What is "Deep Tissue" Massage?

Contrary to popular belief, deep tissue massage should never cause bruising or pain. During your massage it can be common to have an area of the body that is tender or sore, but the massage should be at a pressure that is comfortable for you. So there may be a little discomfort, but it should be the "feel good" kind. When you are holding your breath or tensing the body, that means there is likely damage or stress occuring to the tissues on a microscopic or cellular level. You may perceive that it feels good now, but you may find that after several months of receiving massage, it hasn't seemed to help.

Although it is all too common, deep tissue doesn't mean the therapist digs their elbows into the tender spots between your shoulder blades. That is a common error that many therapists make and clients take it, because that is believed to be the right kind of work. Often, that painful spot between your shoulder blades can be relieved by opening up the front chest, neck and abdominal muscles. Deep tissue means the therapist understands the biomechanics of the body and is able to determine where the areas that actually need the work.

Deep tissue means the therapist s-l-o-w-l-y sinks into the tissues and then using firm pressure, swims along the direction of the muscle fibers to help loosen any adhesions. It's as if the tissues are inviting the therapist to come deeper into the body. Another form of deep tissue helps to break up connective tissue by inviting the client to perform a movement while the therapist applies pressure within the pain tolerance of the client.

If you find you only get relief by feeling pain, you may notice that although you've been going to a therapist for months or years to help with that nagging low back pain, you really aren't noticing improvement. You may feel better for a few days and then the discomfort or pain returns. This is an example of how painful massage really isn't that helpful.

This skill of a deep tissue massage therapist is in being able to utilize therapeutic techniques in a gentle and (somewhat) pain-free manner that gets results.

Recently, I've been introduced to a type of very thin shirt that is worn under clothing to help improve body awareness. The shirt is called "Intelliskin" and is a modern take on the posture enhancing straps that can be worn under clothing.

I purchased one a few weeks ago and wear it for a few hours while working each day. It really helps me get the best use of my muscles during the day by opening my chest and improving the breath without thinking about it. I highly recommend this shirt for anyone who is active or sits at a desk all day.

This shirt is only a training tool, and not for use all day or for an indefinite period of time. Wearing this shirt is only one step in improving body awareness, you will also need strengthening exercises and/or other types of movement therapy to learn to make the most out of your posture.

To learn more check it out at

www.intelliskin.net 

Using Herbal Teas for Relaxation   

     As you may (or may not) know, I traveled around quite a bit in my early twenties, living both in almost every state in the U.S. and also living abroad. During that time, I studied with master herbalists about the use of plants and food as medicine. Lately, I've received a few questions about which types of herbal teas are best for relaxing at home and before bedtime.  

     When looking for a tea, make sure to read the ingredient list as the name of the tea itself can be misleading. For example, you may read, "All natural tea" but the ingredient list contains "natural flavors". The term "natural flavors" means there are additives to enhance the flavor of the tea.  If you are using the tea for relaxation purposes, then you also want to make sure there isn't any black or green tea in the ingredient list because those tea leaves do contain caffeine.

     There have been many studies completed on herbs and their medicinal properties. Since there is a lot of incorrect information about the use of herbs out there, I thought I'd share with you some of the plants that actually contain sedative properties and thus are excellent plants to use in a relaxing tea. There are also many herbal "remedies" out there that are suggested for regular use, but they are actually NOT safe for regular consumption.  

     The plants that have been shown to have sedative effects AND be safe for regular use are:

Lavendula Angustifolia - Lavender

Melissa Officinalis - Lemon Balm

Passiflora Incarnata - Passionflower

Valeriana Officinalis - Valerian

     The one I didn't add was Humulus Lupulus because hops are bitter and you may not enjoy the flavor in a tea. Some people purchase the dried buds and sew them up into a pillow to place under their head at night.  

     Valerian is the most effective sedative on the list, but many people don't enjoy the taste. I've heard folks describe it as tasting like the smell of old shoes. In my opinion, it tastes mild and is fine with lemon. Valerian is very helpful as a sleep aid that will not make you feel groggy the next morning. Valerian is extremely effective. I once had a cough and couldn't sleep and after drinking a cup of strong valerian tea, I immediately went to sleep. Although valerian works the best my favorite is passionflower because it has a nice floral, sweet taste. Try them all out to determine which ones you enjoy the most. You can also combine them to create more complex flavors.

A note about herbal medicine