Today is international women’s day, and we wanted to ask our own Tara Hagan-Fields, RMT a few questions about what it means to be a Women’s Health focused practitioner. Why did you decide to focus your practice on Women’s Health? I chose to focus my practice on Women’s Health because at the time I truly felt that there were too many therapists that were focusing in on general health and wellness. There weren’t enough therapists with a voice and a specialization in anything specific, especially not in the women’s health field. I was a new grad in a world of many RMT’s. I graduated with 30+ fellow colleagues in 2006, we all had the same level of training and the same knowledge base that we had learned while in school. I immediately needed to separate myself from the group as an individual who understood something more then the rest. I had developed a passion for the treating of pregnant women while in school, so after graduation, I immediately went after more courses! I felt I needed to learn more!. Along the way I grew as a therapist and as a woman. I recognized my passion was more then just treating pregnant women; It actually was more about treating all women, and women’s health related issues. Today I am completely
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 be treated in order to aid in the healing process. Therefore, each treatment will not only focus on problem areas, the whole body will be addressed. Thai Massage is designed help with mobility, flexibility, stress reduction, boosting your immune system, and helping to align the body’s energy through direct work on the Sen (the energy lines of the body). Although treatments can be done in 60 minutes, I highly recommend a 90 minute treatment for the full benefit of this style of therapy. The extra 30 minutes means a smoother and less rushed pace leading to increased relaxation. If you get cold easily, I recommend long loose pants (sweats or yoga pants) and a long sleeve t-shirt. Or if you tend to be warm, shorts and a tee, or a combination of either. Remember I am moving you through the poses and you are expending no energy to keep yourself warm. If you have any questions about Thai Massage, please feel free to contact me at th
Ladies ladies ladies! Let’s talk about bras and how they support us, or don’t. They are meant to aid a beautiful part of our body! However, I have been seeing a running theme in my practice lately and even out and about on the street. Ladies, why are you wearing ill-fitting bras with absolutely no support?
I hear all the excuses…”oh this is just my lazy day”, or “this is my bad bra”, or “my other one is in the laundry”, or “I just came from a work out”…again, all the excuses! Bras that you bought 10 years ago, throw them out! Even ones you bought 2 years ago, look at them closely! Does the elastic still support you the same way? Does the cup? Have you washed them…and dried them? How many do you have in a rotation? Why do I bring up this subject? We can’t take our breasts off like we can our bras. We need to support them! We honour our bodies with exercise and nutrition, so why do our breasts hang low and depressed!? If you have not been fitted, go get fitted! If you continue to wear the ill fitting bras, the drag will exacerbate poor posture, which can put aberrant stresses on your neck, shoulders and back. Poor posture can also impair breathing capabilities. There are some wonderful places here in Ottawa that are both fabulous and more importantly educated on proper fi