by SharonHartnett | Jun 6, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration
Does anyone know how to resolve TMJ and Clenching Problems?
I would really like to tell you that there is an easy fix for the pain in your jaw, but that isn’t always true. While some cases go away by themselves over time, others continue to get worst.
TMJ
TMJ is a disorder that can cause stress and pain to the temporomandibular joint and surrounding soft tissue.
With more that 15% of adults living with fascial pain, earaches and ringing, jaw pain and headaches, it may behoove the person suffering from this condition to try various methods to get the help they need. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms while opening, closing or moving your mouth, or while sleeping or awakening in the morning, you may be in need of some support to restore and rebalance the positioning of the head, neck and mouth in relationship to healthy postural alignment throughout the body:
- difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
- jaw pain while yawning or chewing.
- pain or ringing in the ear area.
- hearing and/or feeling popping or clicking sounds.
- headaches.
- tenderness around the teeth and gum areas.
- teeth grinding
- jaws get stuck or locked.
- any swelling in the face
These are all common symptoms of what is know as TMD (Temporal Mandibular Disorders).
With a background focused mostly in Structural Integration and Craniosacral Therapy, I have found 5 things that seem to help clients improve and resolve this condition.:
- Myofascial Structural Therapy to improve how the head rests over the body.
- Craniosacral Therapy to improve movement within the sutures and to create balance in the cranium.
- Stretching and Movement Exercises. Not only are neck exercises crucial for improving neck posture, but also the pelvis needs to be freed up and symmetry between the legs established in order to help self-correct TMD. Some great options would be yoga, Feldenkrais, Continuum, gyro tonics and free dancing.
- See a dentist for a bite appliance. However, from a bodyworker perspective, I suggest one for the lower teeth rather than the top which is usually recommended. Wearing any type of appliance on the top that restricts movement of the maxilla only inhibits healthy movement of the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Meditation to reduce stress. The Central Nervous System Stress can play a big factor in mouth disorders by creating tension in the musculature. Letting go of stressful beliefs through inquiry (www.the work.com) or something like breathing exercises or a walk through nature can be very helpful.
- Explore options with your pillow. If you sleep on your back, you don’t need one. However, if you sleep mostly on your side, there are some nice posturepedic options available.
- SomatoEmotional Release helps clients to feel deeply into their bodies and let go of unhealthy energy patterns of stress.
Three things to avoid: Chewing gum and holding your cellphone in your neck. Stop slouching and find length in your spine while reading or sitting at a computer.
If you are in the local Columbus Ohio area, or would like a free 15 minute phone consultation, please feel contact me.
Sharon Hartnett CST, LMT, SI
(740) 966-5153
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | Jun 4, 2015 | Energy Healing
Have you heard of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing?
If not, you have missed out on this generations’s wave of Energy Healing that has been incorporated into so many new healing practices across the globe. The School’s many graduates are working in many countries bringing about positive transformation and healing. This may show up as an individual’s journey, using techniques in the workplace, working with clients in a practice, through teaching others, to writing books and influencing others on a large scale. Whatever the case, this school has changed the face of the world in which we live. This work has opened our minds and hearts to a new vision.
The Barbara Brennan School became most popular in the 1990’s. Pioneered by Dr. Barbara Ann Brennan, the schools foundations were initiated by a group of well trained teachers taught under this gifted healer. She would guide them and share her meditations and guidance to bring more awareness to the Human Energy Field and how to heal. For many years she did School Healings and Channeled “Seeds of Spirit”. Thousands of healers have received instruction and have taken this transformational energy healing work out into the world to do good.
Energy Healing in Columbus Ohio
Healing through the Human Energy Field
Barbara Brennan
Her “Hands of Light” book sold in the millions. Students flocked to her school with different hopes, but with a common intention to heal and bring healing to world.
In the late 1990’s I was one of the many who finally made it to the doorstep of the school up in New York. It was an exciting time because I had finally found a teaching that made sense to me. The four dimensions that are still taught in the book are based on a variety of old teachings and were brought into a cohesive text that is easily teachable for those ready to learn and to grow. Over my first four years there, I read that book and other materials over and over as the skills were taught. My life experiences opened up and my conscious perspective on life shifted dramatically. I learned to perceive the energy field through my vision, sensing and empathy. Sometimes, my experiences of Higher Sense Perception expanded to hearing sounds, music, and guidance. Finally, this reaching beyond with knowing became a natural part of my daily life. One might think that this was a special thing, but I looked around and could see the rest of my peers becoming more present and awake too. It was and adventure to be at the Barbara Brennan school with all my fellow visionaries. We had all come together with a purpose and a plan of some sort to bring meaning into our lives and make an impact on the world.
After four years under my belt, I decided to go back and study two more years in the advance work, and another two years to do Supervision. The energy of the school and the profound changes within the community and how it touched others urged me forward. In my own healing practice, the focus of my work changed depending on where I was focused in the moment. Most recently, my gears have shifted from the energy work to the Awakening Skills mixed with Craniosacral Therapy. Most importantly, all the wonderful tools I learned about characterology, holding a healing response, chelations, hara, and Core Start taught me how to help others to align with fulfilling their optimal health and manifesting true change. I found that one of the best ways to feel good about oneself is to be able to find meaning in relationship. In the healer-client relationship, one always centers first. But thereafter, the focus is on the client and moving out of the way to allow the work to unfold. The mystery of the energy work removes blocks and allows the field to renew and re-energize. Clients often get up at the end of a session and know that something important has happened. It’s a joy to be part of the process of helping others.
Since the turn of the millennium, many schools have popped up that are also quite good at teaching energy dynamics. But there is a special place for me in my heart where I studied and taught on the Faculty at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing. It was there that a community of ongoing people have and are still creating a healing thread that impacts the earth in so many ways. With each person’s individual gift, something incredible and fantastic happens. Even now, as I supervise students, I am aware of the movement the soul that happens there. I am gladdened by the way this is passed forward.
Even though I have studied many courses/trainings since, I still like to recommend the Barbara Brennan School to people who are interested in learning a thorough curriculum of healing and transformation. There is no other place like this that I have ever seen or witnessed.
I have been so blessed for my teachers and friends that I met there too. The Sacred Vessel of the Barbara Brennan School is a place where you will rediscover Who You Are and how to move toward living in your full potential.
If you have any questions about the school or this work, please contact me any time, Sharon Hartnett LMT 740 966-5153
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | Jun 2, 2015 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
I just finished being a teacher assistant again for the Craniosacral Therapy 2 class for Upledger in Columbus Ohio 2015. It is always such a pleasure supporting the Upledger Institute. Through my years helping out with the classes, not only do I have the opportunity to help students better learn their Craniosacral skills more thoroughly, but I also personally learn something new each time myself from the various teachers. Each presentation gives a new perspective and it helps me to understand the work with a new depth and expertise. Keeping updated with changes and skills helps me to deliver better work to my clients.
One of the things that stands out most to me about this work after being immersed in this most recent class is that Dr. John Upledger centered this work on the Inner Physician. By trusting the intelligence of the body, and listening and following with the gentle techniques, huge shifts can and do occur that bring better balance and health to many people who receive CST. An experienced CST therapist can connect with dysfunctional patterns and help to release them as well. The Craniosacral work can help clients to let go of stress and calm the nervous system too.
While this work is based primarily on direct contact with the Cerebrospinal fluid, brain and spine, the rest of the systems also clear and find inner wisdom to self-correct and move toward health. My clients have often found pain relief, more clarity in thinking, deeper connection to Core, and much more.
Craniosacral Therapy
If you are interested in discovering the many benefits of Craniosacral Therapy, check out the Upledger site to learn more: Upledger Institute. Mixing science and holistic methods to bring deeper peace and joy into life.
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI
Columbus, Ohio
740 966-5153
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | May 24, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Structural Integration
Deep Tissue Massage Reaches those places you didn’t even know hurt….
Deep Tissue Massage can release deep tension areas in the body certainly. And many clients who come in for a massage request it. Resolving those deep core issues can unleash the healing potential in your body on many levels.
As a Massage Therapist for over 18 years, I have learned that there are more than a few ways to access the deeper imbalances in the body. And it’s not always the way you think. Initially digging in is not always the best way to address pain in the long-run, in fact; in may be counter-productive. Personally, I have had some big muscles athletes come in and say that they want a lot of elbow work. Sure- I can do that and it does have an appropriate time and place. But if the tissues aren’t ready to receive that type of touch, the body can go into defense and fight the work. With the way that most of us work hard each day and and deal with stress in our personal lives, we deserve to have a session that complements our health goals. The best way to unwind those long-held tension patterns is to:
- Start superficially to release the myofascial dysfunction there, and then layer deeper down.
- Being Mindful will bring more awareness to your own body and how you hold stress and can release it.
- Breathe and notice how your breath stops and/or flows. Where does it go and where does it stop?
- Plan on a few sessions so that your therapist can meet you were you are for uniquely tailored sessions.
- Dialogue with your therapist as to what is helping you to release. you will know what is working.
- Let your therapist know if you are on any pain medicines so he/she doesn’t overwork your muscles.
- Be curious if your Massage Therapist is present with you rather than doing a routine. You’ll be surprised that if you are mindful, you can feel the difference.
- Have clarity about your boundaries. Some work may be uncomfortable, but let your therapist know if it is helping or making things worst. If you want more pressure, ask for it.
- Ask for different types of massage work. There is a huge variety of modalities such as Structural Integration, Craniosacral Therapy, Thai Massage, Aromatherapy, Swedish and more. It will help you know which suits you best. Some can be light touch, but feel rather profound. Others may be physically deep but feel like there is no real contact. A good therapist will find a way to touch you the way your body needs to release tension, and yet make it comfortable enough that it feels good.
- Educate yourself. Therapists vary in their approach and the tools they use. Interview them about their experience.
Deep tissue massage helps to relax muscles, increase oxygen and blood flow to your muscles. It helps the body to remove toxins and metabolic waste from sore and overused muscles allowing quicker recovery. Deep Tissue Massage feels incredible with it is done appropriately. There is nothing that feels better than when pain dissipates and pleasure take over. When our bodies feel healthy and in balance, life takes on a whole new look. Joy and a positive attitude take over in the absence of pain.
If you want to focus on realigning your posture with slower and deeper massage work, you are in for a treat. Feeling good and feeling alive!
Deep tissue massage
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI
740 966-5153
Lighten Up Therapies
Serving Johnstown and Columbus Ohio areas.
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | May 21, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration, thought for the day
The most frequently asked question I receive from clients is…
“How often should I come see you for massage therapy treatments?”
To be honest, one of the reasons I became a massage therapist was because many years ago, my best friend Karen practiced on me while she was in massage school for two hours once or twice a week and I got hooked. She had the most warm and embracing hands that melted everything in my body and soul. I unwound and felt so happy and peaceful afterwards. It was like living on cloud 9 with my body feeling very grounded at the same time. She had the touch of an angel, and I felt so embodied and centered after our sessions.
It wasn’t until a couple years later, when I moved from Colorado to Ohio, that I actually took the plunge myself and dove into the Massage school curriculum at a Massage School in Akron, Ohio. Even then, I was quite surprised to find myself there as it was the last thing I expected as a career choice for myself years before. But the touch, and the healing was wonderful, and I knew that I was right where I needed to be more than any doubts that showed up. So- if I am asked how often should a client receive massage, I’d most often recommend as often as possible as long as it feels therapeutic and it is in your budget. Massage Therapy feels great and helps you to let go of stress and tension which is not healthy for you. When you find the right massage therapist for you and form a deep relationship of holding and healing, your essence and light breaks through so you can be your best. That’s how I view it for myself, and the clients that I see.
With that said, once the above is determined, I like to remind clients and potential massage clients that if you are living in chronic pain or feel an acute pain condition that has just come about, that it takes time for the body to heal. The physical world does not mend as quickly as we are able to skip over to a new thought. Biological healing is a process that unfolds with care and connection. And in most cases, pain situations are an accumulation of many factors including: postural imbalances, habitual patterns of movement, stress, emotional issues, sports injuries, birth traumas, challenges taking in a healthy diet, toxins in our environment, along with other dysfunctional interactions we have in life. So with all that goes into creating a painful situation, it is necessary to balance out with receiving quality care, and allowing the body to repair and self-correct after treatments. Don’t put your stock into a one time fix, although many times these types of miracles can occur to resolve pain relief. In most cases, more work is needed to help the body restore itself to its natural healthy state for the long-run. If you want the honest answer to the question “how many massage sessions do I need to come in for”, the answer is that it depends on your commitment to feeling well and doing whatever it takes to accomplish that. And- healing is a unique and different experience for each person and each relationship.
Massage Columbus
In my practice, I have some clients that come a few times a year for a tune-up or for when they are feeling out of whack, and I have clients who come once or twice a week until things turn around. When clients are specifically interested in the Structural Integration for better alignment and pain relief, I follow a ten session recipe as prescribed by Dr. Ida Rolf for optimal postural re-education results. If the client is experiencing a bulging disk or nerve pain, sometimes it’s best to get a chiropractic adjustment, and wait a day or two for your massage and bodywork. Once the bones are stable, the fascia and other soft tissue needs to be released to help the client to stand straighter in better form. Massage is focused on soft-tissue. Craniosacral Therapy is a fantastic modality of work that directly works with the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spine. It is a tremendous therapy for helping clients with structural issues also, although with a light touch. Wonderful benefits has been experienced with conditions like anxiety, stress, ADHD, fibromyalgia, neck and back pain and headaches and more. Clients who can’t fall asleep at night often fall asleep on the table because they are so relaxed. It may take a few sessions, but slowly the nervous system balances and learned to heal in many cases.
Personally, as I have been working in this field almost 17 years, I have more recently kept most of the focus in my practice on myofascial therapy including Craniosacral Therapy, and Structural Integration (as taught by Dr. Ida Rolf). I also include mindful exploration of the mind, body and spirit connection for those who are interested. I have a background in Brennan Healing Science (graduate at former faculty as the Barbara Brennan School of Healing), Reiki, and I like to include my trauma background and Hakomi practice as well into my work. I find that when people come into the massage office, that they are best served by being held in the sacred space of healing and health. However that stress is showing up, my office is a confidential place where everything can be as it is without new conflict or distraction. Because I personally enjoy working with Somato-Emotional Release and with people hoping to find pain relief from previous trauma, I usually like to see clients once a week on an ongoing basis until they feel good. My preference is to work with people who are commitment to feeling well. They get the best results because they see deeper that a session or two for a quick fix. And my hope is that I am doing the best job to help them so that at some point they can stop, or take long breaks until they could use either some proactive massage therapy or they are feeling uncomfortable again.
It’s important to mention that each massage therapist has his/her own unique style. Each client is organized in his/her own way. While a massage therapist can hold space, we are not licensed as psychotherapists. But many of us have had training in dialogue, wellness, coaching, and spiritual healing. If you are committed to unfolding into your presence and health, consider a long-term relationship with your massage therapist and any other type of therapist you would want on your healing team. There are so many possible stresses in the world, we all can use a helping hand at some time. And we all deserve to be happy and feel our best!
Sometimes, I think we forget to treat ourselves well and we give all the excuses in the world to not give ourselves the quiet and nourishment we need.
Wishing you a sacred and beautiful day.
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI, Brennan Healing Science Practitioner.
740 966-5153
Lighten Up Therapies
Serving the Columbus, Ohio Area
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
www.upledger.com
For your Massage and Bodywork questions, please feel free to write~
