Most of California did not see a white Christmas, but it looks like we will see a white Spring! The system that gave us rain here in the Bay Area also resulted in a blanket of powder up in the mountains. Check out SFGate’s Snow Gallery that includes before and after shots of the latest (and only) storm. Better late than never, I suppose.
A client of mine had bought a season pass earlier in the winter, so he was going up and skiing on man-made snow through December and January. He complained of his aching muscles that he hadn’t tested on skis in many years. It reminded me of my sore spots the last time I cross-country skied. So, I thought I would do a little research on exercises that can be done before we hit the slopes that may make it a little easier for us once we are up there (or maybe more importantly, when our day is over).
Of what I found, I liked this YouTube video by Sarah Fit the best. She keeps it simple and does a great demo.
If you want more ideas to improve your leg strength before you go out, check out this workout, specifically designed for skiers by skiers.
If you are looking to improve your form and better utilize your entire body in skiing, I recommend the book Skiing with the Whole Body by Jack Heggie, who is a Feldenkrais practitioner.
SFGate also reminded us that we have a slightly less strenuous and less expensive way to get in our snow fun by sledding. Two resorts are offering slopes up just for that, including my favorite, Homewood, which has one of the best views of any resort.
In any case, after your 1st day out on the slopes, nothing feels better than a warm bath. Why not add some epsom salts to help ease any muscles that may be speaking up?
I have been offering massage as a Certified Massage Therapist since 2003 and currently have 700+ hours of training. I thrive to offer a massage that is catered to your specific needs and wishes. I tend to work deeply and anatomically, but also have many clients that require a lighter touch. For more information, please check my website.
The folks over at the USC School of Social Work checked in with me recently about my changes for New Year’s. Have I been keeping my resolutions? For better or worse, two of three of my resolutions this year are not black and white, so they can’t really be tested that well. But I am feeling pretty good about myself, as I feel mindful and on a good path of fitness. Apparently, I will be with about half of the population that makes resolutions if I have kept them through June, since only 50% of people keep their resolutions for 6 months. Check out their infographic which shows some statistics about resolutions and also has some useful suggestions on how to keep them.
I have been offering massage as a Certified Massage Therapist since 2003 and currently have 700+ hours of training. I thrive to offer a massage that is catered to your specific needs and wishes. I tend to work deeply and anatomically, but also have many clients that require a lighter touch. For more information, please check my website.
Several friends have asked me about New Year’s resolutions. I was already thinking about it and this year, the New Year happened to coincide with big change for me. Last year, I used Anaïs Nin as my guide for thinking about the New Year. Instead of making resolutions, I hoped to cultivate reflection and change in my daily life.
This year, as the mother of an infant, reflection and change have indeed become a large part of my every day life. And my daughter is in the driver’s seat on the path. One of the biggest changes that has occurred is that I am indefinitely leaving my massage practice. I am actually not doing it to spend more time with her, but to make the quality of time that I have with her more present and less stressed out. I will be pursuing creative endeavors that have more time flexibility and allowing a little more flexibility for the rest of my family. I am still very much interested in healing and alternative medicine topics and plan to continue to blog here, but my focus may drift or shift. (more…)
I have been offering massage as a Certified Massage Therapist since 2003 and currently have 700+ hours of training. I thrive to offer a massage that is catered to your specific needs and wishes. I tend to work deeply and anatomically, but also have many clients that require a lighter touch. For more information, please check my website.
The holidays are here. Personally I just can’t get over how sunny and not wet it is here in California; I guess I am still expecting the rainy Northwest winters.
In the winter, the weather can really affect us psychologically, especially if we suffer from something like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is the time of year when we tend to hide out more, stay in, nestle down, and hibernate. The days are short and it’s dark out there. (more…)
I work in the field of ecopsychology because I believe that we need to heal our relationship with the natural world and that, in turn, this is one way we can heal ourselves. I have an MA in Integral Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Ecotherapy. My interests revolve around the relationship between psychology and social change; I envision a more radical look at psychology and mental health that takes the whole world into account. In 2007, I authored a booklet called Counterbalance: What Sustains Us? What Stops Us? Thoughts on Activism and Mental Health.
I am a California and nationally Licensed Acupuncturist, Diplomate in Acupuncture and founder of Healthy Chi Chinese & Integrative Medicine in Berkeley, CA.
In my practice, I treat a wide variety of condition with a focus on Holistic Integrative Oncology, Adrenal Exhaustion, Women’s Health, and Immunity. I commonly treat Digestive Disorders, Emotional Stress, Respiratory Health, Pain, Sleep Disturbances, Smoking Cessation, Addiction and more. With the change of seasons, I hold group detox class every Fall, Winter and Spring.
My advanced training in Integrative Cancer protocols was completed with Donald Yance (Author of Herbs, Healing and Cancer). Stemming from this work, I regularly guest lecturer at the Woman's Cancer Resource Center in Oakland, CA. My patient's know my motto well: "Your health is your wealth. Take good care of yourself. Naturally."
