Where does the massage take place?
I will travel within a 25 mile radius of Cutlerville, MI to bring my massage chair to your home, and assist you to relax in familiar surroundings. I will consider longer distances on a case by case basis.
Do I need to undress?
The massage does not require you to remove any clothing. I recommend wearing a t-shirt or similar type of thin shirt.
What areas will you work on?
The massage will focus on the areas of your choice: head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, and/or hands. I will tailor each session to your specific needs.
How much will the massage cost?
Initial 30 minute session $10
30 minute chair massage $25
45 minute session $35
Can you give massages to groups of people?
Yes, I am happy to come to a special event to help several individuals relax. The cost for each hour of massage is $50. This can be broken up between individuals however you desire.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or give me a call.
Debra
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I Know a Young Lady Whose Head was Pounding
To the tune of "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly"
I know a young lady whose head was pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who swallowed some meds
Like her doctor said, she swallowed some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who massaged her temples
Had seen the example of massaging the temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who lay down for a nap
Her energy was sapped, she lay down for a nap
She lay down for a nap after massaging her temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who gave me a call
Can you help me at all, she gave me a call
She gave me a call after she lay down for a nap
She lay down for a nap after massaging her temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, it ceased to be pounding
She no longer cries
I know a young lady whose head was pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who swallowed some meds
Like her doctor said, she swallowed some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who massaged her temples
Had seen the example of massaging the temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who lay down for a nap
Her energy was sapped, she lay down for a nap
She lay down for a nap after massaging her temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
Perhaps she'll cry
I know a young lady who gave me a call
Can you help me at all, she gave me a call
She gave me a call after she lay down for a nap
She lay down for a nap after massaging her temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, it ceased to be pounding
She no longer cries
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Water, the Sweet Magic Liquid
We've all heard that it is good for us to drink lots of water. We have the best of intentions, but often fall back into our old habits of a sip or two here and there. Why is water so good for us? What does it really do? Is all liquid created equal?
First, water acts as a lubricant between the layers of tissue that you have. When your water level is low, these layers will rub against each other, causing unnecessary strain. Over time, your muscles stiffen which can interfere with how flexible you are.
Second, water helps flush away the toxins that are in your body. Waste products attach themselves to the hydrogen molecules and are removed by your urinary system. As my swim coach used to say, "Drink, drink, and drink some more, until it comes out clear on the other end." A good goal is to consume roughly six to eight glasses each day.
Third, water can help you burn more calories, particularly cold water. Your body burns calories by heating up cold water to body temperature. Drink a tall cold glass first thing in the morning, as well as one a few hours after each meal. You will not only eat less, but you will be burning roughly 80 extra calories each day with very little effort on your part.
The purer the water you drink, the more toxins can be removed from your body. Other liquids may help some, but only water can give you all of these benefits, without any extra calories.
I hear the ice cubes calling my name now. Bottoms up!
Debra
First, water acts as a lubricant between the layers of tissue that you have. When your water level is low, these layers will rub against each other, causing unnecessary strain. Over time, your muscles stiffen which can interfere with how flexible you are.
Second, water helps flush away the toxins that are in your body. Waste products attach themselves to the hydrogen molecules and are removed by your urinary system. As my swim coach used to say, "Drink, drink, and drink some more, until it comes out clear on the other end." A good goal is to consume roughly six to eight glasses each day.
Third, water can help you burn more calories, particularly cold water. Your body burns calories by heating up cold water to body temperature. Drink a tall cold glass first thing in the morning, as well as one a few hours after each meal. You will not only eat less, but you will be burning roughly 80 extra calories each day with very little effort on your part.
The purer the water you drink, the more toxins can be removed from your body. Other liquids may help some, but only water can give you all of these benefits, without any extra calories.
I hear the ice cubes calling my name now. Bottoms up!
Debra
Take This One Sitting Down
Okay, quick posture check. Freeze right where you are. Notice what position your shoulders, neck, and head are in. Chances are, if you have been sitting in this way for over a few minutes, you are putting yourself at a great risk for muscle strain. When you tighten muscles for an extended time, the other muscles around them need to overcompensate for the unnatural angle you are forcing upon them. Thus, the whole area becomes sore.
If your shoulders are up by your ears, relax them. Pull them back to stretch and loosen them a bit. Do a few shoulder rolls. If you hear cracking at this point, you know it's been too long since you have done this. Try to find your own "neutral" position for your shoulders, the place where they rest naturally and no muscles have undue strain. Yes, this takes effort, and requires you to check in with your shoulders every now and then. Your back will thank you for this.
Your neck and head have a neutral position as well. When you are sitting or standing, your ears should be over your shoulders and your chin should be level. If your computer screen is too high or too low, your neck muscles will let you know. As a general rule, your eyes should be at the middle of the computer screen. Every so often take a break, tilt your head to each side, as well as up and down.
Being mindful of how you carry yourself is a gift you can give your body. Practice good posture and stretch, and I guarantee your muscles will rejoice, rewarding you with less pain filled hours than you have previously experienced.
Happy, relaxed surfing!
Debra
If your shoulders are up by your ears, relax them. Pull them back to stretch and loosen them a bit. Do a few shoulder rolls. If you hear cracking at this point, you know it's been too long since you have done this. Try to find your own "neutral" position for your shoulders, the place where they rest naturally and no muscles have undue strain. Yes, this takes effort, and requires you to check in with your shoulders every now and then. Your back will thank you for this.
Your neck and head have a neutral position as well. When you are sitting or standing, your ears should be over your shoulders and your chin should be level. If your computer screen is too high or too low, your neck muscles will let you know. As a general rule, your eyes should be at the middle of the computer screen. Every so often take a break, tilt your head to each side, as well as up and down.
Being mindful of how you carry yourself is a gift you can give your body. Practice good posture and stretch, and I guarantee your muscles will rejoice, rewarding you with less pain filled hours than you have previously experienced.
Happy, relaxed surfing!
Debra
Monday, February 14, 2011
Small Investments for Long Term Relief
Harriet Carter Cervical Gel Collar(www.harrietcarter.com)
Can be used hot or cold
Velcro strap so it stays put
Very soothing
Memory Foam Pillow
I purchased mine from JC Penny
Supports the neck while sleeping
Can be used for side and stomache
sleepers too, in different positions
Eliminated waking up with a
stiff neck
Massaging Shower Head
Mine is from Target
5 settings, from gentle to jet
Soothes sore muscles
Stimulates endorphins for
pain relief
Yes, it is Supposed to be
a Dog Toy
Purchased at PetSmart
Place at the base of
the neck while lying
on a hard surface
Stretches neck and
head muscles
Feels so good on trigger
points under skull
Homedics from BB&B
Heat function for
sore muscles
Helps when I cannot
get a massage from
someone ASAP
Magnesium and Vitamin D
Two supplements recommended
highly by my Neurologist
for helping chronic headaches
Consult your doctor when unsure
about supplements
These are a few of my favorite things!
I hope you find as much relief from
them as I do!
Debra
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What if I Need Relief NOW?
Of course I am a big advocate for massage when an individual is experiencing headache pain, but what if no one is around (or willing) to help you feel more comfortable? Here are a few of my favorite tricks for easing headache pain:
* Place an ice pack on the forehead or at the base of the neck
and a heating pad under the knees. This technique draws the
blood down from the head, causing some of the pounding
sensation to let up.
*Lie on the floor with two ping pong sized balls under the head,
at the base of the skull, one on each side. This will stretch out
the muscles in the neck. Hold for up to 10 minutes while
breathing deeply. It's surprisingly soothing; I once fell asleep
like this.
*Sit in the bathtub and run the shower so that the spray hits
both the head and back. I find much relief with a massaging
showerhead that includes a turbo jet setting.
*I do use some prescription medication, but when it is not
available or needs a little boost, I take a few Alieve tablets
with a cup of some caffeinated beverage. This works much
better if you do not consume much caffeine normally.
<Please consult your doctor about the medication possibilities
that are right for you.>
*Grab hold of your hair near the roots at the top of your head
with both hands. GENTLY pull while yawning at the same
time. I'm not making this up, honest. Just try it. Something
about Oxygen and stretching that works together...
Hopefully at least a few of these help. Try to schedule a head and neck massage soon. When you are in pain, you tense up more muscles than you realize. If the pain lasts awhile, so will your residual stiffness.
Hope you are smiling again soon!
Debra
* Place an ice pack on the forehead or at the base of the neck
and a heating pad under the knees. This technique draws the
blood down from the head, causing some of the pounding
sensation to let up.
*Lie on the floor with two ping pong sized balls under the head,
at the base of the skull, one on each side. This will stretch out
the muscles in the neck. Hold for up to 10 minutes while
breathing deeply. It's surprisingly soothing; I once fell asleep
like this.
*Sit in the bathtub and run the shower so that the spray hits
both the head and back. I find much relief with a massaging
showerhead that includes a turbo jet setting.
*I do use some prescription medication, but when it is not
available or needs a little boost, I take a few Alieve tablets
with a cup of some caffeinated beverage. This works much
better if you do not consume much caffeine normally.
<Please consult your doctor about the medication possibilities
that are right for you.>
*Grab hold of your hair near the roots at the top of your head
with both hands. GENTLY pull while yawning at the same
time. I'm not making this up, honest. Just try it. Something
about Oxygen and stretching that works together...
Hopefully at least a few of these help. Try to schedule a head and neck massage soon. When you are in pain, you tense up more muscles than you realize. If the pain lasts awhile, so will your residual stiffness.
Hope you are smiling again soon!
Debra
New Customer Special
For a limited time (a.k.a. I'll see how many people take me up on this and then decide), I am offering new customers the chance to get their first 1/2 hour chair massage session for only $10. Rough day at work? Terrible headache and need some relief? Just feel like treating yourself to something special without making much of a dent in your wallet? Give me a call or send me an email. Once you see how quickly and completely you can relax, you'll want to keep my number close at hand!
Offer Applies to the Grand Rapids, MI Area Only.
(At least until I can afford that private jet)
Debra
Offer Applies to the Grand Rapids, MI Area Only.
(At least until I can afford that private jet)
Debra
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