Theresa Franklin, NCTMB, LMT, RYT, CMT

Olivia Kelly, NCTMB, LMT

 

Feature Article

Massage therapy has become popular among athletes, especially runners who are looking for ways to improve their performance while preventing injuries.  

 

A massage provides many positive effects on the body's connective tissues and the muscular and cardio-respiratory systems.

 

A massage can:

• improve blood circulation
• improve pulmonary function by loosening tight respiratory muscles and fascia
• increase or restore range of motion, thus improving running efficiency and performance
• improve flexibility, which reduces the risk of injury and improves running efficiency and performance
• increase dopamine and serotonin levels, which create a positive mood

 

To aid in recovery, a massage also:

• promotes rapid removal of metabolic waste products, improving recovery times
• reduces muscle soreness and fatigue through enhanced circulation
• improves connective tissue healing
• decreases pain through improved circulation and by triggering the release of endorphins and other pain reducing neurochemicals

If you're an athlete/runner looking into massage, a deep tissue massage will give you the best benefits. Deep tissue massages, along with a technique called "myofascial release," work to restore fascia (connective tissues that support muscles and provide range of motion) to their natural state. When fascia are restored, they can better absorb the impact that running exerts on the body.

 

Be Well Now has several options for athletes and runners:

 

Integrative Massage Therapy - This treatment may include Swedish, Trigger Point, Stretching, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, and Heat Therapy. Integrative Massage Therapy is customized to meet your specific needs.

 

Muscle Melt - An herbal therapy designed to relieve pain and inflammation. Great for the weekend warrior!

 

Deep Tissue Therapy - Techniques are used on specific muscles that are chronically tense. The pressure should "hurt so good" and is always adjusted to the client's pain tolerance level.

 

Thai Yoga Massage - An assisted form of yoga, it incorporates the breath, full-body stretching and compression to instill a deep sense of balance and fluidity. It's performed on a padded mat with the client fully clothed. Great for athletes, it increases flexibility which helps with range of motion.

 

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Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you should fall behind when it comes to caring for your body. Underarm hair removal is a trend that hasn't been out of style since the early 1900s.  Of course, since then, many of us have moved on from old-fashioned razors and enjoy keeping this area hair-free with efficient and affordable underarm waxing at Be Well Now!

 

In between underarm waxing sessions, the hair that grows is thinner and much less noticeable. Since it's removed from the root, the new hair growth will be thinner than before and not itch when it begins to grow back. When you shave, however, the hair left that has been cut by the razor ends up being the thickest part of the hair, causing it to appear darker.

 

Just because we've waved goodbye to summer for the year, you can still embrace your inner diva with underarm waxing.

 

Schedule your underarm wax today with Kristi!

 

Please allow at least 1/4 of an inch for hair growth. $15 for both under arms.

 

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Asana Zone

The blueprint   

The practitioner lies on the floor with arms stretched back and legs raised toward the sky at a 45 degree angle while keeping the lower ribs and pelvis on the mat. 

 

 

How to do it

1. Lie on your stomach with your arms along your sides, palms up, forehead resting on the floor. Rotate your thighs by turning your big toes toward each other; firm your buttocks so your coccyx presses toward your pubis. Inhale.

2. Exhale while lifting your head, upper torso, arms, and legs off the floor. You'll be resting on your lower ribs, belly, and front pelvis.   

3. Raise your arms parallel to the floor and stretch them back actively through your fingertips. Press your scapulas firmly into your back.

4. Gaze forward or slightly upward. Keep the back of the neck long. 

5. Stay for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then release with an exhalation. Take a few breaths and repeat 1 or 2 times more if you like. 

 

 Do:

• keep your head in a neutral position by looking down at the floor if you have a neck injury   
• reach through your legs, first through the heels to lengthen the back legs, then through the bases of the big toes.   

 

Don't:   

•  jut your chin forward   

Benefits

• Strengthens the muscles of the spine, buttocks and backs of the arms and legs
• Stretches the shoulders, chest, belly, and thighs
• Improves posture
• Increases flexibility in the back
• Especially recommended for relieving sciatica and pain in the lower back

 

Contraindications   

• Headache
• Serious back injury
• Pregnancy 

Beginners tips and modifications

 

If you need help holding the pose, try placing a rolled up blanket beneath your upper thighs.   

 

You can also start out by raising just one leg at a time.  

 

 

Advanced practitioners

 

Instead of stretching the legs straight back from the pelvis at a 45 degree angle, bend the knees and position the shins perpendicular to the floor. Once this is mastered, bend the knees and relax, letting the feet gradually come down until they are resting on top of the head.

 

 

 Thai Yoga Workshop 

 

Dr. Jaime Sanchez of East-West Natural Healing School of Yoga will be leading a Thai Yoga Workshop 9:00-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27.  

 

Call today to register!