Interview with Art Riggs - Certified Advanced Rolfer and Author of Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques
Apr 19, 2009 by Jim O'Hara
Certified Advanced Rolfer® Art Riggs teaches Deep Tissue Massage and Myofascial release in the US and internationally, and is the author of Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques and a seven volume accompanying DVD set.
I recently looked at the revised edition of the book and I cannot tell you how much I love the photos. They indicate with clear arrows the direction of the massage therapist’s strokes on the client. This is something you don’t often see in books!
I met with Art a short time ago and asked him some questions.
Jim O'Hara: I suspect the term “deep tissue” means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?
Art Riggs: Basically, it is about working with clear intention on the layers of restriction—using very little lubrication so that you can grab and stretch tissues that are shortened, rather than just sliding over them.
You sink through superficial tissue until you feel restricted layers “pushing back,” and then work at an oblique angle to lengthen the muscles or fascia. You work very slowly to enable the release to happen naturally.
Jim O'Hara: Some massage therapists say they get tired easily because people are constantly asking for “deep tissue.”
Art Riggs: Usually fatigue is a result of working too fast and improper use of biomechanics—“muscling” instead of using core energy and gravity.
Massage should be a cooperative effort; you are opening the door for the tissue to release, not trying to force things to happen by imposing your will.
Remember that pushing “harder” isn’t necessarily working deeper.
Jim O'Hara: Are there dangers to the client from giving them deep tissue work?
Art Riggs: Yes, it is crucial to always err on the side of caution. However, there is a huge difference between working cautiously and working with a tentative and unconfident touch. I find that most hesitation over safety issues is based upon a lack of knowledge of the anatomy and safety precautions.
If you are hesitant to work on an area or condition, research the contraindications, caveats and proper ways to work so you can work with confidence. It is less an issue of working in the wrong area, and more a question of knowing HOW to work.
Most all problems I see are a result of working too fast so that there isn’t proper time for the client to react or give feedback. The nervous system can only process so much information at a time and tissue needs time to relax.
Jim O'Hara: Any suggestions for me if I sign up for an advanced deep tissue seminar?.
Art Riggs: You may have to let go of some old ways of working that conflict with new ways of working. Sometimes the most talented therapists who are used to feeling confident in their work become frustrated and hang on to the ways they are comfortable with.
Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release may challenge old paradigms. Have fun in learning; be patient and realize that the skills aren’t learned overnight.
Jim O'Hara: Any other suggestions?
Art Riggs: Hold your intention, yet let go of outcome.
When Touch is Not Appropriate, or, What the Bleep is Energy Massage?
Mar 08, 2009 by Jim O'Hara
Sharon came to me shortly after heart bypass surgery. Her torso’s upper left quadrant was muscularly seized up. Muscle relaxants had been totally ineffective, and she came to me as a last resort.
Since touch to this traumatized area only made things worse, I used energy work, sandwiching this area between my hands. And I waited. And waited. For what? Keep on reading.
By the end of the session, she reported that she had the most relief from pain since she had left the hospital—and wanted to book another session.
Another client, Betty, had had axilary lymph nodes removed for a biopsy, and this left her with a sore armpit area, and quite limited range of motion in that shoulder. The energy work I had done with Betty had given her such dramatic results that her oncologist at Stanford Medical Center had demanded, “Just what is your massage therapist doing?”
So, just what is “energy massage?”
First of all, there is no voodoo involved. A type of photography, Kirlian photography (not without its critics) seems to capture for us the energy field surrounding both humans and plants.
The energy, radiating outward, from the fingertip of a person who has just “grounded,” or “centered.”
As with magnetic fields, one energy field, or its vibrations, can affect another one.
Think of the soprano singing a high note until the crystal glass shatters. The glass had started to match the vocal vibrations, which changed its own situation. This is the matching of one energy/vibration with another.
We’ve all been around people whose negative “energy” seemed to pull us down. I call them “psychic vampires.”
It is a natural tendency for one entity to match the energy/vibration/emotions of another.
This is an artist's rendering of Kirlian photography showing the aura, or energy field, around the hand.
But what is actually done in an energy massage session? I use a style similar to Polarity (www.polaritytherapy.org) in which my hands simply “sandwich” the area of the body in need of healing. And then I wait. And wait.
I’m waiting for the client’s traumatized area to begin matching the healthier energy field of my hands. So, it is important I do this only if I am feeling healthy. The waiting is the hard part for the massage therapist. Keep saying to yourself, “Time is my ally.”
But exactly how does this work? I see it as a “matching” of energy fields, others see it as the therapists’ hands “holding the space” for the client’s own body wisdom to take over.
Still sound vague? Probably – why not try it and learn from your own experience. No one really understands how electricity works, but we flick light switches on and off all day long, caring little about the underlying mechanism. We just want results!
Explore for yourself the various styles of energy work, known by names such as:
Polarity Reiki Quantum Touch Zero Balancing
to name just a few.
Caution– most clients will want physical touch as the majority part of their massage session. Give them that, and use energy work where touch is not appropriate.
Major Caution – Beware of yourself as the Big Healer. Just who is doing the healing? Watch out for Ego perched on your shoulder, licking its chops, and waiting to be fed another helping of (meaningless) adulation. It grows Big on that stuff.
Blessings and good energy to you.
Jim O’Hara Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Curriculum Coordinator, National Holistic Institute
“I’ll have the chocolate stampede please”. Should we Surrender to the Sweet Temptation of Dark Chocolate?
Recently, several studies have found that eating dark chocolate in moderation is actually beneficial to your heart and circulation. These benefits are from the flavonoids and antioxidants that are naturally present in the cacao beans used to make all chocolate products. Cacao products have much greater antioxidant capacity and more flavonoids per serving than do tea, red wine, fruits, berries and vegetables. And dark chocolate has a higher percentage of cacao than milk chocolate, therefore, more antioxidants. A recent study published in International Journal of Cardiology showed that regularly eating flavonoid-rich dark chocolate significantly improved blood flow to the heart in healthy adults, whereas non-flavonoid white chocolate had no such effects1. Cacao flavonoids have also been reported to have other specific protective effects for the heart, like increasing the good cholesterol (HDL) levels, anti-inflammatory properties2, and protecting against plaque formation in the blood vessels- thereby protecting you from getting a heart attack3. The serving size of dark chocolate used in this study is 6.7g a day. This is very important as we all know that dark chocolate is very calorie rich and can be high in fat. You should look for dark chocolate that has at least 65% cacao, and make sure that it is not made with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, which can offset the beneficial effects of the flavonoids in the dark chocolate.
Also note that many commercially produced chocolate contain additives and other synthetic chemicals that are not desirable for your body. Therefore, organic dark chocolate, made with organic ingredients, is a healthier alternative. Even the milk powder that is used to make organic chocolate has to be hormone-free to get the organic certification. And, this is an earth-friendly option, as organic cacao is cultivated in an environmentally sound method of farming, which help to maintain the eco-diversity and protect the habitat for many tropical wild animals and birds. One more reason to indulge in the sweet temptation :)
So in summary, eating dark chocolate,preferably organic in moderation (~7g per day) can be beneficial to your health as long as you enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. And there is no benefit if you eat milk or white chocolate instead. So stick with the dark chocolate for you and your loved ones’ heart health.
Reference:
Acute effect of oral flavonoid-rich dark chocolate intake on coronary circulation, as compared with non-flavonoid white chocolate, by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in healthy adults International Journal of Cardiology Volume 131, Issue 3, 24 January 2009, Pages 424-429
Regular consumption of dark chocolate is associated with low serum concentrations of c-reactive protein in a healthy Italian population.(Author abstract)(Clinical report).Romina di Giuseppe, Augusto Di Castelnuovo, Floriana Centritto, Francesco Zito, Amalia De Curtis, Simona Costanzo, Branislav Vohnout, Sabina Sieri, Vittorio Krogh, Maria Benedetta Donati, Giovanni de Gaetano and Licia Iacoviello. The Journal of Nutrition 138.10 (Oct 2008): p1939(7).
Effects of Low Habitual Cocoa Intake on Blood Pressure and Bioactive Nitric Oxide: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Dirk Taubert; Renate Roesen; Clara Lehmann; Norma Jung; Edgar Schömig. JAMA, July 4, 2007; 298: 49 - 60.
Permalink:Organic Dark Chocolate | Posted under:gift certificates,chocolates | Tags:organic dark chocolate bars,organic chocolate,organic dark chocolate,dark chocolate | 1 Comments | Post your Comment
Dagoba Organic Chocolate
Feb 22, 2009 by michelle
I recently came across this chocolate at Amazon.com. I was doing some research about organic chocolates and wasn't familiar with Dogoba. If you are into pure dark chocolate I would recommend Dagoba Organic Chocolate Bars, Eclipse 87%.
The chocolate is great, smooth and melts in your mouth. Its fully flavored and will surprise you. If you looking for an organic chocolate delight for yourself, your family or for a loved one as a gift, here is a good idea. Dagoba Organic Chocolates are made from carefully selected ingredients from a very small set of suppliers.
If you are looking for a milder dark chocolate, go for Dagoba Organic Chocolate Bar New Moon 74%. Same organic ingredient but a bit milder than Eclipse.
Here is your new best friend! With 3 massage programs that runs for 15 minutes each, this is one of the sophisticated massage chairs you can get. Covers full back, upper back and lower back
The massage pad is removable and the controller stores within easy reach and retractable. The chair is eas recline and has wheels for easy mobility!
Built to last a lifetime! Spirit™ portable massage tables has rounded corners, stronger, flatter working surface, new softer vinyl; the Spirit has been brought to new levels of performance by our designers. Earthlite has combined the best workmanship and materials with an innovative new hoop construction to bring you the ultimate in strength, stability, and style.
Key Features
Handcrafted, maple frame with rounded corners
Luxurious Natursoft vinyl
3-layer, 3-inch Pro-Plush Cushioning System
Stitched-fit upholstering for a flatter massage surface
Hardwood ribs & full length hinge for added strength
Stylish endplates and outlet covers
No charge Reiki endplate option
Shiatsu Release Cables
Lifetime Limited Warranty
Specifications:
Weight: 32lbs (28" x 73")
Width Options: 28", 30", 32"
Standard adjustable height range: 23" to 33"
Note: Carry Case and Headrest are not included.
Earthlite Spirit Massage Table has beautiful Rounded Corner Design Smooth, beautiful curves. No sharp corners. The Earthlite Spirit Massage Table incorporates our proprietary 10-layer laminate hoop design, eliminating weak joints and sharp corners.
Pro-Plush Cushioning Systems â Most Comfortable Ever â The feel of our 3-layer Pro-Plush and Pro-Plush Deluxe cushioning system takes comfort to a new level without adding significant weight. Our three layer system adds a firm base level to prevent bottoming out, and two top layers, which combine to provide exceptional comfort and luxurious feel.
Earthlite Spirit Massage Table is made with new luxurious Natursoft Vinyl 100% environmentally friendly PU vinyl that is so soft it has to be felt to be believed. Stitched-Fit upholstery method (for a flatter massage surface) now comes standard.
Earthlite Spirit Massage Table's new super-strong Spirit Endplate Thicker and stronger than the previous industry standard, our new endplate brings greater stability and style without adding weight (also available with Reiki endplates).
All the Bells and Whistles High quality maple hardwood, wooden outlets, shiatsu release cables, reinforcing ribs, reiki endplate option - all included at no additional cost
Please note - tables are made to order, and may take 2-4 weeks for delivery.
If you are looking for a massage for yourself or if you looking to get massage as a gift to a friend or loved one, one of the places you want to start is by looking for massage websites on the web. As the internet is becoming popular, there are more and more massage websites coming up since that gives a massage business more exposure to clients like you. So this enables you to do your home work before going for the massage or buying that gift certificate.
Here are some of the benefits of using the web and finding a massage therapy website:
Quick to find - Use Google (Google maps) to do a quick search. Go to Google maps, enter your address and hit enter. Google maps is smart enough to find that you have entered an address and it will show a map with your address with a pin on it. Right above the pin will be a option Search nearby, click on it. Enter "massage" hit Search - voila! - Google will list the local massages near your address. Now click on the name of the listing shows and Google will show more information about that listing on the map. If you look closely on the information that popped up, you can see the massage website is show right below. If you don't see the website show that means they don't have one and you might want to move to the next listing.
Be an educated customer - Once you find a massage therapist's website you want to read what they have to say. Learn about services that they provide, rates, special offers and cancellation policies etc. Most of these massage websites will have pages all these information at their site. If the website doesn't provide the information that you are looking for you might want to move on and find another site.
Know your massage therapist - Most of the massage websites will have information about the massage therapist, like their bio, interests and most importantly their qualifications and experience. This will give you confidence and also some level of comfort before choosing a therapist. Lately, lot of the massage websites have blog, which is a running log of articles and random thoughts from the folks that run the massage therapy business. Some of these blogs can give you a better understanding of their philosophy, tips etc.
Find the best deal - By surfing the pages of the massage websites you will know which one give you the most bang for the buck! Isn't that a good incentive!! One of the recent sites I saw had a deal that would get me an extra 30 min of massage when I go in with a friend.
Buy Gift Certificates online - Some not all of the massage websites offer gift certificates right from their website. You can purchase them instantly. Often times its will end up cost effective for you to get a gift certificate rather than just walking in!
I always had good experience when I did my home work upfront. At the end of the day, you'll have a more satisfying experience and that is what massage is all about right?
Hope this helps, please feel free to comment.
Permalink:Massage Websites | Posted under:tips,benefits,gift certificates,gifts ideas | Tags:massage therapy website,massage websites,massage website | 1 Comments | Post your Comment
Kindel
Feb 10, 2009 by rich
Amazon just released its 2.0 version of Kindle (Kindel) which is claimed to be much superior than it predecessor. Here are some of key features of the new Kindle:
Kindle is slim. Thinner than most magazines. Kindel measures just over 1/3 of an inch
Kindle or Kindle is lighter than a book at 10.2 ounces.
Full mobile enabled - Kindle comes with 3G wireless enabled. You can download books while you are on the road or at home, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspot
Feels like paper, looks like paper but its electronic! Kindle new improved display can show 16 shades of gray and crisper images
25 % more battery life than earlier version
Kindle can now hold 1500+ books
20% faster when turning pages
Kindle's new text-to-speech feature can read books to you!
A whole bookstore at your fingertips!! Over 230,000+ books and other publications available on Kindle
Permalink:Kindel | Posted under:gifts ideas | Tags:kindle,kindel,kindle reader,amazon kindle,kindle ebook | 0 Comments | Post your Comment
