Relaxation Zone

Massage is great for the mind and body and has been a part of all of our heritage since ancient times. The healing and relaxing power of massage is as real now as it was back then. With our world being so globally connected we have many modalities of massage to choose from. From classic Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports massage and all of the new techniques and ancient techniques from Asia, the Americas, and Europe. What modalities have you tried and what are your favorite?

I was 13 and living in Colorado when I discovered Yoga via Rodney Yee's Am / PM Yoga DVD. I quickly learned the power of breath and slowing down to ease my anxiety and create more flexibility in my thinking and in my body. As an runner, I found that Yoga really helped with strength, flexibility, and focus. The more I did Yoga the better I recovered from my runs, hikes, and active lifestyle. The practice also helped me gain the power to slow down my thoughts and shift my mood using breath. When I moved back to Maryland, I was drawn more to the physical side of yoga (i.e. the Sun Salutations, Warrior Poses, and Chair Pose for lower body strength and balance.) I especially used these Asanas while coaching my massage and personal training clients when I was in my 20's. i was constantly referring to sun salutation, child's pose and pigeon and local Yoga studios or classes to many of my clients. But it was not until I embarked on my Yoga Teacher Training Immersion that I truly understood the power of Yoga. It was here that I realized the transformative process of flowing through the Asanas, connecting with my breath, and truly connecting my intuition and embodying my emotions. it was the flow and the meditation that brought out the truth of " yoga off the mat." My general response to unpleasant emotions and experiences were to avoid and escape by pursuing pleasure. During our Yoga philosophy classes and in my meditation sessions I began learning how to sit with the discomfort. And in the Asana practice, I learned to cue in to what my body was saying. At one point during an asana practice I broke out in tears of release. It was clear that the mind, the body, and the emotions were are all so integrated. through the breath, flow, and meditation I could help my body and mind let go. The freeing feeling of letting go, and of cultivating compassion was so liberating. I am forever grateful that I learned to hold space for others so that they, too could let go. The ways my life has changed both personally and professionally from my Yoga journey are countless!

Both yoga and massage help us to release mental and physical tension. Between the low lights, soothing music, and having a space to let go and relax- Yoga and massage are two sides of the same coin. And are very complimentary to one another. Yoga helps relax, create balance and center the mind. Physically, asana practice helps build strength, balance, stretch tight muscles. It also encourages the body to release feel good hormones. Massage helps relax, renew, and restore the mind. Physically, massage alleviates knots, muscle spasms, calm our nerves, and increase circulation for our cardio vascular and lymphatic systems ( which helps our bodies heal and fight infections or illnesses). Yoga and massage offer solutions to the emotional, mental, and physical effects of stress, injury, and tension. Both help to create calm through working the muscles, get us to slow down, and deepen our breathing. The similar impact on our physical and mental state is undeniable. In fact there is a modality of traditional medicine that combines the two known as Thai Massage, sometimes called "Yoga Massage." This ancient practice arose from the spread of Buddhism and Ayurveda medicine from India and Nepal into Thailand and eventually China, Japan and other southeast Asian countries. There is a legend that it originated from the Buddha's personal doctor- Shivago. And it has been used for years to treat physical, and emotional ailments as well as increase energy and vitality. Now as much as then, our body and mind need these therapeutic qualities from yoga and massage. Choose the one you prefer or combine them with a Thai Yoga massage.