How do we experience trauma in pregnancy, and more specifically, birth? To every person trauma is seen differently. Our past experiences may influence how we perceive certain situations. Every woman who goes through pregnancy gives birth in one form or another. On paper, two people can have had the exact same experience, the…
Did you know that you CAN exercise while pregnant, even if you haven't really been that active prior to pregnancy? We just have to ADJUST what you will be doing. Important factors to keep in mind while exercising: ✔️ check your intensity – target heart rate zones should be on your radar ✔️ your intensity should be somewhat hard ✔️ you should be able to carry on a conversation throughout your workout. FYI: Target Heart Rate Zones based…
Getting a massage can be both therapeutic and relaxing. Massage allows for time to unplug, tune in, take some time for yourself. And if you're lucky enough to have a therapist that knows their stuff, you have the added bonus of fixing stuff while you're there. That being said, there are things you can do to make the massage experience better. Ready? Breathe After the therapist has left the room and you are comfortable on the…
Mel's Meandering: The Guilty Worry Many of you know that I had a kid in September. I call him a kid because he was never the tiny blob that babies usually are. He was 16 days late and weighed in at 9lbs 6oz. He has had very good neck control since the beginning and has always had a grumpy face whenever he is put down. Thus, never a "baby" baby in my eyes but rather, a…
MEL'S MEANDERING MASSAGE MIND: HOW DRY NEEDLING "SAVED MY LIFE..." For most of my life I have noticed that my range of motion with my right shoulder isn't quite up to par with my left. My right anterior deltoid has been in contraction for what seems like forever and I get headaches due to muscular tightness in my upper traps. For relief in the past, I have gone to massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists, seeking…
MEL'S MEANDERING MASSAGE MIND: BETTER, STRONGER, SMARTER. DON'T BS MY SMARTS This month we are talking about “Being Above Average.” I’ve been thinking about what this concept means to me. What does it mean to you? Initially I thought to myself So I have to talk about me and how I think I'm better than everybody else? That's a little conceited. But upon reflection, Being Above Average has nothing to do with everyone else, and everything to…
Mel's Meandering Massage Mind: Let it go - not the Frozen version Pain - everyone gets it; and no one is left unscathed by its wrath. I've been thinking a lot about pain in the last few weeks, so it's fitting that Jen asked me to write about it and that the theme of this month is Letting Go. In the last little while, I've made some changes that have affected my life drastically. Granted, the…
Mel's Meandering Massage Mind: Are you a....Desk Potato?? Often, we go from sitting at work all day to sitting on a couch all evening. Desk potato to couch potato. I haven't worked in an office setting in a long time, but I can remember the endless hours at my desk, followed by the long seated car ride home, followed by the ‘down time’ in front of the computer or TV at night. I was sore…
Thai Massage is an ancient modality used by Buddhists to stay healthy during their travels. They believed that through the combination of Yoga and Massage, one could heal from almost anything. It is done in a relaxed setting, on the floor (with mats) and fully clothed. Each treatment is tailored to your needs, putting you through a variety of stretches combined with massage techniques. The foundation of Thai Massage is that the whole body needs to…