How is a client supposed to "act" during a massage??? Gas, Underwear and Pimples

I want to get the awkward moments out there and just let it all hang out. Why not? No point in getting a massage if the whole time you are worried about passing gas, if your arms are in the right position or what to expect. Anyway, people ask me these details in social settings. Well here's what you are all wondering...

***General Etiquette***

Hygiene: It would be nice if the client showers before the massage or at least same day. I understand that most people are trying to fit in a massage between activities so I'm not a stickler on this--read more for my gross out tolerance.

Underwear on or off?: You may disrobe to your absolute comfort. It makes no difference to me as long as you are comfortable. I can work with people who are fully clothed to completely nude under the sheet. I prefer less because I work with lotions and the long sweeping glides allow me to address the muscles completely. Either way--this is about your comfort, not mine and some people have cultural and religious reasons for not disrobing. Always be comfortable.

Moving during a massage: Yes please move around if you have an itch or your arms are uncomfortable and you need to hang them off the table or put them beside you. I will work with it. If you are face down and it hurts your lower back, pipe up! There are always modifications for your individual needs. In short, you don't have to lay there like a mummy unless you want to.

 "Helping" the massage therapist:. I used to do this myself because I thought it would make the therapist's job easier and second I couldn't relax and let go of control. Let me give you an example so you understand what "helping" means. Sometimes when I get to massaging the arm, the client will give me their arm from under the sheet and leave it tense in my hand. Or when I bring a leg up to stretch, the client will activate that leg to lift it. This is where you can be a mummy--When I'm moving around arms and legs, necks and heads, it is to the client's benefit to be completely passive. You will get a better stretch and effect if you are passive. I will prompt the client for any movements where they need to be involved.

Music and other sounds: If the client doesn't like the music or would just like to have silence or the fan, I encourage them to let me know. I will not take any requests personally. Again this is about YOU! I'm so zoned in to my movements I usually don't hear the music or register outside noise.

Talking during the massage: I will not initiate conversation with the client unless they speak first. Then I will answer the question briefly. If someone needs to get something off their chest or they just have questions, they are absolutely welcome to talk every second of their massage--it's their time. However, I know for me I can't give a really stellar massage when I'm having a conversation. All the focus and energy needs to be in my finger tips, hands and body mechanics. The body speaks and I have to listen to where it is guiding me. The millimeters of knots and unhealthy fascia (connective tissue) is so subtle that the finger tips actually become hyper sensitive over time. My body is engaged in full on nurturing and feeling for the hidden nuances in the body.

Tipping: tips are not required, but the are appreciated. I understand that it's a lot of money to shell out $95 or $135 for a massage. So if you don't tip, I'm not keeping a ledger and cursing you under my breath. Just pass my information to anyone you know that may need body work. I appreciate that so much more than a tip. I love this work. If you have money to spare, I greatly appreciate it. But, life can be financially difficult and I will not think any less of you if you can't afford it.



***** Embarrassing possibilities  ****

 Massaging Live on Air. This is what I call fun!

Gas: let's get right to it. People pass gas every now and then during a massage. I really don't care--in fact that's a great sign that your body relaxing and the elimination process is kicking in. I had one woman tell me right up front "I always fart during a massage." She really didn't care. Listen people, I grew up with a twin brother who would fart on me as a form of torture and my dad's morning explosive fart signaled the beginning of the day. My gross out tolerance is VERY high. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty or touch the body in whatever stage it is and I'm not scared of gas--loud, smelly, squeaky. Just say "excuse me" and own it. Laugh it off, be embarassed, it's a bonding  moment ;) .

Pimples: Very little opinion here. I don't care. I only care if they are sensitive to the touch and then in that case I will avoid the pimple. I don't have any qualms about gliding over them. I had body and facial acne until I was about 20. It was very embarrassing and I'm sensitive to a person's reservation about being touched with blemishes. I'm more concerned with spreading an infection and your healthfulness.

Body odor: Again, I'm pretty tolerant. I might use some natural oils to cover up any smells. Still. I massaged some sweaty, sandy, sticky bodies in the heat of Costa Rica. You can't do this job if you have hang ups about bodies.

Body hair: I don't care or judge. I have no opinion about women who shave or don't shave. Hairy backs? Bring em on.

Erections: Yep I'm going there. They happen. Sometimes just blood flow and stimulation in a particular area (sometimes not even anywhere near the penis!) can cause an erection. HOWEVER, if the client's intent is to get an erection and is engaging in sexy thoughts, that is NOT OK. I will end the massage and ask the client to pay and leave immediately. But, I will give the client the opportunity to explain. I try to keep extra blankets/sheets around that area for the man's comfort.

Crying: it happens. People have emotional releases on the table where they start crying, laughing or have some kind of intense emotional reaction. The massage room is a safe place to express those things. I've had one myself. It is a sign that something is moving in the body and should be expressed in a safe place. It is a great compliment for someone on my table to have a release. It means we were working together and making change happen. However, if intense emotion arises that is overwhelming or feels like it is coming from the massage, then taking a break or stopping might be the best option. I will honor the lost time at another session.

The Constant Fight: Are you dragging your body around, instead your body working for you??

Sometimes I become exhausted looking at people. If you observe a person and bring your focus onto them with some knowledge of anatomy and just basic empathy, you can see their pain, weaknesses in the musculoskeletal system, giving you a window into where they have been and their life history. A body in a substantial amount of stress and inefficient postures sort of reminds me of someone wearing clothes that has become far too small, restricting motion. Muscles become shortened and weak, protesting alignment. The head pulls forward, spine curves, hips lose range of motion and every step looks like it takes incredible effort. People are under the mistaken assumption that they were just "made" that way. You can see some of these compensations passed down through family members. We tend to adopt movement patterns from parents and people we interact with in daily life. Some of us are gifted with flexibility, but few and far between and inevitably it is lost as we age. Sometimes habits can be deciphered through posture alone.

The beautiful thing is that you don't have to live in a musculoskeletal prison. Like I've mentioned before, professional athletes stretch for hours in order to give them as much energy and versatility as possible (not to mention to prevent injury).

The body can feel much "lighter" than it does as you sit and read this. I practice what I preach and over the past few months, I've been doing my own system of intense stretching and lean muscle building. I was born with juvenile bunions that presented noticeable deformity at age 1. My entire foundation (feet) developed grossly out of alignment and I had two surgeries in my teens that in my opinion caused even more damage. My feet literally "pull" my body to the ground due to weakness and joint rotations. The abnormality has affected me all the way up to the jaw and it has gotten much worse over the years. I once had a massage on my calves and my jaw so drastically relaxed that my face and neck felt like it gained a good centimeter. So I spend at least 4-5 days (30-45 min per session) a week doing very slow intensive stretching including not just the arms and legs, but the chest, torso, neck, hips and feet. Pigeon pose, gluteus medius exercises, and ankle strengthening are my salvation. When I'm on top of my routine I feel much lighter and the every day tasks seem effortless and natural. However if I skip more than two days, the hard work starts unraveling. It's like brushing your teeth. You don't arrive at some place where your teeth are clean forever--it's maintenance and bodywork are just as important as brushing your teeth and I'd argue the financial cost is higher. I will never be perfect--in fact I'll be lucky if I get anywhere near "normal." But comfort and function is a spectrum and it's about progress and how you feel at the end of the day.

You do NOT have to be relegated to dragging your body around. The body is meant to work for you where you may draw upon its energy to do what you want in life. Regular bodywork such as massage and challenging the body in to proper alignment over a long period of time are essential to overall health, immune function and emotional security. YOU ARE THE DRIVER! Not your body. Be a master and not a slave to it.

Question: How Frequently Should You Get a Massage? Depends on a lot...

Frequency of a massage can range from twice a year, quarterly, monthly, weekly, bi-weekly. It depends on what you are trying to accomplishment, history of injury, frequency of physical activity, chronic illness/conditions, and level of mental and emotional stress. I think most people can benefit from a massage once a month or every two months (60, preferably 90 minutes).

You also have to consider the quality of massage and how the massage therapist concentrates their work. One excellent massage can make a bigger impact on the body than 3 average sessions and it's worth it to pay a little extra money. I rarely have sufficient time to give a full body massage unless I have 2 hours. I concentrate on the areas which will have the greatest impact on your body. For example, a runner may need their hamstrings, IT bands, glutes/hips, calves and low back massaged longer. Someone who sits at a computer all day may need intensive myofascial and deep tissue on the back AND front of the neck, upper body and shoulders.

IF YOU ARE COMPETING LIKE AN ATHLETE, you need to receive regular bodywork like one! Some top athletes get as many as 200 massages a year. On a smaller more relatable scale such as that of a competitive/long distance runner, I suggest at least once a month . Athletics involve repetitive action of specific muscles and muscle groups. When the muscle is relaxed and at its normal length, it will perform better and be more energy efficient!

I see people who have been running, biking, competing physically for years and they've hardly ever stretched properly/consistently and never sought out bodywork. Their shortened, hardened muscles are pulling their skeleton out of  integrity when they get into their 40s, 50s and 60s. They often need bodywork once a week to slowly get their muscles back to a state of relatively normal alignment. Connective tissue changes as we age--becoming less hydrated and flexible.

But on average for someone who has a healthy lifestyle, is hydrated, and experiences a moderate amount of stress, a massage once a month or once every two months is a good idea. I truly believe it  reinforces the immune system, breaks up adhesions, keeps the skeleton in manageable alignment and allows for "stuck" energy to make it's way out of the tissues.

For someone who is an athlete, or has sustained an injury/trauma/illness, frequency should be determined individually.


Frequency fluctuates. I may want to see someone in rapid succession (once a week or two sessions within 5 days) to break up challenging areas (i.e. the hamstrings of a runner) and then eventually go into maintenance mode after the goal is accomplished. 

Why learning massage in Costa Rica was so damned important..

I started thinking about massage therapy a few years before I made the commitment. I had been turning it around in my mind for some time. I don't exactly know how it came to fruition, but when you know you want to do something it just takes over.

My sister, my own personal guardian angel here on Earth, mentioned one day that she met someone who went to a massage school in Costa Rica. She had been hiking on Old Rag Mountain when she met a young man at the summit who relayed a story about graduating from an accredited massage school in Costa Rica. Didn't sound too legit at the time.

I had researched schools in the area--night school in a sterile classroom for what seemed like months on end. I wouldn't even touch someone until six months into the program. I had some basics in anatomy and biology and I knew the first leg of that kind of program would be uninspiring. So I held off and shelved the idea for another year or two.

I decided to check out this hippie dippy Costa Rica school. I didn't have any grand expectations, but curiosity piqued my interest and as I came upon the website. As I began to delve deeper into the course material I knew I was meant to be there. An exciting kind of energy quickened within me and it felt like a homecoming was approaching. I couldn't have imagined what was in store for me at the time. I try to describe how I felt when I talk about my journey to CR and it was an immediate confident knowing that I'd be there soon. Within a month I was accepted into the school and my gypsy lifestyle paid off. With my few belongings stored away,  I took what I made in real estate and wired the money to a Godknowswhere company out of Colorado. I did no research on where I was going and bought my plane ticket a couple weeks before check in at the school. As long as I had a working ATM I was good to go.

I'm glad I followed my gut.  I was always afraid of flying, but this time I calmly walked into the airport, boarded with no medicinal help and had total faith in what I was doing. Since then I've come to enjoy flying. My love affair with Costa Rica started as soon as the plane landed. I knew I loved this place and as I got closer to Samara, a rising calm yet energized beat rose through me. The place is magical and you have to be there to understand.

I digress. This is what I loved about my experience. Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy is in a self-contained compound one block from the beach. We walked barefoot to the outdoor classroom that's surrounded by lush plants. Iguanas sunbathe on the classroom's roof and we were met with the Pacific winds and sounds of exotic birds. The teachers instructed us to massage the first day of class. The school encourages students to learn how to navigate the body through experiential learning which is my preferred learning style for sure. Most people who go into massage therapy learn through doing--through touch. Jumping into massage kept my adrenaline up. We had accelerated anatomy in the morning and massaged in the afternoon. After 3pm it was off to the beach, learning Spanish, riding a bike into the sunset, Easter Rodeo week, weekends trips to Nicaragua and trading sarcasm with the ticos. During the course, professors from all over the nation are flown in to Costa Rica and they teach us their specialty-- Shiatsu, Thai, Myofasical Release, Cranio-sacral.

MOST importantly, it was the local people that taught me more than what a classroom ever could. If you have ever been to Central America, the people seem to possess a certain self-confidence and sass. Samara is a fishing/surfer town. Most young people learned how to fish, surf, dance, fix things, cook, etc. They are masters of their hands and bodies. The expats and tourists appear inadequate and awkward in juxtaposition to the ticos. There was no thinking about doing something and breaking it down emotionally--in fact this kind of self-analysis was viewed as neurotic and unnecessary--they just did it. Ticos also possess an infectious tranquil nature that I tried to be around as much as possible. It feeds the soul. I so wanted to mirror this fluidity of body and spirit to assist my future clients in being more "human". I still conjure this image of fluidity during my massage sessions as well as coping with the daily life NOVA; a place where fluidity conjures images of the housing market.

People have forgotten themselves on the most basic levels. But we can always remember with touch, trying something new, learning about your own unique body habits, dancing/talking/expressing oneself  without criticism or shame of a perceived imperfect body.

"I ain't got time for pain! I got stuff to do!"

So, I've talked about the mind-body connection which I feel like has been way overdone in pop-culture. Still with all this talk about mind-body and integration I feel as though very few people get it.
We make ourselves sick with stress. Seems like a fairly straightforward concept until it happens to you and you find yourself in weeks, months or years of chronic and acute pain and that mind-body concept seems far too simple to apply to what you're experiencing.

We give pain power. Coddling the injured area only allows it to nag and feel more intense than it is. We now know that anxiety makes pain feel more intense (http://www.jneurosci.org/content/21/24/9896.full.pdf ). I see a big difference in the reactions of different types of personalities and backgrounds when it comes to pain and progress. Let me explain...or at least go into a few fun circles.

Unfortunately, a lot of people come into the wellness center where I work and do not realize that their pain is being kept at acute levels due to their attitudes, beliefs and anxiety which they can't let go of for one reason or another. People are treating themselves physically, but they may not be considering another huge component--the mind.  It is difficult to tell what is mental and what is physical because they are so intertwined. And trust me I absolutely understand the frustration and hopelessness that pain can create, but wellness takes a lot of effort and consistency in multiple areas of lifestyle. Some of us more high strung folks have to develop ninja mind tricks!!

I recently had a conversation with an x-marine in his seventies and he had been through a lot. He had a really healthy attitude "I ain't got time for pain ! I got stuff to do!". Sometimes that is a great way to approach life. Guess what--the body is going to break down at some point and for me I've found some peace in just accepting that reality. Absolutely investigate pain and coping mechanisms, but keep moving and don't let it run your life.

Testimonial

A long term client of mine sent me this testimonial. I didn't ask for it, but I was so delighted, grateful and honored when it popped up in my email. These are the moments I live for--thank you :)

"Ms. Schneider practices what she preaches. Her massages are not just about body
massage – they also include the mind. If you have kept up with her blogs, she explained
the benefits of massage – relaxation is truly one of the end results. When the body is
relaxed the mind is stimulated – without drugs. The result – positive effects will take
place. For this writer it has been nothing short of a re-awakening. I’ve been reading
more frequently – mostly books that paint the benefits of positivism (most notably The
Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale).

I’m once again enjoying meditating, listening to spiritual music, picking up musical
instruments that have not been touched for years. Interaction with people seems to have
taken on a new meaning. Probably the most important thing for me is stress relief. Not
being in such a hurry all the time, as the old cliché goes, stopping to smell the roses.

Ms. Schneider, through her well thought out and customized therapy sessions, has
provided me the avenues to explore body and mind again. There is a continuous and
meaningful flow to her massage sessions – every movement has a purpose.

Ms. Schneider, in conjunction with treatment from the excellent chiropractor whom she is
currently partnered with, has given me hope with a more recent modality, that being neck
and shoulder pain. I can tell she is determined to help me beat the problem. I can also
sense that her dedication to helping her clients is honest and sincere.

Ms. Schneider likes to share knowledge of her techniques – but you have to ask! But ask
at the right time – because she gets into a “zone” where she is so focused, and her therapy
is so relieving, one does not want to take her away from her expertise!

Ms. Schneider is a true professional - courteous and respectful. It is comforting to know
that a professional of her caliber is willing to share her skills with those in need."

I Promise to...

As your massage therapist I promise to..

1. Keep every session and conversation confidential
2. Approach you with positive energy and empathy
3. Not judge you or your body
4. Continue to research new techniques 
5. Treat you with respect
6. Maintain a clean and comfortable environment every session
7. Provide resources when needed
8. Maintain my own personal health and well-being
9. Comply by all rules and regulations set forth by the state and NCBTMB
10. Keep my appointments unless in cases of illness and family emergency
11. Individualize each session to make the biggest impact on your body
12. To be honest always

Why Massage? Pain, Energy & Self-Awareness

I believe experiences and emotions are stored within the body and are closely tied to the nervous system. The body never seems to forget an injury or trauma. And yet, the body's capability to heal and change is remarkable and bodywork with self-awareness and education can greatly expedite transformation.

Self-awareness coupled with bodywork can be a freeing catalyst within muscles and connective tissue itself by interrupting the  pain feedback loop between mind and body and instead input something positive into the the lines of communication between the body and mind. If the mind and body receive this break regularly I truly believe it can lead to better energy levels and healing. It is my hope that a client will take an active role in the bodywork, enabling them to become a master of their body. I'm lucky to witness energy and confidence changes within a person over a period of sessions. It is one of the main reasons I love this work.

From personal experience, it was important for me to harness my attention to focus and allow my mind-body to minimize my nagging pain cycles like neck pain, fatigue, effects from corrective foot surgery as a teenager, and teeth grinding. I found relief in meditation, bodywork like chiropractic care and rehab strengthening exercises, working out, and having really honest conversations with myself about how to improve and work towards my goals.  I discovered that by modifying a few things in my environment and behavior, my episodes of pain or tension became significantly less frequent. I learned my body has limitations and I choose activities that are least wearing on my joints.When I start to feel my body produce symptoms I can control the situation and avoid peak discomfort.

What I believe massage does is create space for change to happen. The body inherently always wants to return to good posture and a state of balance. Massage offers a window of time for the muscles to adjust and allow the body to become more energy efficient. A muscle in good posture is going to be much more energy efficient than a weak or ischemic (hardened) muscle. In short, poor postures will create a drain and consume much more energy than is necessary. Wouldn't you rather use all that energy for life? You are worth the investment--massage & bodywork are not just for pampering oneself--when it is done with focus it can be an important part of one's whole integration.

Truth: What I'm really thinking when I give a massage

I get this question a lot: what am I thinking about when I give a massage? In other words... how am I  judging the person OR Am I judging the person's body/self as you massage? Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and I believe one of the reasons I can focus on soft tissue manipulation and be effective is because of the way I naturally and technically approach the body.

It takes a personality that is comfortable with people in all their stages of life to work so closely with a wide variety of the population. Instead of seeing the superficial layer, I look at a person as a history both physically and mentally that I get to unravel through body work and informed touch. It's amazing to watch someone become more connected within their bodies and the complexity of the nervous system. Every time someone is touched, anti-inflammatories are released, mitochondria proliferate and endorphins flood the body http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201141710.htm . This visualization along with detailed knowledge of anatomy is what I'm really focused on.

But what you want to really know is do I pass judgment on people's bodies? The honest answer: not the way you think. I'm in the zone and I have a high tolerance for idiosyncrasies in the body- to put it nicely. I had corrective foot surgery on both feet as a teenager and generally I take people's flaws with interest and not so much judgment.

Biology sparks my curiosity and working directly with people's physical being allows me to experience this as a gift each and every time I lay my hands on someone. Usually the next question that follows is ...isn't this work exhausting? Although doing massage takes stamina, no matter how I feel I always feel pumped and positive after a session. It doesn't drain me. Physically a good work out, but mentally and emotionally awesome. I essentially get to meditate for hours each day and bring my clients into that world.

Body Armoring & Recieving Massage: Not so Easy for Everyone

Doing these canned routines for massage therapy is a great disservice to a client who is shelling out a lot of money for every session. Bodies are not static and changes in technique should mirror changes in the body/mood.

I can essentially do identical techniques and strokes and have varied effects on different individuals. Moreover, I can do an identical technique to the same client in one session and do it again in another session and have a different response.

Hmmm why is this? Mental and emotional fluctuations and complex personal history. There is a concept massage therapists subscribe to called Body Armoring. It is a protective mechanism triggered by the nervous system in response to a threat, physical/mental/emotional trauma and other complex experiences. The "armor" shields off a part of the body/muscle/muscle group or a specific or general area. What is this lady talking about, you may ask? I have two good theoretical cases to help you understand. 1.) client A comes in for a massage and I can barely touch his head or neck. He winces, but he is not in pain. He reveals that as a child he was regularly physically abused by a parent 2.) client B's ankle was crushed in an accident some 10 years ago. His foot is unusually ticklish and he even becomes angry when touched in that area. Both clients have traumatic experiences programmed by the nervous system as protective mechanisms in specific areas of their bodies.

Sometimes massage can feel unpleasant on an area that is armored--like an aggravating sensation that tells the brain "stop touching me!" Or armor causes little pleasure or pain even though the tone of the muscle is clearly stressed and hypotonic. As long as the armor is up, it's difficult to make any progress no matter how much digging I do. More importantly, aggravating an armored area can HURT the person emotionally or degrade their trust in body workers.

The good news is that body armor can be removed even if temporarily if it is done carefully. Massaging is a negotiation between the muscles, nervous system and the therapist. In cases I come across armored areas I use very slow, medium to deep strokes to avoid triggering the nervous system from putting up the shield. I've been able to touch people in places where they are ticklish, sensitive or even "wake-up" the area where little sensation is experienced. The key is to recognize the defense mechanism and then work around it and very slowly and predictably move in. If the body tenses up, I start over. In successful cases I can release muscles and connective tissue and get that area accustomed to being touched, assuring the nervous system that the armoring is no longer needed.

This is why it is so important that I create individualized sessions. People's moods change sometimes moment to moment and issues like trauma, surgery, and injury have to always be kept in mind. I tend to be a very hyper-focused person and massage being one of my favorite things to do, I find myself almost in a meditative trance during a treatment. A therapist's mind that wanders is not going to be able to pick up on the subtleties that the body is trying to communicate. I firmly believe that if a therapist does not approach a client with a strong sense of empathy and sensitivity the client's nervous system WILL PROCESS THIS even before the client knows it consciously.

Trust between client and therapist is not always instant. It can be a big deal for a person to lay vulnerable on a table and allow a stranger to touch them, especially when they've experienced abuse or trauma and have never trusted someone to delve into their history. Eventually people start to relax during the massage and then a few visits later they receive massage so much better. The point is don't give up on the first try. Find someone you have a comfortable chemistry with who is willing to get to know your body and your vulnerabilities without judgment.

What your body and I-495 / Beltway have in Common: The Traffic of Pain

In order to understand where I am going, you need to grasp some basics about pain and musculoskeletal anatomy. First and foremost every single structure, cell, muscle system, EVERYTHING is encoated in connective tissue. From our heads to our toes is one continuous sheet of connective tissue or fascia. Connective tissue is not simply tendons and ligaments. We are talking about sheets of this stuff that is all interconnected.

The body is like a very complex spider web. And a kink in the works is like a fly landing in that web, pulling the entire web in tension toward the insect. We may feel pain at the site of impact, but the pulling and twisting and compensations create pain elsewhere. "My head feels like it's in a vice!" It is--in a vice of connective tissue.

I won't bore you with anatomy lessons, although I think they are pretty neat myself. Just one other thing though to tie this into the NOVA area. Connective tissue is extremely mentally, emotionally and psychologically responsive. What you experience in your mind is mirrored in your connective tissues and muscles. The tissues constrict and everyone has a very unique pattern of constriction. Some people get stomach aches, some headaches, some back pain, others just strange mysterious pain they can't seem to trace.

Let's take a little scenario here relevant to NOVA--our favorite topic--TRAFFIC!
It's 5:30 and Jay (fictional character) is headed home to Burke from Tysons. Jay doesn't have a Smart Pass for the Express Lane, he has a new baby at home and he needs to respond to ten thousand emails for his government contracting job. Before he even gets on the ramp to I-495 south he's a stress ball. Plus he had a Red Bull that afternoon to fight the afternoon slump. As he is sitting in bumper to bumper traffic trying to make his way around everyone getting on I-66 exit which he does every day, five days a week his shoulders come up, his neck cranes to the left side and his abdomen tightens. These seemingly insignificant movements on their own are enough for his body to handle --no big deal right? However, he does this every day like clockwork, creating a pattern. He has created a memory or a pathway from his brain to his muscles and connective tissue. It is so strong that even the thought of the commute home triggers this neural pathway to constrict well before he gets into his car. The point is that Jay has to realize he has default reactions in order to create NEW healthy neural pathways. Chronic negative stressors lead to heartburn, IBS, fatigue, pain, and INFLAMMATION. Chances are Jay doesn't even see the connection and is therefore unable to change. This brain-to-body pathway is a two way street. Not only does his psychological response create and enforce the pain, but the tension in the muscles sends signals back to the brain reinforcing the pattern. It is a brilliant feedback system that assists us to learn new tasks and behaviors and protects us from harm. Over time these pathways become more rigid and set. Time isn't always a great healer--sometimes it makes us forget how we even got to where we are.

Dr. Janet Travell, physician to JFK who had major pain issues that kept him in crutches, is co-author of Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction and she chronicles these pain patterns and how to treat and break them in our bodies. She got JFK off crutches within 48 hours of treating him. This isn't hippie-dippy stuff. She and Simons broke through with new concepts and created a way of providing relief to pain sufferers. I have her text book and I can't tell you how many times it has been useful in my massage sessions.

So what can our fictional character Jay do to get relief? That requires a complicated answer which this blog is partly dedicated to. First and foremost, Jay must become AWARE of his unique patterns. Second, he must be willing and disciplined to form new habits, manage his stress and abandon the old paradigm that he's too old to change. Bull honky.

Massage therapy is a great place to start. Through touch alone you will start to become aware of muscles you never knew you had...connections never realized.  Massage helps clients interrupt pain cycles, assisting their very intelligent, overworked and abused muscles to release tension so they can do the job they were designed to do. Muscles are neglected, taken for granted and forgotten or not even acknowledged they exist. Be good to them and counter the stress with bodywork, exercise, meditation and nutrition. They KNOW what you are thinking and they will become vindictive after years of abuse!!!


You DON'T have to sit in the proverbial Beltway of your body. There are other ways, roads and patterns for you to learn. Feel free to contact me for more information, questions and resources.

Intro: NOVA and the Body & Mind

The past five years of my life have been driven toward recognizing and addressing a deep-seated need for relief from stress caused by the business of Northern Virginia. I am one of those rare natives to the area and I have to admit that I have had the opportunities at my feet for the highest levels of success one could ask for. The area is defined by accomplishment, hard work and political savvy. But, sequestered in the corner is a lacking that neglects the heart and soul. I've had many conversations with natives, tourists, foreign nationals and people from all walks of life and experience. We debate about the lack of community, the traffic, real estate prices, taxes, allergy season, lack of public spaces conducive to socializing, the bar scene, humidity, and last but not least the political atmosphere.  However, the complaints only fuel that negative hue that hangs over many heads. Through distancing myself from Northern Virginia to study massage therapy in Central America, I began to realize how the external world REALLY effects the internal environment of the human being; down to the bone, through muscles, into cell memory and conditioning connective tissue to constrict at the slightest stressor making a person miserable, fatigued and with aches and pains the doctor cannot treat to satisfaction. This was much more complex than I imagined when I first began to scratch the surface...