Hand to Health.com
  • Home
    • What Is Holistic Health?
    • Clinic Etiquette
    • FAQ
  • Your Therapist
    • Education & Experience
  • Client Testimonials
  • Services
    • Gift Certificates
    • Massage Therapy >
      • What is Massage Therapy?
      • Massage Therapy Articles & Links
    • Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Therapy
    • Clinical Reflexology >
      • What is Reflexology?
      • Reflexology Links & Articles
    • Reiki >
      • What is Reiki?
      • Reiki Classes
      • Reiki Long Distance
      • Reiki Links & Articles
    • Craniosacral Therapy >
      • Craniosacral Therapy Articles & Links
    • Spinal Touch >
      • A Spinal Touch Session
      • What is Spinal Touch?
      • Spinal Touch Links & Articles
    • Ayurvedic Sessions >
      • What is Ayurveda?
      • Ayurveda Links & Articles
    • Holistic Journey Sessions
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Calgary Covid19 and your Appointment
    • COVID 19 Infection Prevention and Control 2021 Update
  • Get in Touch
  • Home
    • What Is Holistic Health?
    • Clinic Etiquette
    • FAQ
  • Your Therapist
    • Education & Experience
  • Client Testimonials
  • Services
    • Gift Certificates
    • Massage Therapy >
      • What is Massage Therapy?
      • Massage Therapy Articles & Links
    • Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Therapy
    • Clinical Reflexology >
      • What is Reflexology?
      • Reflexology Links & Articles
    • Reiki >
      • What is Reiki?
      • Reiki Classes
      • Reiki Long Distance
      • Reiki Links & Articles
    • Craniosacral Therapy >
      • Craniosacral Therapy Articles & Links
    • Spinal Touch >
      • A Spinal Touch Session
      • What is Spinal Touch?
      • Spinal Touch Links & Articles
    • Ayurvedic Sessions >
      • What is Ayurveda?
      • Ayurveda Links & Articles
    • Holistic Journey Sessions
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Calgary Covid19 and your Appointment
    • COVID 19 Infection Prevention and Control 2021 Update
  • Get in Touch

WaterWise - Your Body Loves Summer Hydration

7/2/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
You've heard me suggest drinking extra water after your session, but do you know why your body needs Hydration?
I may make an extra suggestion during your session that your body (usually the skin) is telling me you’re not hydrated enough?  Keeping hydrated is a major keynote in getting your body to give you it’s best! Especially while venturing into the great outdoors through the summer months.


Read More
0 Comments

Massage Therapy for Younger People

11/28/2019

0 Comments

 
Massage Therapy for Hockey with Teresa Graham RMT, Calgary
The majority of my clients understand Massage Therapy to be a necessary  part of their health and wellness plans. Thankfully, those that use to view Massage as just a luxury are learning how helpful it can be. What I've been thrilled to witness in the past couple of years are the number of parents booking their teens and pre-teens in for Massage sessions with me. 

My own son was 10 when I started studying Massage Therapy and as a growing teen, student and hockey player, he received regular Massage sessions to keep his muscles flexible and fit. Growing pains and muscle spasms were resolved naturally. He was also introduced to a healthy way to relax and rejuvenate during exam time, hockey tournaments and the other stressors of growing.

Massage Therapy for Students with Teresa Graham, RMT Calgary
Sports, technology and studying place the same stress on kid's muscles as they do on adults. Posture suffers from bending over textbooks and computers in the same way it does when sitting at a desk job throughout the day. Neck, shoulder and upper back muscles become tight and tense, which can lead to pain and headaches, regardless of age. 

Many clients say they feel taller and stand straighter after their Massage. The head pulled forward and chin tucked over a phone, turns into shoulders and head back and in alignment, with the loosening of muscles. It creates better awareness of just how good proper posture can feel.

With the stress of school grades, bullying, peer pressure, sports tournaments... kids need to learn ways to relax and de-stress that are natural and healthy. What they learn through their teens as coping mechanisms will carry them through the adult years in the work force. It sets them up to succeed. 

While they may squirm at first because they are not familiar with the touch of Massage, young people soon become relaxed, calm and often fall asleep during their sessions. While easing muscle tension, massage also balances the hormones that are often raging during these years, boosts the immune system naturally, and encourages positive body awareness.
Picture
For the first session I often encourage parents to book young people in for 30 minutes rather than a longer session. It allows them to become familiar with how Massage Therapy feels, provides them a safe space to give feedback as to where they are sore or how much pressure they prefer with Massage. An adult is also always welcome to stay in the Massage room if that is what is more comfortable for a young person. Providing a space that feels safe is essential.

Massage Therapy Gift Certificates Teresa Graham, RMT Calgary
0 Comments

How I Change It Up ~ Summer to Autumn Selfcare

10/13/2019

0 Comments

 

Helping Body, Mind and Spirit transition selfcare through the seasons

 takes some thought and planning, but you can make it easier.
Autumn Selfcare Massage with Teresa Graham RMT in Calgary
Shifting Self Care from Summer to Autumn
Where I currently live Autumn comes roaring in with sudden colder temperatures and often some snow. Yet this season is still a favourite with the gorgeous colours of reds, oranges and yellows, and the crisp, fresh scents that permeate the air. My self-care routines do shift quite a lot for the Fall though, as I find myself spiraling inwards in both body and mind. 

Falling into Self-Care Activities

Self Care Activity for Autumn
Shimmies warm you from the inside out!
Outdoors is my go-to through most of the year if I'm not at work. While I still get out as much as I can the  chilling winds drive me indoors for many Autumn days.  That's when hiking and nature walks shift to Belly Dance. The music goes on, the hip scarves come out and I shimmy all over the house. It lifts my mood as much as a hike does.  The yoga mat moves from the grass to the carpet and I stretch in and out of myself after a good dance workout.

This isn't to say that I don't go outside. I consciously switch up my daily routines to experience as much exposure to daylight as I possibly can. The light on the forehead stimulates the pituitary gland which is important for increasing serotonin (mood stabilizer) production. That's to say nothing of the benefits from sunshine doses of Vitamin D and also, just how good it feels to be out in the fresh air. 

But I do admit that the biting cold wind drives me indoors as the season progresses.

Self Massaging Autumns Dryness Away

Massage is good for moisturizing Autumn dried skin with Teresa Graham, RMT CalgarySelf Massage rituals to moisturize your skin
This year the dry weather seems to have arrived a little earlier and my skin regime has already needed to change. Increased dry brushing to get rid of dead skin cells and LOTS of moisturizing. I make moisturizing a self-massage ritual. Usually coconut oil, blended with favourite essential oils and massaged into muscles, joints and skin. This increased and focused touch is a great way to improve body awareness plus skin that just feels good to live in.

For my scalp and hair I use warmed coconut or sesame oil to nourish and nurture. Wrapped up in a towel for a few hours my upper being absorbs all the goodness.

Lots and lots of Massage Therapy

Teresa Graham RMT in Calgary
Fall and winter are busy times for Massage Therapists and the need for my own muscle maintenance increases as my work load does. There are other reasons that I go more often for these essential, healthy sessions. With more clients coming in I ensure I am doing all that I can to keep my Immune system strong and healthy, and Massage Therapy helps with that. It also encourages me to relax and de-stress so that my sleep improves...all great immune boosting stuff!

With the shift in my activities I use my muscles in different ways and so those shimmying hips and dance leg muscles require some extra attention in staying loose and flexible.
Book Your Massage Appointment

Seasonal Eating Selfcare

Take care of you, naturally.Seasonal and Fresh foods for your dietary self care
Do you also prefer warm foods in your tummy when the weather is colder outside? There is nothing quiet like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. Or starting the day with a bowl of oatmeal and warmed fruit.

Preferring to buy local and fresh my self care nourishment includes lots of squash, kale, beets, carrots, apples and pears blended into stews, soups, oatmeal and other deliciousness. The addition of warming spices such as cinnamon, clove, curry, nutmeg speak to my soul this time of year.

Cozying up to Self Care

Cozy times for Autumn self care
The meditative rhythm of a cat purring = priceless
My cat is the main instigator of this self care change. As the weather becomes colder she loves to cuddle up and I have to admit that the rhythm of her purr is comforting and somewhat meditative. So in preparation some extra blankets are on the couch, scented candles and incense are nearby, along with some good books and spicy herbal teas. 

Cozy times also include more bath time than during the summer. There is nothing quite like allowing that hot and healing moist heat to fully embrace my skin, muscles and bones. Comforting scents of essential oils and herbal tea round out this sanctuary for me.

While  my garden is hibernating my creative interests also move indoors and kitty often likes to sit and watch as I craft, sew, make candles,lotions, etc. and she purrs in approval of quieter times.

How do your self care rituals change through the seasons?

When you have to stay indoors rather than be outside, what do you do for self care?

0 Comments

Spring Clean Yourself (Part 1) The Physical

4/27/2018

0 Comments

 
Peaceful surrounds with Teresa Graham, RMT
For many, Spring is the time of year to toss out the old and make room for the new! This tradition can help to create fresh energy that benefits both our physical and emotional wellbeing. The art of Feng Shui suggests that clutter in our home can bring clutter and stagnation into our lives. For myself, I find that physical clutter affects my mental calmness and clarity of mind.

For many years I have embraced the beautiful art of placement, Feng Shui, as it has brought so many positive energies into my home space. People will often comment that my home feels welcoming and peaceful. The sense of sanctuary, my space of peace that separates me from the rest of the world, the work, the noise pollution, the chaos... is essential to my wellbeing.

For this part of Spring Clean Yourself I will share what I have used in my physical space when practicing my own type of energy cleaning. Watch for Part 2 where we'll talk about emotional spring cleaning...even more important!

Reiki with Teresa Graham, Reiki Master, Calgary
Reiki in Calgary with Reiki Master Teresa Graham
Anything you don't absolutely LOVE!! The most important step. When you look around your home at the objects you have how do they make you feel? Do they offer positive thoughts, memories, associations? or do they bring your energy down?  Certainly there are the everyday mundane things we must have for day to day activities, however, if the can opener you're using is difficult to use and not doing it's job, how are you feeling as you open that can of food for you or your pet to ingest?

Take a look around and get rid of those things that don't work that well, that you've kept out of some sense of  doing the right thing, gifts that just don't fit (re-gift them to someone who will enjoy them). Once you've removed these things take a breath and notice how the energy in your home feels. Does it feel better?

creating sacred space
Once I've gone through all the stuff and cleaned everything then I often smudge my home or mist with a purification blend of essential oils to move out any old energy. Other regular activities can include:
-Opening all the windows for 15 minutes each day to allow stagnant air out and fresh air in
-Find natural scents that you enjoy and fill your space with candles, incense, oil diffusers or whatever works for you
-Before bringing anything new into your home take a moment to check into how it "feels". Do you love it? just like it? meh?
-Create corners of sacred space that bring you joy each time you see the contents. This could be photos, pictures, art work, plants, candles, crystals, etc. Whatever brings your heart joy.
-Smudge regularly as energy can get stuck in spaces. I usually choose just after the New Moon each month when energies are fresh and new

Coming next: Spring Clean Part 2 - Emotional/Mental cleaning
0 Comments

Reiki Classes & Reiki Exchange

3/8/2018

0 Comments

 
Reiki Classes Calgary and Chilliwack

​Teaching Reiki in Alberta and BC this Spring and Summer, below please find upcoming dates for Reiki Classes and Exchanges:

More Reiki Class Information
In Calgary
Reiki Level 1 Class - Sunday, April 22nd 9:30 to 5
Reiki Exchange - Sunday, April 22nd 2 to 4:30pm
​

In Chilliwack
Reiki Exchange - Sunday, May 6th 10:30 to 12:30
Reiki Classes - Level 1 or Level 2 - Sunday, Sept. 9th 9:30 to 5:30
Reiki Exchange - Sunday, Sept. 9th 2 to 4:30pm

0 Comments

Selfcare for Your Heart Health (1) ~ Let's keep it simple

2/4/2018

0 Comments

 
I don't know about you but sometimes I look at some of the selfcare tips and articles and they actually stress me out. I know that it's important to practice good selfcare, but how to juggle that with a busy life?

Not long ago I came up with some ideas for keeping Selfcare simple, making it work with my schedule so as to not be more stressful. Stress has a negative impact upon heart health and so it seemed ridiculous to me to be stressing out about my own selfcare.

When I first thought about my selfcare I created a list (yes, I'm one of those) of all the things that to me, were selfcare essentials that fit. That list was daunting in itself. I decided to take just 4 items from the list, that were important to me and make those my priority. Here is what I've been practicing...
Picture
Quiet Coffee Time
Not a morning person, I value quiet time when I first rise. My first selfcare essential was to recognize that...it's part of who I am. Also a coffee hound (only 2 cups a day but they must be good cups), I began taking the steps to set up the coffee maker the night before so that in the morning my coffee was ready and I could sit quietly in my space. Each morning I verbally thank myself for taking a few minutes the night before to do this. It may seem simplistic, but I began to notice a change in my thoughts in taking the few seconds to be thankful for my selfcare.

Picture
Skin Care
A recent move to Calgary has meant my skin adapting to the drier climate. Putting lotion on my skin has never been a priority as I've never really dealt with dry skin before...but now I have no choice, it can get so dry it hurts. Just taking the time to moisturize can be a moment of selfcare. For a few moments it takes you out of your head and connects you with your physical body. You can further the selfcare energy of this time by thinking or saying positive things about your body.

An example would me my gratitude for the strength in my hands and arms. It allows me to continue doing this work that I love, and also means I can give and receive strong, warm hugs. 

I took this selfcare ritual further by purchasing a naturally scented lotion. I love the smell of roses. The scent calms and centres me and leaves me feeling peaceful. So that few moments of moisturizing with rose scented lotion makes me feel nurtured physically and emotionally.

Picture
Healthy Foods
I do find, with my work being so physical, that at the end of my work day I am tired. Once every couple of months I put aside a day to make healthy and nutritious freezer meals. Such a treat when I get home and can just pop something into the oven! I feel so much gratitude for my having the foresight to make sure I am eating healthy meals. I make ahead meals for breakfast and lunches as well so that throughout the day I am feeding my body well. 

Picture


​And my fourth daily ritual for selfcare is drinking something natural and healthy before going to bed. I try to end my day in the same quiet contemplative space that I started it with.

The benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar and natural Honey are many (the picture shows a few). While I sip I take a few moments to think about a few things I'm grateful for from the day and I thank myself for taking some time to take these steps toward selfcare.

Those are my four daily selfcare steps...which may not seem like a lot but have had a huge impact in reducing my stress levels and increasing self esteem. I'm grateful to myself for taking the time to do just these things. It has encouraged me to do more in the way of selfcare on those days that I have time, but to not let it stress me out if this is all that I get done.

Have you made the Selfcare list? How can you make it simpler for you?
Did you know that when we take the time for selfcare we teach our children how important it is?
0 Comments
    Picture

    Teresa Graham,
    ​RMT,  D.I.Hom
     

    Immersed in Holistic Health activities both personally and as a career I find it a path of continual learning...there's so much to share! More about me...

    View my profile on LinkedIn

    RSS Feed

    Tweets by @handtohealth

    Archives

    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013

    Categories

    All
    25 Years Of Reiki
    Abbotsford
    Abbotsford Belly Dance
    Abbotsford Mother's Day
    Abbotsfordreiki
    Abbotsfordreikiclasses
    Allowing
    Allowing Joy
    Angel Guides
    Anxiety
    Aromatherapy
    Aromatherapy Recipe Book
    Arthritis
    Autumn Massage Therapy
    Autumn Selfcare
    Ayurvedic Massage
    Back Pain
    Basic Belly Dance
    Belly Dance For Joy
    Better Sleep
    Body Awareness
    Bodymind
    Boundaries
    Boundary Violation
    Brentwood In Calgary NW
    Bugz Off
    Calgary
    Calgary Craniosacral Therapy
    Calgary Healers
    Calgary Massage Therapy
    Calgary Reflexology
    Calgary Reiki Classes
    Calgary Reiki Treatments
    Calgary RMT
    Celebrate You
    Chilliwack
    Chilliwack Belly Dance
    Chilliwack Reiki Classes
    Cool Flash
    Covid19
    Creating Sacred Space
    Depression
    Embracing Change
    Emotional Spring Cleaning
    Empowering
    Empowering Women
    Energy
    Environmentally Friendly
    Essential Oil Recipes
    Fabric Shopping Bags
    Feel Better
    Fraser Valley Belly Dance
    Gift Certificates
    Gift Ideas
    Gifts Of Health
    Gratitude
    Hand To Health
    Headache
    Healing
    Health And Wellness
    Healthy Living
    Heart Health
    Heel Pain
    Holiday Stress
    Holistic Abbotsford
    Holistic Approach
    Holistic Aproach
    Holistic Balance
    Holistic Calgary
    Holistic Challenge
    Holistic Chilliwack
    Holistic Health
    Holistic Wisdom
    Hydration
    Hypnotherapy
    Immune Booster
    Indian Head Massage
    Insomnia
    Intuition
    Intuitive Approach
    January 2020
    Joint Pain
    Journey
    Joy
    Just Breathe
    Keep Moving
    Langley
    Langley Belly Dance
    Learn Reiki
    Leg Massage
    Letting Go
    Love
    Massage
    Massage Appointment
    Massage Therapy
    Mind
    Mind Body Spirit
    Mission Belly Dance
    Money Beliefs
    Mother Nature
    Mother's Day Specials In Abbotsford
    Natural Health
    Neck Pain
    NW Calgary Massage Therapy
    Outdoor Wellness
    Pamper Me Package
    Panic Attacks
    Parenting
    People Pleasing
    Plantar Faciitis
    Post Covid Isolation
    Reflexology
    Reiki
    Reiki And Letting Go
    Reiki Classes
    Reiki For Babies
    Reiki For Parents
    Relaxation
    Reopening
    Rose Water Massage
    Sad
    Safe
    Seasonal Affective Disorder
    Selfcare
    Self Care
    Selfcare Made Easy
    Self Care Rituals
    Selfesteem
    Self Exploration
    Self Love
    Shoveling Snow
    Spinal Touch Therapy
    Spirit Guides
    Stress
    Summer Hydration
    Tarot Readings
    Teresa Graham RMT
    The Big Sigh
    The Hips
    The Varsity Clinic
    Valentine's Special Sessions
    Varsity In CalgaryNW
    Wednesdaywisdom
    Wellness For Women
    Women's Health
    Yoga Classes
    Yyc

Teresa Graham, RMT

Registered Massage Therapy and Holistic Health Sessions
#6 4624 Varsity Drive NW
Calgary
Contact
Book Online
Est. 1994
Massage Therapy
​Prenatal & Postnatal Massage Therapy

Reflexology
Reiki - Treatments
Reiki - Classes
Craniosacral Therapy

Spinal Touch
Ayurvedic Massage & Sessions
Check out Teresa Graham, RMT on Yelp
Massage Therapy Calgary NW with Teresa Graham, RMT

Teresa's Monthly enews

Keep up to date on monthly featured sessions, special dates and offers, natural health articles, ideas and recipes. Your email address will not be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe

* indicates required
Copyright © Teresa Graham, RMT 2013. All rights reserved
Photos used under Creative Commons from W J (Bill) Harrison, Parker Knight, amy paterson, vastateparksstaff, larrywkoester, simonov, Melody Campbell, Parker Knight, W J (Bill) Harrison, Cast a Line, shannonkringen, StandUPP, kenteegardin, Lippy: No Gloss admin, cyberpunk65, Nieve44/Luz, porschelinn, mcfarlandmo, Kirsty Topping, Charline Tetiyevsky, Eduards Pulks, TraumaAndDissociation, chripell, supermattzor, TraumaAndDissociation, torbakhopper, Travel Salem, THE Holy Hand Grenade!, Theodore Scott, Kirsty Topping, Tim Berger