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~
by SharonHartnett | May 1, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit
Neck Pain can occur for numerous reasons.
It could be the aftermath effect of an accident, poor postural strain, a pinched nerve or the result of an illness. Whatever the reason for your pain and discomfort, what matters most is finding the best method that will work to help alleviate your symptoms.
There are some basic things that you can do at home:
- Taking a warm epsom bath full of Magnesium Sulfate can help wonders.
- Put two tennis balls in a sock and place them on the back of the neck while lying on the ground. Relax.
- Place your hand on the back of your neck and press where it hurts. Stretch slowly and gently away in the areas that feels good. Overstreching could make it feel worst so listen to your body.
- Ask your sports trainer to give you some strength building exercises. Very important for long-term recovery.
- Breath and gently turn head in easy directions that are unusual. Various planes of motion benefit.
- Use a Stillpoint Inducer from Upledger for a minute or so, thereafter increasing time each day to help diminish pain.
- Buy a neck traction machine and use as needed.
- Eat healthy foods and exercise. Stay away from processed food and perhaps check in with a functional physician or nutritionist to make sure you are using food as medicine. Changing your diet can help fight against arthritis.
Neck Pain Relief
Things that you can do outside of this are:
- Find a good Physical Therapist who does manual work as well as giving you exercises.
- Swedish Massage helps with Circulation and Lymphatic Flow.
- Find a Structural Integration Therapist who works with posture and movement to help you getting better aligned.
- Craniosacral Therapy helps to relieve dysfunction along the spine and cranium, often helping to relieve pain symptoms.
- Chiorpractors vary in their methods as much as Massage Therapists. Ask questions and state what you want. Some can apply abrupt moves and others can manipulate much more gently.
- Myofascial Massage works with the muscles and the fascia primarily. By lengthening the layers releasing trigger points and knots, clients often feel much better.
- Sometime emotional issues needs to be expressed. Speak with a healer or counselor about what is going on in your life and work towards resolution.
Listening to your body and taking a holistic approach to health is your best option. If you are suffering from neck pain, take this opportunity to turn it around. There is no reason why you should neglect your self-care!
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI, Brennan Healer
740 966-5153
Columbus, Ohio
by SharonHartnett | Apr 27, 2015 | Aromatherapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit, Structural Integration, thought for the day
Feeling stressed out by life?
Everyone feels stressed out at least occasionally. Through all of life’s cycles, growth opportunities pop up presenting us with challenges that push against our boundaries. This can make us feel uncomfortable or stressed out. Fortunately, many of us have had positive influences that have taught us how to navigate through rather difficult times efficiently. But when we don’t know how to cope well any longer, then what? Is it possible to take these stresses and turn them around to make ourselves better?
We have to remember that if we change our perspectives about our difficulties, the rest of the energy supporting the stress will shift too.
Craniosacral Therapy relieves stress.
Remember that:
- Overload is just about how we perceive a certain situation.
- The way our bodies habitually respond to stress can be re-organized into a healthier response.
- We are in charge of how we interact with the world in which we live.
Anything that you believe poses a threat to your way of being can cause stress. So how does your mind, body and spirit let go of any ideas of danger?
- Being mindful of your own experience is a good place to begin. By bringing attention to both your internal and external environment, you will begin to see what ignites stress. Some of the physiological signs might be: slower digestion, heart rate rises, muscles contract, breathing quickens, and it may be difficult to sleep. While you are experiencing the thought and the energy behind the stress, be curious and observant. This is a good way to practice meditation.
- Receiving massage and bodywork has been shown to reduce stress, including modalities such as Craniosacral Therapy, Trigger Point, Structural Integration and the light moving touch of Swedish as well. Feeling deeply into the body re-educates how we think and helps us re-route into a more relaxed and calm state of being.
- Body centered psychotherapies can be very helpful as well. For example, Hakomi is based on peaceful methods of bringing awareness to your experience and trying on different perspectives. This can give you new ways to view life down to the cellular level. This therapy is different than typical talk therapy as the main focus is bringing attention to the body to open the doorway to your consciousness.
- Physical Exercise pumps up your endorphins. Stress melts away. A good workout helps you to feel healthier and feel more alive.
- Deep breathing can help slower the heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. A commitment to yoga practice will certainly give you opportunities to experience stress relief.
- Aromatherapy with oils from Young Living Oils or Doterra can help you to relax in a nice bath or with a foot massage before you go to sleep. The intention of using the oils for health and good self-care can be very helpful if you are feeling anxious or imbalanced.
- Finding a good chiropractor who works with stability as well as flexibility can do wonders in helping you feel better aligned. When the spine is healthy, life looks a lot more positive!
- Byron Katie has come up with 4 questions that will help you change your life. Her worksheets are free online and you can view her on Youtube. Check out www.thework.com.
- Gentle movement exercises like Felderkrais or Continuum will awaken your deeper sense of centeredness.
- Eckhart Tolle is known for bringing out focus “Into the Now”. His teachings can help one to let go of suffering and stress by recognizing our tendencies to live in the past and future rather than being Present.
Remember that If stress is interfering with your life’s purpose and health, it’s time to do something different that will help you resource your internal skills to help you move through life with more ease. There are practices you can do alone, in a class, or with the help of a professional. The more serious the issue with anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD it is best to find the right professional with good experience and references.
Let your stress pass right through by taking good care of you.
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI
(740) 966-5153
Facilitating with Craniosacral Therapy, Myofascial Release, Structural Integration, Reiki, The Work, Brennan Healing and more. See www.massageincolumbusohio.com for more information.
by SharonHartnett | Apr 16, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage, mind body & spirit
What is Somato-Emotional Release (SER)?
SER begins with an atmosphere of trust, respect, and gentle touch.
Often when I work with clients for a period of time, long-held negative beliefs and residual trauma energy can start to come to surface. This may be a small gentle reminder of an uncomfortable feeling, a tear running down a cheek or a deep anxiety or stress that has energetically been frozen within the cells. We call this an “energy cyst from a Craniosacral Therapy perspective. The energy from the historic trauma isolates itself as a compensation but it not entirely let go.
The Upledger Craniosacral approach to working with Somato-Emotional Release involves a very natural type of presence and touch into the Cranosacral system that supports the process of releasing old trauma’s such as: car accidents, PTSD, warfare, violence, divorce or any type of experience that feels overwhelming. If the cycle of feelings does not complete itself, it remains until given the opportunity to heal. By dialoguing with the Craniosacral System, the true intelligence within will lead the way to self-correct into health and wellbeing. Craniosacral Therapy is a professional therapeutic modality that balances, restore and brings greater awareness to clients.
Craniosacral Columbus
The old painful messages melt away and give way to the Present moment.
By taking the road of self-discovery with CST, new awareness will help you to make better choices in your life with more clarity and heart. Bringing the physical, feelings, beliefs and heart into coherence opens the door to health and wellbeing.
Sharon Hartnett CST, LMT, SI & Brennan Healing Science Practitioner
(740) 966-5153
by SharonHartnett | Jan 17, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit
About 19 million Americans are living with Depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes constant sadness and lack of interest in life. It is often a place of feeling stuck or unable to move forward.
Releasing Pain
Speaking from experience while working with Massage clients, the worst thing a person suffering from depression can do it to isolate. Instead, it is best to look for long-term medical treatment from a doctor and a licensed therapist. When left untreated, depression doesn’t often resolve itself. In fact, by opening up to a healthy new way of processing, things can start to look a lot brighter. Why not ask for help?
If you are unsure if you are depressed, ask yourself if any of the symptoms below pertain to you?
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Physical back pain or headaches
- Fixation on negative beliefs
- Lack of Sexual interest
- Lack of Energy
- Irritability
- Angry
- Insomnia
Massage therapy can be helpful as an additional complementary treatment for Depression. It is a wonderful modality to add to your wellness plan.
Questions About Massage and Depression? The AMTA’s position based on research can be found at: AMTA Research for starters.
In my own practice, I have seen clients find help through Structural Integration, Craniosacral Therapy, and Aromatherapy Massage. With massage and bodywork, when the tension in the body is lifted, the spirit frees up too. It’s amazing how much one’s mood can change when feeling better in one’s own body. Release of stress has been found to help one to sleep better through the night, balance emotions, and to help feel more grounded and embodies.
If you are looking for a Holistic Licensed Massage Therapist who has experienced working with Mood Disorders, Anxiety, PTSD, or depression, ask questions in an initial interview. Make sure the therapist who works with you is comfortable with working as part of your healing team.
If you have any questions, please call Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
614 372-6598
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | Jan 11, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit
One of the questions I often get asked regarding Massage-
“How much do I need to come in and see you”?
This is a delicate question because most people would benefit greatly from getting 1-2 massages a week. Personally, I know that if I could… I’d get a massage every week, acupuncture, have a personal trainer and a cook that makes organic healthy great tasting meals each day:) However, many services are not covered by insurance, and many people these days are very busy.
So to be realistic- what I recommend is that one prioritizes time and finances regarding health and wellness. Some of the ways to look at this are:
- Rate yourself from 1-10 regarding your pain level. If you are in a lot of pain, you may want to come in twice a week. Massage and bodywork can work wonders for relieving pain. The more work you receive, the better you’ll feel in most cases. Also remember, that while your pain levels most likely will decrease with each session, that if you have been putting off your health challenges for long time, it might take a while to get healthier again. For example- to work with postural alignment issues, count on the basic 10 sessions for a good foundation at 90 minutes a pop.
- Finances are an important part of everyday life. Yet I do see people who go out to eat and drop $75.00 for a meal, but look for the cheapest massage deal they can find. Remember that you usually get what you pay for. If you are looking for a professional massage therapist with a lot of experience in bodywork, expect to budget for the best. After all, you do deserve to have your needs met, and actually exceeded. Someone who works at a big office for a low price is usually right out of school and doesn’t have the same qualifications as someone who has been practicing for 15 years.
- Often people wait until they are in pain before they get massage. If you can afford it, treat yourself to some massage and bodywork bi-weekly or monthly just to stay feeling more fit and flexible. It’s much easier to move back into health when you haven’t strayed far. Being proactive in anything is smart.
- Interview therapists. Each therapist is unique and has an array of different tools that they use to best serve their clients. Make sure that your Massage Therapist listens well and is educated about how they can help. Some protocols call for 10 sessions, some are based on your needs. But a good therapist will give you a general idea of a treatment plan that you can both agree to.
- I often give my clients exercises or homework to do when they go home. If your budget is tight and you don’t have the means for this type of self-care on a regular basis- make sure you are doing some type of lengthening and opening exercise like yoga, pilates, gyrotonics, Feldenkrais etc… All of these help you to strengthen your core while releasing restrictions in the body. If you can do both, that is wonderful.
Your health is important. Too many people tend to ignore symptoms of pain and discomfort. Begin listening to your body when you are young. Eat well, Exercise, Stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. As soon as you start to feel yourself losing balance, energy, or strength, turn it around by finding a local therapist near you to help you feel your best. Your intuition and self-mindful awareness will tell you what you need to do.
Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett LMT & CST
Columbus, Ohio
Health and Wellness
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
