Sage spa

Meet Malcolm

Born to Sage therapist, Laurie, a baby boy, Malcolm, on April 29th at 7:01 a.m. Isn't he beautiful? Congratulations to the family! 

Send your Mom Some Love from You & Sage

Win a FREE massage for a deserving Mom for Mother’s Day.  

Please submit the name of a Mom and include a few words as to why this particular Mom deserves a relaxing hour in our beautiful environment.  

This generous giveaway was made possible by a Sage client who moved out of the country and can no longer use her Sage gift certificate.  She wanted me to pass it on to someone who really needs it. Her name is Stevica Boskovic.  Thank you Stevica!

UPDATE:  The winner (picked at random) is Mary Vaeni.  Please contact Sage to set up your appointment.  Congratulations, and thanks to all of you who submitted names of the great moms in your lives.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SAGE'S BOOK & MUSIC LIBRARY

Sage has a wealth of great reading and listening resources that we would like to share we you.  Starting this month, each month, we are recommending (1) one book from our library for the general public (2) one book for prenatal readers and (3) one CD for anyone who needs mellowing out. 

Please feel free to send us your own book and music ideas to be shared with others.

 Book Recommendation of the Month:

The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider  (1994) -  Almost everyone who comes into Sage reads this well-known astrology book  which predicts personality traits based on your birthdate.  You don't have to be a believer to enjoy this book.  I wasn't, and I was still blown away by how accurate it seemed.  And, if you're really feeling brave, there's a companion book called "The Secret Language of Relationships", where you can check our your relationship to your child, your mother, your significant other.  Oh, boy.

Prenatal Book Recommendation of the Month:

recommended by Molly Montgomery, Sage Spa Massage Therapist

"The Vital Touch", by Sharon Heller, Ph.D. Written by a developmental psychologist, "The Vital Touch" was required reading for the infant massage class I took last spring. Her basic premise is that the American habit of constantly "containing" infants in bassinets, strollers, cribs, etc. is ultimately harmful to the physical, mental, and emotional growth of infants. She provides examples from cultures all over the world to back up her assertion that physical contact with caregivers leads to happier, brighter babies. Heller doesn't shame American parents - she just reminds us that it's okay to follow our instincts telling us to hold our kids! 

CD of the Month:

Hollow Bamboo - An album of sublime and sensual Indian/New Age melodies of tabla beats, bansuri flute, electric guitar and trumpet.  Ry Cooder, who loves to improvise with notable world music musicians (he was the creator of Buenta Vista Social Club) creates an exotic atmosphere. One Amazon reviewer wrote: "you won't need incense for this CD; it's wafting right up off the disc."

Happy Spring

The Power of “It’s Not Nice”

Having come through vibrant and historically important national elections, I’ve been struck by the level of generally uncivil behavior on the part of some of our national media and of our politicians in congress.  Maybe they ARE actually working hard for us; but, I feel distressed by the amount of unproductive and inflammatory namecalling.  Recently, I came across this article by Peggy Noonan on the power of the phrase “It’s not nice.”  As children, this phrase is taught to us by our parents as it was probably taught to them by their parents.  It’s a simple and wonderful application for a wider world.  

Read More

 

After reading, spread the word.

-Susan

Postural Awareness For Pregnant Bodies

As we look around us we see very few people with good posture, and we also see an epidemic of low back pain.  Converting from all-fours to upright has been a challenge in the evolution of man/woman; pregnancy provides another challenge on top of that.  Gaining awareness of your posture takes time  but only by gaining awareness can we make changes.  Like all hard-won awareness, the benefits of staying the course are great.  Follow this link to the Sage blog to find a few suggestions for awareness in your everyday living.

• Brushing Teeth and Washing Face -  The majority of people bend over from the waist putting extra stress on the low back.  Try sinking down in your knees and resting one or two elbows on the sink.  You can also place one foot on a stool or inside the base of the sink cabinet to achieve a more neutral alignment.
• Vacuuming -  Best to avoid entirely but, if you’ve run out of excuses… J  Keep the vacuum cleaner close to you and work in one small area at a time rather than reaching out over long distances.
• Putting Your Shoes On -  Who would have ever thought this would be hard?  Ideally, you should sit on the edge of a hard chair.  Bring one leg up and cross it over the opposite leg, keeping your back straight.  This position has the added benefit of stretching your hip muscles and helping to prevent sciatica.
• Lifting – Lift with your legs, not your back.  Squat down to pick something up, keeping your back straight.  Don’t twist, turn your whole body towards to object.  Keep the object close to your body.  Finally, GET HELP to lift!  That’s what partners are for.

  For more ideas, go to Alicia M. Silva’s “Preventing and Managing Back Pain During Pregnancy”, from which the above article was abstracted.

Spring Cleaning

The Spring Equinox arrives on March 20^th signifying the time to come out of hibernation, cleanse ourselves of winter’s residue and open ourselves to exciting new possibilities.  When we hibernate, we pull inwards, the weather confines us, we get colds and accumulate “stuff” in our house.  Feeling cleansed in our bodies and our environment can feel just wonderful.  You can let go and cleanse with oils of bergamot, lemon,  roman and german chamomile and lavender.

In Chinese medicine, the liver and gallbladder are the main organs for detoxifying the body/emotions.  The emotions associated here are anger, irritability and frustration.  Although anger is generally considered to be negative, the Chinese also consider it a necessary force for change.  Anger, for example, might force a reticent person to quit being a doormat and stand up for themselves or a person in a low-paying job to leave that job for something better.  The best essential oils are those have an energizing effect on the liver.  They are as follows:

•  Citrus oils -  their happy energy can diffuse an angry state while encouraging the spirit of compromise. 
•  Roman and German Chamomile – are relaxing and can help soothe feelings of resentment.  And, as a side effect, are useful for sedating Spring allergic inflammations.  
•  Lavender – calms the heart and salves pent-up feelings of annoyance.  
•  Rose – for longstanding hurts, perhaps from childhood, its coolness stills the heat and hurt of old rejections.

These oils for emotional cleansing can be nicely accompanied by oils added to homemade housecleaning products such as  baking soda to cleanse your environment as well.  The best oil would be lemon for its inexpensive price and antiseptic qualities.  The internet is full of recipes for these green-friendly products.

Spring forward in more ways than one!

For more on the power of essential oils to change and balance, see Gabriel Mojay’s book, "Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit"

THANK YOU

Hi Susan,

I just wanted to extend a great big THANK YOU to you and your staff for their hospitality this past Saturday 2/28 while I was there with a  few girlfriends celebrating my b'day. 

We enjoyed our services and intend on returning as often as we can.  I have attached a pic of us toasting my birthday so you may remember my friend and I who made our appointment with you a few weeks ago.  I am the one kneeling in the Black track suit.

Tonya M. Richards

(PHOTO L-R: Abiola Saliu,Monique Leo, Simone Walker, Tonya Richards)

Orchids In Bloom at Sage

Orchids are magical. They make you stop, slow down, and smile. After a few minutes in their presence, you just feel lighter. 

Many people have the impression that orchds are difficult to grow. Not true.  They are actually very easy to grow. The plants have a few basic reqirements: namely, bright light but not scorching, ideally a east or southeast facing window, some humidity from 

either a humid bathroom or tray of pebbles and water,  and finally, a bit of fertilizer now and then. 

Growing naturally high in the tree canopy, orchids attach themselves to trees. As rain falls, it runs over the clinging roots, and down the side of the tree. 

The plants must not sit IN water, Plant them  in a bark mulch specially suited for orchids, but never planted in dirt or peat, which doesn’t drain the water away from the roots. Orchid roots will rot if they sit in water. 

Orchids like a tight fit in their pot. They need to be repotted every 1-3 years, usually best after they flower.  

To bloom, many orchids need the condtions most people love, namely, cool nights and days in the 70’s. 

That’s about it. I hope you’ll stop by and check out the orchids at Sage this month, and perhaps even give them a try yourself. You’ll be amazed how quickly you get hooked.

• David

- David Sumner, co-owner of Sage, grows flowers, namely orchids in his spare time, that is, when he's not making chocolates,designing stage shows or helping out in the background at the spa.

Happy Valentine's Day

Thank You

Thanks to our wonderful staff and all of our fantastic clients

 for making this valentine's day so very special - Susan

 

Slinky Mama - Stretching for a Healthy, Comfortable Pregnancy

In a previous article, we discussed strengthening exercises that promote a healthy pregnancy.  In this article we'll be discussing stretching, another key component to keeping your spine loose and pain-free ("slinky") while preventing injury.  Because of the changing posture of pregnancy, your low-back and hamstrings will inevitably tighten.  Start learning your stretches well before 20 weeks so that your muscles will already be educated.  

According to Alicia Silva, MSPT, in her book "Preventing and Managing Back Pain During Pregnancy," the goal of stretching is for your muscles to achieve "a new lengthened resting position."  Once you achieve the new muscle length, you will need to practice at least once a day as a sort of use-it or lose-it practice.  To start your stretching your body should be warmed up with a brief cardiovascular session or hot bath.  Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.  

No bouncing on the stretches please! 

Alicia recommends:

a back stretch

an inner thigh stretch

a lateral rotater stretch (the muscles over your butt; this will help to prevent sciatica)

a hamstring stretch (back of thigh)

a psoas and quadriceps stretch (front of thigh)

a waist and hip stretch a neck stretch

Now I can already hear you saying "I don't have time for this!"  But, if you add it up,  a 30 second stretch x 3 =  90 seconds per exercise x 7 exercises = 630 seconds or ONLY 10.5 minutes!  Hey, you really could do it!

Alicia's book is on the bookshelf at Sage Spa.  Please feel free to stay and browse after your massage.  You can also ask one of our massage therapists for expert advice or just to watch you and see that you perform the exercises correctly

Go on, be a Slinky Mama!

Give a FREE Massage for the Holidays!

Season's Greetings!

We decided get into the holiday spirit this year by offering one FREE Massage each week, during December, to a deserving individual in need of some personal pampering and care. 

Congratulations to all Winners

Week #1

Nickey Accinni "... a woman of incredible strength, integrity, and empathy. She offers her gifts thorough healing and music, and in spite of the many hardships she's endured in life she remains a loving, kind and spiritual woman."- Sheri Heller, NYC

Week #2

Michael Aldrich "...my younger brother - my pillar of strength ...I am recommending him for your massage special because he deserves the biggest thank you for helping me through this year. He deserves someone to pamper him after this year of giving himself for everyone else. I want to show him appreciation. I want to surround him with love." - Jennifer Streicker, Cary NC

Week #3

Kelly Perkovich- "Since August 4th, when my sister-in-law, Kelly, went into very premature labor with her twins, she has been traveling back and forth from Park Slope to Manhattan on a daily basis to be with her son Miko in the NICU....Kelly has had 4 1/2 months of sleepless nights, and days filled with constant worry and stress – Miko has a long road ahead of him – but he is finally home for Christmas. If anyone needs a massage, it is Kelly Perkovich!"- Michele Beler

Week #4

Les Lessinger- "...he is enduring a difficult, depressing time with grace and humor, and I want him to get as much enjoyment out of life as he can right now. I love him very much"- Hannah Lessinger, Brooklyn NY

Sage Spa goes Green

The Safe Homes Project

These are pretty tough times for our country.  It's hard to stay out of fear mode and continue to be positive.  In thinking of way to reorient myself, I began to think about people who are actually far worse off than I am and how it might be positive for myself as well as for them to do something. 

The group I have decided to support are the women living in a nearby shelter for domestic violence.  As such, Sage will be donating 10 free massages and having a special day for the women here at the spa.  The director of the shelter as well as all of the women are extremely excited about this bright spot in their troubles.  And the Sage therapists are equally as excited.  Two of our therapists, who have worked with victims of domestic violence, are preparing us as to how to work with this group of deserving people. 

 If any of you out there would like to support this project, add a little extra to your next spa visit  or contribute something on your own, check out The Safe Homes Project.  The money will be used to buy diapers, formula, children's books (yes, there are children involved too), Metro cards so that the women can get to court dates, etc.  I cannot tell you how good it feels. - Susan

The Big Three of Prenatal Exercise

We see a lot of low back pain in our prenatal practice here at Sage and, of course, we're always happy to help.  But, if you're willing to do a few home exercises yourself, you could provide an extra cushion against that pain that shows up in 80% of third trimester pregnancies.  The foundation of your self-help consists of 3 parts: strengthening, stretching and postural awareness.  In this post, I'll be discussing "The Big Three" of your strengthening program.  The Big Three are pelvic tilts, kegels and squats.

Pelvic Tilts

After about 20 weeks, you should avoid sit-ups or "crunches"; but, pelvic tilts are fine to do and are a great way to strengthen your abdomen.  You can start learning them well before 20 weeks by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet planted on the floor.  If you slide a hand under the small of your back, you'll notice a space.  Now contract your abdominal muscles and try to eliminate that space by bringing your back flat to the floor.  To help feel that the appropriate muscles are contracting, you can put your hands on your abdomen.  Think about bringing your pubic bones up towards the ceiling as your spine is pressing into the floor.  Do several sets and hold the tilt for a bit.  After 20 weeks, leave off lying on the back and do these on your hands and knees or even while standing in line at the grocery store.  A strong abdomen will assist in supporting that ever-increasing load on the low back.

Kegels

The pelvic floor is the muscular sling that supports your bladder and uterus and bowel.  Try pulling this muscle up and holding for a few seconds.  You won't be able to hold it long at first; but, it will get stronger over time.  This muscle can be hard to "find."  A good way to do it is try to stop the flow of urine while urinating.  Kegels can help make a strong pelvic floor to help you birth the baby and help prevent incontinence in late pregnancy when the baby is sitting low, as well as post-partum.  You don't have to be pregnant to benefit from kegels; older women can benefit too. Healthy pelvic floors for every woman!

Squats

Stand with your back about a foot from a wall. Lean back against the wall and do a pelvic tilt so that your low back is flat against the wall.  Now squat down so that your knees are approaching a 90 degree angle.  Hang out until your legs start to fatigue.  Come back up slowly.  Do several sets.  Squatting improves strength in legs and buttocks.  It will help conquer low back pain and give you strong legs for labor and delivery.

The Big Three are a great start to a fit pregnancy.  If you would like to know more, a good book to consult is "Preventing and Managing Back Pain During Pregnancy" by Alicia M. Silva, MSPT.  The book is on the bookshelf at Sage and is available online as well.

Susan