1/21/15 Massage In Side Lying Position Placing clients in a side lying position can be beneficial in a number of circumstances. Sometimes a client is unable to lie on her stomach or back as a result of an injury or a medical condition, but can lie comfortably on her side. I use a body-cushion in most of my sessions. This is an additional full-body bolster that is placed on the massage table and...

  ©galleryhip.com 1/8/15 Acupressure Points For Dizziness I recently dealt with a small bout of dizziness. Here’s a little reminder of several acupoints to press for general dizziness that is not caused by a more serious medical condition. I’ve also included a few for headaches, fogginess, and mild confusion, which often accompany dizziness in my experience. Refer to a good acupressure...

©http://graphicriver.net 12/31/14 My 2014 In Abbreviated Review technology I grew tremendously, technologically speaking, in 2014. I began using an iPhone which amplified my ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. It has become a crucial link in allowing you to book appointments online. I can check my email notifications immediately and respond promptly when you request a session! I...

image © St. Louis Physical Therapy Muscles Involved in TMJ 12/23/14 The four primary muscles involved in TMJ syndrome that I address with massage therapy are masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid. Massaging these muscles, relaxing them, may take pressure off the joint itself, relieving pain. You can palpate (feel) a couple of these when you clench your teeth. The first...

12/15/14 Drink Plenty of Water During Winter Be sure to stay hydrated during the winter months, even though you may not feel as thirsty as you do during summer! Drink 64 fluid ounces of water or more every day. Drink small amounts of water continuously rather than drinking a lot at one time. As a massage therapist, I notice people’s skin inevitably feels dryer at this time of year. I go...

12/9/14 Zen Organics Lotions, Creams, Bath Salts, Lip Balm        I’m pleased to offer a handful of items from the Zen Organics line of products. Zen Organics is a conscientious company in Boulder, Colorado. I’ve been using their massage cream and foot lotion for years. These are superior, high quality products that perform well at the highest level. If you are a label reader, I know...

image © 2004 Mindsource Technologies Inc. 12/1/14 Acupressure for Gall Bladder 21 (gb21) or Shoulder Well Gall Bladder 21 (gb21), also known as Shoulder Well, is an acupoint I massage, or apply acupressure to in nearly all of my treatment sessions. This point is located near the base of the neck, on the trapezius muscle, about half way between the spine and the acromioclavicular...

WANTED: Licensed Massage Therapist My office-mate, Susie Garton, and I are looking for one or two more office-mates! We’d welcome licensed massage therapists or other quiet, mindful professionals to share our established massage therapy space in Towncrest, Iowa City’s original eastside medical neighborhood.   If you or anyone you know might be interested in sharing our cozy, peaceful...

  11.17.14 Basic Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome Massage Although the pain that accompanies sciatica and piriformis syndrome originates in the region of the sciatic notch, and therapeutic massage applied to this region can significantly relieve the discomfort, I treat adjacent regions of the body in my comprehensive plan for these conditions. The sciatic nerve emerges from the spine and...

11/7/14 Ambient Music and Massage In an earlier post, I mentioned I’m not tied down to playing new age music during my massage sessions. I frequently honor client requests, and I play a wide range of styles and artists, but I’ve found most people prefer something calming. Since I might be working for hours at a time, and new age music can be insipid and even irritating when played...