Moonrise Blog

Top Stretches For Every Day Mobility

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:02:37 GMT

Top Stretches For Every Day Mobility

I get asked a lot what stretches you can be doing every day to help relieve tension in your problem areas. And while this does vary with everyone, here are my top stretches that you should be doing every day for better mobility and relief in the more common problem areas. Any of these stretches can be googled for video or image reference.

Spine Mobility

Keeping your spine mobile and healthy is most important for every day pain relief.

Cat and Cow - While on all fours, brace your core, and on the inhale drop your belly while lifting your chin and look up, creating a deep arch in the back, like a cow. Exhale as you round the spine, dropping your chin to your chest, like a cat. Repeat this motion 10-20 times to stretch the upper and lower back, creating movement along the entire spine. Play around with what feels good, maybe moving the spine in circles or side to side.
Spinal Twists - There are many variations of spinal twists, all of them great. Twisting the spine will help create mobility in the QL and obliques, helping with pain relief in the low back. While laying on your back, keep one leg flat, while bringing the other up, bent at the knee, and slowly pull the leg across the body, twisting at the spine, and turning your face to the opposite direction of where you’re pulling that leg. Repeat on both sides, hold for 30-60 seconds each side.

Hip Mobility

Tight hip flexors are one of the bigger causes of low back pain (along with tight hamstrings). Tension can also be mistaken for weakened muscles as well, so it is just as important to strengthen the hip flexors along with stretching them.

Lunge to ham stretch - Start in a low lunge, with one knee on the ground and the other leg bent 90 degrees at the knee. Inhale as you lean forward, feeling the stretch in the psoas. Exhale as you pull backwards, extending that front leg and creating a deep stretch in the hamstring. Repeat 10 or so times, holding the stretch for as long as feels good for you. Repeat on both legs.
90/90 hip rotations - This stretch will work with internal rotation of the hips. While sitting on the ground, bend both legs 90 degrees, rotating them side to side.

Shoulders and Pecs

Upper back pain is often due to tension in the pecs. So stretching here along with the shoulders is important.

Wall Stretch - Standing parallel to a wall, place your arm behind you flat against the wall. Slow walk your fingers along the wall, keeping your arm straight. Creating a full circle, this will stretch the pecs and the deeper muscles within the armpit.
Scapula Stretch - Keeping it simple and sweet, pull one arm across the chest, keeping it straight, and pulling until you feel the stretch in the back of the shoulder. Repeat on both sides, holding for 30-60 seconds.

Neck Stretches

Stretching the neck will help relieve headaches and pain in the levators/upper traps.

Side stretch - place one hand on the top of the head, gently pull down on the head, creating a stretch along the side of the neck and top of the shoulder. Repeat on both sides, holding for 20-30 seconds.
Upper traps/ back of the neck - Place both hands on the back of the head, pulling the chin down to touch your chest. This will create a stretch along the back of the neck and upper back.

Creating a 10 minute stretch routine to do every morning and every evening will truly benefit you in the long run, improving flexibility and preventing injury.

Avoiding Burnout as an LMT

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 01:29:39 GMT

How to Avoid Burnout as a Massage Therapist

When I was in school for massage therapy in 2016, the average work span of an LMT was 7 years. Today, it's 3 years, with more massage therapists burning out sooner and leaving the career path. Massage Therapy is a physically demanding career and is not for the faint of heart, but here's some tips on what you can do to avoid burnout and continue a long and successful career as a massage therapist.

Take Care of Your Body

Your body is your tool, you have to take care of it. With as strenuous as massage therapy can be, body pain is one of the leading causes of burnout.

Use Proper Body Mechanics- This one's number one. Always make a conscious effort to maintain proper body mechanics to avoid injury. Aside from that, proper body mechanics puts you in a power stance, engaging your muscles and awakening them. This will lead to better focus that you need when studying the clients muscles. A lazy stance leads to lazy technique and a lazy massage.
Stretching- Warmup and stretch before every session. This is vital to keep your muscles and joints warmed up and ready to work. Maintaining a daily stretch routine will keep your muscles and joints healthy, helping to avoid injury and prevent pain from creeping up in your body.
Resistance Training- Strength training has great benefits all around. But a weak core causes back pain which can make you use improper body mechanics, thus resulting in pain and fatigue more quickly. Strengthening your legs will allow you to hold a lunge position for longer periods, protecting your back from strain. Strengthening your core will help you to brace your core during your sessions, saving your back and improving your endurance to lengthen your daily client quota and overall your career.
Healthy Diet- Eating a clean, whole foods diet while taking vitamins and supplements is important for everyone's health. Take care of your health to prevent illness, because nobody wants a massage from someone who is sick, and if we can’t work, we don’t get paid. Eating clean will naturally boost your energy, prolonging fatigue and allowing you to give your all in every session. Don’t skip meals and work through the day. Food is fuel and gives you energy. Pack your lunches and snacks and munch in between clients.

Take Care of Your Brain

Mental health and keeping your brain stimulated is also important when it comes to avoiding burnout.

Upkeep with education/modalities- Another leading cause of burnout is boredom. While it is important to niche down, you should always be educating yourself on new techniques or modalities to change up your practice and routine. Keep your brain stimulated and eager for more.
Mental health- This is so important. You can’t give a good service with an unclear headspace. Take care of your mental health for yourself and your clients. Rest when you need to, and don’t overwork yourself.
Grounding exercises- Massage therapy is as much an energetic practice as it is physical. There is an energetic exchange with every physical contact, and when we’re working on clients for long periods of time, we absorb their energy. Practicing grounding exercises with daily meditation will prevent us from holding onto the energies we come into contact with.
Protect Your Peace- Respect your boundaries. A bad client will suck the energy out of you and have you hating your job. Don’t be afraid to fire a client that isn’t working out for you. You provide a safe space for your clients and they need to do the same for you.

Keep Up With YOUR Bodywork

As a massage therapist, you know how important bodywork is for your body and health. Don’t neglect this. Keep up with regular massages to keep your body pain and stress free. Being a massage therapist is such an awarding career path and experience. Take care of yourself and enjoy a long and happy career as a Massage Therapist.

Massage and TMJ Dysfunction

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:03:42 GMT

How Massage Can Help TMJ Dysfunction.

Do you suffer from jaw pain or headaches? This may be a result of TMJ, common in 20-40% of adults. This is a fairly common issue with clients and massage can help tremendously with easing pain, helping to unlock the jaw and release tension. Here I'll discuss how professional and self massage can help to alleviate pain and symptoms of TMJ.

What is TMJ?

TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, is pain and compromised movement of the jaw and surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint connects that mandible (lower jaw) to the skull. Dysfunction of this joint can cause muscle tension and misalignment in the jaw, which can contribute to issues with the neck, shoulders, face and teeth.

Symptoms of TMJ

Actions such as teeth grinding, arthritis, jaw injuries, and everyday wear and tear can lead to TMJ. You may have TMJ if you experience symptoms such as:

Muscle or jaw pain when chewing, talking, or swallowing
Clicking on the jaw
Limited movement when opening the jaw
Frequent headaches
Pain in the neck, shoulders and scalp
Pain, ringing or itchiness in the ears

How Massage Therapy Can Help TMJ Dysfunction

Trigger Point Therapy is a great technique to help with TMJ. Trigger points are tender points in the muscle, that when applied pressure, send a sensation to a different area of the body, such as tingling, twitching or pain. Trigger points often occur in the masseter, the muscle of the jaw located above and below the cheek bone. Working the traps and temporal muscles can also help to alleviate symptoms of TMJ.

Self Massage Tips

At home self massage is the best thing you can do for quick relief when you can’t make it in to see your massage therapist. Techniques to use include kneading, friction and stretching.

Kneading- Think of kneading bread, this involves lifting, rolling, and ringing out a muscle between your fingers.

Friction- Friction massage is generally used to increase circulation to an area. Use the pads of your fingers to apply light to medium pressure and move in a back and forward or circular motion.

Stretching- Meant to elongate the muscle with your fingers, knuckles or palms. Using your knuckles in small circular motions at the jaw joint in front of the ears while opening and closing your jaw is a great technique to get the muscles to stretch and loosen up.

Most mild cases of TMJ go unnoticed or untreated, but more severe cases can make everyday activities become more difficult. Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable, keep up with massages or working on yourself at home for that quick relief and better feel. While most Massage Therapists can help with mild cases of TMJ by working the muscles of the jaw through the outside of the mouth and face, if you have extremely limited range of motion or lack of ability to open the jaw at all, you will want to seek out someone who is certified with TMJ and more experienced with working the muscles from inside of the mouth and jaw.

Why You Should Be Incorporating Gua Sha into Your Nightly Skincare Routine

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 21:46:19 GMT

Why You Should Be Incorporating Gua Sha into Your Nightly Skincare Routine

It’s 2023 and all I see on social media these days are influencers boasting about Botox and how it can keep their skin looking young and perfect. But Botox is expensive, needs regular upkeep, and isn't natural. A more natural approach to better skin with similar effects is facial gua sha. Here you can read about the benefits of facial gua sha and how to incorporate it into your nightly skincare routine.

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha, meaning scraping, is a traditional Eastern healing technique in which a smooth flat tool is used to “scrape” the skin in short back and forth motions, working the fascia beneath the skin. Gua Sha can be used on various areas of the body for beneficial healing effects, similar to cupping.

Facial Gua Sha is a bit different. Facial gua sha is used with a flat stone, often in Jade or Rose Quartz, and is pressed along the skin in upwards and outwards motions with lighter pressure. The light pressure is said to release facial and muscular tension and can move lymph fluid to tone the face.

Benefits of Gua Sha

Promotes Lymphatic Drainage- When facial gua sha is done properly, it can stimulate the lymphatic system of the face to decrease puffiness, congestion and inflammation of the face.
Decrease inflammation- Lymphatic drainage will promote the release of toxins and excess fluids, resulting in decrease of inflammation.
Stimulates circulation- Using short upward strokes (against gravity) will stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue to increase blood flow, giving the skin a brighter look and feel.
Helps with collagen production
Sculpting facial muscles- With the improved collagen and elastin production, Gua Sha can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by tightening the skin and sculpting the facial muscles.

How to use a Gua Sha tool

Gua Sha is very simple. You will need a gua sha stone, often sold in jade or rose quartz. You can find them easily on amazon! Following your skincare routine, after you’ve moisturized:

Start at the lower part of the face, the chin. Work outward and upward, it is important to go against gravity as we want the skin to tighten upwards rather than loosen downwards.
Work the jaw line well to loosen tension and diminish symptoms of TMJ.
Slowly work your way up the face, continuing in outward and upward motions. Work the cheek bones and gently under the eye to diminish dark circles and bags.
Work the brow, this will decrease tension in the sinus chambers (also above the cheek bones under the eyes) and can help to relieve headaches.
Finish with the forehead, starting in the middle and working outwards.
Work the neck as well, still moving in upward motions, to tighten the skin and sculpt the neck and under chin.

You should be repeating each stroke 5 or so times before moving up. Facial Gua Sha is most optimal when practiced 3-5 times per week. After a few weeks of a consistent routine, you should start to notice positive changes in your skin tone and appearance.

I also offer facial Gua Sha and Cupping as an add-on to my massage services . This includes a lengthened face massage followed by cupping or gua sha. Facial cupping is essentially the same as facial gua sha, only used with smaller suction cups as opposed to a gua sha tool. Add facial cupping or gua sha to your next massage session !

5 Reasons Why Gym Rats Need a Massage Therapist

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:13:00 GMT

Why Massage Therapy is Essential for Fitness Enthusiasts.

Massage is often thought of as a luxury, but it really is a necessity when it comes to health and wellness. Receiving regular massage therapy every four to six weeks can improve range of motion, reduce recovery time, and increase flexibility. Whether you’re a bodybuilder, a powerlifter, or are in the gym solely for health and personal benefits, here's 5 reasons why you should be seeing a massage therapist regularly.

Heavy weights are taxing on the body

Resistance training can lead to amazing health and aesthetic results. But the consistent repetition of the exercise movements can cause damage to the joints and ligaments. Massage will help stimulate blood flow and increase circulation, bringing rich oxygenated blood to the muscles, in result accelerate healing. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which is what holds oxygen for delivery to different parts of the body. When you exercise, your muscles use more oxygen than normal, and produce lactic acid as a waste product. Regular massage therapy will promote elimination of these wastes and toxins.

Recovery

We know that recovery and rest are two of the more important aspects of weight lifting. Resistance training causes microtears in the muscle fibers. It is rest and the energy from the foods we consume that work to repair these muscle fibers, resulting in muscle hypertrophy. Massage promotes better sleep and relaxation, allowing you to rest properly so muscle fibers can work to repair themselves after strenuous workouts. Massage therapy reduces post-workout inflammation by flushing out metabolic waste products like lactic acid. This promotes faster healing and reduces muscle soreness, allowing bodybuilders to bounce back quicker between gym sessions.

Mental break

Strenuous exercise is just as mentally taxing as it is physically. While massage relaxes the muscles, it relaxes the mind as well. Leaving you clear headed and more focused during your lifts. If you’re a competitive bodybuilder, the strict diet and workout regime can be even more mentally and physically taxing. Massage is a form of self care that will help to relieve stress.

Better mobility leads to better form

Stretching is vital for recovery, and will help to improve mobility and range of motion, allowing you to keep better form during heavy lifts. While you should be doing a short warmup of dynamic stretches before a lift, it is also important to do 10-20 minutes of static stretching after your lift while the muscles are still warm. This will help with recovery tremendously and prevent muscle soreness. A deep tissue massage will also help to improve mobility as the therapist stretches the muscles and tendons, improving range of motion. When range of motion is limited, the body is not able to maintain proper form and can lead to injury. Regular sessions help lengthen tight muscles which may develop as a result of heavy lifting or repetitive movements during workouts. By promoting better range of motion, massages help prevent strains or pulls that could otherwise occur.

Injury Prevention

The demanding workouts necessary for bodybuilding can cause knots in muscles as well as strain and damage to ligaments and tendons, a deep tissue massage will work to release these muscle adhesions, or knots. Massage therapy plays an important role in injury prevention by alleviating stress on joints and connective tissues. With targeted techniques aimed at releasing tension from specific areas prone to strain or sprain such as shoulders or knees used extensively during weightlifting routines.

Treating Seasonal Depression With Reiki

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 01:49:29 GMT

Benefits of Reiki and What to Expect During a Session.

Reiki (ray-kee) is a Japanese form of energy healing made up of rei, meaning higher wisdom, and ki (chi or prana) meaning life force energy. Energy channeled through the hands of a practitioner will move stagnant energy into motion, healing the mind, body and soul. Often used with healing crystals to amplify the healing energy. Reiki heals on a physical, mental/emotional and spiritual level, and is all-knowing energy, meaning that the reiki energy will go where it needs to go, physically and emotionally, bringing balance to the body.

What does Reiki feel like?

While Reiki is a hands on and hands off technique, we like to call it an ‘aura massage’ as it isn’t quite like a traditional massage. The practitioner will place their hands over various areas of the body, such as the head, arms and feet, and also may hover their hands a few inches about the body. It is common to feel physical sensations such as subtle tingling, vibrating or heat from the practitioner's hands, though you may not feel anything physical at all. You may also feel emotional changes, deep relaxation, feelings of contentment, or any type of emotional release can arise, such as tears or feelings of fear or angst. I have had clients see visions, images or colors. Every experience is different!

How a Reiki session might go

The practitioner will have you lay on a mat or table in a comfortable position. Relax, and put yourself in a meditative state. Thoughts or memories may arise, don't dwell on them, but acknowledge them and allow them to pass. The session is usually quiet, but if anything arises that you feel the need to speak about, feel free to do so, as this may be something that the energy is pressing you to work through. Sometimes the energy can feel very intense, if this happens, bring yourself back to your breath and know that it will pass as the stagnant energy clears.

Benefits of Reiki

Relaxation
Ease of aches and pains
Stress relief
Treat depression and anxiety and other emotional distress
Balancing chakras
Better sleep
Improved quality of life
Helping to feel focused and grounded, in tune with self
Boosts mood

Is Reiki right for you?

I think Reiki is right for everybody. No harm can come from Reiki, only love and light. Come in with an open mind and an open heart. I always recommended Reiki to everyone, but I especially try to push it during the winter months when we tend to struggle with seasonal depression or SADS. Reiki can boost our mood and take away that sluggish drowsy feeling that gloomy winters can give us. Reiki is gentle and non-invasive, so if you're someone who struggles to relax during a massage, try experiencing a Reiki session.

I offer various lengths of Reiki sessions between 30-90 minutes, also check out my Massage and Reiki bundles for a discounted price!

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 15:13:22 GMT

Experience the Benefits of Cupping Therapy at Your Next Massage Session

You’ve probably heard of cupping. It was all the rage when Michael Phelps showed up to the Olympics in 2016 with circular bruises covering his back. A lot of celebrities and athletes have been seen with these marks on them, and for good reason. Cupping is great! Here you’ll learn about the benefits, pros and cons of Cupping Therapy and why you should ask for cupping at your next massage session.

What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapeutic technique involving suction cups that squeeze the skin, lifting the fascia, in result promoting blood flow and improving circulation. This technique is traditionally used with glass cups and fire. The therapist lines the inside of the cup with a lit flame, heating the glass and then placing the cup to the skin. The heat from the glass creates suction which holds the cup in place, working the fascia. However, fire cupping can be harder to find, as most LMT’s liability insurance doesn't cover fire cupping. A more common method of cupping is used with plastic cups and a suction gun, or silicone suction cups. Both are great options.
The cups are placed on the skin and used in a stationary or mobile method, stretching the fascia underneath, loosening tight muscle adhesions and can even work to break up scar tissue. One of the questions I get asked the most is ‘Does cupping hurt’? In short, no, it's usually pretty painless and gives a feeling of relief as you feel the muscles start to relax and release. Though it mostly depends on the area being cupped, as some parts of the body are more sensitive. In my experience, cupping on the back and calves is painless and feels great, but cupping the hips/glutes, quads and hams can be killer, but the effects are worthwhile.

What are these crazy circular bruises?!
This is top question number two. Yes, it's extremely common for cupping to leave behind some marks and bruising, this is due to stagnant blood being broken up and brought to the surface, making room for new, rich oxygenated blood. The color of the marks, or if marks are even left at all, is a tell sign of what's going on in the area.

Shades of red or pink indicate active blood flow and energy in the area, with good circulation.
Shades of purple show the presence of stagnation or blockages in the area, and poor circulation and blood flow.
Shades of brown often indicate the release of old blood and toxins, moreso from areas with a previous injury.
White or no makes indicate low energy in the area

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Release of toxins
Improved circulation
Increase in mobility
Release of muscle adhesion and tension
Breakup of scar tissue
Reduced swelling
promotes lymphatic drainage and can diminish the appearance of cellulite

Cupping is a modality I offer that is included in the price of my Integrative massage . I may ask to use my cups if I see it fit, but I don’t use the cups in all of my sessions, so if cupping is something you want in your next service, definitely mention wanting to try cupping before your next session! Book an Integrative Massage today!

Massage Aftercare - Stay Feeling Good

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:34:21 GMT

Our best massage aftercare advice and top tips on how to prevent tension from creeping back in.

The key to a feel good body is all about consistency with massage and bodywork. But here are some tips that you can do after your massage and at home in between sessions, to keep your body feeling better for longer.

Massage aftercare advice

1. Drink your water!
I know you hear it all the time, and I’m gonna keep saying it. Drink lots of water! Staying hydrated after is key to helping the body eliminate the toxins that are released during the massage. Hydrated muscles will also be able to release more easily, and can help to prevent muscle soreness after a deep tissue massage.

2. Relax
Take a long soak in a warm Epsom salt bath . This can also help to release toxins and alleviate muscle soreness. Try to avoid the gym right after a massage, your body may feel fatigued and the strenuous work can take away that feel-good post-massage feeling. So here's your excuse to sit back and relax.

3. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
I know this is hard sometimes, I myself can’t go a day without my iced coffee, but I promise you its beneficial. Alcohol and caffeine are both dehydrating and won’t help your body to eliminate the toxins that are being released after a massage.

4. Stretching!
While I do want you to relax, don't stay too still. The benefits of stretching are endless. Stretching the evening following a massage can help prevent muscle soreness and keeping up with regular stretching in your daily routine will help you to maintain the mobility improvement from the massage sessions.

5. Book your next massage
Consistency is key! Keep up with regular massage and bodywork to keep your body running smoothly and feeling healthy. Book your next massage session or purchase a massage series and stay on top!

Massage and Headache Relief

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:34:05 GMT

Combat headaches with massage therapy and learn what you can do at home for some quick relief.

Headaches! We all get them, and we all hate them. But it’s no secret that massage is one of the best forms of immediate relief. Here we'll go over home remedies and self massage tips to relieve headaches on your own, and some techniques I practice on my clients to relieve headache pain.

Types of headaches:
There are multiple different types of headaches that occur from different reasons, whether it be lifestyle factors, environmental, or a medical diagnosis. The two main types of headaches include:

Tension headaches- very common and can often be treated with over the counter pain meds. Tension headaches can be caused by multiple factors such as muscle tension, bone misalignment or eye strain.
Vascular headaches- migraines (aura and aura less), cluster headache, sinus headache. These headaches can be more severe and usually have more of a pounding sensation.

How massage can relieve headaches
For the sake of time let’s just talk about the most common; tension headaches. Recurring headaches is one of the more common complaints that my clients have when booking a massage with me. And the biggest cause? Stress. When we’re stressed, we tense up. Our shoulders tend to creep up towards our ears, putting tension on the traps and the levator scapulae. This in turn puts strain on the neck and occipital muscles, which connect at the base of the skull.
When working out headaches, I will target a group of corresponding muscles including traps, levators, occipital muscles, sternocleidomastoid, and even the scalenes.

My top techniques for headache relief:

Occipital pull: I’ve never met a therapist who doesn’t do this technique, because even without headaches, it just feels amazing. With the client lying supine (face up) place fingers under the head in between the base of the skull and neck. Depending on the muscle tension of the client, it should be easy to feel the dip. Gently push fingers directly upwards, you don’t need a lot of pressure, and begin to rock your fingers back and forth. Dropping, lifting again, and repeating the process.
Trigger point: Placing a thumb at the top of the sternocleidomastoid (lateral to the occipitals but not quite on the side of the neck) and begin to roll the head towards the thumb, creating pressure. Hold for 5-10 seconds, release, and begin again. This muscle can be extremely sensitive and the technique can be painful.

What you can do at home to relieve headaches

First things first, drink some water! Dehydration can cause tension in the muscles and bring on headaches, and hydrated muscles will release more easily.
Alternating between hot and cold packs placed behind the neck.
Pinching the skin of the brow and doing a rolling-like motion. This is a type of myofascial release technique that is meant to loosen the fascia tissue and can bring release to some headaches.
Lay down on the floor to use gravity to create pressure. Place a tennis ball under the occiput, and begin to slowly roll your head in various directions over the ball. You can simply use your fingers as well for self massaging the muscles in the neck and scalp.

Using essential oils for headache relief
There are many different essential oils that have been known to help relieve headaches. You can rub one drop behind each ear, or put a few drops over a washcloth and place over your forehead for aromatherapy. You can place the washcloth over the eyes as well, just make sure to not place the oiled side directly over the eyes as this may cause irritation.
Some essential oils that are great for pain relief are:

Lavender
Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Chamomile
Rosemary

Book your next massage today!

Raindrop Therapy

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:02:00 GMT

Raindrop Therapy

What is Raindrop Therapy?
Raindrop Therapy, also known as Raindrop Technique, is an aromatherapy massage technique created by D. Gary Young, founder of Young Living Essential Oils. This technique consists of applying multiple essential oils directly to the skin along the feet and down the spine. Each oil carries its own internal benefit and is applied with its own application technique.

Benefits of Raindrop Therapy
According to claims, using the sequence of antimicrobial essential oils can help reduce inflammation and can kill bacteria living dormant in the spine.
Additional benefits include:

pain reduction
stress relief
improved circulation
boosted immunity
improve focus and concentration

I've had clients tell me that after a Raindrop session that they've left feeling more grounded, relaxed, and at peace. The benefits of Raindrop Technique can last up to two weeks!

How is Raindrop Therapy done?
The session will start with the client starting face up, working on the feet first. Raindrop is also an energetic practice, and it is common to feel an energy shift upon starting. Each oil is applied one at a time down the spine of the foot using the Vitaflex technique, a pressure point reflexology technique that uses rolling and releasing motions to activate pressure points.
After each oil is applied to both feet, I'll then have the client flip over and repeat the process along the spine, this time with different application techniques for each oil. The whole process takes about 45 minutes give or take, and the remaining time is then used for traditional Swedish massage.

Contraindications:
Putting undiluted essential oils directly to the skin may cause irritation for some people. If you begin to experience any burning sensations, let your practitioner know right away. What some people don't know, is that water will actually push the oils in deeper, not wash them out. Using a vegetable or coconut oil will work to remove the essential oils from the skin. With that being said, it is perfectly fine to shower after a Raindrop Therapy session, you'll still get all of the oil's benefits!
Other contraindications include:

compromised liver or kidney function
pregnancy
those with heart disease
those on blood thinners
allergies to aspirin

Benefits of each oil:

Valor- confidence, soothing, emotional balance
Oregano- antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Thyme- antioxidants, improving heart and respiratory health, promote digestion, skin health, immunity
Basil- ease cramps, joint pain and muscle aches
Cypress- ease muscle pain, stomach cramps, improving blood flow, promotes lymphatic drainage
Wintergreen- increase circulation, digestion, promote detoxification, calm inflammation, ease pain, soothe symptoms of psoriasis, ease cold and flu symptoms
Marjoram- soothe coughs and cramps, digestion, depression, dizziness, and migraines
Aroma Siez- antioxidants, immune support, calming and soothing
Peppermint- pain relief for headaches and muscle aches, joint pain and itching. Coughs and colds, reduce stress
White Angelica- calming and soothing, feelings of protection and security, protection against negative energy

How often should you get a Raindrop Therapy session?
It is recommended to get Raindrop four times per year, one for each season. Though it is fine to get them more frequently, however I would space them out to no more than once per month.

Book a Raindrop Therapy Treatment today!