The Relaxation Center

Speaking your Mind during Theraputic Massage

At The Relaxation Center, expressing your feelings and thoughts during a massage is part of the two way street experience to having the massage you want. To have the massage you want, communication is key.

An example in another situation might be...In a restaurant when a person wants a food item cooked "well-done", one person's idea of "well-done" might be burned almost and other person's idea of "well-done" might be slightly browned.

In massage,there is a difference between soft-"spa-massage", deep-tissue and reconstructive bodywork. Your idea of "soft" or "deep" might not be the same as the therapists. So, you should feel free to ask the massage therapist to apply the amount of pressure you desire at the beginning of the session, and feel free to comment as the sessions progresses. If you are more inclined to want a softer style or more deep pressure as the session continues, the therapist wants you to have what works for you, so comment or ask.  

Sooner or later, you both should be on the same page with what works for you. After all, you are the one paying for the massage you want. One thing about it though, you have to speak your mind. It is great once you find the massage therapist that can have the perfect pressure for you. It is also wonderful to feel comfortable to express your desired level of pressure each session to keep good communication continuing. Every time you have a massage, you have been doing other things that lead up to that moment. You have had other experiences and done other exercises, have other body tightnesses etc... so be open and express your level of comfort. 

The Relaxation Center CPR Reminder - "Just in Case"

This month the Relaxation Center in Belmont helpful hint is not about theraputic massage but it is about something to enrich both your, and maybe someone else's, life.  It is about CPR - a reminder to “be prepared” - just in case. 

 

Every two years I get recertified for first aid and CPR. The certification lasts two years. I have been getting recertified for the last 20 years or more. I like being able to help people if there were to be an emergency. At this class I just took, very important information was given to us and I am passing it on for you. Please take a minute and put this phone number into your cell phone and post it at your house on the wall by the phone -just in case.

 

If you call 911, you will very possibly get a busy signal. If there is a wide-spread emergency, you will get a busy signal. If not, your call will get routed to Vallejo 1st. The operator will then send your call to your local emergency area, and then you can explain your emergency.

 

The better way to go is to call 411. The information person will answer and ask for your city and state and you tell them you want the emergency number for your area. You will have bypassed one whole step this way.

 

The best way…Put the emergency number in your area into your cell phone and have it at the top of your contacts. Our emergency number for this area is: 650-368-1421. This covers the following areas: Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Redwood City, San Carlos, South San Francisco, Half Moon Bay. For other areas call 411 to get your emergency number or call 1-877-743-8423 ICE Safety Solutions.

 

Even better ... you can sign up to take first aid and/or CPR so you too can be prepared to help out a family member, friend or even yourself in an emergency Find out more about classes available by going to www.getice.com. There is no test and the class goes by quickly. The people there are very nice and make it fun.

 

You will feel on top of the world, because you will be trained to be helpful - just in case!

The Relaxation Center in Belmont Welcomes 2010 - Focus and Attitude Can Make It a Great Year!

I challenge you to make this coming year more meaningful. Last year I focused on Pilates and yoga classes.  At first it was very difficult and I could not believe how inflexible I was. I did a modified attempt in the beginning and built up to a more mid-range ability. I am pleased that I have been working on this. Yet, it is something that I have to keep working on. Too bad, I do not remain stretched out. I can see how Pilates and yoga can keep me moving much better for the remainder of life. It is like laundry- have to do it and it is nice when it is done.

I am focusing on getting the attitude of enjoying the journey. That may take some time but I know I can do it if I keep a positive attitude. One thing that I keep in my mind when the going gets tough is that the alternative of being tight is not as good for me.

I welcome new ideas for becoming a better person. Feel free to email or call with suggestions that work for you. Susan@TheRelaxationCenter.com or 650-591-2303.  Thank you.

Sincerely, Susan

Healthy Living Habit Resolutions

Here at the Relaxation Center we are always ready to work with you on the best programs for healthy living. We have tips for having a positive mental attitude - to massage, and exercises/stretches you can do at home.

 

Developing a desireable, health level can be easier when working with a health coach such as at The Relaxation Center. Step by step, progress is made and you will see the results and be a happier person. We all go at our own pace. Patience and persistance will get us there.

Call The Relaxation Center for your massage session and take the time to focus on improving. Feel the benefits of this expert bodywork. 650-591-2303

Get a Massage to Relieve Holiday Season Stress!

Holiday Greetings from Susan Fleming at The Relaxation Center in Belmont, California.  Healthy Living during the holiday season is a challenge for many of us.  In my massage therapy practice, I've found that making the time for a little exercise can make us feel happier. Exercise will provide us with a more positive mental attitude, an ability to have a few more calories and a great feeling of being more in shape.

Making the time to get a massage allows us time to focus on our well-being. While you are getting your massage, you will discover if you need to stretch more, if you need to do another type of exercise or if you need to perhaps make more fun time for yourself. Massage time is a perfect time to totally focus on your body, mind and spirit. Getting regular massage will make sure you are all connected and if not, what you can do to feel your best for daily life and for the holidays. 

Call or email your healthy holiday suggestions and I will put them in my next newsletter and on the website. Susan@TheRelaxationCenter.com or call 650-591-2303

Healthy Living Tips - What Are Yours?

At least once a month we will have a healthy tip to share with you - some about massage therapy - some on healthy living and more.  Contact us in Belmont at The Relaxation Center with your great suggestions for topics. We all want to feel our best and we can do this by sharing our knowledge.  Regards, Susan Fleming, Director at the Relaxation Center.

Good Posture is a Way of Life

Correct posture will make a person look better, feel better, and have more energy  - not to mention look more attractive and approachable!  Here are some hints on how to improve your posture.

Doing exercises to strengthen the back muscles will assist a person in having better posture. One has to use the back muscles. Focus on exercises that train the back muscles to pull back. If one does not train the back muscles to pull back, they won't have the strength to do the job. Then the poor posture starts or continues.

Some back exercises are very simple. It is doing them that takes discipline. The rewards are high and you will look better, feel better, have more energy and therefore be more attractive.

One great exercise that you can do almost anywhere is to simply stand up or sit up straight and put your arms out straight from your shoulders forming a "T" with your arms out from your sides and even with your shoulders. Then bend your arms in, so that you your hands are out in front of your elbows.  Your hands, arms and shoulders should be the same level. Then start to pinch your shoulder blades together and try to pinch a pea between your shoulder blades. Release the tension and do it again. Each pinch should last at least 5 seconds. Repeat this process until you can't do anymore. Do this once a day and you will see and feel the results very soon.

I will do another post with more exercises for posture. But for now - stand and sit at attention. When we do this we instantly have good posture. Did you know that when you choose good posture, you can get up to 30% more oxygen in your lungs and therefore will get more oxygen to your body and mind.  Until next time.....think tall!

Massage and The Right Gym Makes the Difference

The Relaxation Center info: Massage is just part of the total package to make your life the best it can be. The total package is massage, cardio workout, weight bearing exercise, stretching (yoga, pilates, etc.) good diet, enough sleep.....and a positive mental attitude.  

Today I'd like to focus on how going to a good gym is a key part of this package. A good gym will have the cardio, weight bearing exercise and stretching that you need. What makes a good gym? One of my favorite gym's is Golds Gym.  I go to Golds Gym in San Mateo and find it to be a clean place with great teachers.  The most important part is the quality of the teachers and trainers.

The teachers at Gold's are well qualified and inspirational. Mary, who teaches pilates, is an expert. Ben, who teaches yoga, is also one of the best teachers I have had in almost 25 years of taking classes.

The kind of classes that inspire you and make you feel good are the ones that make exercising fun. Just start one step at a time ....try one class, if you don't like it, try a different one - or maybe talk to the teacher afterward and get their advice. But don't give up. And if you want another opinion or advice, give me a call or send me an email. I'd be happy to help.

Happy Life Hint – Positive Mental Attitude

Every day we wake up with the choice to have a Positive Mental Attitude, also known as PMA. It is our choice to have PMA or not to. If we ask ourselves, "How is the world treating us"? And then ask ourselves, "How are we treating the world"? It is about the same.  Curious thoughts.

You know how beneficial deep body work is for you. Let your friends and family feel great too. Give them a business card or a gift certificate to start feeling great. Many people don't know about deep body work. They might have had a "massage" before, but understanding how great they can feel when the pain and unmovable body parts are trouble-free is another level. Pass the word on....

Take care of yourself - you are worth it!

"It's time you both feel and do your best!"

Welcome to my blog.... the focus is on BodyMind Coaching and Professional Massage Therapy

Why? People who receive massages regularly feel more balanced: mentally, emotionally and physically. Add feeling great to gaining clarity about your purpose, values and goals in life and you become unstoppable!

So, stay tuned .....