In order for stretching to be an effective tool for easing aches and pains, it should first be used only in cases where it is indicated. As I wrote a few months ago in an article for massage therapists, according to Traditional Thai Medicine, stretching is indicated when the tissue layer of the body is tight. … Continue reading When stretching helps, and when it hurts
As an advocate for spending more time on the floor, I was thrilled to be recently introduced to the original yoga prop: the strap. Unlike the modern version of a yoga strap, which is frequently used as a prop in Indian hatha yoga classes for a variety of purposes, the original yoga strap was usually … Continue reading Old Ways for Modern Times
This summer, when you find yourself bustling from one activity to the next, take a moment to come back to center and connect with your root. (And gardeners, spend some time off your knees during those weeding sessions. Instead, plant your own root into the earth.) Garland Pose Variation (Malasana) aka Squat 1 – From … Continue reading Garland Pose
Adding twists to your Springtime movement practice has many benefits…increased mobility and awareness, a longer, more supple spine and a detoxifying effect. Twists can help to empty the abdominal organs of old blood and fluids, making space for freshly oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to rush in when you unwind. Spring cleaning! Try this gentle reclining twist … Continue reading wring out the old
Of course, it was the stretching part of Thai Massage that wowed me first. Like any dynamic, innovative and visually stunning rock star, the stretches in Thai Massage are certainly worth falling for. And many do, practitioners and clients alike. Thai Massage in general, but especially the stretching, is so different and feels so great that it seems to be exactly … Continue reading When Stretching is Indicated in Thai Massage
Spring has arrived early in Seattle. Everywhere, there are stems, trees and shrubs with buds in various stages of opening. Outside of my house, I have watched as the nearby magnolia awakens, first vibrant folds of green appeared on the branches, only to give rise to supple buds holding all of their promise tucked within; then, slowly at first, each bud extends itself, petal … Continue reading Embody spring with uttanasana
Whatever you touch touches you back. This is Newton’s third law of motion and reflective of the very nature of our touch sense organ: the skin. Covering every inch of our bodies, the skin is our outer barrier; it lets things in and it lets things out. It is both a sender and a receiver of information (among other things). When … Continue reading Touch goes both ways
To resolve? Or not to resolve? I find myself asking every new year. For me, making a resolution is making a big commitment. And while following through on commitment can be powerful and strengthening in many ways, not following through when we said we would can really hurt. We’ve all been there before. What I … Continue reading Making a mindful resolution
Whether you are someone who loves the festivity of the holiday season or someone who simply tries to survive it–or, most likely, somewhere in between–having a few ideas to manage the ups and down of such a busy time of year can go a long way in making the holidays healthy and harmonious. Here are … Continue reading Harmonious Holidays
Here we are, counting the days to winter solstice. Well, at least I am. Because, after that darkest day, slowly, incrementally, our days will start to brighten and become longer. We just have to endure a little darkness first. Really, the darkness is not so bad. It provides us with a natural place to rest and reflect, … Continue reading Bring out the sun
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