MotherTouch: Massage & Acupressure for Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood: Fact or Fiction? The Dangers of Ankle Massage During Pregnancy

MotherTouch: Massage & Acupressure for Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood: Fact or Fiction? The Dangers of Ankle Massage During Pregnancy

Craft Projects for Massage Therapy - Part 6

Tool Belt Apron

A great idea to keep your oils and lotions within easy reach while protecting your clothes from oil stains with this tool belt apron. If you're anything like me, whilst the Massage Oil Holster is great, I still find that I end up with oil all over my clothes, this tool belt apron is a great option.

Pockets can be used to hold massage oils, pens, receipt books or even for use with Hot Stones: Warm up your hands prior to or during the massage by dropping a few into the roomy pockets.

Tool Belt Apron Materials

Suitable fabric for the apron, this blog used cotton, but I am thinking maybe a more hard wearing fabric such as twill might be better.

Twill tape

Cotton thread

Full instructions to make up the Tool belt Apron can be found here

Craft Projects for Massage Therapy - Part 5

Rice Filled Hot & Cold Packs

Heated rice bags simply placed on anywhere your client feels the pain whilst helping to relax their mind and body is a great way to to start of your massage. The rice bag will mold to the area and soothe the area.

Hot rice bags are great for sore aching muscles, fibromyalgia and for lower back pain jobs. They are also useful to warm up the bottom of the bed, so that your feet will stay warm on cold nights. Putting a hot rice bag on arthritis aches is a wonderful idea for fast pain relief.

The rice release a moist heat that helps to aide circulation and pain relief to sore muscles and joints. As the bag cools down, the heat becomes more dry and penetrating, and your own body temperature will keep the bag activated for a fair amount of time.

Cold rice bags are great for relief from migraine and recent muscular injuries, simply place a bag in the freezer and use when required.

How to make your own Rice Bag

Fabric rectangle, 25 x 12 inches
2 pieces of wide ribbon, 10 inches long each
Rice…….(I didn’t count but I’m thinking around 8-10 cups)
Thread, sewing machine, scissors, etc

Full instructions can be found here

Craft Projects for Massage Therapy - Part 4

Lavender Eye Pillow

Eyes often hold lots of stress, fatigue and tiredness. The simple act of resting your eyes, by turning your awareness inwards invites your mind and body to follow. A lavender eye pillow is an easy and effective way to relax and enjoy the wonderful benefits of lavender aromatherapy. 

Simply place the eye pillow over your clients eyes, the soft gentle pressure of the eye pillow gently releases tension in and around their eyes, whilst they inhale and begin to relax and enjoy the calming benefits of lavender. Lavender is also a great aid for headache relief.

A great tip it to place the lavender eye pillow before treatment in the freezer, which is especially nice to help reduce puffiness from allergies.

To make this eye pillow you will need:

Two pieces of organic cotton, silk or even a warm velvet

4″ x 8″ is a good size, slightly larger than a cheque book

Weight (when filled) around 1/2 lb or 230 grams is ideal

Fill with linseeds (they are lighter, gentler and softer than rice)

Full instructions on how to make the Lavender Eye Pillow here

Craft Projects for Massage Therapy - Part 3

Soft Cloth Face Cradle Covers

Make your own reusable face-cradle covers from cloth is far better than using paper face-cradle covers, which are then thrown away after each use and far more eco friendly to the environment.

Things you will need:

Sheet of butchers paper

2 yards of fabric, cotton or fleece

Sewing pins.

Choose a fabric. Fleece is a good option because it wicks away moisture, is soft and easy to work.  Polar fleece is soft and is made from wool and recycled plastic bottles, so it is a good use of recycled materials. Organic cotton is very soft; both are washable.

Read more: How to Make Your Own Face Cradle Cover 

If you are not that creative, you can purchase handmade face cloths from this Etsy site

Craft Projects for Massage Therapy - Part 2

Holster for Massage Oils

Another great creative project for your Massage Therapy business.

Does your massage oil when massaging always seem to be too far away or in the way? The massage oil needs to always be close at hand so you can apply more to your client easily without interrupting the flow of the massage and breaking contact.

Making your own holster can add that uniqueness to your business whilst saving you some pennies too.

Read more: How to Make a Holster for Massage Oils  or if you prefer you can purchase some ready made handmade pouches from Hipholster on Etsy, who ship to the UK too

Craft Projects for Massage Therapy - Part 1

Bolster Cushions

We are all looking for a little uniqueness to add to our professional services, whilst looking for ways to save money. I found these great creative projects whilst surfing online, that can be added to your Massage Therapy business, that will enhance your practice by adding that finishing touch.

Bolster cushions are a great addition when massaging. Bolster cushions can provide extra comfort for your client on the massage table. They help support the natural curvature of the body and encourage deeper relaxation. The more relaxed your client is, the more beneficial the massage will be.

Here are some tips for using bolster cushions in the face up massage (supine), face down massage (prone), and side-lying massage positions.

Face Up Massage (Supine)
Place a massage bolster under the knees. Using a bolsterto elevate the head and neck is helpful for clients with asthma, allergies, or congestion in the chest or sinuses. Adjust the bolsters as needed.

Face Down Massage (Prone)
Place a massage bolster pillow under the ankles. You can also slide a bolster under the hips or just above the chest area with the arms resting on the forward arm shelf. Find a position that works for your client.

Side-lying Massage
With your client lying on one side, slightly bend the top leg at the knee and rest it on top of a full massage bolster. Keep the bottom leg fairly straight in a relaxed position and aligned with the rest of the body. Give your partner a pillow to hug for arm support, and slide a pillow or bolster under the neck.

Always ask your comfort level of your clients when positioning the massage bolsters.

Making Your Own  Bolster Massage Cushions

Materials

2 pretty and matching fabrics
Pillow filling
Matching ribbon 1/4" wide

Patterns and Cutting

You will need three rectangles to make this bolster pillow. One for the body and the two for the sides. Use a different fabric for each one.

Decide how long and wide your pillow will be. Add 1/2" to each measurement for seam allowances and trace a rectangle. This will be the body of the pillow.

Make the side rectangles using the measurements of the body

Sew it Love it, claim to say that this bolster can be made in half hour or less, full instructions here

My Animoto Video

My Animoto Video

Pernicious Anaemia, my struggle

In 2009, I had taken myself to the doctors as I was gaining weight, feeling very run down and extremely fatigued, all the symptoms of an under active thyroid. I finally got diagnosed with Pernicious anaemia. Although nothing wrong with my liver, it has the inability to store B12.


The first few weeks I had what they called booster jabs, then every 10 weeks I have to have a top up, for the rest of my life. It took about 6 months for the fatigue to settle down, needless to say it made me feel very depressed, although this is also a symptom of B12 deficiency. Your body needs B-12 for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and the creation of substances such as DNA, hormones and proteins. 


In August 2011,  last year I decided I wanted to do something about the weight gain, so I took up walking. I was power walking about 15 miles a week. Then in October 2011 I signed up to do the London Moonwalk for Breast cancer research to keep me on track. This marathon walk wasn't until May 2012, so I had something to work towards, but instead of losing weight, I found myself gaining again, a stone! So another trip to the doctors, again they tested my thyroid, and again all clear. The doctors attributed my weight gain to the possibility that I may be peri-menopausal, certainly didn't feel peri-menopausal!


The more research I do on Pernicious Anaemia, the more I find out, yet find not many people suffer with weight gain, it's usually weight loss along with all the other symptoms. In America they give B12 jabs to help people lose weight as it's speeds up your metabolism.


I hate looking at my body image in the mirror, would love to see a fit and tone image.  I eat healthy, hard drink any alcohol, don't smoke, love all my vegetables and fruit. I tend to eat I high protein, low carb diet most of the time, avoiding bread as much as possible as it bloats me out. 

Bearing in mind my healthy diet, no weight loss is happening so I figured drastic measures needed to be put into place, so today, Thursday 5th July 2012, I went for my enrolment at my local gym, where I was talked through a core fitness programme and discussed nutrition with my trainer. I am going to keep a food diary for the week, so she can see if there are any areas that may need working on. I will keep posting back on my progress to let you know how I am doing.


Would love to have you comment if you a sufferer or any diet advice that worked for you. Thanks  for reading

Bodywork Buddy Blog (B3): How to Create a Free Commercial for Your Massage W...

Bodywork Buddy Blog (B3): How to Create a Free Commercial for Your Massage W...: Have you ever heard of Animoto ?   It's a cool little site where you can take video clips and pictures - add text & music - to create a fre...

Week Forty Four

GO FOR IT

"Your prayers and positive expectations have been heard and answered. We've been working with you on this situation since its genesis, and we continue to watch over you and everyone involved. Stay on your present path, as it will take you very far indeed."

You drew this card as encouragement for the situation you're asking about. The angels reassure you of a positive outcome, provided you continue to pour love and guided action into the situation.
Additional meanings for this card: Don't hesitate; now is the right time
• You're on the right path
• The idea that you have is Divinely inspired
• The angels foresee a successful outcome

Week Forty Three

THE OCEAN

"The deep blue sea speaks to your soul, healing and soothing you. Even the act of imagining yourself dipping into its healing womb brings about desirable effects. Better yet, spend time physically near the ocean. Allow its power and beauty to wash away all cares and concerns."

This card comes to you because of your connection with the ocean. It's a sign that you need to spend more time near the sea, perhaps during a vacation or as a home base. The angels will help with this endeavor if you ask and allow them to. The ocean air and water inspires and heals you.
Additional meanings for this card: Take sea salt baths to detoxify
• Drink more water
• Connect with dolphins and other sea-dwellers
• You have an ocean-related past life
• Learn a water sport such as diving, sailing, or snorkeling.

Week Forty Two

LET YOUR PAST GO

"The burden of carting your past around has made you weary, Dear One. It's time to set this burden down. Keep only the lessons and the love, and leave everything else behind. You don't want it or need it, and it's now gone."

You received this card because your thoughts and feelings about the past are holding you back. You're repeating a pattern because of unfinished emotions from your past. This card is a sign to forgive and move on, to stop painful patterns. It doesn't mean that you need to be with the person you've forgiven. It simply means that you've let toxic feelings go in exchange for peace. Additional meanings for this card: Approach a new situation or relationship with positive expectations
• Avoid routines
• Speak to a counselor or support group
• Forgive those who've hurt you
• Forgive yourself
• The worst is now behind you
• Keep your thoughts about this situation high and bright.

Week Forty One

ENTREPRENEUR

"Self-employment suits your disposition and intentions. Working for yourself allows you to better follow your intuition and Divine guidance. We are your co-workers and teammates, who remain loyally by your side to ensure your success in all ways."

This card comes to you because you're well suited to self-employment. You have the ideas, the drive, and the self-discipline required for entrepreneurial work. Yet, self-doubts make you hesitate. The angels reassure you that you have what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. They will guide and support you along the way, and as long as you follow through on this action, your success is assured.
Additional meanings for this card: Your ideas for a business are sound
• Ease out of your present job by moonlighting with your desired business idea
• Take action as you're guided with respect to your career
• Fully commit to succeeding in your new business.

Week Forty

OPPORTUNITY TO FORGIVE

"This situation brings you the opportunity to heal, grow, and release negative patterns. Hold the intention of seeing the other person's inner Divine light and goodness. We will help you release unforgiving thoughts, feelings, and energies, and lift you to a higher place of peace and compassion."

The angels sent you this card because they see that you've grown weary of a recurring negative pattern in your life. To break this cycle, it's important for you to release old toxic thoughts about the current situation and relationship. You can do this by breathing deeply, and on each exhalation, giving your fears, worries, anger, and other painful emotions to the angels. Forgiveness doesn't mean that you are condoning the other person's behavior. It just means that you're unwilling to carry toxic feelings and thoughts about him or her. Release, be free, and experience positive patterns through forgiveness.
Additional meanings for this card: Avoiding blaming yourself or others
• As you release anger, a creative resolution to this situation will appear
• There are hidden blessings in this relationship and situation
• Focus upon desires instead of fears or judgments.

A Sense of Achievement

Dream, Believe, Achieve

Isn't great when you have those random moments of sense of achievement that you are making a difference. In life there are so many negative things that we can hold onto, that can often hold us back. It's easier to think about the negative things rather than the positive. If we continue to think about things which we cannot change instead of thinking about the things that we can, we will ever feel a sense of achievement in life, that we have made a difference. When was the last time you did something for the first time? When was the last time you think you achieved something? Sit down and write a list of your own achievements, look at how well you have handled past situations and how strong you really are. I believe by surrounding yourself with positive people who inspire you and motivate you all help in keeping your mind positive and focused in the directions that you want to go.
This week, I had three of my articles published on a Global health Portal website. The over whelming sense of achievement for me was fantastic, to know that all my hard work of the last few years is beginning to pay off and I am beginning to reap the rewards finally. Many thanks to Sharon of Global Healing Exchange, who approached me to ask if she could publish my articles.
They can be found here:


What is Reiki?
Holistic Body Massage
Reflexology

Week Thirty Nine

LISTEN

"Quiet your mind, Beloved One, and listen to our gentle reassurance that everything has been taken care of. Stay in a quiet and receptive state, without worrying about the exact nature of your desire's manifestation. A quiet mind and body hears us quickly and clearly. This is our request to you: Listen."

You received this card because the angels wish to get their messages through to you. They ask that you talk less and listen more. (When we're stressed, we tend to chatter out of nervousness.) Give your worries to the angels, and trust that they've heard your prayers. If it seems they're not answering your prayers, it's probably because you're not listening to their answers. So, retreat to a quiet place with the intention of listening to your angels. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply . . . and listen.
Additional meanings for this card: Avoid noisy environments
• You've been hearing your angels correctly
• Turn off the television or radio
• Your hearing is becoming more sensitive because you've been tuning in to the angels
• Clear your ear chakras by visualizing light clearing the area above each eyebrow.

Week Thirty Eight

LAW OF ATTRACTION

"Each thought is an investment that pays immediate dividends, so invest wisely. You have the power to choose your thoughts and align them with love, peace, and harmony. At your request, we will gladly attune your energies to higher frequencies."

The angels gave you this card as a reminder that the Law of Attraction can help you improve the situation you're inquiring about. Complaints and worry only attract more of the same, so elevate your thoughts (with the help of the angels) to attract what you desire. Several times a day, imagine that the situation was presently healed and perfectly manifested. Feel gratitude that it is already so in Spirit, which is the first part of attracting the material aspects of the situation. Additional meanings for this card: Think about your desires, and avoid worrying or complaining
• Rise up to the level of the type of person you wish to attract
• As your spiritual energy increases, you'll find yourself less attracted to lower energies in relationships and situations. This is normal, and the angels can help you deal with these endings and beginnings.

Week Thirty Seven

HAVE CONFIDENCE

"Moving forward does not necessarily require you to have confidence in yourself. Confidence in God is enough, along with knowing that God works through you and with you in all ways. Lean upon us if your confidence wavers, and we will buoy your courage and faith."

This card is a message from your angels saying, "You can do it!" Trust that you have all the ingredients it takes to complete the mission that's before you. Although you may not completely understand how you'll fulfill this task, have faith that you'll be continually guided. The more you can depersonalize this mission and know that it's not about you, the better. Don't listen to the voice that asks, "Who, me?" You are utterly worthy, since you're a perfect daughter or son of the Creator, and the angels surround you every step of the way.
Additional meanings for this card: Stay in the moment and focus on one step at a time
• Give all worries or concerns to God and the angels
• Ask the angels to increase your faith
• Trust that God's love and wisdom are working through you.

Week Thirty Six

SEE ONLY LOVE

"Look past the seeming errors, mistakes, and misunderstandings, and see only the love within each person (including yourself). Your resolute focus upon the love that underlies every situation brings about healing in undreamed-of ways."

The angels gave you this card as a reminder to see yourself, others, and every situation through their eyes. When you focus on love, anything that's unloving falls away. It's like turning a light to diminish the previous darkness. Call upon angels whenever you need help to elevate your vision to a more loving vantage point.
Additional meanings for this card: Look past the personalities and egos of others, and see the angel within them (the angels can help you with this if it seems difficult)
* Forgive
* Release anger, hurt, or judgments to the angels
* Affirm what you desire, instead of what you fear."