connective Healing, CranioSacral Therapy, Reflexology, Toe Reading, Intuitive Readings, Hypnotherapy and Guided Imagery.

You can come to try one specific therapy or practitioner, or try all.  You may find yourself moving towards wellness or find much relief from physical and/or emotional pain - without the side effects that often accompany other things (won't name anything).

Flier for the event

I hope you'll come join us on the 4th of October.  Also - come schedule a massage or other holistic therapy, today!

Have a great week folks.  Be present, enjoy today - whatever you're doing.  And - be kind to others....all of them (not just your friends).

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink is a licensed massage therapist and holistic therapist in Phoenix, AZ
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

The Benefits of Massage

Hi All,

I'm glad to be back in town.  Wow - it's shaping up to be a pretty interesting summer.  It's blazing hot here and we've had several dust storms and summer thunderstorms.  Just this past weekend we had an especially violent storm, right in our neighborhood, where we had a microburst storm that took down trees and electric lines.  I hope wherever you're at, your summer is going well.  I'm grateful for all the rain, and the beauty of nature.  I'm also grateful for the opportunity to work in the holistic therapy field.

One of the favorite therapies I perform is probably the most common.  Massage.  Massage can be one of the most relaxing and healing therapies and the benefits of massage can be very profound.  Today I'd like to expand a little about why massage therapy can be very beneficial for you.

First of all, the obvious.  It's relaxing.  It's stress relieving.  It feels great to get your body and muscles massaged.  In that vein, on a deeper level, massage helps to loosen up your muscles.  Massage helps move the toxins out of your muscle tissue enhancing and accelerating recovery of over used, tired, and injured muscles.

Massage is so relaxing

Getting a massage is also like a work out.  It works weakened muscles.  It increases blood flow thru your muscles, organs, and tissues - increasing and bringing oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, organs and the tissues of your body.  Massage not only increases blood flow, but also the flow of lymph.  This all increases and enhances your bodies immunities and encourages your body to be healthier.

People who have suffered from injuries or have had surgeries will find that massage can speed up recovery.  Massage will help work out and reduce scar tissue and reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.  It also promotes tissue regeneration and will increase flexibility and range of motion.  Athletes like massage because it helps them to recover from intense workouts and competitions.  It also helps them to heal from the minor and sometimes major injuries.  Massage also assists in releasing endorphins - a brain chemical that helps to reduce pain in the body.

Here I am working with a client, performing a chair
massage at a recent event.  Chair massage can be a
very relaxing 10-15 minute session to help loosen
your back and neck.

Massage will improve the condition of the bodies largest organ - the skin.  It's wonderful for the skin to be worked on, to have the lymph moved along and have increased blood flow in it.  Massage therapists usually use a nice oil or lotion that's also very healthy for the skin.  It feeds the skin healthy nutrients.

Massage can help you to sleep better.  On of my mentors would always say - "it resets your body clock."  Most people find they have a very deep relaxing sleep the evening after getting a massage.  Massage can also lessen depression and anxiety as well as relieving migraine pain.

Massage can be so helpful and assist healing on any and all levels.  It is truly an holistic therapy - it literally affects the whole person in a very positive way.  And - it just feels so good to have someone work on you, pampering you a bit, and helping you to just relax and let go for a little while.

Massage can also be coupled with other holistic therapies, like Reiki and Reflexology.  This can really boost the benefit.

Try a massage sometime soon.  You can get a very deep tissue massage, a lighter touch, or a very therapeutic style massage.  Take care of yourself in all ways - and massage is a very relaxing and stress relieving way to take care of your body.

I practice massage in Phoenix Arizona.  I work out of an office and also can take my table on the road.  If I can serve you, please let me know.  Take a look at my website details and contact information.
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Have a great week.  Make a difference in your community.  Help out a neighbor or someone who needs your help.  You won't regret it.  Every little bit helps.

Peace,

Tom

CranioSacral Therapy - Traumatic Brain Injury

Hi All,

Hope you've all been having a great week.  Things are pretty good here in Phoenix.  It's a little on the warm side, but that's summer time in the desert.

One of the holistic therapy modalities I practice is CranioSacral Therapy (CST).  It's an energetic body work modality that can help provide dramatic results.  There are many aspects to it, but the main ones are working with the client's cranium, spinal column, cerebrospinal fluid, and connective tissue.

The cerebrospinal fluid is always pulsing up and down the spinal column, in and around the brain.  This fluid pulsing or pumping creates subtle waves which we call the cranial wave.  I work with the bones, plates of the cranium, and spine while I'm tuned in to the cranial wave.  It's very slow and gentle energy work.  This work helps the body to unwind.  Everything in the body is wrapped in connective tissue; fascia.  Holding patterns develop and when released, they unwind and help to bring the body back to a place of balance and helps the body to heal.

Illustration of an occipital hold

There have been many reports of CST being helpful relieving symptoms from PTSD, Traumatic brain injury and and other issues, including autism.  A friend, fellow veteran and CST practitioner recently told me of the tremendous healing he's had when he received CST himself.  He had been discharged from the Marine Corps with a traumatic brain injury that he received while in Afghanistan.  He described his head feeling "tight" and like his "skull was locked up," and a lot of pressure in his head as a result.  The therapy loosened things up and released that pressure.  He felt lighter and the pressure in his head had released.  It was nothing short of amazing.

I've been doing this work for a couple years now and am continually amazed at the resulting pain relief and healing that clients experience.  I've had the privilege to work with some Vets at a couple of retreats over the past year.  It's rewarding to be able to help these heroic people who have experienced so much pain and trauma find relief from pain.  The little feedback I received was good and that the treatments were helpful and appreciated.  Unfortunately, I wasn't afforded the opportunity for follow up.

Recently I was able to work with a young veteran who had been retired from the Army because he'd sustained a traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive devise that hit the vehicle he was in, driving in Iraq.  He also had some back pain.

When he came in for the first session I asked him if he still had symptoms from his injuries or time in Iraq.  He said "well, I'm feeling ok, not bad."  So we set out to work.  The session lasted about an hour and a half.

When finished we sat down to talk.  The discussion afterwards was much different than the intake.  He reported an amazing release of pressure in the front part of his head.  He said that he'd gotten so used to the pressure in that he just figured it was normal for him.  After the therapy he felt light and felt very good.

We met two weeks later for another session.  We talked for a bit beforehand and he reported that his head had continued to feel good; without the pressure in it that he had for so long.  He also noticed that before the first session, he felt like he was a little bit clumsy and just off a little bit with physical coordination.  After the first session that coordination issue was gone.  He said he felt like he, "was at the top of his game."  He was happy to report his head felt great and coordination issue resolved.

We did the second session yesterday and all went well.  I was so excited I wanted to share this on my blog.  Hopefully there will be more good news like this to come as Vets and other people with traumatic brain injuries find relief with CranioSacral Therapy.

Veterans - if you're in Phoenix and would like to try this therapy, I offer a 50% discount to all Veterans ($25 per session).  The beauty of this therapy is that I've never experienced anyone having ill effects from it.

Have a great weekend everyone.  Remember - when you help others, you help yourself.

Peace,

Tom

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