For the Mamas

Happy Mother's Day! I think of my Mom a lot this time of year! I'm missing her a lot, because the distance between us hasn't allowed a visit for a while.

When I was growing up  I spent hours with my mom in the garden and the kitchen. Growing food, harvesting and preserving jars of tomatoes, peaches and cucumbers, and lots and lots of weeding! We also scoured the meadows and forests for wild flowers, herbs,  and mushrooms (of course always on the look out for fairies).  I have fond memories of drying herbs on cookie sheets or paper bags, or on lines strung up in dark corners of the house. In the summertime she always had a gallon or two of herbal  tea brewing outside in the sun.

My Mom made a delicious blend of peppermint tea and apple juice that we all loved, but what stands out most in my memory is the raspberry leaf tea that was the staple beverage of our house. We weren't milk drinkers, and my mom chose raspberry leaf tea as our primary source of easily assimilated calcium, which, along with it's ample supply of Vitamin C, made this beverage highly nutritious for growing bodies. 

When I reached that long awaited rite of passage of womanhood, my first menstruation, raspberry leaf increased dramatically in value to me. My mom taught me to relieve my menstrual cramps and other premenstrual symptoms with the herb. My mom knew that raspberry leaf tea has been used widely by herbalists and midwives to tonify the uterus both before, during and after pregancy. These attributes are due to fragrine, an alkoaloid that strenthens the musles of the pelvic region, including the uterus.  It's benefits are reported to include reduced miscarriage and increased fertility. 

Susun Weed, a wellknown herbalist, attributes the following benefits to Raspberry leaf: 

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves' gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.

~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.

~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency may counter that for some women.

I recommend doing a bit of your own research before starting any herbal therapy, but my opinion and that of many others, is that the the vitamin and mineral content of raspberry leaf is beneficial for any body. 

I usually get my herbs from Sunrise Natural Foods awesome bulk herb department.  It's easy to brew the tea at home.  Usually I start with a quart jar with 2-4 tablespoons of raspberry leaf, add very hot water to the top, cover, and let it sit anywhere from 1/2 hour to overnight. I then strain and drink a cup at a time, hot or cold. Lately I have been loving a blend of raspberry leaf, nettles and red clover, all excellent herbs for women's health.

Listen to your liver

In Chinese Medicine, spring is a time traditionally associated with the liver. Attending to the health of your liver is very important this time of year. I'm not a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, but I've learned a few things I thought you might find interesting. Most of what I've learned is a combination of what I've read in the book "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford, from Julie Ormonde at my beloved  Auburn Community Acupuncture, and in a fabulous class I took last year at One River Medicine in Meadow Vista, California.

Though the liver is most often credited simply with detoxification of the body, Chinese Medicine attributes many other health issues to liver health and function.  For example, tendons and their associated muscles are more easily strained and torn when the liver is imbalanced.  This is because qi (energy) gets stuck in the liver due to stagnation caused by overeating heavy, rich foods. Since qi is supposed to flow through the body and maintain the proper distribution of fluids and this stagnation limits that flow, muscles and tendons are less supple and flexible during stagnation.

Most people would never guess that their aching muscles are a message from the liver! Liver imbalances also cause symptoms including anger, impatience, frustration, impulsiveness, mood swings, goiters, cataracts, glaucoma, poor eyesight, allergies,fatigue, indigestion and menstrual problems, among many others.

To thoroughly treat a liver ailment, it would be best to see a practitioner of Chinese Medicine.  Unlike in Western Medicine, diagnosis and treatment is rarely if ever simple and straightforward. There are, however, a few simple ways you can treat your own liver stagnation.

One way to clear liver stagnation is to administer pressure to the the acupressure point outlined below. Liver 3 is located in a hollow on the top of your foot below the gap between your big toe and the next toe, between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. To stimulate this point, place your right heel in the juncture between the bones that attach to the large and second toes and gently knead the point for approximately thirty seconds. Then switch sides to stimulate Liver 3 on your other foot. If you would like help locating this point just ask me at your next session!

 

There are also foods that can help clear stagnant liver energy. Some of the recommended foods are:
Lemon, lime or grapefruit,   members of the onion family, mustard greens, cardamom, cumin, fennel, horseradish and lemon balm.  Also helpful are sweet rice, strawberry, peach, cherry, pine nuts, cabbage, turnip root, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts, sprouted beans and seeds, mushrooms, rye, asparagus, amaranth, quinoa and alfalfa.

Spring time is a great opportunity to cleanse and clear the body, mind and spirit. Eat lightly, drink plenty of water, get some good bodywork, and look into your emotional states.  Look for healthy ways to express your anger instead of repressing it or taking it on those around you. Write it down, breathe deeply, go out into the woods and yell at the top of your lungs or scream into your pillow.

I would love to help if I can. Let me know if I can point you in the direction of additional resources as you take advantage of this wonderful time of the year.

Listen to your liver, and have a great Spring!

Are you feeling the need to be Cleaning House? I am ... Body, Mind & Spirit!   We notice now that the days are increasing in length and we are reminded of the coming of Spring! With more light coming in, some of us can now see the things we need to let go of. I'm hearing a lot of my friends speak of giving away possessions that are no longer needed, and I myself am feeling a strong drive to do some deep cleaning at home. As home and possessions are cleaned and sorted, it seems to allow a cleansing of thoughts and feelings as well. Cleansing the body works in a similar process. Over months or years of accumulation the body's systems become burdened and less efficient. Periodic cleansing allows the body to have the space it needs to re-organize, becoming lighter and more efficient. That means More Energy, More beauty, More Aliveness. "When one completes a cleanse, energy flows cleanly through the body.  The charismatic qualities of bliss, joy, and happiness arise more easily. You will feel a change in your thoughts, emotions, judgements, and motivations. One's focus and concentration are naturally drawn to higher things.  You will eventually discover that there is  no limit to how healthy and happy we can be." -David Wolfe Here are some very basic but powerful steps to take before your cleanse begins. 1.  Drink more water 2.  Add lemon to your water 3.  Cut back on sugar and flour 4.  Eat more raw fruits and vegetables 5.  Cut back on meat and dairy products 6.  Re establish healthy bacteria in your digestive system by taking probiotics (found in fermented foods or supplements) Remember, each small step, if made with consistent effort, leads to new, healthy habits! ......And don't forget to schedule regular Bodywork during your cleanse.... That's right ....  book a session. While you're blissed out on the massage table, the session is helping your body rid itself of toxins. Increased circulation of blood and lymph helps transport wastes out of the body, reduce cellulite, and improve the feel and condition of the skin.  Read more on the benefits of bodywork here

Release your Psoas - Release Pain:
Body, Mind & Spirit

"Only when the psoas is free to move, can the energy of the body flow smoothly, the emotions balance, and our thoughts be integrated".

-Liz Koch 

    

The psoas (pronounced so-as) muscle is the deepest and most central of your core muscles. It attaches at the 12th thoracic vertebrae and to each of the 5 lumbar vertebrae, and inserts into the trochanter of your femur.  It is a connecting muscle - bridging your upper and lower body. It is the solar plexus, the hara, and is intimately connected with nearly every function of the body.

Last year I had the opportunity to learn about this complex muscle from the highly esteemed psoas expert Liz Koch. By attending Liz's workshop I was hoping to find the elusive key to unlocking chronic back pain and tension in my clients.  

A shortened or contracted psoas muscle can cause a wide array of somatic and emotional issues such as back and pelvic pain, digestive disturbances, sexual dysfunction, premenstrual syndrome, difficulties with pregnancy and birth, and fear or anxiety. It is associated with the fight-or-flight response, and, for many people, unresolved trauma prevents the psoas from ever relaxing fully.

As a bodyworker, it is my job to identify restrictions and help clients release the tension and holding patterns that are causing pain and discomfort. The psoas is so often indicated, however, it's position deep in the core makes it difficult to palpate. It can be traumatic and invasive to dig into it using standard deep tissue massage techniques.

According to Liz Koch, "invasive techniques can exacerbate psoas problems".  If it is trauma that caused the contraction in the first place, it makes sense that it wouldn't help to poke and prod at it. Rather, gentle noninvasive techniques must be employed. She explained at the workshop that the psoas is the messenger of our midline, informing us if we're safe. Safety in this context was described as the capacity to thrive. Psoas issues let us know that we are not thriving.

Fortunately, there are simple and pleasurable methods to resolve psoas tension, relieve pain, and thrive.

To start with, the "Constructive Rest Position" will lengthen and relax your psoas muscle.  Visit Liz's website for the easy instructions. As little  as 10 minute a day in this simple and pleasant position can lead to the benefits of a more relaxed psoas muscle.

Of course, with over 30 years of research and practice, Liz has extensive tools and exercises to offer. Below are some resources to help you get to know and release your psoas muscle. Enjoy!

 Resources Psoas and Back Pain CD  

  

Additional release techniques: Yoga Journal

Podcasts with Liz Koch

"It is from the area of the psoas that wise women and wise men ground themselves. With an integrated, well functioning psoas comes a quiet, safe haven to move from and be within."

-Liz Koch

Why is my pain not going away?

You've been getting regular bodywork but you're still suffering from joint or muscle pain. You may have already tried massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care and other remedies. Maybe you even went to your doctor and ran some tests, but you're still unable to find a reason! I've heard this a lot, and sometimes the following three questions have helped.

1. Are you drinking enough water?

When I ask my clients if they're drinking enough water, they almost always say, "Yes!" And then, when I ask them how MUCH they're drinking, they almost usually report drinking about fifty percent of what they should. How does this relate to pain? If the body doesn't get enough electrolytes and water, muscle cramping and spasms can occur. At a minimum, drink ½ your body weight in ounces each day, and avoid drinking out of plastic water bottles. If you must buy filtered water, buy it in glass bottles. A better option would be filtering your water at home and carrying glass or stainless steel water bottles with you during the day.  

2.  Are you getting enough nutrients?  

The standard American diet contains a fraction of the necessary nutrients to keep your body in optimal health. Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamins B and C are among the nutrients needed for muscle and joint health. Consider adding a high quality multi vitamin and/or mineral supplement to your health routine, and increase your intake of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, and perhaps consult with a naturopath, a nutritionist, a chiropractor or other holistic healthcare practitioner about your nutritional needs.

3.  Are you carrying extra weight?

I work with pregnant clients quite a bit and have become familiar with the effects of the growing baby in the belly. Back, leg and hip muscles typically develop tension and pain as more weight is added to the front of the body. Fortunately for pregnant women, this problem is usually temporary. After baby is born, the body can return to normal and the muscle and joint pain will disappear.

Of course, if you're carrying extra weight around due to reasons other than pregnancy, waiting until the baby is born is not option for you. It may be time to release that weight and get some permanent relief.

According to Donald J. Frisco, MD, muscle and joint related pain is one of the most common problems related to extra weight,

Frisco says, "every pound adds strain to the muscles and ligaments in the back. In order to compensate for extra weight, the spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. As a result, over time, the back may lose its proper support and an unnatural curvature of the spine may develop."

To learn more from Dr. Frisco about how weight release can affect your muscles and joints, check out this article. 

Terri Lambert

Terri Lambert's nurturing, skilled touch is a welcome addition to our team. Terri has been practicing massage therapy since 2005, as a Phillip’s School of Massage graduate.  Her continuing education over the years includes Swedish, deep tissue, anatomy, pathology, aromatherapy, prenatal, geriatric, Tuina, acupressure and Thai massage therapies.

Terri is passionate about massage and seeks to better serve her clients needs by continually educating herself about various modalities and specific types of bodywork.

 Treat yourself to one of Terri's fabulous sessions. She is available on select Saturdays between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Give us a call at 530-906-8668 to schedule.

CoMotion: Foothills Ecstatic Dance

Read my personal story about Ecstatic Dance

CoMotion is a regular Ecstatic Dance event for the Foothills. Our vision is to provide an all-ages community space for free-form self-expression, joyful celebration, deep exploration, and healing of body, mind and spirit, within a sacred container of rhythmic sound and movement.

We provide a safe, sacred space for movement, expression, connection & celebration. Conversations, shoes, fragrances are left at the door. This is a family friendly, drug and alcohol free event.

We dance the 2nd & 4th Fridays of each month at the Portugese Hall in Newcastle, California.
690 Taylor Rd, Newcastle. 7-9:30 pm

For more information find us on Facebook

Jessa Krissovich

Jessa Krissovich specializes in Pain Management and Trigger Point Therapy.  She is a available by appointment Mondays between 11 am and 7 pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 3 & 7 pm.

Having experienced chronic and debilitating pain from an automobile accident, Jessa has an intimate knowledge of the frustration and fear you experience when pain pills, adjustments, and other treatments leave you feeling no better.  Suffering from profound, life-limiting pain prompted her to study human musculature. Treatment from a Neuromuscular Therapist helped Jessa to uncover the cause of her pain, and bring her body back into proper balance.  Trigger Point Therapy seeks to understand the cause of myofascial trigger points (or origins of pain) and eliminate those causes. For Jessa, this treatment offered immediate relief and lasting comfort.  With renewed passion for healing others as a result of her own amazing improvement, Jessa realized her dream of studying Neuromuscular Therapy. She greets each day with enthusiasm and compassion for her clients. Happy, pain free clients who are able to enjoy their lives fully is Jessa's goal.

To schedule an appointment call Awaken Wellness at 530-906-8668

I am a LOVE magnet! (and so are you)

I'm sure you've heard of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), or "tapping", and many of you have learned firsthand how powerful this simple method can be to, well, create emotional freedom.

EFT combines gentle tapping with carefully chosen words and phrases to clear emotional blocks and limiting beliefs. You do it yourself, so it's an accessible and affordable way to change your life, beginning now.