This past February, Meridian Healing center hosted a continuing education class for local Massage Therapists titled "Advanced Cervical Therapies".  The class focused on the cervical muscles including the Scalene, Lavator Scapula, SCM and Trapezius muscles.  Students learned each muscle's origins, attachments, actions, and endangerment sites.  

Not only did the class focus on the massage therapies and techniques, but true to Meridian Healing Center's "More Than Just Massage" healing philosophy, the class included instruction on stretching and strain counterstrain techniques.  Natalie Martin, Meridian's founder and class instructor, has a BS in Molecular Biology, a BS in Nursing, and has two years of training in traditional Chinese Medicine.  With more than 20 years of experience and over 300 hours of advanced training, her unique background makes her an excellent teacher in various healing techniques that today's massage therapists can use to help their own clients.    

As a 38 week pregnant woman myself (I am the receptionist here at the Meridian), I can tell you that prenatal massage has been the best part of my pregnancy—well, aside from feeling my baby move and knowing I will soon be a mama to her. I haven’t had a particularly “awful” or challenging pregnancy, but I am certainly ready to be done, have struggled with trying to sleep and stay comfortable and have dealt with other common pregnancy issues… If you are also a soon-to-be-mama to a new little one, get a prenatal massage. I loved feeling comfortable and relaxed while receiving my massages—two states that are often hard to fully reach while pregnant.

If you are reading up on prenatal massage, you will see that some potential benefits include less stress and anxiety, better sleep, less pain in your legs and back, and an overall better mood. Make sure to let your massage therapist know if you are pregnant and how far along you are. All throughout your pregnancy, there are certain points on the body that your therapist will avoid. I had my first prenatal massage in my second trimester, which was the perfect time for a pick me up and relaxation session. Massage when you are full term can also help relax you and put you in a good place for your impending labor and delivery. You’ll need all the energy and concentration you can muster for your baby’s birthday. My last massage while pregnant will be next week, unless I go past my due date and demand another one! Post-partum massage is on my to-do list after baby is here as well.

You may be wondering what to expect during a prenatal massage, as you are obviously not lying on your stomach (too big!) or your back (not recommended during pregnancy). During my prenatal massages, I have been propped on my sides with plenty of pillows in the appropriate places. Aside from positioning, expect a massage much like you would experience while not pregnant—the amount of pressure used is adjusted individually to your liking, you can ask for certain problem areas to be addressed (lower back bothering you?), the atmosphere is serene, etc. As with any massage, be sure to drink lots of water post-enjoyment.

Our wonderful therapist, Jill, is the one here at the Meridian who specializes in prenatal massage. Her phone number is (906) 370-2323. Consider calling her up and scheduling a massage! You will be thanking yourself that you did.

Photo source: http://www.freshstartmassage.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/prenatal.jpg

We have a new class starting Sept. 16th:
Pi-Yo -- a fusion of pilates & yoga! Working without impact to engage all muscles in the body. Fire up the core strength as well as the fat burners! This class is a must for anyone looking to shred some fat and increase core strength and overall flexibility.

Here is our full class schedule starting mid-September:

Monday:

7:30 a.m. Ballet Bar

5:30 p.m. Aerial Silk Yoga

Tuesday:

9:15 a.m. Pi-Yo

Wednesday:

8 a.m. Stretching Class

Thursday:

9:15 a.m. Pi-Yo

5:30 p.m. Stretching Class




Exercising within a group is a great way to stay committed to your fitness plan and to receive extra encouragement and motivation. It's also a good way to meet new friends! Consider trying out some classes here at the Meridian to see which ones suite you the best. We hope to see you soon.

Massage is a phenomenal experience for people in any stage of life—from children to athletes, pregnant women to construction workers, and… the elderly! The elderly may not be your first thought when you are considering who would benefit the most from massage, but many studies have shown there are several positive effects of massage for those who are “older and wiser”. Consider the following benefits.

Massage increases blood circulation. Although healthy circulation is important for anyone, the elderly benefit from it because it aids in recovering more quickly from injuries, like a fall or unexpected bump. Elderly people are more susceptible to decreased circulation, so massage is a great way to ensure that circulation remains strong and healthy.

Massage helps ease stiffness/pain and improves range-of-motion.  As we age from infant to elderly, our joints are no longer quite as capable of moving freely and painlessly every which way. It’s important to stay active to the best of your ability, but it is hard to do the things you love when pain is a constant companion—berry picking, evening strolls by the lake, even spending time with grandchildren, can become more tiresome than it needs to be. Massage can help alleviate the stiffness that comes along with age and can help you achieve a greater range of motion in your daily activities.

Massage is good your emotional well-being. As humans, we need human interaction, human touch, and companionship. Your therapist can become a trusted friend who has only your best interest at heart. All of us need physical touch to thrive emotionally, and sometimes we miss out on that much-needed aspect of human interaction.

Think of these benefits of massage and consider if now is the time to take care of yourself in this way. We would love to spend time on you, your parent, friend or grandparent in a massage here at the Meridian Healing Center.

If you are running in the Marquette Marathon at the end of this month, consider this—massage pre and post-event. Research has shown there are immense benefits to massage for anyone who participates in a regular exercise program.



One very important thing massage does is dilate your blood vessels, allowing for better circulation and delivery of oxygen to your muscle tissues, which are in dire need after a big even like the Marquette Marathon. Increased blood circulation also is tied to relieving muscle tension and soreness after an intense work out. A pre-event massage will help loosen up your muscles and a post-event massage will aid in recovery.

 

The benefits of massage for athletes are not purely physical. Massage also helps to relieve anxiety and stress you may be feeling before beginning the big race, and can help you to focus on the task ahead of you and perform your absolute best.

 

Basically, massage doesn’t just feel like it is doing something good for you—it actually is. It’s a good idea to get into a massage routine, just like you would with an exercise program. Remember to drink lots of water after your massage, which you will most likely be doing anyway after participating in the Marathon.

 

Good luck, and run on! We hope to see you at the end of the month. Be looking for us!

Hello everyone!

Stop in tomorrow, July 31st, to enjoy a complimentary relaxing hand or neck/shoulder massage between 3-6 p.m. No appointments necessary--just show up and unwind for a little while, and meet our newest team member, Paula. She is an excellent therapist. We hope to see you soon!