Blog Archives

My Guts are where?

2/26/2024

Often I am asked why I am doing massage on the back when a client has come in for an ABDOMINAL MASSAGE. I explain that we are not built like a piece of paper with guts on the front and muscles on the back, but that our systems and muscles and ligaments criss-cross our body: front to back, side to side, and up to down! It is interesting how many of us look at our ‘guts’ as living on the front, and our muscles on the back!

Our lymphatic system is also this way. We have lymphatic pathways just under the skin throughout our body, but the abdomen holds a great number of nodes, as well as deep pathways that intertwine with our GI system and organs. It is important to clear and move your lymph of these many pathways from both superficial and deep angles. This allows the abdominal cavity and its structures, the pelvic floor and the organs (viscera) of the abdomen to be fully treated, along with massage.

So next time you have a tummy ache and a sore back at the same time, think about how everything sits in your body, and how amazingly intertwined our insides are! And please remember you are not a piece of paper – but an incredible three-dimensional structure that has been beautifully created!

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #lymphaticdrainage #mld #abdominalmassage #selfcare #IBS #womenshealth

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My belly button is a scar?

2/22/2024

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The belly button is an informal term for the navel. It refers to the scar on the abdomen that is caused when the umbilical is removed. It doesn’t hurt the baby when the cord is cut - but it feels strange to those cutting the cord! There are no nerves in the cords, so clamping and cutting it causes no pain to baby. although it is often jokingly compared to “cutting calamari!

The cord, and in particular the remaining scar, or belly-button, have always been fascinating to humans. There are even some very unique traditions and customs to celebrate and aid in the separation of the umbilical cord from baby and mother.

The belly button is a reminder that we were once attached to our mother via the umbilical cord and that we received nourishment through it. Cords are generally 20-24 inches in length, and 1-2 cm in diameter. But long ones can be as long as 32 inches and short ones can be 13 inches or less. Interestingly, the umbilical cord is probably the first toy a baby has – and some have even been seen playing around with it on their ultrasound!

Periumbilical pain is a type of abdominal pain that is localized in the region around or behind your belly button. This part of your abdomen is referred to as the umbilical region. It contains parts of your stomach, small and large intestine, and your pancreas. If you are suffering from bloating or constipation, this can sometimes make if feel like your belly button is sore.

Always check with your doctor to rule out any other reasons for the pain, and then request an ABDOMINAL MASSAGE at your next appointment. This type of massage has been effective in dealing with constipation and referred pain to the belly button region caused from inflammation and bloating. Read more HERE.

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #guthealth #bellybutton #IBS

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Who's the Happy Hooker?

2/19/2024

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Do you feel pain when pinching or holding items between your thumb and the other fingers of the same hand? This could be due to the opponens pollicis or adductor pollicis muscles (in your hand) and even the brachialis (sitting under your biceps). You can overwork these muscles if you hold something in your hand for a long period of time – so activities like drawing, sewing, or crocheting can cause this pain.

The brachialis muscle in your arm is responsible for bending your elbow. You can overwork this muscle doing anything that requires your elbow to be bent for long periods of time – like playing an instrument, moving boxes, driving, using the computer, and yes – even crocheting! Did you know that even though this muscle is in your arm, overusing the brachialis can cause pain in the base of your thumb?

Be sure to pay some attention to these muscles with your wellness and self-care activities. Trigger point and fascial releases through massage therapy are great ways to bring these muscles back to their healthy and happy place!

Be sure to include hands and arms in your regular massage treatments. Happy hooking!

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #crochet #knitting #handmuscles

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Is this you?

2/16/2024

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TINNITUS (the perception of sound without an external sound actually being present), is a surprisingly common condition. While there are no cures for tinnitus, massage can treat symptoms of tinnitus and make tinnitus easier to live with.

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, both physical and stress-related. Circulation issues, irritation to the nerve endings, medication side effects, high blood pressure, and exposure to sudden loud noise can all cause chronic ringing in the ears. Head and neck conditions like whiplash, TMJ DYSFUNCTION and even poor alignment of the skull and neck are also known causes of tinnitus.

Quite often trigger points, knots and shortened muscles cause symptoms of tinnitus, and in those cases, MASSAGE MAY ALLEVIATE THE RINGING IN YOUR EARS.

If you are looking for a way to treat tinnitus, a massage that focuses on the ears, head, and neck may be just what you need to alleviate your tinnitus symptoms and enjoy the quiet for a while!

Find out more about massage for TMJD and headaches here!

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4 Reasons to include Lymphatic Drainage into your Wellness Routine

2/16/2024

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A self-care routine can slow down the pace of an increasingly busy and connected world.

That's why it's important to create habits that help you connect with your own body’s rhythms and needs. This will support your physical and mental health, and in turn, improve your quality of life.

But how does Lymphatic Drainage play a role in that?

Reduces Edema + Fluid Retention

Removes excess water and metabolic waste from the tissues in the body
May improve the skin's appearance by reducing puffiness and promoting a more youthful, radiant appearance.

Improves Circulation

Helps improve circulation by promoting lymph flow throughout the body
Can help to reduce swelling and improve the overall functioning of the immune system

Promotes Immune Health + Healing

More efficient healing from illness or injury
Promotes quicker healing from post-surgery swelling
Reduces scar formation by boosting healing responses

Reduces Stress + Anxiety

May aid in stress reduction by promoting relaxation and balance
This can be particularly beneficial for people who experience chronic stress or anxiety

What are your favourite self-care habits? Please share with me! ❤

Read more about Lymphatic Drainage for wellness and post-operative recovery

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Muscle + Massage Musings

My Guts are where?

My belly button is a scar?

Who's the Happy Hooker?

Is this you?

4 Reasons to include Lymphatic Drainage into your Wellness Routine

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