How I Change It Up ~ Summer to Autumn Selfcare

Helping Body, Mind and Spirit transition selfcare through the seasons  takes some thought and planning, but you can make it easier.

Where I currently live Autumn comes roaring in with sudden colder temperatures and often some snow. Yet this season is still a favourite with the gorgeous colours of reds, oranges and yellows, and the crisp, fresh scents that permeate the air. My self-care routines do shift quite a lot for the Fall though, as I find myself spiraling inwards in both body and mind. 

Falling into Self-Care Activities

Outdoors is my go-to through most of the year if I’m not at work. While I still get out as much as I can the  chilling winds drive me indoors for many Autumn days.  That’s when hiking and nature walks shift to Belly Dance. The music goes on, the hip scarves come out and I shimmy all over the house. It lifts my mood as much as a hike does.  The yoga mat moves from the grass to the carpet and I stretch in and out of myself after a good dance workout.

This isn’t to say that I don’t go outside. I consciously switch up my daily routines to experience as much exposure to daylight as I possibly can. The light on the forehead stimulates the pituitary gland which is important for increasing serotonin (mood stabilizer) production. That’s to say nothing of the benefits from sunshine doses of Vitamin D and also, just how good it feels to be out in the fresh air.

But I do admit that the biting cold wind drives me indoors as the season progresses.

Self Massaging Autumns Dryness Away

This year the dry weather seems to have arrived a little earlier and my skin regime has already needed to change. Increased dry brushing to get rid of dead skin cells and LOTS of moisturizing. I make moisturizing a self-massage ritual. Usually coconut oil, blended with favourite essential oils and massaged into muscles, joints and skin. This increased and focused touch is a great way to improve body awareness plus skin that just feels good to live in.

For my scalp and hair I use warmed coconut or sesame oil to nourish and nurture. Wrapped up in a towel for a few hours my upper being absorbs all the goodness.

Lots and lots of Massage Therapy

Fall and winter are busy times for Massage Therapists and the need for my own muscle maintenance increases as my work load does. There are other reasons that I go more often for these essential, healthy sessions. With more clients coming in I ensure I am doing all that I can to keep my Immune system strong and healthy, and Massage Therapy helps with that. It also encourages me to relax and de-stress so that my sleep improves…all great immune boosting stuff!

With the shift in my activities I use my muscles in different ways and so those shimmying hips and dance leg muscles require some extra attention in staying loose and flexible.

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Seasonal Eating Selfcare

Do you also prefer warm foods in your tummy when the weather is colder outside? There is nothing quiet like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. Or starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal and warmed fruit.

Preferring to buy local and fresh my self care nourishment includes lots of squash, kale, beets, carrots, apples and pears blended into stews, soups, oatmeal and other deliciousness. The addition of warming spices such as cinnamon, clove, curry, nutmeg speak to my soul this time of year.

Cozying up to Self Care

My cat is the main instigator of this self care change. As the weather becomes colder she loves to cuddle up and I have to admit that the rhythm of her purr is comforting and somewhat meditative. So in preparation some extra blankets are on the couch, scented candles and incense are nearby, along with some good books and spicy herbal teas. 

Cozy times also include more bath time than during the summer. There is nothing quite like allowing that hot and healing moist heat to fully embrace my skin, muscles and bones. Comforting scents of essential oils and herbal tea round out this sanctuary for me.

While  my garden is hibernating my creative interests also move indoors and kitty often likes to sit and watch as I craft, sew, make candles,lotions, etc. and she purrs in approval of quieter times.

How do your self care rituals change through the seasons?

When you have to stay indoors rather than be outside, what do you do for self care?

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Autumn Massage Sessions ~ The Healthy Benefits

The colder weather is definitely upon us and the season has quickly changed from Summer to Fall. Did you know that Massage Therapy can help you to easily transition between the seasons? There are so many benefits to receiving an Autumn Massage, here are just a few…

Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Anxiety, Depression and SAD

Ease Anxiety, Depression and SAD with regular Massage sessions

​Back to school, sports, indoor activities, the ‘9 to 5’, family holiday gatherings… all of these happenings are good, but they can leave you feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. Decreasing amounts of sunshine and daylight begin to take a toll on your mind and your spirit. Anxiety and Depression increase and can lead to exhaustion.

Massage Therapy helps to naturally balance your hormones. Lowering the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin (a mood stabilizer) and dopamine levels (helps to battle depression and increases clarity and focus).

Your Massage Therapy appointment gives your mind and body a “time out”. This is a great opportunity to rejuvenate and re-energize so that you can keep your life on track

Massage Therapy is a Natural Immune System Booster

This time of year we spend more time indoors and often in the close company of others, an optimal scenario for the spread of viruses. Preventative action can help you to stay healthy.

​Massage Therapy helps to boost your body’s white blood cell activity, which strengthens your immune system. It also helps you to sleep better, which always goes hand to hand with staying healthier.

Get a Better Nights Sleep with Massage

Sleep better after your Massage Therapy session

A good nights sleep leads to better health, eases depression and is a time for your body to kick into it’s innate self-healing mode. Massage Therapy helps to boost serotonin and melatonin production which are key hormones for regulating your sleep cycle.

Massage as a Stress Buster

Ease Stress with Massage

When stressed our heart rate and blood pressure increase and muscles become tense and tight. Massage Therapy will help to release your shoulders from your ears, lower your heart rate and decrease blood pressure. In a more relaxed state your stress becomes more manageable.

Reduce Pain and Inflammation with Massage Therapy

Good for Arthritis, Massage Therapy eases joint and muscle pain

Colder weather often brings an increase in muscle and joint pain, especially for those who deal with arthritis. Back to school/study/computer posture places more stress and tension on the muscles of the neck, back and shoulders which can lead to increased headaches, jaw tightness and muscle pain.

A Massage Therapy session increases blood flow to muscles, joints and connective tissues while helping to ease inflammation. Greater blood flow and reduced muscle tension eases stress on joints so that they are able to move more freely and with reduced pain. Massage helps to loosen the strained muscles that can become tense with studying as well as increased computer and desk time. Through releasing muscle tension the body moves into it’s better, more natural posture resulting in fewer headaches, joint pains and neck strain.

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Optimal October Wellness Mini Sessions

You may already know which therapy is your go to for your optimal well-being, but have you tried others? Here is your opportunity!

Holistic therapies with Teresa Graham, RMT

This month Teresa will be offering mini sessions in some of the holistic therapies she shares (some, because not all services fit into a shorter time period).

~ You can add a mini session to a longer appointment that you have booked, or book just a mini session, or book up to 2 mini sessions back to back in a day.

~ You can only book a mini session for a specific therapy once during the month. Your sessions must be booked and received between October 1 and 31, 2019.

~ Mini -sessions are 25 minutes long and cost $45 (plus gst). Sorry, gift certificates can not be purchased towards or used to pay for monthly sessions.
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​Choose from:

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Reflexology for your hands or feet. Indian Head Massage ​(without oil)

Reiki – a short introduction Relaxation Massage ​(one area only)

BOOK ONLINE

By Email: handtohealth@gmail.com
​By Phone: (403) 620-0561

Stepping Back & Moving Forwards – Some Changes

Sometimes you need to take a step backwards to actually take some positive steps forward. Seems strange as we are often encouraged to just move forward without looking back.

When life is not flowing smoothly but instead is constantly hitting bumps and boulders I feel encouraged to sit in meditation (usually off in nature somewhere), and tune into what is feeling “off” and why.  In that quiet space I can often come up with not only some answers, but also what changes I need to make to shift the flow and create more balance and harmony in my world. It’s similar to how I assist clients during a Reiki session to shift into a healthier balance and flow in their lives. Practicing what I preach.

Since 1995 I have owned my own business in the holistic healthcare field, and while it’s been challenging I’ve always enjoyed that. While I’m still able to offer this for my clients and students in B.C., since moving to Calgary it’s changed. My parents were both self-employed entrepreneurs as is my son. It seems to run in the blood.

And so my recent meditations have me realizing the need for taking a step backwards while also stepping forwards in serving my clients in Calgary. Changes are afoot!

After August 15th my business, Hand to Health, is what I will be working under in providing Massage Therapy and Holistic Therapies to clients. Finding a space within a collaborative group of health professionals that is welcoming, peaceful (sound-proof rooms), professional and very much in tune with what I wish to offer. The same services and sessions in a holistic, healing environment.

I have been blessed through the past two years to have been a part of the amazing team at Atmosphere Health. It’s been a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful to have had it. Being only 5 minutes away at my new location, it is my intention to continue to refer clients to both Dr Paul Semadeni and Andrew Dulcamara for their Chiropractic and Acupuncture care. They are both amazing healthcare providers in their fields!

My last day of seeing clients at Atmosphere Health will be Thursday, August 15th. Taking Saturday the 17th to participate as a Massage Therapist at the Ride to Conquer Cancer, my first day of seeing clients at the new location will be Tuesday, August 20th.

My days and hours will be the same with some flexibility to work later for those established clients who require that.

Why Am I a Massage Therapist?

A question I’m asked by clients often is why did I choose to become a Massage Therapist?

One thing that I can say for sure is that it’s a choice I have never regretted, I love what I do as not only a Massage Therapist, but also sharing all of the other Holistic modalities I’ve trained in.

My second career, after office administration, was as an Interior Designer, a job that really nurtured my creative, artistic side. While on site during a design project I fell from a ladder and because of that fall I booked in for my first Massage session. There was no turning back.

Massage Therapy brings well-being to body and mind

That first Massage left me in awe of how it eased the pain, helped me to heal and moreso feeling just how connected the parts of my body were. I had to learn more!

I signed up for a weekend course “An Introduction to Massage”. I was fascinated with

Massage brings well-being to mind and body

how it felt to work with another’s muscles and feel them release, to see the glow of wellbeing and peace that crossed their face as they completely relaxed. The course wasn’t my first steps in incorporating holistic health practices into my lifeAs a young, single mother I was interested in organic, holistic nutrition and participated in meditation daily. Yoga had been an interest since my teen years.

While on the waiting list to get into Massage Therapy school, I studied Reflexology, Reiki, Fitness instruction, Aromatherapy and Colour Therapy. Loving how each of these could complement each other and the holistic wellbeing for myself, my family and others. Did I mention that I love to learn?

My journey into studying Massage Therapy seemed the next logical step on this path I was traveling and I have loved every aspect of practicing it through the past 23 years. Honestly I can’t see myself ever fully retiring because of the joy I experience doing work that I love, with incredible clients.

Teresa Graham, RMT

Massage and other Holistic therapies are a continual opportunity to learn and expand my skills. Through the past 18 years my practice has turned to specializing in treating women through all the differing phases of their life journey…but that’s another story for another blog, someday.

It’s weird but I have a sense of gratitude for that fall from the ladder, because it led me to this amazing career!

Planting the Seeds of Understanding Holistic Health

A holistic health colleague and I were discussing ways to promote our businesses last week and how to get our messages of wellbeing out to the general public.

What we couldn’t decide was whether approaching potential clients from the viewpoint of emotional wellbeing was the best way to share, or if physical wellbeing was better. Why was this a dilemma for us? I think it lies in the fact that we, as therapists, look at wellbeing from a holistic point of view, while mainstream media presents to the public a very “physical symptoms and dis-ease picture” viewpoint.

From a Holistic Health viewpoint one strives to have a balance of wellness in the body, the mind and the spirit.

Some believe that a disease or a physical symptom actually begins in Spirit. That Spirit is attempting to give us a message to make a change or eat differently or take steps toward wellness. It is when we don’t listen and engage with that message that a symptom will move to the mind and then the body, showing up as disease, pain, skin irritation,

When one takes the time to pray or meditate regularly or communicate with Spirit in a way best for them, and take action, it is thought that the mind and body then stay in a space of health and wellness.

In researching what the public is searching the internet for, the focus is very much on disease and symptoms labels such as Fibromyalgia, Plantar Faciitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, PTSD, Stress, Back Pain, Menopause symptoms, Cancer, Anxiety Disorder….

While there is no disagreement with the labels, a holistic therapist looks at each client as an individual and how those symptoms are specifically affecting them. How they are feeling, that day, on an emotional and physical level.

When a client comes to see me for a Massage Therapy session and lists their problem as Back pain. I’m  assessing, as they move, how the pain is affecting their movement, is their spine appearing to be out of alignment, any signs of swelling or inflammation in the muscles, are they in emotional distress from the pain, what is it keeping them from doing, is it affecting their sleep, are they clenching their jaw or sweating from pain, how are they describing it, what words are they using…

Why so much in the way of assessment? I’ve probably already seen 3 other clients that day with Back pain and I guess I could treat them each the same way BUT is that really going to be beneficial for each? It might be but likely not. I assess because I want to know how this is affecting their overall holistic wellness and I want to treat them in such a way that all levels of wellbeing are addressed.

I may find as I’m working with them that the pain began after an emotionally upsetting day. As they talk about this during their session the muscles will often open up and let my hands work out the pain and tension of the emotion. They may cry, laugh, get angry as the loosening muscles allow the emotion to be released…which is wonderful.

While they are likely of the mind that it was the massage that loosened the muscle, I’m more likely to believe that releasing the emotion was much more beneficial.

That was only one of the 3 clients that day with Back pain. What about the other two coming in with completely different circumstances but the same symptoms. Perhaps baby gaining weight is putting excess strain on the pregnant woman’s back muscles, or they slept in an awkward position, or the busy teacher is stressed out and clenching their muscles.
​That is why so much assessment happens.

So in getting back to the original dilemma around promotion, we wondered how to best get that message across as holistic therapists. I think what we decided was to go for the symptoms and use the language that potential clients understand, and then begin to plant seeds, educate and present the ideas that encompass holistic health and wellness.

That isn’t to say we would try to change people. Each person has their own beliefs around health and wellness and what is best for them in the way of therapies. Each individual knows their body far better than I, and their beliefs bring them the holistic wellness they feel comfortable with.

As a therapist, it is up to me to honour and understand, learn from each client and adapt my therapy session to best meet their needs, and at the same time share knowledge about how the body works and it’s amazing abilities to heal through holistic wellness.

 

Calgary Reiki Classes

I am looking forward to sharing Level 1 Reiki, in Calgary, in a few weeks. For more information please click here or email  me at handtohealth@gmail.com