The Hair Chronicles Part One

May 21^st, 8:30 am.

I have just awoke on THE DAY, it is the day of the BIG SHAVE.  It is cool, rainy outside, with a light breeze. A little on the gloomy side.  I woke up thinking I have chemo brain too. That is what Shanda says every time she can’t remember something. It is a proven medical condition, at least for her. I really have no excuse. I woke remembering that I had said I would make cucumber sandwiches for the event today. Well, that didn’t happen and is not going to.

I don’t feel like the day, gloomy. I am excited, I am excited to see people today, see who comes,  feel the excitement of the event. Excited to see how it all turns out, excited to lose all my hair. The moisture in the air makes my hair 80’s big, frizzy-curly, in my face, which I don’t like, the in my face part.  So it is added bonus to having it cut off. I am not sure how the day will unfold, I am keeping an open mind and heart to allow things to happen as they will and not to be attached to
anything. So far, it is working.

Shanda has been amazing thru this whole thing. She is always upbeat when I have talked to her, emailed or seen her. Her personality is in tack. I have said to people that if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know.  I am in awe of her strength, her positive nature, her ability to face this disease head on and “fight like a girl”, and with lots of humor and laughter. I believe that in illness and adversity we see others and find our own core personality. I am in awe, as I am not so sure my
core personality would be as positive and upbeat as Shanda’s.

So far this has been an amazing journey. It has provided me with a great study in people (behavior and psychology) myself and others. I have been surprised by two main things.  One- the generous spirit of people. An example being; there are now three women shaving our heads. The other two women do not know Shanda. One woman, Carol, lost her best friend to breast cancer. She has done a great job at getting items for the auction and getting the word out there. The second
woman, Claire Mary, just simple felt compelled to give, to help in a way she could, which is to shave her head! She is 71 years old! She too, has done a great job at getting the word out and raising money. Then there are the other
people, my friends and acquaintances that have given money to the cause! Some a lot, some a little, but they have done what they could. Some I have asked for a donation, others I have not asked and they have given anyway. Every time, this
blows me away!! I feel so grateful and touched and blessed by this all. It is truly amazing and wonderful. I know that people are like that, I just forget some times, times like  this of course helps me remember.

Then there is the flip side, those that are not as giving. What surprises me about this is my reaction to it. I get that not everyone is as giving, that not everyone feels a need to give to others. I also get there may be circumstance that I am not aware of that prevent people from giving. That is my logical, rational mind that knows all that. My emotional side though, gets judgmental and angry, especially to those that I perceive have the ability to give and don’t. See, there is more judgment, it is about my perception. Mainly it is another layer in my letting go.

So there it is again, the theme of my life this year- letting go. Once I declared that, the universe is giving me ample opportunity to practice that.  Letting go of my hair, that one is easy, letting go of how the event will go, not too hard, letting go
of judgments of others, tough one.

So back to the hair. I am excited to shave it off. Here is how that will go: there will be 6-7 pony tails, they will be cut off, the first one by Shanda, then shaved with no guard on the clippers. If that is not close enough, then we have a mustache clipper we will use. If that is not close enough, I will use a blade when I get home.   I have several hats or head coverings, of which, I have bought only one, again,  the generosity of others.  I am sure that the head coverings will be on
and off many times during a day. I have never been a hat girl, that may change now!

I am excited to see how my hair grows back in and I am really excited to see how people respond or react to me once my hair is gone. There have been conversations with some people about how people will want to touch my head, my response: ” I buck a rub”, to which we all laugh. Other conversations have been about how much time I will save getting ready in the morning, interesting, so I timed it the other day, 5 minutes, that’s all. I never really did spend a lot of time on my hair, it is part of me, but not my identity. Maybe for others that is who I am, or what I am known for, my red-curly hair. Don’t get me wrong, I like my hair, a lot, just not that attached. Maybe I will be surprised today and find out I am more attached than I thought.

There have been conversations about what kind of hair styles I can now have. I have joked about having a high n’ tight like my grandson. I accused him of having a Mohawk, I was sternly corrected:  “it’s a high n’ tight Nanna!”   Then I was given hair styling tips from my 12 year old grandson, which gel to use and don’t use too much ‘cuz it’s blue and will leave a blue residue on my hair….  I am thinking high ‘n tight, then Haley Barry style cut. The funniest question I have gotten: “ Have you been bald before?”  to which I responded: “Yes, when I was born.”  To which we all  laugh..

As this day has gotten closer, many are asking me if I am scared, or nervous. I am not either. I feel a sense of calm determination. This isn’t about me, it is about my friend, it is about the cost of health care, even when you have insurance. Remember that’s what started this, the fact that even with health care, the costs are too much for people to manage. There are no organizations out there that help with the actual medical costs. One shot for Shanda cost $4,100 dollars, her portion is $800, times 8 treatments. I know I don’t have that in my HSA or lying around anywhere. This event and shaving of heads is about FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL!! It’s about coming together as a community and putting the money where the need is. Many will benefit, Shanda, and all the women’s hair goes to “Locks of Love”.  Whether I am cute bald or not, is not the issue, it is about solidarity, a remembrance for those who fight this disease, I have a choice, they don’t .

So I am off to wash my long hair one last time.. for a while anyway…..

This “Hair” Journey

Several months ago, my friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. With that, I had an idea, to shave my head  to raise money for the unpaid medical costs.  I didn’t realize at the time the journey this would become. It was just something that felt right to do, right from the start. Sure, I have had really bad hair days, even bad hair years, to the point that I had thought of shaving it off before for no reason. I guess that started the internal process of thinking this was a great thing to do.

It has been very interesting to watch other people’s reactions and response to my shaving. One person stated they didn’t think they could handle it and would need to reschedule some appointments with me. My step-daughter stated she loved me but would never shave for me. Most have a reaction of disbelief, with a response of “really, when are you doing this” then a show of support. I am hearing of others that have been touched by cancer, stories of their loved ones or of themselves. What an honor that is to be a part of that, their stories of hope and strength, and  triumphs.  I am finding that many ask questions and those questions are asked with respect, care and concern for my friend.  I am not sure what everyone’s intentions are, maybe some are trying to understand why I would do this. I have heard that I am brave to do this, or that I am a good friend, or that I am courageous to do this. I may be all of this and none of this. I just know for myself, it feels like the right thing to do.

I also know that I am learning things about myself and my friend. I am learning that SHE is the brave one and the courageous one, that SHE is the good friend, even in her illness. I was granted the opportunity to go to chemo with her. At first she said yes, then changed her mind, saying that it would not be fun for US, and would be a long day for me. I indicated I realized that, and I had things to keep me entertained and that I was there to support her, I would however, do what she wished. She agreed to let me come. The center that she receives the chemo is a beautiful facility and the staff were great. My friend was in good spirits the whole time, smiling and laughing, even when it was not so great. It is a long day, she slept through most of it. Which she likes and I think is more comfortable for her. I learned that being there is enough, I knit and never once was bored or tired of being there. I was glad to just be present for her. I wanted to make it better for her, but there is nothing I can really do to take away the pain or discomfort. My presence was really all I could give and it really was enough.

I am learning to watch my own process and to be able to watch others process and not feel like I need to jump in and make anything different from it is for any of us. I am learning how to be more present with others and allow their process, in allowing there is also an acceptance of it too. This is very freeing. It is fun to see what their response are, who wants to be a part,a nd what part they take. It is fun to see where my ego has gotten tangled up in this, where I lost track of who and what  this is for. I am learning yet again what is important and who is important in my life. I am learning that my thoughts do have an impact on me and my words do have an impact on others. I am learning this not just from an intellectual place, but from a body, experiential place, like it is really sinking in. 

 I know that this journey is not over, it really has just begun. What will happen once I am shaved?  I am excited to be taking this journey and am excited for lay ahead.  

To be continued……

Gratitude

It is two months in, almost three, into the new year. So 2010 is officially done and we are well into 2011. The beginning of each year is often a time to reflect, to evaluate where we have been and where we would like to go. It is a time to set goals, both personally and professionally, mentally and spiritually.  As I sit and reflect, I am awestruck at  the past year and find that I have much to be grateful for this year.

I want to thank and celebrate all of the people who have touched me over the past year. Some have been my teachers, some my guides, some have been my clients, my friends, family and some I don’t know at all, but know through friends, the news, etc. ALL have inspired me to BE better. All have supported me in some way and joined me in my journey.  I am most grateful of those who have shared their journey with me, and allowed me to be a part, it is truly an honor.

I am grateful to all of you and the part you have played in my life, professionally and personally and the support you have given to all areas of my life. Whether you have been a part of my life for a short time or many years, you are all important, loved and cherished.

I look forward to what this year will bring, the challenges, the lessons, the celebrations. I look forward to being on this life journey with all of you and continue to have an open heart to the future.

I am especially grateful for my health right now. In December, a friend of 24 plus years, let me know she has breast cancer. Thud, not something you ever want to hear. So, I wondered, how could I help her, how could I respect her journey and yet be a part? I found out that she would have a rather large amount of unpaid medical bills, a fundraiser….and so starts our journey together. Please check out: www.ShavingforShanda.com.  I will be going bald for breast cancer.  Once I thought of this idea, I have not looked back, not questioned it, it just feels right. I am even looking forward to not having all this hair, even though I do like it right now. (if you are so moved to pass along, please do, or make a donation, please do. Thank you!)

Hearing my friend is ill, reminds me how precious our health is, and how valuable and important our relationships are. When was the last time you let your friends know how much you appreciated then, how loved they are? I don’ t think we say that enough! Maybe we do to our families, even there we can do more.  Hear words of gratitude for friendship can turn a bad day around. It is so easy to say.  Lets start today, don’t wait, tell the people you value, that you value them. You never know what will happen next, what the future holds.

My wish for all of you, as we continue into this great new year, is that you have an open and grateful heart, and that you feel blessed for all that you do have. I wish for you health, support and joy.

Thanksgiving

It is Thanksgiving night, all the turkey is eaten, our tummies are full. The family has been seen and gone home. The coals of the fire are slowly burning out, it has been a wonderful day. As I think back on the day, I wonder why it is this day that we say out loud our thanks? Giving thanks should be an everyday thing, don’t you think? For isn’t the attitude of gratitude really and everyday thing? I received this quote that I think fits and conveys what I am thinking and referring to.

 “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow” Author Unknown.

 So if gratitude and giving thanks can do all this, why do we save it to one day a year? What kind of difference would it make if everyday we gave thanks, of said out loud, to one person what we are grateful for? or even better yet, tell that one person you are grateful and thankful for them. Now that’s worth a lot of thanks…..

Alittle History, please

Today, we are going to take a walk back in time, massage time, to provide some definitions and give a historical perspective.

 The word massage is thought to be derived from several sources. The Latin root Massa and the Greek roots massing  or mass mean to touch, handle, squeeze, or knead. The French verb maser, also means to knead. The Arabic root mass or mass’s and the Sanskrit root make translate as “press softly”.

 The word massage has its roots in the concerns of touch and the various applications of touch.  We must differentiate the therapeutic values of touch in the professional sense from forms of touch shared between people in life circumstances outside the professional environment.

Therefore, Professional touch is: skilled touch delivered to achieve a specific outcome and the recipient in some way reimburses the professional for the service.

 The Professional, a massage therapist, providing the service is skilled- schooled, has formal training- and operates with in a certain standard of practice, including technical application and ethical conduct.

 What is healing:  it is the restoration of well-being and therapeutic applications that promote a healing environment.

So what is touch:  Anatomically and physiologically touch is the collection of tactile sensations that arise from sensory stimulation, primarily of the skin but also touches deeper structures of the body, such as the muscles.

 The skin is an amazing organ, It is the largest sensory organ of the body. Many internal soft tissue structures- such as muscles, connective tissue; and visceral structures-such as heart, lungs and other organs; project sensations to the skin.  Pain is one such sensation.

 The autonomic nervous system, which regulates organs and chemical homeostasis- balance- of the body is highly responsive to touch of the skin in supporting well being.

Our mood- the way we feel, is often reflected in the skin as we; flush with excitement, blush with embarrassment and pale with fear.

 We must be touched to survive. Touch is a hunger that must be fed, not just for well being, but as the very essence of our survival. Research supports the belief that touch in a structured way is very important if not an absolute need of all living beings.

Research is done with premature babies, when touched regularly, the grow faster and are healthier. Research is currently being expanded to include elderly persons, people currently well but under stress and ill persons.

 Touch often is the concrete experience of more abstract sensations. For example, something that can be seen may not be necessarily real, as in the case in watching a movie, but when something can be touched, it is tangible.

 I can listen to client tell me their history, and I can look and observe during a physical assessment, but it is not until I touch clients and feel them that I begin to understand their bodies.

 In a reciprocal sense, when I lay my hands on a person’s body, the understanding that I, as a practitioner, have receives from the client is conveyed back to the client. Touch is a fundamental, multi layered and powerful form of communication.

 History of Massage:

Massage has always been one of the most natural and instinctive means of relieving pain and discomfort. When you have pain, or have sore, aching muscles, the instinctive impulse is to touch and rub that part of the body to obtain relief.   Mothers rub children’s ouewee’s and kiss to make better.

 Therapeutic massage has strong roots in Chinese folk medicine, but also has many aspects in common with other healing traditions. It is believed that the art of massage was first mentioned in writing about 2000BC and is has been written about extensively in books since 500 BC. Egyptian, Persian and Japanese historical medical literature are full of references to massage. The Greek physician Hippocrates advocated massage and gymnastic exercise.  Is’nt he the father of modern medicine?

 Hippocrates was the first to describe specifically the medical benefits of anointing and massage.  He called his art; “anatripsis” which means to rub up.  He said; “A physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with anatripsis, for things that have the same name have not always the same effect, for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose or loosen a joint that is too hard.”   This is what sets me apart for other massage therapists, I can feel the difference, and I know what your body requires, bind, or loosening.

 Many techniques similar to those methods, especially traction and stretching principals are still in use today.

Brief Timeline: 2000 B.C. The art of massage was first mentioned in writing. 460-377 B.C Hippocrates ofCos lived. He was the first in Greek medicine to specifically describe the medical benefits of anonitning and massage. 589-617 A.D Knowledge of massage and its applications were already well established in medicine at the time of the Sui Dynasty.  1517-1590 Ambrose Pare began to use massage techniques for joint stiffness and wound healing after surgery.  1776-1839 Per Henrik Ling is gioven credit for the development of Swedish massage.  1839-1909 Dr. Johann Mezher of Holland is given credit for bringing massage to the scientific community. 1856 Charles Fayette Taylor and George Henry Taylor, two brothers, introduce the Swedish Movements to the United States.  1894 The Society of Trained Masseuses is formed.  1916 Dr. James B. Mennell divides the effect of massage into two categories: mechnaical nad reflex actions. 1920′s Connective tissue massage is developred by Elizabeth Dicke and Lymph drainage is developed by Emil and Estrid Voder. 1934 Reich settled in the United States and is considered by many to be the founder of psychotherapeutic body techniques.  Late 1940′s Cyriax published the first edition of Textbook of Orthopedic Medicine. 1960 President John F. Kennedy begins interest in sports massage. 1970 Acupressure recieves attention. 1980 The professional organization  Associated Bodywork and Massage is formed. 1991 The Touch Research Insitiute is created, and The National Institute of Health establishes the Office of Alternative Medicine. 1995-present The available information about therapeutic massage continues to increase.

 Scientific research has provided validation for massage and continues to define the physical effects of therapeutic massage.

Massages therapeutic value is gained from changes in soft tissue and structure rather than from surgery or pharmaceuticals. Changes in soft tissue range from softening of the muscle to increased range of motion, to name a few, the benefits of massage is for another presentation.

So what is massage, some can be found in the following definition of Therapeutic massage: The scientific art and system of assessment of and manual application of certain techniques to the superficial soft tissue of skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and facia and the structures that lie within the superficial tissues. The hand, foot, knee, elbow, arm, and forearm are used for the systematic external application of touch, stroking, (effleurage), friction, vibration, percussion, kneading (pertissage), stretching, compression, or passive and active joint movements within the normal physiologic range of motion. Massage includes adjunctive external application of water, heat, cold for the purpose of establishing and maintaining good physical condition and health by normalizing and improving muscle tone, promoting relaxation, stimulating circulation, and producing therapeutic effects on the respiratory and nervous systems and the subtle interactions among all body systems. These intended effects are accomplished environment that respects the clients self-determined outcome for the session.

 So you can see that massage has a long history, and a history based in medicine. That massage therapist are trained professionals, and adhere to high professional standards of practice, technical application, and code of ethics. Massage is steeped in physical touch, not only for well being but for survival.  Massages therapeutic value is gained from changes in the soft tissue and body’s structure. Massage is a mix of art and science, one that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. It is hghly professional and personal, touching all aspect of the human, truely integrating mind, body, spirit.

Just for today….

Just for today.. this is a good line and am thankful of a friend for reminding me of this line.

You can start it anyway you want, and most of us can do anything for a day, and some of us need to be reminded of certain things everyday.

So today, I will start with it this way;   Just for today I am grateful. I am grateful for a home to live in, a job that I love. I am grateful for my car and the food on the table. I am grateful for my family and friends, that I am able to spend time with them and they are all safe like me.  I am grateful for my body and all that it does for me even when I miss treat it.  I am grateful for the freedom of my country and those who are fighting for us to stay free. I am grateful for my safety, for the ability to think, talk, write, share. I am grateful for all my senses, talents and abilities. I am grateful for the sunrise and the sunset, the beautiful white snow…There really is so much to be grateful for.  

Maybe I’ll start with it this way;  Just for today I will not worry. Worry takes up lots of room in my head and pushes out the abundance.  Life is abundant and beautiful.  I have what I need and lots of what I want, so there is no room or need to worry. This is  a great reminder. I often worry out of habit, like I have nothing else to do.  Or; Just for today I will not judge. When we sit in judgement, there is no room for love.

For me, it all comes back to feeling grateful and being full of gratitude. Gratitude for all of life and the abundance of the earth and grateful for all that I have, all that I touch, see, smell, taste, hear, believe. I feel a gratitude in my heart that is overwhelming and love so big it is bigger than the universe, encompassing everything.

Yes, it has been a difficult year, and as I reflect, this day after Christmas and a week away from the new year, I am grateful for the challenges too, for they have made me stronger, made me more grateful and have been powerful teachers, with lessons in staying present,  non- judgement  and non-comparison of  myself to others. Lessons on the wisdom of silence and love, the healing capacity of words and actions. It has been a great year and for everything, I am most grateful.

so how will you start: Just for today…

Life Events

A week ago today I was a half hour into running the Monster Dash Half Marathon. I am not a stranger to this type of race or the length of the race, this is my third half marathon.  This has been the most challenging, since my last race was ten years ago. Over the last couple of years, I have made several attempts to run again, resulting in some kind of injury.  I loved running when I was younger and just refuse to accept that I am not able to do it now, so I keep doing it. 

This year I joined a running group, as I have learned over my attempts that I can not do it alone.  The group has been great, although there was no one that ran the same pace as me, I was encouraged all along the way, which made the running easier. I also figured out that my motivation to run before was to reduce the stress I felt in my life, well, now, I have very little stress, which is great but then I needed to find new motivation, something to get me out the door to run. So I signed up for the Monster Half, and the Minneapolis half next spring, (there was a sale to sign up for both, how can you pass that up).  

I have still been in an injury zone. My left hip and leg were/are causing much pain. I discovered I do not like pain very much, not even the good kind you get after you work out. I am working on that, accepting good pain, seeing the good pain as a sign of strength. So the journey of my hip pain has led me to yet another lesson in listening to my body. I was sensing that the pain was related to my pelvis and sacrum. My chiropractor was not getting it adjusted fully, so my body started telling me to go somewhere else. I finally did, visited a chiropractor I had seen years ago, and wala- he confirmed my diagnosis, adjusted me, and I felt great, until the day of the race. Got up that morning, and my hip hurt. Crap. Now what… I got up and went to the race. I signed up, I am going to do this, plus my friend was counting on me to run with him, I couldn’t let him down, nor myself. I knew going into the race I would be running and walking and that was fine. It just so happens that it was more walking than running that day. My friend and I finished the race. We crossed the mat at 3:33:33.  Not fast, but that was not the point. I was committed and determined, after all, I heard once that is all you need to be a good runner. I got that; commitment and determination. In many areas of my life, the application of them is the key to success in anything.  So I am what the running world would call a “penguin”, not so fast. This is coined by John Bingham, he speaks for all the runners that are not so fast and that do it for the journey and adventure.  He  is the author of one of my favorite quotes:
“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”    Another great quote, I have in my massage office is: ” A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Confucius,   and one I just found: “It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop” Confucius.  I did not stop and in the end I finished my third half marathon. I did not stop and found the right people to work on my injuries. I did not stop and joined a running club for support. I did not stop and ran/walked today, and I will keep going, doing what ever it takes, in running and in life to be successful. I will not stop….

Mindfulness

Good afternoon,

As many of you may know my niece is in Gambia, West Africa doing a 2 year post with the peace core. Her latest essay I found to be profound and ironic. What we westerners seek, the Gambia people have already found, and it is a great lesson in who is teaching who.  Please read on….

September Essay from The Gambia

Author: Ashely Garrison

Sweat is pouring off my face. It seems to splash on the damp earth at
my feet. My arms ache and my right hand seems to be permanently molded
to the handle of my hoe. My back screams at me and my legs complain at
every step. I look over at Fatou, and  though she is sweating,
she doesn’t seems to notice. She is even humming a tune, keeping up a
steady pace. We are in the peanut field, weeding. I ignore the sweat
and try to keep up with Fatou, who is already doing three times more
work than I am.
I use the blade of my short handled hoe to scrape the earth around and
between each peanut plant, and then pull every weed from the row. I
put my mind to the repetition of the motions, and ignore everything
else. Every now and then, I raise my head to see how much farther I
have to go, but it’s a losing game; it hurts to lower my head, and I’m
never as far as I think I should be!
The peanut field is about 2/3 hectare, or almost the size of a
football field, just rows and rows of peanut plants. In the last week
Fatou has been coming everyday for three to four hours to weed. The
field is about half done, but I’m convinced it’s the big half… When we
are finally finished for the day the sun is setting and the rain
clouds are rolling in. We barely make it back before the rain starts
to fall.
At first I thought I would be in the Gambia to teach, to serve, to
impart my knowledge and experience to those with none. Now I find
myself barefoot in a field, using tools and methods that haven’t
changed since the Iron Age. Extensive education and training does not
make up for a lifetime of tradition and practice. Fatou farms the way
she does everything else, with all her attention and effort, and
without the slightest indication that she would rather be doing
something else.
And I ruefully look at myself, tired and cranky. Knowing that I could
go back to my hut whenever I want. Knowing that I have no
responsibility to finish weeding. Knowing that in all likelihood, I
am actually slowing Fatou down; that she could be going much faster
without me. It is a humbling experience. So, to make up for my
inexperience I resolve to work harder, not complain and be open to the
lessons Fatou can teach me. I put my head down, ignore the blisters on
my hand, and ask Fatou to teach me a mandinka work song.
I like to think that I am doing the ‘development’ work I thought I
would at the beginning of my service, but eight months later I see in
many ways I am very mistaken. I am the one learning, being taught and
served. My afternoons in the fields bring me closer to my community;
give me some small experience doing their work. I can tell Fatou is
proud to have me work in her field by the way she brags to the other
women that I know how to weed. They ask me to come to their fields
and I just grin.
The earth is warm beneath my bare feet and I feel completely part of
my world. I may not be teaching my village how to be ‘developed’ but
I am learning how to be a part of their community. The development
work will come later.

Much peace and Love ~R

Massage fun facts

Massage may be one of the oldest forms of medical care- Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged.

There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin- 3,000 in a finger tip.

Massage is not a luxury, it is necessary to sustain well-being: physically, mentally, and spiritually.

A one hour massage equates to 7-8 hours sleep for the body.

Bob Hope lived to be 100 years old. Supposedly he had a daily massage. Connection?

If you receive a massage every week, you will have 2/3rds less illness.  Hans Gruen, MD

There is a growing body of research that shows massage therapy can alleviate the pain of many conditions, including cancer, osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Approximately 45 million Americans experience chronic headaches, and of those, more than 60% suffer from migrains. A 2006 study in the Annals of Behavioral medicine showed that those who received massage therapy had fewer migrains for more than three weeks following treatment.

The results from a study on low back pain, published in 2003 Annals of Internal Medicine,  showed that massage therapy reduced the patient’s need for pain medications by 36%, compared to other therapies, including acupuncture. This is great news for more than 100 million Americans who experience low back pain.

Bottom line, massage is effective in pain relief and is beneficial as a stress-reducer and wellness measure.  In reality, massage therapy in an integral component of an overall health maintence plan.

See, massage is good for you. It has long lasting effects too.

Running and the commonality of life

I don’t know who is reading this, if anyone, but like everything, you just go ahead and do it anyway.

I started running again after 10 years of no running. It has been difficult and a long journey, very much like life. I thought I knew what I was doing since I have done it before. I have run two marathons and two halves. Well, that was when I was younger and this body is not the same. So is life, I have gotten to relearn many things along the way. Sometimes you think you know what you are doing, just to learn that the rules have changed, your body has changed or you are just not the same person.

In running, sometimes you get hurt. My legs are sore from running and the increase of miles. I have done my stretching, getting massage and alas, still sore. Life is like that to. Sometimes you get hurt, or you hurt others, even though you think you are doing all the right things.  Eventually in running, my body will adjust and the miles will go by with ease. So as in life, the things I do today will be accumulative and it will get easier. Writing this blog will get easier, running my business will get easier, committees will get easier, as will running.

In running, I need to adjust to the terrain and be flexible. Sometimes I run on a hard surface and other times on a trail. Sometimes I think I am going out for a short run and go long, and vice versa. Sometimes I am running with people and other times I am alone.  I am always with my mind, which sometimes is telling me I am doing great and other times, like this past weekend, it tells me how much the run sucks.

Life is full of the same challenges andrequires the same flexibility,  it becomes important in the training to train both the mind and the body. It is great to have a mantra for life and the run that keeps you focused,  upbeat and on course, one that gets you out there  each day. Having a mantra that gets you out of bed each day to start again, something that keeps the negative mind away.

 I read somewhere that you do not become a good runner by running, you become a good runner because you have determination and perseverance. I think that is the same with life. I will add discipline to that formula too. To be a good person, business person, a good coach, a good massage therapist, wife, mother, etc. you need to have the disicipline to get up each day and start again. Determined to do the best you can and to persevere no matter what the trail has to offer. It is just running after all and it does get easier.