Meet: Alison, Massage Therapist
July 30th, 2010
Recipes for your CSA Share
July 26th, 2010
What do I make with 3 pounds of zucchini?!
As CSAs across Brooklyn start getting their weekly shares, everyone finds themselves with an abundance of produce that they can’t eat fast enough to make room in the fridge for the next week’s share. Even the most stalwart local eater, convinced that eating fresh food grown locally and harvested in season is a good choice for personal health, farm stability, and environmental reasons, may find themselves frustrated when they receive 3 pounds of zucchini for the second or third time.
What to do with this overabundance? For starters, we like to turn to the following food blogs for inspiration when faced with a fridge full of produce:
- Cathy started her blog Not Eating Out In New York in 2006 to chronicle an extended period of eating at home instead of eating at restaurants, from food carts, or take-out. Her recipes tend to focus on local sustainable, in season food with an eye towards cost effectiveness. In fact, she wrote a fantastic article last summer with advice on coping with CSA stress.
- Molly at Orangette isn’t based in New York, but her wide range of recipes – from various desserts to condiments, meat dishes to salads – includes several simple dishes that capitalize on fresh ingredients.
- Massage Williamsburg’s very own Laurel blogs about vegetarian recipes with a friend at Tofu Robotics. Try one of their recipes like Pink Pasta with Beets, Greens, and Walnuts for inventive (and scrumptious!) takes on eating your vegetables.
If you are looking for quick ideas that involve minimal stove-time, you can look back at several summer’s worth of ideas from Mark Bittman, including 101 Meals in 10 Minutes or Less, 101 20 Minute Dishes for Inspired Picnics, and 101 Simple Salads for the Season. Just before the Fourth of July, the newest edition to the series was published: 101 Fast Recipes for Grilling.
However you choose to eat your CSA veggies, you can feel good that you are taking charge of your own health by eating fresh, local, seasonal produce and paying more attention to what goes into your body!
My Favorite Modern Music for Massage
July 22nd, 2010
Have you ever gotten a massage with really boring or just plain awful music? I like to massage my clients while listening to music that I love and that they appreciate. In that spirit, I am offering up my most recent favorite music, with bands that make for some awesome and relaxing, modern music.
1. Beach House: “Real Love”, from the album Teen Dream. This is such a pretty song, with amazing piano and nice vocals.
2. The Black Atlantic: “Reverence for Fallen Trees” from the album of the same name. This entire album is perfect for modern, slow and relaxing music. I love it!
3. Solden: “A Little Grey” from the album When The Night Falls. A perfect lullaby – also check out “I’ll Never Leave” on the same album.
4. Dustin O’ Halloran: “Opus 37″. Sincerely moving piano solos. Listen to the entire album, Piano Solos Vol. 2. A favorite with clients and therapists.
5. Bonnie “Prince” Billy: “Love Comes to Me” from the album The Letting Go. Softly sung and and totally understated, quiet beats.
6. Bon Iver: “Beach Baby” from the album Blood Bank. I know, everyone loves “Skinny Love” but give “Beach Baby” a play for the sweet guitar and mournful vocals.
7. Azure Ray: “Across the Ocean”, from the album Hold On Love. Not a new record, but super slow paced and perfect for a massage.
8. Foreign Slippers: “I Wish I Was a Fisherman” from the Oh Death EP. Her voice is stunning!
9. Feist: “Lover’s Spit” is a really fantastic cover of Broken Social Scene. A simply beautiful song.
10. Peter Broderick: “Floating/Sinking” from the album Float. Another entire album perfect for massage – delicate and full of dramatic vignettes – no lyrics just music.
A New Way to Bring Plants into Your Apt
July 18th, 2010
“Plants add a sense of peace and calm to your space” says Rachel Beider, of Massage Williamsburg, is a huge giant fan of Wally - The Modular Living Plant System. Wally allows you to hang your plants vertically off a wall in “plant pockets”, saving space and creating a living, beautiful wall. The pockets, which hang off the wall with very easy installation, are made from mostly recycled materials, and there are both indoor and outdoor versions.
How to Get the Best Massage
July 15th, 2010By Susannah Felts
From Health magazine
Massage isn’t just a me-time indulgence. Studies show it reduces stress, boosts immunity, and relieves pain from everyday wear and tear. And in tough times, just 30 minutes on the table (or even 10 minutes in a chair) can go a long way toward working out your kinks—as long as you make sure your needs are met. Here’s how to get your money’s worth.
Find the right therapist
Just as you would with an MD, select a certified massage therapist who meets your specific needs, whether you’re looking to soothe postmarathon aches or relieve a stiff neck. General certification in Swedish massage—long, sweeping strokes over the entire body—fits the bill when you’re simply looking to relax. (Swedish is what you’ll get if you ask for a basic massage; Shiatsu, or acupressure, features more targeted finger pressure in specific areas.)
Speak up!
Before the massage begins, mention any areas of your body that are feeling sensitive, tight, painful, or tender (like a knot in your neck or an achy spot in your shoulder); these should be treated with particular care, according to Leena Guptha, an osteopathic doctor, a licensed massage therapist, and past president of the American Massage Therapy Association.
Most massage isn’t painful, though moderate pressure—which studies have found is necessary to provide optimal therapeutic benefits—may feel a little uncomfortable, especially if you’re new to massage. Is the pressure too intense? Don’t be shy. Guptha suggests saying something like, “That really hurts. Can you try something different or skip this area?” A good therapist should welcome (or even ask for) your input.
Pick your products
It’s acceptable to bring your own lotion or oil, especially if you have sensitive skin, a sensitive nose, or a condition like eczema or psoriasis. Another option: Ask the therapist to show you her product stash and discuss the options (many are fragrance-free). “There are dozens available for different types of massage, and your therapist should have a variety to choose from,” Guptha says.
Reschedule if you have a cold
“Postpone your massage if you feel a cold or migraine coming on,” Guptha says. “The massage will stimulate your circulation, which could leave you feeling worse.” If you’re a little stuffy or just find it difficult to breathe when lying face-down, ask to lie on your side. An experienced therapist can perform most techniques this way, or she can work on your upper back, neck, and shoulders while you’re in a sitting position.
Period? No problem
There’s no medical reason to avoid a massage during your period, Guptha says. In fact, it can ease PMS symptoms like cramps and backache. But if you’re worried about heavy bleeding, just wait a few days.
Hydrating Drink Recipes to Beat the Heat
July 12th, 2010
As the temperature and humidity becomes relentless this summer, it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated. Plain water is always a good choice, but if you find yourself craving something more flavorful, try these recipes that incorporate nourishing and cooling herbs to help you withstand the heat.
Basil Lemonade
Basil is a cooling herb, and lends a special kick to this refreshing herbal lemonade.
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups cold water
1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar begins to dissolve. Simmer without stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about five minutes.
2. Remove from heat and add basil, letting the mixture cool to room temperature before straining the liquid into a resealable container. The basil syrup will keep in the refrigerator for about two weeks.
3. Juice 2 to 3 lemons, enough to get 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Combine with the basil syrup and 1 1/2 cups cold water in a pitcher.
4. Pour lemonade over ice and serve with springs of basil if desired. Makes 2 or 3 servings.
Mint and Sage Tea
Mint and sage are also cooling herbs, and they are combined in this tea recipe based on the one served at Mimi’s Hummus in Ditmas Park. (Pregnant or nursing women should steer clear of this recipe; sage is contraindicated.)
Steep equal parts sage and mint in boiling water for 5 or 6 minutes. Let cool and serve iced. If desired, stir a little honey in when the tea is still hot for a sweeter taste.
Cucumber Citrus Fizz
Combine slices of peeled cucumber with a slice of lemon or lime in a glass of club soda with ice. Easy!
Who Gets Massaged?
July 8th, 2010
Ever wonder who else is getting massaged, and why? Whether you’ve been making regular massage a part of your wellness routine for some time, or are considering getting your first massage after a period of stress, you might be interested to find out how you compare to the average massage consumer.
According to the 2010 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet, 22 percent of Americans received a massage between July 2008 and July 2009. Of that group, 32 percent of them received massage for health or medical reasons. In fact, 39 million Americans have spoken with their doctors or health care providers about receiving massage, up 5 percent from the previous year. And physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists all increasingly recommend massage for their patients. Over two thirds of massage therapists report receiving referrals from healthcare providers in the same period.
The therapeutic benefit of massage for specific health conditions is a major topic of research. Recent research has shown effectiveness for the following conditions:
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Low back pain.
- Reducing post-operative pain.
- Boosting the body’s immune system functioning.
- Decreasing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Reducing headache frequency.
- Easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
As research points towards the effectiveness of massage to address chronic health concerns, health care professionals and the general public are turning to massage as an alternative or complement to more expensive treatments or those with unwanted side-effects. People are also increasingly using massage as a tool to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Whether you are looking for help with an ongoing medical issue or need some more peacefulness in your life, Massage Williamsburg therapists are well-trained to create a tailored session that combines medical based massage with the healing benefits of being relaxed.
You can read more about the American Massage Therapy Associations findings – including information about who’s practicing, education and regulation of massage therapists, and references to massage therapy research – on the AMTA website at http://www.amtamassage.org/news/MTIndustryFactSheet2010.html.
Have a Question? Ask Rachel at AllExperts.com
July 6th, 2010
Rachel Beider, LMT and Owner of Massage Williamsburg, answers your questions regarding Chronic Pain Management, Massage Therapy, and Pregnancy. To ask her a question, or view past answers, check out her All Experts Profile.
Design We Love! Wall Surface Elements for Self-Massage
July 1st, 2010
Touchy-Feely Haptic Design, based out of Berlin, has created Heated Wall Surface Elements for Self Massage, and have designed Trigger Point Moldings, which are “rounded fibrous plaster forms that can be integrated into a wall surface. As suggestive protrusions, the mouldings encourage heightened, physical interactions between bodies and architectural surfaces, and suggest that buildings can perform, or intimate towards the necessary work of massage therapists. Heating elements inserted into the backs of the plaster protrusions warm the forms to body temperature and assist in muscle tension relief. As warmed wall areas, the protrusions create a gentle threshold between body and building.
Massage therapists commonly work to access and manipulate multiple trigger points in the body found in the shoulders, neck, knees, etc.. TOUCHY-FEELY worked in consultation with massage therapists to develop forms of an appropriate depth and shape to facilitate self-trigger point massage. The mouldings can be installed easily into any new or existing drywall or plastered wall surface at any desired height or in any density/pattern.”
How cool!
FAQ: What Are Trigger Points?
June 28th, 2010
Odds are if you’ve ever encountered someone with chronic pain, you’ve heard the word “trigger point”. What is a trigger point? And how is the pain associated with trigger points different than other chronic conditions?
A trigger point is defined as a contraction nodule within a taut band of muscle fibers. Usually, these nodules can be felt in the muscle body and are identified by a local twitch response. Don’t mistake the twitch for a muscle spasm—a spasm is a full contraction. Here it’s just a twitch at the site of the trigger point. The most distinguishing feature of the trigger point, however, is what’s known as referred pain pattern. The pain that comes with a trigger point actually transfers to somewhere else on the body. For example, a trigger point in the SCM muscle can cause facial pain or pain in the jaw. A trigger point in levator scapulae can cause pain in the middle trapezius. To simplify it, have you ever had a friend squeeze your shoulder during a massage, and felt that pain shoot up all the way into your temple, mirroring a headache? That is a trigger point!
Massage therapists employ a number of techniques for treating trigger points, the most important being ischemic compression. Ischemic compression uses a considerable amount of force directly onto the nodule in order to “turn it off” so the referred pain will eventually subside. Usually your therapist will use thumb or elbow pressure so they can sustain the compression stroke. Your massage therapist can also show you helpful stretches to do in between sessions. Like this one: For Levator Scapulae, tilt your head away from the affected shoulder. Using your lats, depress the affected shoulder as far down as possible. Place your hands behind your back. Grab the hand from the affected side and pull down. Rachel Beider suggests this awesome book to learn more: Trigger Point Self-Care Manual.
