October's Message: Looking Within

As the air crisps and celebrations begin to take shape we are called to remember to look within. All around us things are dying off, hibernating,  beginning to fall. It is with the same intention of mother nature that we are called to turn inwards and fall into ourselves.  With the preparation of winter underway we have this window of opportunity to listen to ourselves before plummeting into the cold, dark days that lie ahead. Fall is the time to reconnect, take time to listen to the pulse of our heart,  to strengthen our inner voice.  During this time of contemplation we have the advantage of heightened self-awareness that we must harvest.

Remember self preservation during this time,  if you've been putting off exercise or a self care regimen consider this the perfect time to begin! Prior to fighting the cold, with which weakened immune systems come, commit to daily activities that strengthen you. As winter gets underway you will be better equipped to commit the time spent inside delving deeper into you.

As a massage therapist I honor the intuition and inner voice of each of my clients, I listen to your body both expressed verbally and in body language. We each tell stories within the binding of our skin.  Fall is the perfect time to get in touch with our muscles story, which is why I will be offering 60 Minute Meditation Massage for $45. 

What is a meditation massage you ask? Good question, we're trying to figure that out as well! Currently, the method developed by The Holistic Hummingbird, llc, is a Supine Incline Massage with a guided meditation focusing on an intention the client sets for themselves. You will begin with a standard intake, then set an intention for the massage (organization, energy, relaxation, connection, opening, creating space, purging of negativity...etc). You will get undressed to your comfort level then lie on the table face up in an incline position (support provided) your therapist will then commence the massage with a guided meditation focused on your intention. The entire massage session will be performed face up with standard draping protocols and limited requirements of the clients (other than being relaxed and open to submerging yourself into your intention).

Incline massages are not quite as deep as a standard deep tissue as we utilize the weight of the client to access different parts of the body. Your back is still massaged, but in a much less invasive way than a prone (face down) massage would be. Subtle changes occur through way of your intention.

For those looking to kick start a regimen or treat yourself in-between your current regimen we will also be offering 30 Minute Sports Massage Tune Ups for $20.

Sports Massages make use of your body's muscles and ability to move to create a quick efficient release of muscle tension. As this is a quick tune up session no need to undress, wearing comfy flexible shorts and a tank top (or whatever you're comfortable in) and getting on to the table is the best for quickly moving you into different poses. The intent is to encourage diversity in my clients modality preference, so this offer is only good for Sports Massage.

October Promotions: 

• $45 for 60 Minute Meditation Massage

Come with an open mind and body. 60 Minute massage with guided meditation tailored to an intention you set. No limit to number purchased, must be used in October to qualify.

• $20 for 30 Minute Sports Massage

Wear flexible clothing that you can move around in. Add a 30 minute Swedish flush for an additional $30 (total of 60 minutes for $50), no limit to number purchased, must be used in October to qualify.

The intent is to encourage diversity in my clients modality preference, so this offer is only good for Sports Massage.

• Bosses Day Gift

Purchase a 60 min. massage for your boss (or maybe someone who is bossy) as a gift at $45, get one for you for an additional $40.

Limit (2) purchases of 60 minutes at $40 (maximum of $85) Must be purchased in October to qualify, One MUST be given as a gift. 



Photos Courtesy of: 
http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/swinkler-41893
http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/ZoofyTheJi-49371
http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/CTGadgets-80854

September's Message: Honoring Education

As people all around me return to their academic lives I feel compelled to discuss the stress on the physical body that being an educator and student has.  We, as a society, spend quite a bit of energy and attention on education,  yet we often lack the honor and reverence we should look to those who lit the path for us, as well as the young minds who brave the unknown. 

Teachers, in many ways,  are our primary caregivers through a major portion of our lives.  The role of an educator calls upon an individual to be emotionally,  physically,  mentally,  and spiritually open and devoted to not just one or five... but a kaleidoscope of people.... day after day after day.

Parents can empathize with the feeling of the incessant attachment to another human being. While being a parent is on a different level,  teachers have this attachment multiplied by 30+/- times years of teaching.  Even the most well equipped human being can become emotionally exhausted through this work.  Everything we do translates into the body,  every memory,  trauma,  excitement and stress the mind may forget, but the body remembers and carries around.  Imagine the weight of this many people on one persons shoulders!

The psycho-somatic presence of "the weight of the world" causes our shoulders to roll forward and over time a hunch to form. We restrict full breaths into the lungs and diaphragm which can cause or contribute to depression, anxiety and insomnia. Our necks become stressed tense and lead to headaches and migraines when in the pose.

This is also common to start forming in youth around the time when backpacks are carrying heavier loads. The misuse of backpacks can also cause inward rotation of one side of the body,  leading from head to toe and creating pain throughout, or low back stress causing irregular pelvic tilts that can distort the body. Ensuring that students have their back packs lifted closer to the top of the back where the bottom rests mid-back as well as using both shoulder straps to keep weight evenly distributed throughout the body will aid in avoiding problems.

Tedious, repetitive stress on the body,  such as long periods of standing and sitting can form muscle memory tension,  specifically along the erectors, pects, psoas, and teres muscles. While many experience tension here the long hours of repetitive tasks and poor ergonomics in most classroom settings increases the prevalence in teachers and students. Paying attention to regular breaks,  "shaking it out," and sitting up straight with the shoulders pulled open can ease this muscle fatigue.

Regular bodywork- physical therapy,  massage therapy,  rolfing, and chiropractic care can help the body to release tension.  Chiropractic and massage work in conjunction to realign the body and remember its natural resting place. Rolfing is a deeper approach to this physical manipulation.

Other modalities such as counseling can help with the stress of teaching as well as a students task to experience peer pressure,  hormonal upheaval,  and academic stress.

Proper nutrition is also ALWAYS intricate to a happy healthy body!

Remember to be kind to yourself and honor the teacher and student in you all! 

~Lizzie Johnson

Promotionals for September:

• 50% Off for Students and Teachers

Bring in verification (student ID, teaching license, work ID...etc) and receive one massage at 50% off in the month of September 

Limit one per person, offer valid for current faculty, staff, and students at pre-k thru college, trade schools welcome.

• $20 Off 90 Minute Massage

All of our clients receive $20 off any 90 minute service for the month of September. 

No limit to purchase, must be used at time of purchase- $75 is total cost of 90 minute massage offer only valid in month of September. Offer not valid with any other discounts or offers.