Sage spa

Comfort Measures/Coping Mechanisms for Labor

Looking for ways to cope with contractions?  This workshop from our friends at Choices In Childbirth 
would be a big help to you. And the nice thing is that it's free.

Comfort Measures/Coping Mechanisms

Date: Thursday, February 16th

Time: 6:15-8:30 pm
Location: 14th Street Y (344 East 14th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

Are you preparing to give birth and wondering how you'll work with contractions? Is your partner expecting and you are thinking about how you will support her in labor? Join us for a discussion on a range of labor coping strategies, between parents old and new, and the doulas and practitioners who support them.

 

Contentment, happiness and hope. Sounds good.

We've all seen the psychotherapy jokes, the Woody Allen movies and, if we're human, experienced some internal angst ourselves.  Traditional psychotherapy tries to "categorize" what's wrong with us and work from there to heal, and mostly it's done good work; but, what if we didn't work FROM what's wrong with us but TOWARDS what could be right with us and for us?  Would we get better results for our life satisfaction and happiness?  Some people think so. I stumbled across this group the International Positive Psychology Association .  Their website describes their mission : "Positive psychology is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play. Positive Psychology has three central concerns: positive emotions, positive individual traits, positive institutions. Understanding positive emotions entails the study of

 

 

• contentment with the past

 

• happiness in the present

 

• hope for the future. 

 

 

 

 

 

Their goals are 

• Families and schools that allow children to flourish
• Workplaces that foster satisfaction and high productivity
• Communities that encourage civic engagement
• Therapists who identify and nurture their patients' strengths
• The teaching of Positive Psychology
• Dissemination of Positive Psychology interventions in organizations & communities

This all sounds like a worthwhile alternative to traditional psychotherapy and worth checking out.

Visit the Museum of Motherhood

Interested in activities for the kids or just a peek into what mothering is like around the world?  This museum in New York City looks very interesting.  It has:

• informal baby groups and playdates
• exhibitions (the current one is on breastfeeding)
• an affordable venue for parties

The museum's is "a certified 501c3, committed to connecting women, mothers and families through music, art, activism and education for cultural, economic & social awareness free of age, race and socio-economic barriers. MFI cares about, and acts upon the status of birthers and caregivers, while addressing important issues, creating meaningful content, and providing compelling community experiences, marrying education, “her”story, creativity, culture & community benefiting all."  Sounds like a good thing in every way. 

MORE

Acupressure Is Good Pressure

At Sage we have several different treatments that include shiatsu/acupressure points. These treatments are Massage for Menstrual Cramps, Massage for Headaches and Massage To Encourage Labor.  We believe in the effectiveness of point work not only because our extensive experience at the massage table shows that it works but because research studies have proven it to be so .  We are not "just winging it" although we certainly use our creative intuition when we need to in order to personalize a treatment that will be most effective just for YOU.    

If you're interested in reading the research (and I know there are some science nerds like me out there who are), here are a few studies that prove the effectiveness of shiatsu/acupressure:

Acupressure is more effective than physical
therapy for low back pain: MORE

Acupressure effective and reduces the need for pain medications in
migraine and tension headache.  MORE

Meridian Massage (shiatsu points) relieves
PMS/menstrual cramps:  MORE

 

I've Got Feet On My Mind

The New York City Marathon is 1 day away and, in the past few months, runners have been coming into Sage for relief from various physical pains or just to relax prior to the race.  Combine this with my return to ballet dancing after 20 years and you can see why I've got feet on my mind.  Mostly painful feet, mind you. Sore ankles, achy ball-of-the-foot, bunions, bent toes, sprains and of course calluses and blisters, oh my!

Massage can most certainly help with soreness and sprains after they occur; but, what could possibly help runners and dancers to prevent these injuries from happening in the first place?  I've been looking around and have found a product called the AFX or Ankle Foot MaXimizer.

Its unique design has a variety of resistance bands which allow a post-injury patient or a high performing dancer to achieve balanced stretching AND strengthening.Balancing strengthening with stretching is often key to preventing injury.  Some sports focus too much on stretching and not enough on strengthening or vice versa.  

 

Progressive Health Innovations' Innovative Resistance System provides balanced strengthening from early stage rehabilitation to high-performance athletic training. I plan on buying it.  It may not help you out with this year's marathon or next week's ballet class; but there's always next year!    

 

 

 

The Estrogen Dilemma

Article by Cynthia Gorney • NY Times • Published: April 12, 2010  

This is a very interesting and informative article about Estrogen, and it's affects on the cells in a woman's body. Recent studies show that healthy cells are protected by estrogen, while damaged cells are made worse when exposed to the same hormone.

 "the proposition that estrogen could bring great benefit to a woman who starts it in her 50s while having the reverse effect on a woman 10 years older — makes sense even though it is still experimental. She and other scientists know there are ways estrogen improves and protects the brain when it is added to healthy tissue. It makes new cells grow. It increases what’s called “plasticity,” the brain’s ability to change and respond to stimulation.""the proposition that estrogen could bring great benefit to a woman who starts it in her 50s while having the reverse effect on a woman 10 years older — makes sense even though it is still experimental. She and other scientists know there are ways estrogen improves and protects the brain when it is added to healthy tissue. It makes new cells grow. It increases what’s called “plasticity,” the brain’s ability to change and respond to stimulation."

 

"...but when estrogen hits cells that are already sick — because they’re dying off as part of the natural aging process or because they’ve been damaged by beta amyloid — something else seems to happen. ...“It’s like the estrogen is egging on the negative now, rather than the positive,”"...but when estrogen hits cells that are already sick — because they’re dying off as part of the natural aging process or because they’ve been damaged by beta amyloid — something else seems to happen. ...“It’s like the estrogen is egging on the negative now, rather than the positive,”

 

READ THE ARTICLE

Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents

Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents
 Instruction in massage basics for infants.

by Vimala Schneider-McClure

 Discover the gentle art of infant massage... In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage, and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child…and yourself. For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.

 In Infant Massage, McClure shares how a massage benefits children- easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function. She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also find:
 
 * Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest, and nasal congestion
 * Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
 * Helpful hints in dealing with crying and fussing
 * Lullabies, rhymed and games to enhance the massage experience
 * Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
 * A special chapter dedicated to fathers
 * Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
 * And much more 

  Buy the Book

Ma Rollers Work Out Those Knots!

 

  

 

 

We hope you'll think of us here at Sage Spa when you want a  great massage, but when massage isn't an option we hope you'll think about Ma Rollers! We love our Ma Rollers here at the spa, especially when the staff goes home, or when we are on the road away from home. You will too!

"The Ma Roller is a self massage tool that gently stretches the paraspinal muscles like a good deep tissue massage.  It also stimulates the lines of energy associated with major acupressure points, opening your chi channels, allow your energy to flow freely." ¹

“The MA Roller is a tool for healing and awareness, gleaned from the teachings of ancient China. It was invented in 1970 by a Chinese practitioner of acupuncture, who is also a student of yoga. The MA Roller gives a gentle stretch to the spine, and a deep massage to the antigravity muscles on the back, along lines of energy known to the science of acupuncture."  ¹

Do Less Not More & Remember to Breathe 

 

Easy to Use: The Ma Roller is easy to use. We recommend starting your first session on a bed or couch, where there is some soft give under the Ma Roller, because lying on a soft surface means that the roller doesn’t press as hard into your back. If you work on a floor, the roller presses up with it’s full force into those knots.  So start on the bed, later after you get the hang of it you can try it using the Ma Roller on the floor for those tough problem areas.

  To Begin: Start at your upper back, and lie down with your spine centered over groove in the ma Roller, so that the roller presses into the flesh either side of the spine and NOT into your spine.  The idea is to try to do less not more. Like back carefully, and feel the raised areas of the roller pressing into the flesh on either side of the spine. Does it hurt? Go easy, Lie still and breathe. Let your body melt into the roller. The idea is not to roll your body up and down over the roller, instead, work the roller slowly inch by inch down your spine toward your butt, working one spot at a time. Rest and breathe at each spot until the tension melts away. Allow about 30-45 minutes to work the entire length of your spine.  As your tension fades, you will notice your body melting down around the roller. You’ll  soon feel very relaxed. 

The tenderness that you experience is a result of those tight muscles in your back responding to the pressure of the Ma Roller, much in the same way you might feel some tenderness when a massage therapist digs deeply into those stubborn knots. As long as the tenderness is not a result of injury, your muscles will let go, and you will soon feel better.

TIP: Are you a wreck, extremely tense and your back hurts like crazy when using the Ma Roller?  Lying on a soft surface? That will help. If you still feel too much pain lying on the roller, gently ease yourself up off the roller a few inches with your hands under your back or with a pillow until you can continue.  Now relax and breathe. As the tension slowly dissolves your body will begin to melt around the roller along with the pain and the tension. Feel Better!  

 A few things to keep in mind: 

• The MA Roller should not be used when there is spinal injury, or even suspicion of it.

•  The MA Roller should not be used during pregnancy.

• The MA Roller should not be used for longer than a few seconds on the head and neck by lying on it, because the head and neck are delicate structures.

• One should not fall asleep on the MA Roller. (which is easier to do than you may think, once you start relaxing) 

Ma Rollers are available at Amazon.com. 

_________________________

 ^{1 source on Ma Roller History: themaroller.com}

Childbirth Educator, Ellen Chuse on: "Sex and Intimacy After the Baby Comes"

  We love Ellen Chuse (Ellen Chuse Childbirth). Ellen, a respected childbirth educator, friend, and Park Slope neighbor who speaks regularly with our staff  here at Sage on various childbirth related issues. Ellen is wonderful in person, extremely dynamic, entertaining and passionate about all things related to childbirth. Recently, Bend and Bloom's owner, Amy Quinn-Suplina invited Ellen to speak to new parents. The following is a reprinted article from YogaCityNYC written by Allison Richard.

"Recently I walked into a yoga studio to find the lobby overflowing with strollers, kiddie contraptions, and mewling infants and figured there was a Mommy and Me class about to commence. Checking the schedule I found it was a Mothers’ Meeting. Huh? Bend and Bloom’s owner, Amy Quinn-Suplina, explained that these are weekly gatherings where moms come with their newborns to discuss the challenges and changes that come with the responsibility of being a new parent. She invited me to attend the next one entitled “Sex and Intimacy After the Baby Comes.” Score! This ought to be good.  

15 moms and babies trickled into the following week’s meeting. The leader, Ellen Chuse (photo: right) , a Childbirth Educator and Birth Counselor, delved into the topic by reassuring the moms that they shouldn’t feel guilty for not wanting to jump back in the sack with their partner right away She explained a few physiological and psychological reasons why, such as physical and hormonal changes.  And, for some, the physical and emotional trauma experienced during childbirth. 

It was a a revelation to many when Ellen said, “When you spend all day holding, cuddling and taking care your baby, the fact is, your need for physical contact has been met so when your husband comes home and wants to be intimate, you’re just not in the mood. Physically, you’ve given all of yourself that you can for one day.”

The women felt comfortable in the close-knit group discussing how they’d dealt with this touchy subject. One mom set a date with her husband to have sex for their first time and purchased a girly kit with fun lubes and condoms to keep the experience light-hearted. Another woman and her beau never make plans on Saturday afternoons because they know their 7-month old is guaranteed to take a nap and that time becomes their intimate time.  

While these Mother’s Meetings, along with Prenatal classes, Breastfeeding Support Groups and Kids Yoga at Bend and Bloom serve Brooklyn-ites on their journey through motherhood, other studios are reaching out to this somewhat fragile new community in different ways.

While these Mother’s Meetings, along with Prenatal classes, Breastfeeding Support Groups and Kids Yoga at Bend and Bloom serve Brooklyn-ites on their journey through motherhood, other studios are reaching out to this somewhat fragile new community in different ways.

Lila Yoga, on Bowery north of Houston, has integrated a step before prenatal with Fertility Classes. These restorative-type yoga classes use postures, breath, chakra toning, visualization and relaxation techniques to help women reconnect with their bodies. Classes are geared towards women having difficulty conceiving or those contemplating trying to conceive- and as many doctors will tell you, a calm, relaxed body is the first step towards this goal. 

On the Upper West Side Prenatal Yoga Center, has expanded their presence outside the studio to offer classes at various satellite sites throughout the city like Yummy Mummy and Apple Seeds in Manhattan and Easeful Body in Brooklyn. Prenatal Yoga is a bit of a misnomer as their schedule also includes Postnatal, Music for Babies, and Infant Massage classes. 

More impressive than the class list may be the online community owner, Deb Flashenberg, has created through their PYC website, which offers several free prenatal yoga videos, Deb’s Blog and access to a plethora of articles, podcasts and stories on all things pre and post baby- although be forewarned- some articles are not for those with weak stomachs. 

In addition to educational material, the website offers a New York City resource list with information on everything from baby clothes to play groups to family photographers. Community members often take the opportunity to leave their opinions and reviews so you can get an honest account of whether or not something is truly worth your time and money.

Members also participate in a Doctor Referral Forum, which allows them to offer reviews of OB/GYNs, Midwives, Doulas and Pediatricians they’ve had great experiences with. It also gives mothers good leads on reliable professionals like Nannies- a new mom’s best friend. 

As the B&B meeting drew to a close, the mom’s immediately moved closer to one another and, like schoolgirls, began to fill one another in on the latest- from their baby’s newest accomplishment to the first meeting of their book club. I realized how integral these gatherings are for the emotional and psychological wellbeing of these women, not just because of the topics they cover or the yoga poses they do, but because of the sense of community they create and the lifelong friendships they make. I walked onto the street happy that the yoga community is expanding to include these groups. One day when I begin my journey to starting a family, I look forward to joining them."

--Allison Richard

. 

Bodywork for Dogs, Horses & Cats!

Animals Healing, Inc.

An eco-conscious company dedicated to providing a wealth of fascinating & informative holistic health & lifestyle products for your animals. . . and you.

 My good friend and fellow massage school classmate back in the early 90's, Lynn Vaughn, is passionate about animals, so much so that she molded her entire massage practice around them. Lynn has been spreading the word about bodywork for animals; she has even been a guest on Martha Stewart's television show 

If you have a dog, or even a horse in need of  some bodywork, Lynn is the person to call. She's particularly great with  animals recovering from injuries or stress related issues.

Animals Healing, Inc.