How many of us like treats? I hear the word and it draws a smile. Treats are FUN!!
Today I’m going to share with you a fabulous wellness practice we often mistake for “luxury.”
You know of it. You may even have partaken in it.
And…I have a special guest who will educate us in its ultimate benefits.
I’m talking…drum roll please of…
MASSAGE THERAPY!!
YES!!
Massage therapy…it’s been around throughout history…practiced in almost all cultures…both Eastern & Western.
It was one of the earliest tools that people used to relieve pain.
Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body.
There are all types of massage depending on your body’s needs.
Today we’re going to meet a pro and find out all that is available.
MEET SARAFINA!
Sarafina Bryant is the owner of Sarafina’s Integrative Massage Studio in South Haven, Michigan.
I met Sarafina back when she was working at the local spa in town. Her massage was unlike any
other I had ever had before!! Her pressure, her techniques…Sarafina intuitively knew what my body
needed.
Time came and went and back up in Michigan again, I hunted down that lady who gave me that
spectacular massage. I didn’t have her card to guide me, but I remember her name sounding like
a song, and knew she worked in a chiropractor’s office.
With only those clues, I scoured Google in the South Haven area. Bingo! She now
had her own business and I almost cried when I was back in touch with her.
She truly is a one-in-a-million massage therapist!
Onward with her story!
Back as a child with her older sister at their dance classes…Sarafina recalls how she would
massage her sister’s hands and wrists…even stepping on her back to release the “dancer” kinks
after practice.
Her passion for massage work carried on in high school as she helped her classmates with their need
for relaxation. I wish there was a Sarafina back in my days as an uptight teen!
TRAINING…
Massage therapists must be licensed by their state as health care providers with continuing
education mandatory every 3 years.
Training is in depth and continual. These practitioners must stay at the top of their league!
And oh to the variety of techniques offered…
SARAFINA’S TECHNIQUES
This little lady has a plethora of “magic” in her massage treasure chest. Take a peek:
–ASHIATSU is deep firm pressure…just with the feet!
–CUPPING is where the fascia (band of tissue) is suctioned… pulling the blood flow to that area to relax
it. Circulation is then increased which helps the decrease in pain.
–GUA SHA is an ancient Asian body work using a circulating technique with a tool that “scrapes” and
“breaks up,” bringing blood flow back to the area.
(When done to me, I’m reminded of scraping butter
on a piece of burnt toast!)
Back in the day, the Asians would use rocks or horns for their scraping!!
THAI MASSAGE!
This is the “newbee” in Sarafina’s treasure box!
Originating in Thailand this technique stretches the muscles while increasing flexibility.
Picture the setting in a thai massage session.
The client/patient is on a mat on the floor…fully clothed in yoga attire…while Sarafina stretches and
massages using palm pressing, finger & foot pressure…even using her knee.
Sarafina even uses her feet! Yes! “Feet are great for people who are really uptight,” she adds.
The two bars above her table are used for her to hold on to.
TRUE HEALTH BENEFITS!!
All massage therapists have their specialization. Sarafina’s is deep tissue. She works on adhesions in
the muscle and gets a thrill from working out knots & trigger points of the body!
Along with moving the body fluids, massage therapy boasts these perks too:
-Increase of blood flow & circulation.
-Helps manage stress.
-Decreases pain.
-Calms the body & mind.
“It takes time,” Sarafina says. “Consistency and self care at home are vital too.”
WHERE TO FIND A GOOD MASSAGE THERAPIST…
Sarafina advises: “Decide first what kind of therapy you are looking for.
Let that lead you. Wanting more relaxation?
Head to a spa. These places offer a more soothing massage while using medium pressure.
Independent therapists and health centers typically offer a deeper massage.
Look at Google reviews and read their bio and where they trained. Hunt for the therapy you particularly
want. That’s the way to do it.”
Do your homework before you head out.
HOW OFTEN TO GET ONE??
It depends on the individual and their personal preferences and needs. Sarafina recommends once a
week for 3-5 weeks for folks with chronic pain…then a maintenance routine 1-2x monthly.
Some clients have one only once a year. Your budget of course is a consideration.
The key is consistency. Once you start getting them, don’t quit.
SELF CARE IS KEY!!
Sarafina has opened my eyes to the importance of self care.
“Massage facilitates,” says Sarafina.
“But…we need to take responsibility at home…diet, yoga, stretching, breathing.
Do selfcare daily…frequently…start somewhere!”
Great wisdom!!
MASSAGE?? ME??
A lot of people don’t want to be touched.
If that’s you, go to someone you know or know of. You can wear clothes too, so don’t shun
the opportunity, she encourages.
Sarafina suggests trying a short session to get more comfortable with it. “At least try it,
especially if you are having a lot of pain. Try thai massage since it’s done fully clothed.”
KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND:
-Communicate with your therapist.
It’s so important! Let them know if something is uncomfortable. Just speak up.
Sarafina finds many people are challenged with this.
-Breathe!
A lot of people hold their breath during their massage. It’s a subtle thing and something to be aware of.
Sarafina suggests belly breathing (pushing your abdomen out as you breathe out) while on the table.
“Purpose not to tense up. If you can’t breathe or relax into it, the pressure is too much.
Let your therapist know,” she advises.
-No Pain, No Gain…NO! NO!
This is not necessarily true. You have to be able to RELAX into the pain or it defeats the purpose. Keep that in mind at your next session.
FINAL HEALTH TIPS FROM A PRO!!
-Commit to Daily Self Care: stretch, yoga, wholesome diet, exercise. Strive for balance.
-Take frequent breaks while you are on the computer. Every 30-60 minutes, stretch,
do some squats, move your neck around. Make sure you move! This is vital.
-Sarafina recommends these fave tools of hers:
- Back Knobber on Amazon. Shaped like an “S” with little knobs on the end, this tool helps you apply pressure on the trigger points to release the tension in the muscle.
2. Massage Ball from Amazon. This trigger point ball can be used on the entire body to help relieve muscle tension. (A tennis ball is good too!)
WRAP UP & TAKEAWAY!
Wow to the wake up on massage therapy: its benefits, its health perks.
Self Care is vital too! We truly are responsible for the state of our health.
I remember a saying long ago in another massage therapist’s office:
“The best thing to save for old age, is yourself!” How bout it?
Hope today’s interview inspired you to take next steps to amp up your health!
Thank you, Sarafina, for enlightening us on the fabulous benefits of massage.
Please sign up for my weekly Inspiration Newsletter too. Just click “Contact.”
I would love to have you on board!
Cheerio until next time! Keep the “Joy in Your Journey!”
This blog post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I might be rewarded credit or a commission for the sale. Please note that I only recommend products that I personally use and love and that I always have my readers’ best interest at heart. Thank you!!
