Spring Renewal

Spring is here and nature is coming alive after a long, winter slumber. Maybe you can feel that natural transition from the yin (restful) energy, to one of the yang energy (active) within your own bodies. Maybe you’re feeling a little more energized as you begin to wake up and shake off your own winter slumber.

According to Chinese Medicine, Spring is a time of renewal and an ideal time for creating, cleansing, and moving. It is associated with the Liver and Gallbladder organs, which means it is a great time to release emotions that no longer serve you and help support the function of these two organs. When the liver is out of balance it may show up in symptoms such as; headaches, depression, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, and high blood pressure, to name a few. With simple lifestyle adjustments, we can harmonize our liver and ensure we are living in sync with nature, which will allow our own health to thrive.

1. Get Moving: Just like nature, we too should feel the energy of Spring season and get moving! Movement helps support the Liver energy and get blood, lymph and circulation going. Walking, yoga, daily stretches are all excellent ways to support your body this spring.

2. Detox: Everything we eat and drink is processed by the liver. Thought of as the commanding general in the body, the liver has over 500 responsibilities in the body and is our main organ for detoxification. Support this detoxification process with some epsom salt baths, take to an infrared sauna, soak your feet in epsom salt/baking soda, get a reflexology session to help support the detoxification process.

3. Get Outside: Let nature rejuvenate you this spring and get outside. Reconnecting with Mother Nature not only soothes the liver energy, but it has been proven to decrease stress. With the warmer temps, Spring is a wonderful time to take in your fair share of fresh air and let nature revitalize you.

4. Think Green: One of the best ways to support your liver is with green foods. Leafy greens like chard, lettuce, kale, dandelion are all beneficial for detoxification and helping support the liver. Moving away from the heavy, winter foods, Spring is a great time to lighten up your diet by introducing a few raw or lightly cooked meals.

5. Let Go: In addition to filtering everything we physically consume, our liver is also the filter for our emotions. When the liver is taxed, frustration, anger, resentment, and jealousy, can show up more frequently. Practice letting go of emotions that no longer serve you by meditating, journaling, or any other ritual that resonates with you to practice the release of emotions.

6. Acupuncture: Regular Acupuncture treatments will help support the smooth flow of Qi and stuck energy and support the function of the Liver/Gallbladder. Acupuncture will help support your body’s natural ability to heal and decrease debilitating symptoms associated with the Spring Season.

Getting To Know You - Karen Hayes Lic. AC., MAOM

Your background in health and wellness is extensive. Can you tell us a little bit about how you first discovered your passion for wellness?

I think my passion for wellness began as a more general passion for helping people – which showed itself first in the form of teaching, which I did for years.  As far as the wellness side of things, I suspect this began with an exploration into my own health challenges – how and where to look for guidance and healing, both inside the world of western as well as complementary forms of medicine.

And how did this path lead you to a career in Chinese Medicine?

My interest in Asia has been a part of my natural curiosity since I was a child.  This in part led me to live in Japan in my 20’s, and intensified my connection with Eastern culture and sensibilities.  That combined with my own eventual experience receiving Chinese medical care in the form of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine led me to take the plunge into a 4 year masters degree which would allow me to practice myself.

Your Buddhist training in practicing as well as teaching Mindfulness/Meditation are a big part of your life and inform your Acupuncture practice. Can you tell us a little bit about this?

Sure.  One of the ways it informs my practice is in the way I endeavor to be with my patients (a by product of my own personal practice and study): the aspiration to be present, authentic, compassionate, and to listen deeply.  In other ways, I often suggest a meditation or mindfulness practice to patients for whom it seems appropriate– knowing first hand of its contribution to wellbeing. And may suggest a simple tool or technique during their treatment.

Are they any other tools, aside from needles, that you use in your Acupuncture practice?

Yes.  Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, moxabustion, food therapy, lifestyle counseling are all parts of my toolbox in the treatment room.

What do you love most about what you do?

Connecting with people, building authentic relationships, and offering a path for building and maintaining a more harmonious sense of health and wellbeing.

If someone is new to Acupuncture, what can they expect at an Initial Session with you?

A lot of things!  First, some paperwork :) As this is a whole system of medicine, it’s very important to know about your health history, as well as where you find yourself presently.  

Secondly we talk about what you’ve taken care and time to write down for me.  And I’ll ask a number of questions.

To further understand your particular pattern diagnosis, I take your pulse, on both wrists –a very important pillar of diagnosis in Chinese medicine.  As well as look at your tongue – another wealth of information.

From there I formulate a treatment plan, and we begin!  After the needles are inserted, you rest. When I return to remove the needles we discuss a treatment plan, and when it’s best for you to return.  

When I feel it’s beneficial I prescribe herbs.  However, I typically do not do this at your first appointment, as I like to see how you respond to the acupuncture alone, first.

Of course, the most common question we get when talking about Acupuncture is 'does it hurt?'

Much of the time there is little to no sensation when the needle is first inserted.  However, it is actually beneficial to feel “qi” on the needle once it’s been inserted - which may be experienced as a dull, achy sensation lasting a few seconds.  If there ever is a needle that is uncomfortable, I ask patients to let me know, and I can make a slight adjustment.

This ancient medicine, which is possibly 3,000-5,000 years old (accounts vary), has been proven to treat a myriad of imbalances in the body. Can you tell us some of the more common disorders you treat?

Yes, Chinese Medicine is a whole system of medicine unto itself – which means that in theory it treats any condition.  The only condition we are not legally able to treat in this country is cancer. However, we are able to treat side effects from cancer treatment, as well as pain management or other associated symptoms of the disease.

Some of the most common conditions I treat are related to:

Digestion

Insomnia

Musculoskeletal pain/injuries

Mental Health (anxiety, depression)

Stress Management

Women’s health (PMS, menopause, IVF, pregnancy wellness, labor induction)

Allergies

Colds

Addiction Recovery Support

Headaches/Migraines

Tell us 2 things we don’t know about you.

1. I spent one month in silent meditation in retreat.

2. I’ve traveled around the world.

How do you nourish yourself so you can keep on giving in all aspects of your life?

Good question!  It is not always easy, but I do my best to eat well, and sleep well. Taking walks has always been a refuge, and sitting meditation is imperative.  Attending to important relationships is also a big part of how I aspire to keep things in perspective.

Karen holds a Masters Degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA and is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist in the Commonwealth of MA. She holds a Diploma of Oriental Medicine nationally. Karen brings with her 12 years of clinical experience.

*Book with Karen on Tuesdays, Fridays + Saturdays

We're Hiring

We are growing and looking for a few exceptional practitioners and support staff to add to our Team of Excellence. This is a positive and supportive work environment, with a collaborative mission to create a healthier community through complementary, holistic treatments. Seeking passionate practitioners and support staff who are self-motivated, yet understand the value in collaborating with a team, and have a positive, winning attitude. We work hard at Therapeutic Bodywork - but when you’re doing what you love, it should feel like FUN.

Generous commission, benefits package included and full office support make TB an exceptional place to work. Oh, and did we mention that we are turning business away year-round?

Please send resume and cover letter to: massagecapecod@gmail.com. No phone calls, please.

Reception Help: We are seeking 6+ hours a week for Reception Help, weekday evenings, to begin immediately. Must LOVE attention to detail, have the ability to multi-task and thrive at customer service. This position can lead to more responsibilities that can be done remotely or with flexible hours.

Holistic Esthetician: Seeking an experienced Esthetician who is self-motivated, dependable, passionate about skin care and must align with our health and wellness brand. Using high-end, organic, but results driven products - these are not your ordinary facials. We are all about cultivating an experience - so if you like working on an assembly line, this position is NOT for you. Offering Facials, Gentle Hair Removal, Eyelash/Eyebrow Tinting, Body Treatments. Part-time position available - MUST be available Saturdays.

Reflexologist: Our Reflexology program is booming and we are ready to add another extraordinary Reflexologist to our roster. Must be well versed in using Reflexology to treat chronic and acute health conditions and have the ability to educate clients and community about the benefits of Reflexology. Must be self-starter and take an active role in collaborating for the overall success of the practice. Seeking an experienced Reflexologist who is ready to grow with us.

Massage Therapist: Seeking experienced and passionate Massage Therapist to join our team. Turning business away year-round, we are always recruiting the highest of excellence to work with us. While we value and appreciate diverse styles of bodywork, our clients are typically seeking ‘therapeutic and deep’ work. A solid understanding of Anatomy & Physiology is mandatory. This is NOT an ‘assembly line’ kind of operation. We emphasize connection with each client and schedule time accordingly. Availability on Saturdays is required - opportunity to be as busy as you want!

Acupuncturist: Seeking an Acupuncturist with a heart-centered and compassionate approach to their client care. Huge opportunity for the right candidate to step into this budding practice with a full client list. Focus on women’s health, fertility, pain management and degree in herbal medicine is a plus. Must excel at client retention and be willing to take an active role in collaboration for the overall success of the practice. Two treatment rooms, support staff, internal referrals make this an incredible opportunity for the right team player. 3 days available to start. This position is in coordination with existing Acupuncturist.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Small Habits to Cultivate More Self-Love

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Traditionally our focus is on showering those we love with love. While this is beautiful, more often than not we are better at loving others than we are at loving ourselves. Many of us are much more comfortable expressing love to others than we are expressing love to ourselves. But, the truth is - all love starts with self-love. Self-love is the prerequisite to receiving and giving the abundant flow of love around us.

The term self-love is popping up everywhere and is creating quite a buzz in the world of health and wellness. As a culture, we are beginning to recognize the value in loving ourselves and prioritizing our self-care. We have come to learn that without the practice of self-love, we cannot truly feel compassion and love for others. But, how do we cultivate self-love?

Self-love is both an act and an attitude. It takes practice and patience and builds out of our thoughts and actions. The most important thing to remember about your self-love practice is that it is just that - a practice. Some days it may feel easier than others, but eventually, it will start to flow through you.

Small Habits to Cultivate More Self-Love

Practice Self-Care: Self-Care doesn’t have to look like a massage every week or a luxurious bubble bath every night. (although we think those things are great!) Self-care is all about the little ways you nourish yourself on a daily basis; the act of showing love to yourself. It can be as simple as making a healthy, delicious breakfast to nourish your body. Perhaps you carve out a few minutes in your busy day to do a meditation or you bring yourself to bed a bit earlier. Self-care might look different for everyone, so explore how it is that you like to nourish every part of your being - every day.

Forgive Yourself: We hold ourselves to this unrealistic metric of perfection. Let it go. We are not perfect. Life is all about opportunities to learn and grow - that’s what mistakes are. If you struggle with this one, perhaps you can try to write down something you’re holding onto on a piece of paper. Take the paper and burn it, throw it in the fire, to symbolize the act of letting it go. When things bubble up, acknowledge these feelings and say to yourself, ‘I’m grateful for these mistakes and opportunities to learn and grow from them. I can let them go now.’

LOVE Your Body: Treating your body like the loving vessel it is will not only boost your self-love, but will elevate your mood, your energy and your well being. Nourish your body with nutrient-rich, wholesome foods. Drink clean water and teas. The better we treat our bodies, the better they will perform for us. And the better they perform, the better we will feel. Period.

Create a Self-Love Ritual: Identify something or some way you can love yourself on a daily basis. Maybe it’s applying your favorite lotion after the shower? Maybe it’s shutting the TV of 15 minutes earlier and preparing yourself for bed. Find a simple, practical way to practice a self-love ritual on a daily basis and do it religiously and mindfully.

Find Your Positive People: Surround yourself with people who make you feel good, love you for who you are and help raise you up. We all have those people in our lives who like to bring us down or inadvertently suck our energy. Find the people in your life who help you be the best version of yourself and keep them close.

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

Discover the Healing Power of Gentle Touch  

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is a light touch approach that can release tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CranioSacral Therapy is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

·       Chronic Neck and Back Pain

·       Headaches

·       Central Nervous System Disorders

·       Stress and Tension-Related Problems

·       Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

·       Neurovascular or Immune Disorders      

What can I expect from a Session?

A CranioSacral Therapy session takes place in a private quiet setting, on a padded table while you remain fully clothed. With carefully listening hands and a gentle touch, the practitioner monitors the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your nervous system.  The areas of weak fluid flow or tissue motion are located and traced back to the original source of dysfunction. Light touch manual techniques will be used to release the problem areas and improve the function of your central nervous system.  Sessions are generally deeply relaxing and restorative.

Sessions Available with Palma Puzzuoli, – Mondays, Thursdays and some Saturdays