N.O.W. - Update

Hello all.
For all of you that have been waiting for the N.O.W. postings to resume, I want to let you know that they will begin again soon. Thanks for all of your e-mails. Check back for new N.O.W. postings within the month!

Best,
Ania

N.O.W - Massage positions for pregnancy

Is it OK for a pregnant woman to go to a therapist that uses a table with a hole in the middle so you can lay prone (on your stomach) during the massage?

After several weeks of sleeping on your side in bed, it may be tempting to try a massage and get on your stomach for an hour or so. Although there are many therapists who may offer these types of tables for your pregnancy massage, it is a good idea to steer clear of them. There isn’t enough data or good information to ensure adequate safety for mother and baby. The best guideline to go by is to always be more cautious with your pregnant body and here are some reasons why: Lying prone impedes blood flow – the weight of the uterus pushing-up and gravity pulling down creates this decreased flow. Also, the weight of the uterus, baby, all of mother’s organs and the pull of gravity along with any pressure the therapist puts on the mother’s back will create pressure on the major vessels of the mother’s body that transfer blood to her baby and herself. Pressure on vessels leads to decreased flow, which means less oxygen and nutrient exchange for both mother and baby.

As pregnancy progresses through-out the months, progressive lordosis, or a normal increased concave curve of the lumbar spine, occurs. This happens because of the shift in the center of gravity from the weight of the baby. Lying in prone position, a mother can experience excess pressure on her lumbar spine. The uterine ligaments holding her uterus ad pelvic in place may also be taxed by the pull of gravity on her belly in this position.

If you’ve already had a massage with a therapist that uses a pregnancy table or specialized pregnancy pillows that allowed you to lie on your stomach, don’t be overly worried. You may have felt a bit dizzy or a little achy afterward, or felt just fine after. The important thing is that you are now informed and know to choose someone who is adept at giving pregnancy massages in the side-lying (right and/or left) or “Fowler’s Position” (supine, or on your back at a 45º angle so as not to compress the vena cava). Not every therapist understands all the details and specific care that a pregnancy woman needs during her massage, so inquire about their background and skills before you set-up an appointment. And above all, enjoy your massages for all the stress relieving, sore muscle soothing, and hormone evening it can offer!

STK Art Opeing & Free Coupons

Hello!

This Friday night, 8/31, from 6-9pm I will be handing out 10% coupons during STK art opening for Abby Manock.

Come check out the art and pick-up some coupons for yourself, friends and family!

STK website: http://www.studiostk.com/

See you there!

N.O.W - Pain during massage

Is massage supposed to be painful in order to be truly effective?

Depending on what king of bodywork you choose, there will be varying levels of pressure. In deep tissue your therapist will use a pain scale of 1-10 as an indicator of how deep they are working your tissues. The ideal during a deep tissue session is to achieve a "good hurt", which is usually around a 6-8 on the clients pain scale. The therapist is working to break-up connective and muscle tissue that are adhered from chronic over-usage and body imbalances. Deep tissue is meant to stimulate "therapeutic inflammation", which will create some normal redness and swelling in the area worked-on. This is good. The swelling is due to the attraction of water and lymph to take away waste products dislodge from the recently massaged tissues. Deep tissue or other deep bodywork modalities, if done correctly, stimulate the realignment of soft tissue to a more balanced and healthful state.

The client should always let the therapist know when they are past the "good hurt" and are just plain hurting. Bruising and other soft tissue trauma can result from a therapists heavy hand, not to mention creating anxiety in the client. You can always request softer pressure or a different massage modality so you feel comfortable and relaxed. You know your body the best. Please communicate with your therapist and always feel empowered to find another if your current one is just not working for you.

Introducing N.O.W.

Each week check out WWHP's blog for the N.O.W (News Of the week) posting, which will feature useful information regarding nutrition, bodywork, pregnancy and postpartum issues. Many are posts that will come from questions and concerns of clients, as well as advice that is just good to have.

Feel free to e-mail or blog additional questions or comments for future N.O.W postings.

More on Insurance - Blue Cross Blue Shield

If you weren't aware of it already, as of 2005 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) "...complementary and alternative health care (CAM) services are now available to its members and their families through the health plan's BlueExtras affinity discount program...The addition of CAM services to BlueExtras will also provide BCBSVT members access to AWHN's award-winning online member education site, WholeHealthMD.com, that includes a convenient practitioner search tool. BCBSVT members may access the BCBSVT website, www.bcbsvt.com for information about the BlueExtras program and the selection of offerings available at a discount." Check out the link below for the rest of this article:

http://www.bcbsvt.com/pages/press/release27.html

My name should be listed on WholeHealthMD in the next few weeks. This program allows BCBSVT members to receive CAM complementary and alternative health care) services at a discount. Take advantage of this if you are a member!

Insurance Update

WWHP is now accepting insurance!

The steps you take to get covered by your next appointment (this applies to massage only - not nutrition or doula services)

1. Check to see if your insurance carrier covers massage/bodywork and understand the specifics of when and how they cover such appointments.


2. Get a referral from your PCP (primary care provider). This is usually required by most insurance companies. I have physician referral forms and prescription forms that I can e-mail you to make this step go smoothly

3. Make your appointment

More and more insurance companies are covering massage and bodywork, so check with yours today. Contact me with any questions and concerns. I'd be glad to help you if you feel frustrated or stuck with this process.

Best,
Ania

Grand Opening - Success!

Hello all!
I appreciate the support that so many of you showed on opening night. I was booked the whole night and saw some familiar faces as well as many new ones. Thank you all!

Stay tuned for more updates and information.

Best,
Ania

Grand Opening

Hello all! WWHP will be officially open for business starting this Friday, July 6th from 6-8pm. The opening will coincide with "Art-to-Go" at Studio STK for the First Friday Art Walk.
I'll be offering 10 minute $5 massages to any and all women interested. It will be a full evening of lovely, innovative art and relaxing bodywork all rolled into one!

For more information about the "Art-to-Go", check out the STK blog: http://www.studiostk.com/blog/blog

Hope to see you there!