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The guiding principle from the moment Just Breathe was conceived, was to be a true citizen of the world. Within this promise there was a overwhelming sense of responsibility to our members, our community and the earth. Different? Yes. Unique? Absolutely. Just like you.
Just Breathe's Weekly Class, Workshop and Massage Schedule
(Click Above--must turn off your pop-up blocker) Jumpstart your heartdrive - Wellness Series July 19th from 12p - 1p We are ever changing, growing, learning and reinventing ourselves - even when we don't realize it. Such is the human condition. The key is stepping up and actively deciding how you want to grow, learn and reinvent yourself mentally and physically. During the workshop we will discover our degree of needs and what we are willing to do to get those to an acceptable level. Working on raising our emotional needs can slow the development or progression of heart disease when negative emotions are replaced with protective positive feelings and positive health practices. Isn't it time you reprogrammed your heartdrive? Just breathe is fully Green renovated facility nestled in the redevelopment core of downtown Phoenix A non-for-profit organization founded in 1982, their mission is to harness economic power - the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace - to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. We admire such a goal, and are striving to create that world inside the walls of just breathe, and feel very honored to be in their circle. Visit: www.coopamerica.org Greening Your Life (PDF) Strata delivers the ultimate in green and sustainable building technologies called SABS™. SABS stands for Saebi Alternative Building System named after its inventor Nasser Saebi. This master structural engineer created an all composite building material that requires very little steel, wood or concrete. Besides conserving precious raw materials and minimizing waste the SABS system allows buildings to be built faster with consistently high quality. Just Breathe has selected Strata's SABS system to help achieve the best in environmentally friendly construction and ultimate performance in our construction where possible. Besides being Green, SABS provides excellent insulation R-factors, zero fire rating, great sound barrier, insect and rodent protection and superior structural integrity. Ask for a tour of the just breathe facility in Downtown Phoenix and see first hand the technology of the future. Breathing just got a little easier... Ever wonder if cork floors can really hold up to your family's foot traffic, or if those recycled glass tiles will work with the color scheme of your kitchen remodel? Finally, Arizona homeowners, designers and contractors have a resource to see and touch all of the eco-friendly building and remodeling products that the trend watchers are raving about. Whether you are interested in conserving water and saving money on your energy bills, reducing your waste and environmental impact, or are concerned about the harmful chemicals conventional products introduce into your home, a.k.a. Green can help. Come see our selection of recycled tiles and countertops, sustainable flooring, non-toxic paints and finishes, energy and water saving products and much, much more. Structural integration is a scientifically validated method of restructuring the body through movement and touch. It was founded by Dr. Ida P. Rolf who developed a system of organizing the body, enabling it to let go of holding patterns and habitual stress. Structural Integration (SI) considers gravity, physical structure, and individual habits (such as work-related posture and physical activities) to bring a person into their optimal alignment. The benefits from Rolfing are increased flexibility and co-ordination, improved postural alignment, relief from chronic pain, release of stored emotional and physical trauma, and heightened body awareness. Acupuncture works directly with the body's energy or qi, as acupuncture practitioners believe that all illnesses are a result of the natural flow of energy through the body becoming stuck, depleted or weakened and thus making the individual susceptible to illness. Although best known for the control of pain, boosting the immune system - sinusitis, the common cold, bronchitis and asthma can be effectively treated with acupuncture. Treatment strengthens general constitution, and can correct a feeling of being unwell although there is no physical disorder, imbalance or illness in the traditional Western medicine sense. The goal of chiropractic is to identify and treat spinal abnormalities in order to restore and optimize human health. A variety of techniques can be used to achieve this, one of which is adjusting the vertebrae to regain balance in the spine and nervous system. By concentrating on the cause rather than the symptom, the therapy is direct and holistic. The benefits range from relief of pain, headache, stiffness and muscular spasms to better functioning of all systems of the body and these changes are often accompanied by a sense of well being and relaxation. Our fitness and wellness partners will offer a discount up to 25% off their regularly advertised prices. As a convenience, they may be able to schedule appointments with you at our Just Breathe facility. See our schedule for details. Just Breathe is committed not only to the well-being of our members, but to the conservation of the environment. Restored from many renewable resources, our building matches our commitment to achieving a balance between life and commerce. Some facts to consider: • 15,000 of the 20,000 landfills in the U.S. are closed or over capacity. • The net total of the world's forests is shrinking at a rate of 20,000,000 acres per year, most of it being converted for agriculture or rangeland. • The global flow of natural resources, not including water, required to sustain the World's economy today is 1,000,000,000,000,000 pounds per year. Less than 2% of this material stream is ever reused or recycled. We must act, and act quickly. And we are doing our part. We're proud the first Just Breathe location is green built. Energy-efficient, clean, and renewable. In fact, future locations of Just Breathe will also be "green built" and serve as a reminder to the community and business leaders that we are all in this together. At the very beginning of our journey to realization, one of our goals was to align ourselves with a wide range of businesses. In this way, the diversity brought to such an association would allow for learning, teaching and growing. We're proud the firms listed below find Just Breathe an organization that they can call a partner. Direction Design Group - www.direction-design.com a.k.a. green - www.akagreen.com Phoenix Picks - www.phoenixpicks.com Shutterports - www.shutterports.com There is no single path to wellness, and your journey may include a variety of approaches. Just Breathe has aligned itself with established partners in the fields of acupuncture, rolfing, and chiropractic medicine, who share the same beliefs and passion for your health. As a member of Just Breathe, our partners will offer up to 25% discount off their regularly advertised prices. Acupuncture: Dr. Jonathan Cartsonis (on-site) - 602-256-1400 Ping Yang - 480-777-8513 Rolfing: Suzanne Lucas - 602-404-8483 Strengthening the inside of your body is as important as strengthening the outside of your body. While exercise classes will help you with your physical well-being, our Dietitians and Nutritionists can help you achieve internal balance and put you further along the path to wellness. A wellness coach helps you identify, set and maintain your goals, both personally and professionally. They can provide instruction and mentoring. Your coach will help you learn how to do it and put that learning into action Wellness/Life Coach: Cathie Belcher - www.beyourownbliss.com Perfect practice makes perfect sense. We've partnered with some of the top fitness professionals who will develop a personalized fitness program and teach you the correct techniques to reach your fitness goals. Personal Trainer: Desiree Lewis (available on-site) - www.desireelewis.com 
info@justbreathewellness.com jobs@justbreathewellness.com 602.256.1400 828 North 2nd Street Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Click here for driving directions (PDF) One of our many goals is to help you stay on top of issues concerning health and wellness, as well as the conservation of our planet. Breathe News is your resource. We will post Health Tips and recipes, critical medical and nutritional information, new classes offerings and schedules and Just Breathe updates. To sign up for our email newsletter, click here. (must turn off your pop-up blocker) Just Breathe as seen on a ABC 15 Just Breathe on NBC's Midday Arizona Just Breathe in the Arizona Republic To sign up for our email newsletter, click here. Breathe Forum will be a gathering place for all who seek guidance about health and wellness. You will be able to interact with wellness coaches, dietitians/nutritionists, fitness experts, and many more people who are able to help answer questions about health and wellness. Just Breathe as seen in May's issue of Java Forum Sections: employment and teaching opportunities General Healthy Eating Fitness Members Only - Q&A Think globally, act locally. That's the idea behind Breathe Green. It's here that you will be able to find city, state, national and global conservation news from organizations and articles that care as much about nurturing the planet as you do. To further enhance your journey to wellness, Just Breathe has aligned itself with partners who share the same beliefs and passion for your health. Keeping a commitment, physically and mentally, to one's health and well-being isn't as easy as it seems especially when you try to do it alone. What's even more difficult is turning that commitment into a lifestyle. Here at Just Breathe, we understand what you're going through, and with your membership you will have our promise to always be there to lead, mentor and follow-up to help you achieve your personal goals. Just Breathe is a place where you can escape the day and just "be." It's here where balance is achieved and spirits are lifted. A place where mind and body work as one to accomplish the extraordinary. Just Breathe is a haven that embraces the idea that life is a journey, not an event. Relax, refresh and rejuvenate through Yoga, Pilates and Spinning as well as through the healing touch of massage therapy. But no matter what path you take, you will find the support you need to overcome everyday stress, while unveiling your true inner self. Just Breathe, a wellness sanctuary. Find yourself inside. non-membership 2008 rate chart 1) Mind and Body Wellness Classes* Price: $18 (per 75 minute class) 2) Spinning (Indoor Cycling) Price: $18 (per 60 minute class) 3) Massage Therapies Price: $75 (for 50 minute hands-on session) Price: $119 (for 80 minute hands-on session) Price: $159 (for 110 minute hands-on session) 4) Specialty Massages (ex: Hot Stone Massage, Lomi Lomi, Reflexology) Price: $97 (for 50 minute hands-on session) Price: $149 (for 80 minute hands-on session Price: $189 (for 110 minute hands-on session Note: First-time AZ resident visitors (show AZ. ID at time of arrival) enjoy a Buy 1 Get 1 Free mind and body class that can be used for any of the classes we offer. * Includes all mat classes from Yoga and Pilates or any class blends of the two. Specialty Massages: Hot Stone, Lomi Lomi, Indian Head Reflexology and Aromatherapy Massages. Cancellation Policy: Accepted with no charge at least 24 hours or more. Under 24 hours client is charged full price of the session. Do you own a business? Is your bottom line suffering from the rising cost of health care? Offering an affordable wellness program for your employees can make them happier and healthier. Studies have proven healthier and happier employees are more focused and productive. Greater productivity leads to greater profitability. Just Breathe is here to help your company help your employees. They can choose programs that include in-office massages to wellness workshops, from group Yoga or Pilates classes to team indoor cycling. Just Breathe offers the following corporate memberships: For a 12 Month Corporate Commitment 10 - 19 employees = $486 per member for a single/$810 per member for a duo 20 - 39 employees = $475 per member for a single/$792 per member for a duo 40 - 59 employees = $464 per member for a single/$774 per member for a duo 60 - 79 employees = $454 per member for a single/$756 per member for a duo 80 - 99 employees = $443 per member for a single/$738 per member for a duo > 100 employees = $432 per member for a single/$720 per member for a duo For every 10 employees, 1 free Management Benefits Card* is included. *MBC (Management Benefits Card) allows chosen management recipient the lowest per class price based on the 12 month single or 12 month duo membership and no monthly fee. See membership link above for specific details. Duo (both programs) Membership Rate Chart (best value) | 12 month $75 per month Included: (a) FREE monthly 1 hour massage, (b) 4 free classes per month (48 total) Includes both categories: a) Massage b) Mind and Body Wellness (all classes) Member Pricing Therafter: a) Massage Therapies* Price: $45 for a 1 hour session Price: $75 for a 1 1/2 hour session b) Additional Class Pricing: $49 Unlimited Classes add-on per month or 25 class Breathe Pack - $175 (reduced per class pricing/$7) Duo (both programs) Membership Rate Chart | 6 month $85 per month, includes (a) FREE monthly 1 hour massage and (b) 3 free classes per month (18 total) Includes both categories: a) Massage b) Mind and Body Wellness (all classes) Member Pricing Therafter: a) Massage Therapies* Price: $45 for a 1 hour session Price: $75 for a 1 1/2 hour session b) Additional Class Pack Pricing: $59 Unlimited Classes add-on per month or 25 class Breathe Pack - $225 (reduced per class pricing/$9) *One hour basic massages include a 50 minute hands-on with time for opening/closing assessment and dressing. Discount for specialty massages under a membership contract include up to 25% off non-member rates. Membership Perks: Members receive 10% off all retail products and up to 25% savings from on-site alternative medical practitioners and personal training partners. Spinning is a registered trademark of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. Massage Membership | 12 Month $45 per month includes a FREE monthly 1 hour massage* Member Pricing Therafter: a) $45 for a 1 hour session $75 for a 1 1/2 hour session b) $45 Friends and Family Gift Certificates** (paid separetely) - one per month c) Upgrade ability at anytime to a Duo (all-inclusive) Membership status Massage Membership | 6 Month $59 per month includes a FREE monthly 1 hour massage* Member Pricing Therafter: a) $45 for a 1 hour session $75 for a 1 1/2 hour session b) $45 Friends and Family Gift Certificates** (paid separetely) - one per month c) Upgrade ability at anytime to a Duo (all-inclusive) Membership status Membership Benefits: Members receive 10% off all retail products and up to 25% savings from on-site alternative medical practitioners and personal training partners. *One hour basic massages include a 50 minute hands-on with time for opening/closing assessment and dressing. Discount for specialty massages under a membership contract include 25% off non-member rates. **Only good for a one-time use per recipient. Cancellation Policy: Accepted with 24 hours or more notice. Members are allowed up to 12 hours notice. If scheduled time is replaced by another client member will not be charged. Spinning is a registered trademark of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. Mind & Body Membership | 12 month $45 per month, includes four free classes Member Pricing Therafter (your choice): a) Single class pricing at $8 per class b) Additional pack pricing: 25 class Breathe Pack - $175 ($7/per class) c) $49 Unlimited Classes add-on Membership Perks: Members receive 10% off all retail products and up to 25% savings from on-site alternative medical practitioners and personal training partners. Spinning is a registered trademark of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. Just Breathe's Weekly Class, Workshop and Massage Schedule (Click Above--must turn off your pop-up blocker) Facility Operating Hours (see schedule link for class times) Monday - 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday - 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. We invite you to e-mail us at: info@justbreathewellness.com with any recommendations on class days and times you prefer. • Provide equal and fair treatment to all clients. • Stay up-to-date on the latest health and fitness research and understand its practical application. • Comply with all applicable business, employment and intellectual property laws. • Uphold and enhance public appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry. • Maintain the confidentiality of all client information. • Refer clients to more qualified health or medical professionals when appropriate. • Establish and maintain clear professional boundaries. Reprinted with the permission of the American Council on Exercise to build a plan to achieve your goals | perform to strengthen your spirit | uplift to help create balance from imbalance | transform to acknowledge your progress | listen to accompany you on your journey | partner to inspire you if you fall behind | lead just breathe, a wellness sanctuary Growing up is not easy, never has been. And many times a child's self-image and confidence can take a long time to develop and can be easily harmed, especially if they are in an environment that is less than nurturing. As a result of our Mind and Body programs, such as Yoga, Spinning, and Tai Chi, a young boy or girl can develop or regain their self-image and self-confidence. Our future partnerships with organizations like Fresh Start Women's Foundation will allow individuals in their care, as well as their staff, to experience the healing powers of wellness activities at Just Breathe--programs that they might not otherwise come in contact with. Spinning™ is an aerobic exercise that takes place on our specially designed indoor cycling bikes--the Spinner NXT by Star Trac. During the class your pace may vary dependent on the type of ride--sometimes pedaling at a faster cadence, other times cranking up the tension for higher resistance in a standing or seated position. With guidance from your instructor you will be cued frequently to visualize your physical form and movements. Along with proper breathing, you'll release tension from your muscles during this mind and body training session. Besides burning 500 - 600 calories per ride, toned legs, and a spirited exercise for the cardiovascular system, those who Spin™ get a high level of endorphin release which gives a general feeling of well-being. Spinning™ and Spin™ are registered trademarks of Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. Many of the movements of Tai Chi are originally derived from martial arts and from movements found in nature, especially animals and birds. Tai Chi is performed slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them. At Just Breathe, you can find Tai Chi classes, led by masters of the ancient Chinese art. Proved to be an effective therapy for a wide range of health problems, including poor circulation, headaches, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, breathing difficulties, digestive and nervous disorders, Tai Chi penetrates not only the body, but the mind. Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable. Some members prefer t-shirts, shorts or sweatpants. Others prefer workout tanks and yoga pants. Athletic clothing that is flexible and non-binding is recommended. Flexibility and mobility are the most important elements of your workout attire to get the most out of your Pilates class. Coming soon. A form of exercise that focuses on posture, alignment, core strength, isolation, mobility, flexibility, balance, concentration, control, precision, stamina and fluidity of movement with breath awareness. It's good for physical rehabilitation as the bone density and joint health improve and increases lung capacity through complete breath. It can also increase power application for sports performance. Pilates is also good for stress relief as it increases circulation. Blood flow can return to inactive brain cells. Just Breathe Pilates instructors are masters at leading classes. Through guidance, reassurance and patience, they'll teach you balance and control of the body, which can spill over into other areas of your life. By applying pressure to muscles against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the blood flow returning to the heart, you will feel the yin and yang (balance) of exhilaration and relaxation. In the hands of one of our master massage therapists, Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Relaxing and invigorating, it positively affects the nerves, muscles, glands and circulation, while promoting overall health and well-being. Our Just Breathe massage expert uses their fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows and forearms to relax and lengthen muscles, your deep breath brings the healing flow of blood and oxygen to the specific muscle that's being manipulated. So teamwork is vital. Relaxation critical. And the results? Reduced pain. Improved mobility. Reduced muscle tension and promotion of circulation. In every life, one will encounter bumps in the road. Actively play sports and you may encounter bumps of another kind. Sports massage should play an important part in the life of any active person whether they are injured or not. Many of the benefits of sports massage are physical like increased tissue permeability encourages the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients, which help them recover quicker. Or improved tissue elasticity that helps stretch and lengthen muscles so you can train longer and harder without the risk of injury. But there are many spirit-lifting benefits. Reduced anxiety and stress, improved circulation and overall well being. Yoga and Stress The practice of Yoga is well-demonstrated to reduce the physical effects of stress on the body, and has even been found to lower cortisol levels. This effect is noticeable, and it is one of the primary reasons why people often take up Yoga. People find that they feel more relaxed after practicing Yoga. The asana, or physical postures of Yoga, are helpful for reducing muscular tension, which reduces stress. We have a tendency to store stress not only in our nervous system, but distributed throughout the musculature and other tissues of the body; our digestive system, for example, responds very quickly to stress. Yoga can be a valuable and effective tool for releasing this stored stress. This can be true even for post-traumatic stress and recovering from the after-effects of traumatic events. Yoga includes not only the asana or physical postures, but most Yoga classes end with savasana, or a pose of relaxation. Some classes include a guided relaxation where the teacher leads students through a progressive relaxation of the body, which further reduces the experience of stress. Yoga also includes meditation and breathing practices (pranayama) as well as a set of ethical precepts and observances (yamas and niyamas). Meditation, the ethical precepts and observances, focused relaxation techniques, and working with the breath all have beneficial stress-reducing qualities, through improving our relationships with the various aspects of our inner nature as well as affecting our psychology and physical body. Yoga, the Breath and Stress Working with the breath can be a particularly effective method for treating a negative response to stress. When we are experiencing stress, our breathing tends to become shallow and rapid. Shallow and rapid breath further stimulates the body's stress response, and we can become caught up in an ineffective breathing pattern that only causes more stress. Many yoga techniques emphasize slowing and deepening the breath, which activates the body's parasympathetic system, or relaxation response. Just by changing our pattern of breathing, we can significantly affect our body's experience of and response to stress. This may be one of the most profound lessons from yoga practice. The effectiveness of the MBSR has been studied in a variety of different scientific studies both at the University of Massachusetts as well as other medical centers around the world. Results that they have reported on their web site which are still in the process Selected Research Investigating Yoga and Stress Studies of Yoga have demonstrated that Yoga practice has the ability to reduce stress. As mentioned earlier, Yoga can reduce cortisol levels, a finding which was documented in the October 2004 issue of the journal, Annals of Behavioral Science. In the June 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology, researchers found that caregivers for people with dementia (a very challenging condition) improved physical and emotional functioning after practicing Yoga. February and August 2005 studies published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine analyzed the breathing techniques of a specific Yoga practice, Sudardhan Yoga Kriya, which the authors maintain reduce stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Another Yoga-based program that has been widely studied in the use of stress reduction is the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR), which is taught, studied and popularized by Jon Kabat-Zinn and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The mindfulness-based stress reduction program includes guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices, yoga and gentle stretching, inquiry exercises to enhance awareness, individual instruction, group dialogue and home assignments. The effectiveness of the MBSR has been studied in a variety of different scientific studies both at the University of Massachusetts as well as other medical centers around the world. Results that they have reported on their web site which are still in the process of being written about include improved ability to react effectively under high degrees of stress. Published studies have found that program participants experience lower levels of stress. Kabat-Zinn and colleagues also found that people who practiced a meditation technique while receiving treatments for the skin disorder psoriasis (which is sensitive to stress) had skin that healed faster than people who did not listen to the meditation tapes during treatment. Additional References at: www.yogadayusa.org/YogaHealth.html Before you practice Yoga, be sure to hydrate for at least an hour before your class. It is also best to practice Yoga on an empty stomach or about one or two hours after a meal. It's best to wear loose or stretch clothing. If you own a Yoga mat, please bring it along, if not, an eco-friendly mat will be available upon your first visit. If this is your first Yoga class here at Just Breathe, be sure to enroll in our free Yoga orientation class. Ask a Breathe coordinator for more information and feel free to post a question at our breathe forum. Coming soon. The healing touch of massage can help calm your mind and heal your body, which will give you more energy, help you remain calm in stressful situations and help focus your thoughts so that you will become the person you wish to be. Ready to ride? Comfortable workout clothes, a water bottle and a sense of adventure are all you need to get started. But to get the most out of your experience, a moisture wicking t-shirt (available for purchase at the facility) and padded cycling shorts will make your class even better. Coming soon. Practicing yoga can help treat back pain, knee pain, arthritis, anxiety and depression. Yoga has been shown to cleanse the body of toxins, strengthens muscles and clears the mind. In addition to flexibility, joint stimulation and stress-relief, yoga can actually help you on your journey to complete wellness. And, under the watchful and compassionate eyes of one of our handpicked certified instructors, you'll be guided and challenged to reach new heights, through the many poses, sequences and breathing exercises. See "benefits" section above. Hot Stone Massage is a treatment that dates back 5000 years to the Indian and Mayan cultures. The heated stones are placed along the energy centers of the body to help healing. These stones connect with the flow of energy to re-balance the physical body, emotional mind and spirit as one. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Hot Stone Massage is a deep, healing massage technique that enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true essence. Muscular aches, pains and sprains are soothed. Poor circulation restored. The pain and stiffness of arthritis eased, and stress, anxiety and tension seem to melt away. Physically strengthening, harmonizing energetic, Thai Massage can bring new a life experience to all that undergo its healing powers. Starting at the feet and progressing up to the head, your body will be moved, loosened and stretched. The combination of energetic and physical aspects are unique to Thai Massage, and so are its effects, especially when administered with compassion by one of our handpicked practitioners. All that can be written or said is not to be believed but experienced. A well-aligned body, a refreshed spirit, relief from pain and stress, increased blood flow, is what you can receive from this ancient art form. Body, energy, mind and heart will be renewed. What ongoing pregnancy massage can do for you: 1. Massage helps a mom's body to eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which combats fatigue and helps the mother feel more energetic. 2. By aiding circulation, massage eases the load on mom's heart and helps to keep her blood pressure in check. 3. Muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, tension, and knots, can all be alleviated. 4. Massage helps carry away the lactic acid and other cellular waste products that build up and cause muscle fatigue. 5. Massage can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes mom is experiencing. 6. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts during pregnancy, such as backaches, a stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, edema, and sore, swollen ankles and feet. 7. Massage increases local and general blood circulation, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to the bells of both the mother and fetus. This means greater vitality and less fatigue for mom and better nourishment for her baby. 8. It relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles, and can also increase muscular flexibility. Flexibility will be most helpful during the last trimester and during the birth itself. 9. Massage helps to soothe and relax nervous tension, which helps the mother sleep more easily and more deeply. Incidentally, doctors all agree that a relaxed mother will have a happier, healthier pregnancy and possibly an easier childbirth experience. 10. Massage can be used during the birth to make it easier and more comfortable for mom, and after the birth as well, to help her regain her strength more quickly and ease postpartum stress. Lomi Lomi literally translated means "rub." It is a form of Hawaiian bodywork that developed out of the Hawaiian philosophy of Huna; that is, a belief in harmony and balance in all areas of physical and emotional health. Practitioners work intuitively with clients using their hands, elbows, and forearms to apply long, gliding strokes, rhythmic movements, and pressure. This technique is very nurturing; practitioners acknowledge that love and a pure heart is important to the process, and sometimes the session will begin with a chant or prayer. Sometimes more than one practitioner will work on different parts of a client at the same time to facilitate a feeling of wholeness--a main component of the practice. An ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (hands or feet) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. Reflexology stimulates nerve and blood supply, increases circulation and assists nature to balance and normalize. How its done: There are reflex areas in the hands and feet corresponding to each body part. While applying certain levels of pressure needed nutrients are released to poorly functioning areas. This can help restore balance and create an overall sense of relaxation. Additional conditions where Reflexology may be helpful: ~ Allergies and sinus problems ~ Arthritis ~ Backache and sciatica ~ Stress ~ Headaches, including migraines ~ Carpal tunnel syndrome ~ Constipation ~ High blood pressure ~ Insomnia ~ Menstrual cramps Combining the physical and emotional effects of gentle massage with the soothing properties of essential oils, Aromatherapy can ease stress, strengthen the immune system, release muscular aches and promote general overall well-being. Please ask a Breathe coordinator for more information. The art of massage has been around for thousands of years, and dates back to the Greeks. Massage has been found to effectively treat tiredness, emotional instability and unfocused thought–all signs of stress–and massage is one way to put yourself, body and mind back into balance. |