Massage Makers

Welcome to Stress Control Central

2011-09-19T13:40:00Z

Hi!

We at Massage Makers have been addressing stress throughout the Phoenix Metro area since 2005. Our specialty is Premium In-Office Massage, (aka Corporate Massage, Seated Massage, On-site Massage, Mobile Massage, etc.), using skilled, licensed and insured Massage Therapists.

Over time we have developed a collection of informative articles, and we thought it would be fun to share them. They are a variety of lengths, with the number of words listed just after the title in parenthesis for the larger articles. (81)

You are welcome to distribute freely (and for free) any of the information here as long as Massage Makers is included as the source. Please use the blurb below, or something similar, at the end of our articles. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact us.

Back to web site: click here

Blurb: Since 2005 Massage Makers has specialized in premium in-office massage throughout the Phoenix Metro area using guaranteed AZ licensed and insured massage therapists. For more information, contact us via e-mail or at 602.826.5596

Be Well!

Andrea “Andy” Sobczak
Contact@MassageMakers.com
www.MassageMakers.com

Non-Judgement

2011-09-19T13:37:58Z

That darn ego!

We have internal battles with ourselves all day long when we make judgements on what is "right" or "wrong". Yet nearly every situation, depending on how you look at it, has both aspects to it.

It is our ego that wants to be right and it fuels that feeling that we are powerful and in control. Knowing all along, at a higher level, it is all a false sense of righteousness.

So just for fun, spend a hour, an afternoon, or a day and practice non-judgement. Be from another planet and just observe what is going on around you. Keeping in mind the whole time, no one or thing is completely "right" or "wrong", it just is. And notice what happens to your stress levels.

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Concentration

2011-09-15T00:24:35Z

What is it...really?

When we sit in concentration, we are focusing on one thing, while excluding all others. This one-pointed focus could be on a mantra or single sound, or the breath, on a specific object in our awareness, or whatever clears our mind of all the extraneous thoughts that cloud our thinking and prevent us from being in the present moment. Have you noticed that when you're reading a riveting book, absorbed in a compelling movie, or involved in an interesting discussion, time seem to fly without your awareness of the fleeting moments? This is concentration, even without the intention to focus."

So what are you focusing on? Something positive? Something negative. Where are you investing your awareness?

*No Place No Place Like Om Yoga Like Om Yoga

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Stressed out? Too much to do?

2011-07-10T17:35:00Z

Delegate!

Some times we get stressed not just from the multitude of demands of our “regular” job, but from all things on our personal to-do list. Things like getting the house painted, cleaning out closets, mowing the yard and walking the dog before the day gets too hot.

Well guess what? We don’t have to do them all. Yup, it’s true. It is not quite like magic where it will go away, but the end result is nearly the same. Delegate! (to commit (powers, functions, etc.) to another as agent or deputy/ Dictionary.com.). Either the whole, or part, of the job to a “specialist”. Think of the time and effort that can be saved and better used elsewhere!

There are a variety of agencies that specialize in listing respected companies; like the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. And there is always the time honored method of using personal referrals, like for College Works Painting, a professional group of college students that will prep and paint nearly anything inside and out.

If we employ others to help with our to-do lists, we can then pick and choose where we focus our talents and time. Of course, we still need a bit of R & R, and massages fit so well into that niche. Now that we have the time, let’s go get a massage while someone else cleans the pool.

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Quiet!

2011-06-28T16:17:00Z

Stillness abounds...if you allow it.

Give yourself the gift of quiet. Leave the radio off in your car. Forego the MP3 player on your next walk....and just be. Allow the sounds of life to come to you. How many different sounds can you indentify by just standing out side your door? How many different birds can you hear? Do you hear planes, cars, kids playing, lawns being mowed?

We are bombarded by sounds of all kinds from so many different sources throughout the day we don't realize how much that adds to our stress levels. Feel the difference as you drive with the radio on... then off. It may take some getting used to being alone with your thoughts, but it is easy to do with a little practice. And do practice until comfortable with the quiet. It won't take long and is very rewarding on so many levels.

Then when you choose to add sound to your life, it is a choice, not an automatic reaction. And you may find that you become more selective on what sounds you do add. The gift of quiet is a wonderful way to honor yourself and a beautiful, restorative way to begin or end a day.

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Pain vs. Suffering

2011-06-14T16:03:00Z

There is a Zen story of two monks who were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection. "Come on, girl," said the first monk. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud. The second monk did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he said. "It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"

"I left the girl there," the first monk said. " Are you still carrying her?"

Pain is the reality of the situation around us, but suffering is caused by our relationship to that reality, whether we can let go of the past, and by our attitude. Where can you let go of the past that is causing current suffering?

This is from Sandi Greenberg, a wonderful local yoga teacher. For more on what Sandi does, check out her web site: NoPlaceLikeOmYoga.com or 602-741-2828

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Self-Reflection

2011-06-04T16:02:43Z

Self-reflection is a wonderful way to become aware of the abundance in our lives, rather than the lack, as well as to learn about ourselves, our relationships, and what makes us truly happy and at peace. The Naikan("Inside Looking") Practice, developed by Yoshimoto Ishin, a devout Buddhist monk, offers three insightful questions to answer honestly while sitting alone in a quiet place, looking within, without analyzing or judging ourselves or others.

1. What have I received today? Be aware of simple things like someone's smile, a bird's song, a polite act, etc. The motivation for giving is not important. (Were you aware of feeling gratitude?)

2. What have I given today? Include the simple things like feeding your dog, sending a birthday card, making a call, etc. Your motivation is irrelevant. (Were you aware of making a positive contribution to the planet?)

3. What difficulties and troubles did you cause today? Don't forget honking at someone, asking an embarrassing question, being short tempered, etc. We are all too aware of how others cause us inconvenience or difficulty, but rarely notice when we do it.

This comes from Sandi Greenberg, (with permission), a wonderful local yoga teacher. You can find out more of what Sandi does at: www.NoPlaceLikeOmYoga.com or 602-741-2828

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It's not how you are...

2011-05-26T22:10:23Z

...It is how you are with how you are.

Honestly, think about that statement. It says so much is so little space. It's NOT how you are, but how you ARE with how you are. What is your attitude towards your attitude?

When we are frustrated or angry, most times it is due to feelings of lacking control. We may not have the power to change a situation or speed up a decision, but we do have complete power over our reaction. Some times just accepting the fact we can't change anything is just what is needed to make us feel less stressed.

When that feeling of angst starts to come into your awareness, your shoulder muscles begin to tense and your jaw tightens, stop and ask yourself some questions: Do I really have any control over the matter? Can I change anything? If not, try moving into acceptance of the situation....not judging whether it is good or bad, just accepting what is. Then take a few deep breaths and settle into that sense of empowerment and allow the situation to unfold.

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Choices

2011-04-27T14:22:00Z

You are empowered!

Stress can be caused by perceived feelings of lack of control. Real or not. And yet, outside demands do have a plus side as they get us up to walk the dog or make it to the grocery store when we don’t want to, because the benefits are obvious.

There are many other times, if we stop to assess a situation, we do have more options than we first realized. Options that may be more in alignment with our needs and desires. One simple technique is to create the time to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Feel free to use phrases like, "I'll get back to you." or "I'll need a moment to think about this." Rarely is a decision needed right then.

When we practice checking in with our heart or our gut, or wherever we keep our own personal guidance system, we can learn to find out how we really feel and determine a course of action that will be most beneficial. Then we can make the best decisions that will get the job done, leading to less stress and more empowerment.

Water

2011-03-29T22:15:00Z

It's not just for plants

75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

So drink up, my friends!!

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Them eatin' days are coming

2011-03-23T16:14:00Z

What to do?!

We have addressed a variety of stresses here, but not so much the stress from eating.

And we have all those eatin' holidays sneaking up on us.

Our bodies can become stressed when we overeat, or consume over processed foods, or ones low in nutrition, or have too much sugar, or are artificially sweetened. All of these and more stress our bodies' digestive and processing systems making us tired, lethargic and groggy.

Look for quality, ingredients you can pronounce, foods close to their natural state, as unprocessed as possible. And the main word here: moderation. But not necessarily when it comes to taking care of you. Feel free to over indulge there, especially with massages.

Balls + Massage = Relief

2011-03-07T23:17:00Z

Sometimes we are without a trained massage therapist at our beck and call. I know. Hard to believe, but some people do live this way. However, that doesn’t mean we are stuck with discomfort in our lives because a therapist is not at hand. So what can we do when there is no one else around? Plenty!

Dig out your golf balls, tennis balls, soft balls, even your pet’s hard ball toys and get ready to discover what you can do for yourself.

First a little back ground… the hands and feet of our body are gathering points for many of our nerves. These nerve endings are connected to other part of our body, especially our organs. So by massaging our palms and feet we can awaken, cleanse and calm our bodies inside and out. This is what Reflexology is based on.

If you are feeling a tad tense, or some bug is trying to get you down, grab one of your golf balls and gently roll it around between both your palms. This will awaken many of your organs, including your liver, your digestive system and do a bit of detoxification through out your entire being. Keep it going slowly, gently and for as long as you like. (Remember to drink lots of water afterwards, just like any massage.)

What if the problem is your back? Easy! Find a tennis ball and a wall. Place one of the balls on the wall behind you, hold it in place with your body and begin to roll the ball around the area that feels tight. Again, be gentle with yourself and aware of how much pressure you are creating. It should not hurt. This simple exercise can really relieve those knots near the shoulder blades from working at a computer all day.

And either ball is great to roll under your feet while watching TV or working at your desk, to get that all over sense of relaxation. So see, there really are a number of simple things that you can do to help yourself until you can make to the next massage appointment. (353 words)

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The Smells of Home

2011-02-25T14:48:14Z

No, not Fluffy!

Odors... smells...scents...they have so many names, and we like to have them on us, around us, near us. We love to have our bodies, our homes, our clothing, our bedding, etc. smell fresh and homey.

Natural scents will be the way to go. Essential oils, potpourri bowls filled with herbs or naturally scented candles. Check your labels since you don't want to introduce more chemicals into your home to breath or on your skin to absorb.

The added chemicals will add stress your body as it tries to process them out. The less chemicals, the less stress. And to release those chemicals you have already accumulated in your body... massage, of course!

Fibromyalgia Relief

2011-02-14T19:20:00Z

Remember, we call this massage THERAPY for a reason. Massage is more than an exercise in feeling good, it can be a treatment for a variety of ailments. The following article refers to a technique that works to assist those with Fibromyalgia:

Patricia Sands holds her licensure as a massage therapist with a 10 year history of a physical therapy assistant. Pat’s gentle nature and “no pain” philosophy makes her a perfect fit for individuals with FMS that may have some apprehension on having someone place their hands on their already pain filled bodies.

What to expect from a session? You have the choice of being fully clothed or undressed and draped as in traditional massage sessions. However, unlike other massages, myofascial release involves less massage and more gentle pressure or “holding” of myofascial trigger points.

Pat starts her session by asking you what you would like her to “work on” for this session as she focuses on her client’s needs and then listening to the client’s body response to treatment. Myofascial release can appear to be counterintuitive since often the therapist is making very subtle movements in an area that may not be your reported source of discomfort.

An experienced therapist like Pat, identifies the ropey, taunt band of muscle knots or pea size nodules and looks for a link to other parts of the body that are being the receiver of the misfiring of the muscle (also known as referral sites of pain).

Throughout the session Pat asks her clients how they feel as she places pressure on these trigger points with the goal of the client experiencing a “pain free level.” She relies on the client to communicate how far she can go to release the trigger point without causing pain.

Pat notes that after the initial session many clients have stated that they feel comfortable with the process as their fear of additional pain has been dispelled. The recognition and acceptance that their body can let go allows some patients to even fall asleep.

If you wish to make an appointment with Pat, she is available by appointment at (602) 866-8207. Pat can also be found at MassageMakers.com/Therapists . (374 words)

To read the whole article click here .

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Choosing "good" foods

2011-01-31T19:44:00Z

Getting the real deal

We have all heard "you are what you eat". And if we make a little effort to ensure what we eat is the real deal, our bodies will be so much happier and healthier.

How do we do that? Choose fresh, natural, non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), grown as close to home kinds of foods as frequently as possible. The less your body has to work to rid itself of chemicals or "foreign bodies", the more energy it has to be strong and healthy.

To learn more about GMO foods: http://www.seedsofdeception.com/DocumentFiles/141.pdf

To find your Local Farmers Market: http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/

And don't forget to get the occasional massage to help clear your body of those toxins you may have eaten elsewhere.

Follow your Heart

2011-01-20T17:53:00Z

It's so much easier

Ever have one of those days where nothing seems to be going right? Everything is adding to your frustration? You are running into blocks at every turn?

STOP! whatever you are doing. Step away from the "work", and go do something you enjoy. It won't be forever. The work will still be there. But you definitely need a break.

Take a walk; read something not "work" related; breathe; go out; grab a healthy snack; call a friend. Or do something entirely different, like get a massage. Then go back to your work refreshed and rejuvenated and watch how much easier it flows.

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Taking some time

2011-01-12T03:25:00Z

We are so worth it!

We spend so much of our time making sure that everyone and every thing is taken care of, but what amount of time and energy do we put into taking care of ourselves?

We will put our families, friends, jobs and companies before us. Yet if we are not in top form, how much are we really able to offer?

Taking time for ourselves must be a priority if we are to maintain balance in our lives. And the time is there if we prioritize it. A short break, a walk, a cup of tea or a massage all can be part of our honoring of ourselves. We need it, and we are worth it!
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Stress Test

2011-01-05T18:28:00Z

Some folks do not realize how stressed they really are. They become so accustomed to their levels of stress, they think it is “normal”. We thought this simple Stress Test might help to identify those that may wish to incorporate some calming techniques into their lives.

The picture you see below has 2 identical animals in it. It was used in a case study on stress levels at Loma Linda Medical Center in California.

A closely monitored, scientific study of a group revealed that in spite of the fact that the animals are identical; a person under stress would find differences in the two animals. The number of differences observed matches closely to the amount of stress the observer is experiencing.

Look at the photograph and if you find more than one or two differences you may be experiencing stress.

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Your Stress-O-Meter

2010-11-30T19:39:00Z

Have you noticed a low level hum of stress in your body? Not quite a full blown feeling of being agitated, but some thing, some little part within you that is just not relaxed.

Maybe you eat a bit more trying to quell that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Or, your sleep is not as restful as you would like. Are you having loud one-way conversations with other drivers? These are all signs of being stressed.

Stress comes in obvious forms via jobs, friends, families or other demands on your time and energy. But the insidiousness of stress is that it can creep in from any where, any time. Your assignment…if you so chose it… is to be alert to your Stress-O-Meter.

We all have one; we just have learned to tune them out. To activate your Stress-O-Meter, practice feeling your way through the day. Turn on the radio and “feel“a car sale advertisement being screamed out at you. Anything feel calm about that? How about those newscasts? Anything positive being added to your life? Turn it off. Now how do you feel?

Trouble sleeping? Are you watching any high drama programs just before going to bed? A life lost or saved, some one being shot at… all the while adrenaline is pumping in your body, and now you want to go to sleep?! That isn’t going to happen until your body uses up some of those chemicals it just released. Find something calming to watch that last hour before going to bed, or just turn the television off. See if you sleep any better.

By practicing becoming more aware of how you feel in various situations you will be a better judge of what makes you stressed or not. And it isn’t the same for everyone. You have the best guide in the world within you to determine what to avoid so you are not adding more stress to your life. Maybe it should be called a Calm-O-Meter. (333 words)

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New Beginnings.

2010-11-30T19:37:00Z

So many ideas!

A brand spanking New Year lies in front of us. Isn't that exciting?! And we are full of great ideas to improve our lives at work and home. It can be a lot to think about and remember.

Uh oh. The Stress-O-Meter is twitching. Grab a note book! Yes, it's about as low tech as you can get, but it works. Jot down all those ideas, to-do's, reminders, solutions and shopping lists as you think of them.

Not having to spend effort trying to remember all those great ideas will give you back the time and energy you need to be far more productive overall. It is a simple solution that can help lower stress. Yes, just like a massage. Massage Makers' Home