Calgary Massage Therapy - Blogs By Teresa Graham, RMT - Hand to Health.com

The Art of Reiki ~ in Abbotsford

9/24/2014

This Saturday will be filled with the ancient art of Reiki at Handtohealth!
Gentle, non-invasive, healing, relaxing, harmonizing…join me!

There are 3 Reiki happenings:

1) A Reiki Level 1 Class - the first step in learning to share this ancient healing art with yourself and another. You’ll find all the information by clicking here . A certificate class that will run throughout the day. $200 (plus gst)

2) Reiki Reattunement – some find it helpful to experience the final attunement of Reiki 1 a second time. They have said that it reaffirms, for them, their connection to this universal gift. This will be offered from 12:30 to 5:30. You will have the opportunity to revisit the steps to a session both for yourself and to share with others, exchange a session with another student or practitioner and finally experience a reattunement. Cost $100 (plus gst)

3) The Reiki Exchange will take place from 2 to 4 and is an opportunity to both give and receive a Reiki session with another. Cost $8

Saturday, September 27th

For all happenings linen will be provided as will herbal tea, organic coffee and home-baked organic treats.
Pre-registration is require and you can contact me at handtohealth@gmail.com to do that.

September Rose Petals & Moisturizing!

9/11/2014

Two wonderful health session for YOU in September!

1~ Rose Water Nurturing

I spent the other day creating Rose Water. My home was filled with this beautiful, nurturing scent as the rose petals steeped in water. The petals were soft, delicate and beautifully scented and have created an equally delicate scented water that nurtures the skin.

For the remainder of September 2014 enjoy the scent of Roses or your session in one of the following ways:

Blended into Jojoba Oil for a facial massage and and coconut oil for an
Indian Head Massage $50
A Rose lotion hand massage $25

(I've also bottled the Rose water if you would like to purchase a treat to take home with you!)

MOISTURIZE !
After a very hot and dry August your skin is likely as parched as the earth. Hot and dry weather is hard on the body's largest organ. So here is a special session offered during September 2014 to help!

Moisturize from top to toe! This special session includes:

~ A herbal foot bath to soothe dry and tired skin while you sip vitamin water or tea

~ An Indian Head Massage with nurturing coconut and essential oils

~ A top to toe Relaxation Massage with moisturizing gel and essential oils

~ A creamy moisturizing foot massage

Plan to be here for 2 to 2 1/2 hours Cost: $155

ALLOWING JOY ~ with a playshop

8/8/2014

Does the look on this child's face make you break out in a smile? It sure did for me. What I notice is how often I witness this exhuberant joy in children but not as often do I see it in adults. It leaves me wondering why?

I do have the joy of experiencing this kind of enthusiasm for life
when I teach dance and I think it is because the women that come to class have the opportunity to forget, for just a little while, all the stresses and responsibilities of life. In the safe environment of the studio, for just a short time, it doesn't matter who they are in day to day life, what "hats" are worn, whether they are thin, chubby, tall, short, had a bad hair day, can't make the contacts go in,...none of it matters, none of it is noticed.

(While I hear others say that this is rarely seen these days, I'm blessed to be surrounded at these classes by the least judgemental and most supportive women that I have ever met) In that "freedom" I am witness to these ladies playfully enjoying the camaraderie of each other as they experience and express their creativity together (oh yes, and have the fitness benefits too.) I do get to see smiles like these and it is a blessing.

In the pure joy of others, be they children or adults, the surrounding energy is uplifting. It feels great to be around happy people. But why do you think it is seen less often in adults?
In a society where it seems that to "be too busy" is worn as a badge of honour, or where one needs to feel overwhelmed, burned out and totally stressed in order to fit in and relate to others, are we forgetting the benefits of adding Joy to life? Of taking time to play? and if so, why?

The healing benefits of laughter and joy can not be underestimated. The feel good chemicals and endorphins released in the body are essential to good health of body, mind and spirit. My great-nephew often asks me why I laugh so much, I ask him "why
not?"

It does not take a lot of effort to choose joy. It may take some time to explore and discover what brings you joy at this stage in your life, but the adventure and exploration can be joyful in itself AND it is worth the time it takes.

I'm told that when I dance or teach dance, I glow. I haven't noticed that aspect of it but what I do notice is that the rest of my world goes away for a while and I can lose myself in the joy of the music, the movement and the time I am spending with others. When teaching and I happen to notice that smile, or sparkle of joy in the eye of a student, I know that I do glow on the inside...it warms my heart to see another person in that moment of joy.

Here is an opportunity to experience some pure JOY!
In a one hour playshop we will put on some inspiring music and just move! I'll share some very basic and easy belly dance moves that we can playfully put into combinations. We will bump our hips, twirl with veils and most importantly enjoy the experience of moving in a safe and fun environment.

YOU will play at the speed and level of movement that works for YOUR body. This playshop is for every woman regardless of size, age or fitness level! No dance experience is required. I can guarantee that this one hour of play will bring a smile to your lips!

Playshop size is limited so please register early. Wear comfortable clothing, bring some water and even the smallest desire or motivation to have some fun.
Saturday, August 23rd 10:00 to 11:00am and/or Wednesday, Sept. 3rd 6 to 7
Cost: $5.00

2 Special Coupons to help you be Holistically Healthy!

7/20/2014

Are YOU ready to explore new ways towards holistically good health! Here are some special coupons to help you on the way! You do not have to be a Facebook Friend to use them! Book Now!

Healing Heel Pain with Reflexology

6/29/2014

What is Plantar Faciitis?

A pain in the bottom of the heel that is becoming more of a problem for many people!
For those dealing with this condition it’s usual to experience sharp pain first thing in the morning (which may or may not improve through the day) and again in the evening after resting.

If you study the structure of the foot and it’s biomechanics it all makes sense. There is a band called the plantar fascia that runs from the ball of the foot to the heel. This band doesn’t stretch easily and when it is forced beyond it’s “elastic limits” it can tear at it’s weakest insertion point, the heel bone.

There are many sites with information about Plantar Fasciitis and what causes it…let’s explore what can be done to help heal it. (this is assuming that you have a correct diagnosis)

Natural Solutions for Plantar Faciitis

* Reflexology benefits this condition because it relaxes and stretches the muscles of the foot and the calf. Through specific techniques it also increases circulation to the area…and increased circulation always brings healing oxygen and nutrients to the area, while at the same time taking away toxins. It will likely take a few treatments to help the area to heal…you didn’t develop this condition overnight so be patient with your foot.

* Some times what feels like Plantar Fasciitis isn’t that at all, but instead is actually referred pain caused by tightness in the calf muscle, especially the Soleus. Be sure to have your muscles assessed … if the Soleus is the cause then no amount of treatment to the plantar fascia is going to release it.

* Any term that ends in “itis” means inflammation and Ice is a great help with reducing that. Applying an ice pack to the bottom of the foot, placing your foot on a bag of frozen peas or rolling a can of frozen juice under your foot all help to ice the area BUT remember that ice causes things to contract (like muscles) so BEFORE you get up and move around take a break from the ice and let some warmth return to the muscles.

* Stretching & strengthening the plantar muscles is vital. When something hurts we tend to want to keep it still but these muscles need to be worked (gently!) to begin healing. Warm them up in a foot bath (with Epsom salts to help reduce soreness) and then scrunch your toes, flex them, pick up pebbles with your toes starting with golf ball size and gradually working with smaller ones…

* REST! The area needs to be given a break…this is when you really need to just “put your feet up”! If you have to be up on your feet be sure that you are wearing shoes with a lot of support, especially in the arch. When walking the only part of your foot that should be moving is where the ball of the foot meets the toes.

“Reflexology is a foot-focused therapy that I think is more than just a relaxing spa treat. It’s a health-supporting treatment. I’ve
prescribed Reflexology for Plantar Fasciitis and other foot and ankle problems,
with good results.” Dr Andrew Weil

I HAVE HAD GREAT RESULTS FROM REFLEXOLOGY TO TREAT WHAT I
THOUGHT WAS A HEELSPUR. BUT I AM FINDING MY LEG MUSCLE IS GETTING SO MUCH BETTER. THANKS TERESA!
~ WENDY

Teresa was trained through the Reflexology Association of Canada and has been practicing Reflexology since 1994. Clients have experienced amazing results from this gentle, holistic health session. Learn more by visiting this page

November's Krazy Legs!

11/11/2013

When your feet and legs hurt your body hurts BUT when the muscles in
your feet and legs are loosened and stretched and blood and energy circulate freely….your WHOLE body feels GREAT!

Enjoy November’s KRAZY LEGS SPECIAL!

A massage session that blends soothing and relaxing with energizing and uplifting from the top of your legs to the tips
of your toes, the front the back, the knees and the ankles!

A 45 minute session that will have you jumping off the table and dancing down the street.

You may also choose to have the KRAZY LEGS essential oil blend of Lavender, Spearmint and Tangerine added to your session!

Regularly $65
for the month of November enjoy your session for
Only $50!

**Please note: Gst will be added to the price. Your session must be booked and received between Nov.1 & 30, 2013.
Gift Certificates can not be used towards or purchased for monthly health session specials.

Book your Appointment!

October's Special will make you say ahhhhhh!

10/9/2013

OCTOBER’S Experiential Healthy Session Special
Indian Head Massage

Said to be the most relaxing form of Massage you can Experience:

~ An overall sense of well-being
~ a sense of calm that revitalizes and uplifts the spirit, creating a more balanced state of being
~ increased blood circulation to the head, bringing more oxygen to the brain, improving conditions of the scalp and easing mental tiredness
~ relief of stress and tension in the muscles of the face, neck and shoulders
~ headache relief
~improved flow of energy in the upper 3 chakras
October 1 to 31, 2013 Book and receive your session for only $30 (with oil $45)

Please note that your session must be booked and received between October 1 & 31, 2013. Gift Certificates may not be purchased for or used towards monthly Health Session Specials

Book your Indian Head Massage appointment in Langley or in Chilliwack (click here)

Watch an Indian Head Massage session (mini-session)

Indian Head Massage Workshop ~ with Teresa

Learn this beautiful holistic technique!

Saturday, November 2nd 3 to 5pm
$40
For more information, please click here (pre-register by Oct. 26th)
Pre-register with payment by Oct. 15th and receive a complimentary Ayurvedic music selection CD

Treat YOUR Feet ~ Sept.24to28

9/17/2013

Are
your feet hesitant to move out of sandals and back into
shoes?

Click here to read a wonderful article that I read recently
about the importance of Foot care "Your Fabulous Functional Feet: Simple Ways to Show Them Some Love"

Something Special for your Feet Sept. 24 to 28, 2013

Your session begins with an Aromatherapy Foot Bath to which detoxifying mineral salts have been added. Time to sit back, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, sip some water and let the relaxation begin!

Next sit back in comfort and enjoy a Knee to Toe Massage OR a Foot Reflexology session

Finally allow your skin to hydrate as moisturizing lotion is massaged into your muscles from knees to toes, then wrapped up in a soft and cozy towel while you sit, relax and sip some water.

Langley ~ Sept. 24th, 26th & 28th
Chilliwack ~ Sept. 25th & 27th

Only $50 (plus gst)
(regularly $75) A 32% saving!
Book Early handtohealth@gmail.com

July's Rejuvenating Reiki

7/10/2013

The month of July is all about Reiki with Healthy session specials, classes and an upcoming crystal grid workshop!

What is Reiki? (click to read more)

The bursting of summer light always increases my mindfulness of
Reiki and it’s beautiful, warm energies…something we can all
attune to.

July’s Health Session Special

The Reiki Series
An ancient Japanese healing art, Reiki has a profound effect on balancing
your inner and outer energies, healing Mind, Body & Spirit.

The best way to effect a change in our physical and emotional well-being through Reiki is to have 3 to 4 sessions close together, optimally over 3 to 4 days. While the optimal doesn’t fit into everybody’s busy schedule the following Reiki specials are designed to work for YOU!

Special #1 ~ The single Reiki session for the month of July enjoy your session for only $60 (plus gst)

Special #2 ~ Clear out the old and set up and reaffirm the new with The Threesome: 3 Reiki sessions for $155 (plus gst)

Special #3 ~ Because they go so well together and clients love this…The Reiki Massage: Combining Relaxation Massage and Reiki energy for 1 1/2 hours of harmonious bliss. $95 (plus gst)

Your session(s) must be booked and received between July 1st and August 15, 2013. Gift Certificates may not be used towards or purchased for monthly sessions.

Reiki Classes
Reiki Level 1 ~ Saturday, July 27th (more information click here)

Reiki Level 2 ~ Saturday, August 24th (more information click here)
More about Level 2 Reiki ~ The Journey Continues

Reiki Level 3 ~ Saturday, August 31st (more information click here)

Reiki Exchange: Saturdays August 10th & September 7th, 12:30 to 2:30 pm
For Reiki students and practitioners to exchange and practice sessions with each other. If you have completed at least your Reiki Level 1 you are welcome to come and share an afternoon of exchange. An opportunity to give and receive sessions, ask questions and enjoy the quiet energy. Space is limited, please pre-register.
Cost $7.00/ session (includes refreshments and linens). Please let me know when you pre-register if you have a portable table that you are able to share.

NEW Crystal Grid Workshop
Saturday, September 7th ~ watch upcoming posts for more information!

Read more about Reiki ~ The Universal Gift

A Reiki Master since 1996, I follow the traditional Usui method of Reiki in both the sessions shared with clients and classes shared with students.
The practice of Reiki has become a daily way of living gently and lovingly upon the earth and is just a natural part of sharing love with my family (including pets), friends, clients and the world around me.
One major benefit I find in the practice of Reiki is the ability (after taking the 2nd degree) to send Reiki to others. On the rare occasions that I do watch the news and witness some of the tragedies that are reported locally and around the world I am able to send Reiki out to hopefully help and heal those that are injured from earthquake, war, tsunami, etc. and I am honoured, that in some small way, I can share the gift that is Reiki. The comment often made is “you seem so calm” and Reiki would be the reason for that sense of peace within.