What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Posted on by

cranioCraniosacral therapy is a powerful light touch therapy that targets connective tissue restrictions in the central nervous system which may be inhibiting the flow of cerebrospinal fluids and causing pain in other areas of the body.  It comes out of Osteopathic medicine.

A very light amount of pressure is used in this therapy.  With a few exceptions, the therapist’s touch will generally feel about the same as the weight of a nickel on your skin.  Your therapist will work primarily with the cranial bones, along the spine, and around the sacrum, but may also work at other areas of your body as well.

As she works, your therapist will “listen” (with her hands) for your craniosacral rhythm, which is a palpable pulse of the flow of cerebrospinal fluids through the head and up and down the spine, and also can be detected throughout the rest of the body via the lymph fluids and connective tissues.  This listening allows her to detect restrictions in the system and work to correct them.

Because the central nervous system is the command center for both tension and pain throughout the body, as well as controlling the relaxation and pleasure response, Craniosacral therapy can bring amazing results for chronic pain sufferers, even where other therapies have failed.

It is also an excellent remedy for general stress and tension. It’s like a reset button for your nervous system!

When NOT to Get a Massage

Posted on by

It’s cold and flu season and I’m getting a lot of questions about whether or not it’s a good idea to get a massage before, during, or after an illness.  Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when deciding whether you are well enough for a massage.

Don’t spread germs

First and foremost do not, I repeat, DO NOT, share your germs.  If your nose is running other than clear, you are coughing up gunk, you have a fever or feel achy, or have any other sure signs of illness, please wait until these symptoms clear up.   If you arrive for an appointment and I can see that you are obviously ill, I will ask you to reschedule. Under no circumstances should you take cold medicine or pain relievers that suppress the symptoms and come in for a massage anyway.

I work with many different people each day in very close physical contact and although I am a stickler about washing my hands before and after each client and cleaning and disinfecting my equipment, if you are sick it is inevitable that some of your germs will be left behind for me to catch or the next client to pick up.  That’s not fair to anybody.

Don’t make your symptoms worse

Because massage enhances circulation and immune system activity, and stimulates all your body’s fluid moving and waste removal mechanisms, a massage can make that mild bug you have more active and trigger a big response from your immune system.  I’ve seen mild cold symptoms get much, much worse in a few clients right after a massage.

You also do not want to lay face down on a massage table for 30 minutes or more with a sore, stuffy nose!  This is very uncomfortable and can make breathing feel like a chore. This is anything but relaxing, and cancels out much of the feel-good benefits of massage.

Getting a massage after recovery

With all that said, when you are pretty much feeling back to normal and are no longer contagious, a massage can be good to help your body flush out any remaining vestiges of the illness.

If you feel you are at this stage, make sure you are well hydrated prior to your appointment (ie, drink plenty of water) and be aware that you may see a temporary increase in fluids (clear runny nose, stuffiness, maybe some coughing) as your body’s circulation and fluids are stimulated during the massage.  As long as it is a normal so-called “detox” response (which is very common during a massage) and not an active illness, this is okay.  I have tissues and eucalyptus aromatherapy to help!

Get regular massage as part of your normal health routine

Although I can’t promise you will never get a cold or flu if you get regular massage, I CAN say that doing so is likely to keep your immune system generally healthier overall and may help prevent some of those illnesses.

So, here’s to your health in 2013!  May you get many massages and experience much health, peace, and happiness.

Ready to Make Massage A Regular Part of Your Health Routine?

Posted on by

I invite you right now to make a commitment to your health and well-being with regular monthly or biweekly sessions by choosing one of the discounted options below.

Not interested in a long-term commitment just yet? Go to my Services & Prices page to view all my current services and rates.

Discounted Wellness Plans

All discounted plans are for my 60 min Custom Massage.

    • Pre-Paid Packages.

      Click a link below to purchase a package through my online store. Your massages are instantly loaded into your SeaRhythms account for you to use whenever you like. These can also be gifted to a friend or family member.

3 Custom Massages, 10% off – $202.50

6 Custom Massages, 15% off – $382.50

12 Custom Massages, 20% off – $720

  • Popular! Pay-As-You-Go Membership Package.

    Membership is administered through a Paypal subscription. A credit card is required and will be auto-charged either monthly or biweekly, as listed below. You then make your appointments at your convenience on a monthly or biweekly basis.

    • Monthly Massage, 15% discount, $63.75 per month



    • Biweekly Massage, 20% discount, $60 every two weeks



     

  • Sliding Scale.

    21- 40% discount. This is offered on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on your particular financial situation. Please contact me to explain your circumstances and I will do my best to work with you. Limited slots available.

  • Barter

    Do you have something to trade? I will happily consider any fair barter arrangement.

Who on your list deserves a massage this year?

Posted on by

It’s not too late to order this incredibly thoughtful gift! Instant gift certificates are just a click away.

A blissful and therapeutic get away for one, or you can double the bliss and order a couples massage for the two of you.

Customized therapeutic massage is natural health care that relieves pain, relaxes, nurtures and promotes healing for the mind and body.

No crowds, no hassles. An unforgettable experience in your hands and ready for gifting, instantly at check-out.

ORDER NOW

~Solstice~ Fine Botanical Solid Perfume

Posted on by

Limited edition, offered seasonally. Once they are gone, this fragrance won’t be available again until next year.

SeaRhythms Massage Solstice Solid Perfume

~Solstice~ $29
(reg. $59)
Click to enlarge

From our SeaRhythms Botanicals holiday collection.

~Solstice~ is a complex, long lasting perfume formulated with a carefully selected blend of the finest organic essential oils, including sacred frankincense and myrrh. This beautiful feminine fragrance is not only a sophisticated scent that can compete with some of the finest designer perfumes, it is also lovely aromatherapy for the winter season.

Long known for their spiritual and meditative uses, frankincense and myrrh are perhaps best known in our culture as the gifts presented by the Magi to the baby Jesus. These essences also have a long history in many other traditions as an aromatherapy aid to spiritual awareness and purification.

In addition, they have powerful anti-viral and immune strengthening properties. Combined with other resins such as anti-depressive peru-balsam and spiritually grounding cedar, as well as notes of heart warming rose, this fresh, uplifting, yet deeply warming and grounding perfume hearkens to the season and is the perfect fragrance for winter solstice and beyond.

Our solid perfume is presented in an exquisitely carved cylindrical rosewood box, all wrapped up for gifting in a lovely organza bag.

Available for purchase in our gift shop at SeaRhythms Massage or order online with the link below.

$29.00  ~Solstice~ Fine Botanical Perfume
(reg. $59.00)


What stretches can I do for shoulder and neck pain?

Posted on by

Like many of you, this Massage Therapist suffers with shoulder, neck, and upper back pain from time to time.  An old rotator cuff injury (which after much therapy is in better shape than it ever has been) will still flare up in painful ways if I work too hard or go too long without exercising.

This yoga stretching routine is my go-to therapy when I am in pain and I can’t get a massage right away.  It stretches all the muscles that connect to the shoulder, including the ones in the neck, arms, upper back, and chest.

Do this 10 minute routine whenever you find yourself hurting and I guarantee it will make you feel at least a little better, and probably a lot better.

Don’t worry if you aren’t flexible enough to do the stretches as fully as the therapist in this video.  Just keep at it and you will get there, and your muscles will be much happier!

Black Friday Sale On Massage Gift Certificates In Charlottesville VA

Posted on by

One day only!  Friday November 23, 2012

Receive 10% off all Massage Gift Certificate purchases

PLUS

SeaRhythms Massage Solstice Solid Perfume

Click to enlarge

I will include our fine botanical solid perfume ~Solstice~ from our SeaRhythms Botanicals holiday collection FREE with your massage purchase (value $59)*

Seeing this before Black Friday?
Bookmark this page and come back on 11/23/12!

*One per customer, while supplies last
(don’t worry, we have enough for everyone!)

Here’s how to redeem this offer:

Buy your gift certificate online on Friday November 23, 2012.  Enter coupon code SOLSTICE at check-out to apply the 10% discount.  Then email tammy@searhythms.com to arrange delivery of your perfume by mail or pick-up at my office.

Options:

  1. To have me snail-mail your gift certificate and perfume, order here:
    >>Mailed gift card
  2. To print or email your gift certificate instantly online (and arrange perfume delivery separately), order here:
    >>Instant print or email
  3. Buy a package of 3 or 6 massages and save even more! 3-pack is 10% off & 6-pack is 15% off!  If you choose this option, please email me after your purchase to specify the recipients, and we’ll work out the details for delivery.
    >>Package of 3 or 6 Massages

Questions?  Want to order or pick up in person? Call (434) 409-3817 or email tammy@searhythms.com

~Gift Descriptions~

A SeaRhythms massage is a therapeutic and blissful get-away complete with the sounds of crashing waves & tranquil music, soothing warmth, and a muscle-melting heated coconut oil massage. Our clients benefit from reduced pain, better sleep, healthier circulatory and immune systems, and an overall improved sense of well-being. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Complement this wonderfully thoughtful gift with our ~Solstice~ perfume, included free with your gift certificate purchase on Black Friday. 

~Solstice~ is a complex, long lasting perfume formulated with a carefully selected blend of the finest organic essential oils, including sacred frankincense and myrrh.  This beautiful feminine fragrance is not only a sophisticated scent that can compete with some of the finest designer perfumes, it is also powerful aromatherapy for the winter season.

Long known for their spiritual and meditative uses, frankincense and myrrh are perhaps best known in our culture as the gifts presented by the Magi to the baby Jesus. These essences also have a long history in many other traditions as an aromatherapy aid to spiritual awareness and purification.

In addition, they have powerful anti-viral and immune strengthening properties.  Combined with other deeply warming and calming resins such as anti-depressive peru-balsam and spiritually grounding cedar, as well as notes of heart warming rose, this fresh, uplifting, yet deeply warming and calming perfume hearkens to the season and is the perfect fragrance for winter solstice and beyond.

Your solid perfume is presented in an exquisite hand-carved cylindrical rosewood box, all wrapped up for gifting in a lovely organza bag.

What kind of oil or lotion will you use in my massage?

Posted on by

I am committed to using only the freshest skin care products that are all natural and organic whenever possible.

SeaRhythms Organic Massage Oils

Photo source: Flickr

The skin is the largest organ of the body and easily absorbs ingredients in fats such as oil or lotion.  I do not use any products that contain questionable ingredients such as petroleum by-products or potentially harmful parabens (a class of chemical preservative linked to breast cancer).

Here are the choices available to you at SeaRhythms:

Organic, Raw Coconut Oil
This is my personal favorite choice for massage, perfect for both client and therapist.  It is loaded with skin nourishing nutrients and absorbs quickly so you, the client, get a wonderful skin treatment and aren’t left feeling too greasy after your massage. It also has the perfect amount of glide for me to provide a blissfully relaxing massage while also allowing me to access deeper layers of muscles to unwind every level of stress you may be holding.

It also smells as yummy as it feels.  In fact it is so good for you, you could even eat it if you wanted to!  (Try a Google search on the benefits of including coconut oil in your diet.)

This oil is normally safe for everyone and non allergenic.  Coconut is not a true nut, but is a fruit, so even those with nut allergies can possibly benefit from the use of this oil.

Aromatherapy Blends
Aromatherapy is offered complimentary with every massage if desired by the client.  I use an unscented, all natural massage oil base or pure jojoba oil, and organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils.

I am constantly coming up with new blends, but two of the most popular that I almost always have on hand are Peppermint Lavender and Citrus Mint.  The lavender blend is quite relaxing and soothing.  The citrus blend inspires feelings of happiness and joy.

I also have a special Ayurvedic blend that I use frequently in place of topical analgesics such as Biofreeze. I call it Herbal Ice, and it has a base of organic, cold-pressed sesame oil with muscle-warming cloves and eucalyptus along with cooling peppermint and menthol. It is good for use after a deep tissue session to help prevent inflammation and soreness.

I am also happy to custom blend a therapeutic aromatherapy oil just for you, if you let me know ahead of time what your needs are.

Unscented, Hypo-Allergenic
For those who can not tolerate any scent, even the fresh coconut, I have an all-natural unscented oil available.  For those with severe allergies I use a hypo-allergenic, organic lotion.

Look who is certified for pregnancy massage!

Posted on by
Tammy Mundy, Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist

Tammy Mundy
Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist

I’ve been working with pregnant clients on a limited basis from the beginning of my practice, but now I’m official. My recent studies have given me a tremendous amount of insight into how to better care for mom through all the stages of this exciting time in her life.

I absolutely love taking care of Mommies and I’m excited to be expanding my practice to work with them more often.

Annual Massage Gift Certificate Sale in Charlottesville VA

Posted on by

This is my best sale of the entire year – a generous 10% off all gift certificates during the holiday gifting season.  Sale ends December 31, 2012.

Easy online ordering!  Click, click, done! 

For local orders, you can call me at (434) 409-3817 for pick up at my office or I will drop them off to you.