Wednesday, March 24, 2010
LOTUS Therapeutic Massage is based on a holistic approach to your health. We all need a space to relax and de-stress. Catherine's Day Spa is the perfect place to relax, rejuvinate and refresh. The space is quite, quaint and comfortable.
Gigi Bennett, LMT is a professional Massage Therapist, licensed in the state of Maryland and Nationally Certified to practice massage. Being licensed and certified, holds Gigi Bennett to the highest degree of professionalism and ethics. Keeping up with the latest modalities, tools, information and science behind massage is her passion. This keeps her business ahead of the trend.
Catherine Cummins, Esthetician provides facial and body treatments. She provides the best customized care when addressing your face and body needs. Catherine provides skin care services with a conscience. For a unique experience unmatched at any other spa or salon in Annapolis.
Scheduling your appointment with LOTUS or Catherine is easy, go to our website at www.lotusofannapolis.com for online scheduling. To view more info on the skin care aspect of our practice please go to www.catherinespa.net.
Thank you and Be Well! Friday, March 19, 2010
When asked to do a write-up on my business, I was stuck on my motto: A Holistic Approach to Your Health. What does that really mean? How does that define my massage therapy practice. Here is what I came up with...
It starts with your entry in to our studio, the mood is positive, airy and clean. Catherine and I work hard to make sure our setting is comfortable, quiet and serene. On your massage intake form, you will find a comprehensive query as to your overall health. This is so important because we believe that everything is truly connected in the human body. Following a few minutes of finding out your needs and expectations from the bodywork session, you are left to disrobe to your comfort, then finding your way to a comfortable spot on the massage table. Our Oakworks Table is top of the line as far as tables go. With a unique Adjustable Breast Comfort System, female clients are sure to feel more comfortable on this table than any other! Usually the table is warmed to maintain a moderate body temperature throughout the session.
The massage session starts from the time the therapist enters the room. Your time and money are precious to us, so we schedule our clients with enough time in between sessions so that you are not rushed. Also, the therapist is able to give you their undevided attention.
After the massage you are encouraged to take your time leaving our spa. The therapist educates and discusses what was found and what course to take from this point forward for better health in the future.
Lotus works closely in the Annapolis community to provide you with other holistic professionals such as yoga instructors, cycling consultants, personal trainers, nutritionists and much more. We also carry a wide variety of essential oils, natural pain relievers and other tools for your at-home care.
Our goal is provide you with excellent service with a personal touch!Go to our site www.lotusofannapolis.com for more info!
Be Well!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Top ten health tips for 2010:
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: H2o is so important to maintaining good health for all systems of the body. If you haven't kept up with it in 2009, here are some tips for 2010. Buy a reusable water bottle and keep it with you at all times. At your desk, in your car or in your bag. This will help you stay hydrated no matter where you are, your water will be right there. Also, adding all natural flavors (minus all the sugar) will add some taste and electrolytes to your plain H2O.
2. Eat your fruits and veggies:This is just as important as water. I know this sounds like your mother or grandmother, but they knew what they were talking about! So, make sure you have enough of both in your kitchen so that you can reach for a healthy snack when needed.
3. Practice Yoga: Go to a class, buy a DVD or get it On Demand. Yoga can help with pain, stress and good posture management!
4. Go for a walk: Walking is a great way to loose weight and staying healthy. Take your pet or family member and make it a bonding experience, which makes working out easier.
5. Get your finances in order: This point is always overlooked when it comes to good health. But if you are financially stable, you can eat, sleep and live better. This does not mean that you need to be a millionaire, just responsible. Pay your dues on time and don't overspend. Saving money is also very important for your health.
6. Take a break: It is so important to take breaks from your hectic work schedule. Getting away doesn't mean an extravagant vacations, just a break. Go visit family, national parks, the nation's capital with plenty of free museums.
7. Keep up with your oral health: We all know that we should floss, and we should do it often. But we never do. So place a flossing packet in your car, office, bag, the living room and your bathroom. Keeping it within reach means that you will floss more. Avoid heart conditions with good and clean teeth.
8. Cut down on sugar: Sugar and sweet treats are irresistible. Especially around the holidays! Keep things under control with sweets by skipping dessert and soda. Drinking a non-diet soda everyday can pack on the pounds every year and jeopardize your oral health.
9. Get a massage: Massage helps with circulation, relieves stress, diminishes tension and pain. While there are more benefits of massage than what is mentioned, it just feels good! Getting regular massage helps with staving off any of those stresses or tensions before they occur.
10. laugh it off: It is important to take things seriously when called for, but when you take everything seriously...you may want to change that habit. Have a sense of humor and don't get caught up in things that are not worth your time.
Most importantly, have a happy and Healthy New Yea
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Massage gift certificates for Christmas! It's time to check your list and check it twice...Anyone in your life in need of some well deserved relaxation? Are you tired of rubbing your partner's shoulders only to cramp your hands in the process?
Leavemassage and bodywork to the experts and send your loved ones my way for a massage or body treatment they are sure to remember and enjoy! This is my first Christmas as the owner of LOTUS Therapeutic Massage. So, I wasn't sure if my PayPal shopping card on my website would ever get used. To my surprise, I've been selling gift certificates left and right and even overnight!
I am glad I chose to add the PayPal shopping cart feature to my website. I am sure it's a help to find an independent therapist, with good reviews and an easy/hassle free way of getting a gift certificate.
For this holiday season, I am thankful for so many things and PayPal is in my top 5.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Lyme Disease and Massage Hope this blog finds you tick free! I've always lived in warmer climates (Texas, Egypt, Florida) it wasn't until I moved to Maryland that I have become aware of Ticks and their potential to harm humans.
Recently,I had an intriguing email from a client who was inquiring about Lymphatic Drainage. I studied the theory of Lymphatic Drainage at the Humanities Center for Massage in St. Petersburg, Fla. I am not certified, however, I wrote back inquiring as to why she needed Lymphatic Drainage? Was this due to a recent operation?
Sheexplained that Lyme Disease has left her achy, tired, and a sense of "fullness" in her ear and throat. I also studied all of the pathologies for all systems of the body and was aware of Lyme Disease's debilitating fatigue and aches.
A recent issue of
Massage Today covered Lyme Disease and how massage can help it! (Perfect :))
Theauthor mentioned that if massage didn't do anything at all, it helps to comfort the client. I went into my first session with the basic intention of helping her feel comfortable. This wasn't a sore back and neck, this was a bit out of my comfort zone. Treating a client with Lyme disease isn't something I've done before, at least not knowingly.
Afterher first session, she booked again the next week. I was excited to hear the news of how she felt after the first session and to see her so soon! Her first session I only applied reflexology to her feet and some upper body work in the neck and shoulders. She explained that she felt better overall and feels like massage is helping her. While she couldn't specify how it helped, I have a feeling it helped her emotionally or mentally to become more at ease.
During hersecond session, I concentrated a bit more on her face and sinus reflexes to help relieve this "fullness" which has not subsided. On her third session she explained that more elimination from her ear has occurred and the "pressure" and "fullness" has subsided a bit. For the third session I concentrated more on her sinus and facial reflexes.
Sofar, treating this client has proved to be the same as any other. All massages are tailored to the very specific needs of the client. Regardless of the kind of massage, every session is just as unique as the next. And all treatments come with good intention. I hope this clears the air about infectious disease and massage. Also, I hope it sheds light on our ability to help everyone in need of therapeutic massage, regardless of their medical history (as long as it isn't a contraindication to massage).
Be Well!
Friday, November 20, 2009
This year I am especially excited to share this Thanksgiving with my new husband. This is our first Thanksgiving as newly weds. Also, this is my first Thanksgiving as a self employed LMT.
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and all the events that took place. Also, it is a good time to start thinking of next year's goals, ambitions, trips, etc. Most importantly, Thanksgiving is a time to be Thankful. Thankful for good health, good family/friends, and the blessings of having a job when so many in the US are unemployed. There are little blessings in each of our lives that we overlook...this is the time to be thankful for all blessings, big and small!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Recently, I had a client ask me what she can do about her TMJ symptoms. At first, I offered a stretching guide to help her with her persistent tension along her chest, neck and face. Also, I offered that she come back to get a massage more often.
But that wasn't enough advice. I gave it some more thought and decided to offer her 3 consecutive massage sessions, once a week for 3 weeks. In those sessions I planned to use Myofascial Release to help with her hypertension in the upper back, chest and face. Then, I would search for Tender or Trigger points along her Pec. Major, SCM, Massater, etc. Finally, I would finish the massage with hot and cold stones. This step is crucial in eliminating any of the lactic acid that lingers around the area long after the massage causing my client added stiffness and aches. The hot and cold stone therapy is great for relieving pain as well. Ice is great for TMJ clients, but seldom of my clients are willing to reach for an ice pack, they love heat! So introducing my clients to ice with the compliment of warmth, allows for a pleasant experience.
We set up her first appointment this week. After the treatment, which took a total of 45 minutes, she felt loose and relieved of any aches. I hope to see a big and more permanent improvement in her condition after the third session!
For more info on my services and packages, please visit www.lotusofannapolis.com. Posted bylotusofannapolisat
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wow, what a treat! This massage experience was fantastic for the client and the therapist. This was one of the more relaxing sessions I've given. I took my time preparing for this massage by washing the stones and then drizzling doTERRA's Lavender Oil on the towel surrounding the stones in the heater. Then, I placed the stones in groups according to their size in the heater to be warmed. I also placed a few drops of doTERRA's Lavender Oil in the massage oil for an all-sensory experience!
My client enjoys getting her feet massaged, so I started with a light reflexology session to address some of her common tense and problem areas via her reflexes. Starting with the feet, helps the client to become more grounded and relaxed.
Then I placed two warm stones on the her arches to help settle any tension in her arches and warm her body (it was kind of chilly tonight). Then I proceeded with the session alternating between Swedish technique and placing/using stones on her body.
The client could not believe how much the Lavender scent filled the room after only using a few drops to treat her.
This was a great session and I am looking froward to this experience in the future.
For more info, go to www.lotusofannapolis.com for more info. Posted bylotusofannapolis
Monday, November 2, 2009
Plantar Fasciiatis is not fun!!! It is extremely painful and sometimes leads to surgery. I have come across Plantar Fasciiatis on my patients quit a few times. Also, I've experienced this painful condition personally a few years ago.
With me, it started during a really hot summer in Florida where I wore flip flops to work and stayed on my feet for hours at a time. This caused my arches to fall slightly placing a lot of pressure on my heel and the balls of my feet. The first sign of knowing whether you have Plantar Fasciiatis is when you first wake up. If your feet are painful to walk on, then you might just have it. Also, walking can be difficult, uncomfortable or even painful. To resolve this issue, I wore athletic shoes with good arch support for a week, everywhere I went. No more flat flip flops and the pain was gone in a WEEK!
How massage helps Plantar Fasciitis:
Massage is great for this condition to help with passive stretching and applying pressure/reflexology to the affected area. Stretching the calves and shins, the arch and heel of the affected foot relieves pressure and pain. Also using light to medium pressure when manipulating the soft tissue of the affected foot can relieve pain and bring down swelling. Hydrotherapy is very helpful, also rolling the arches on frozen water bottles has proven helpful to some of my clients. Because the condition is an inflammation of the Plantar Fascia, ice and rest are highly recommended.
Also, some medical devices such as overnight foot splints are all the rave to a shorter recovery time and lasting results.
Related Links:
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
So, this one is my least favorite. Not to work on of course, but to deal with. I hate it when my lower back bothers me. I can't sit, lift, bend, run, and even sleep comfortably. To make matters worse, it takes the smallest move to send my lower back into a tizzy.
I enjoy working this area however, because from one session, my clients can feel the difference. By the time they need to flip over, their back is looser and has less discomfort.
The reasons (there are many reasons for this, it doesn't just happen over night!) for our backs going out of whack are numerous...but the root lies in our core/abdominal muscles. My first advice when your back is so tight and tense is to stretch your hamstrings and gluts. Hold your stretches longer than normal, and REMEMBER to breathe! If that doesn't work it out, use ice and heat. Alternate between the two for a total of 20 minutes. Then, if that doesn't work, well then you just need a massage.
As long as you don't have any medical or structural contraindications, then a massage session would do you a world of good.
To avoid back problems in the future, make sure to have sound posture throughout your day and with every move. Strengthen your core, to help support and relieve any compensation in your lower back.
For more information about massage and Lotus' services, visit www.lotusofannapolis.com. Schedule your appointment on-line!
Be well!Posted bylotusofannapolis
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Atlas, carried the world on his shoulders. Some of us can sympathize with the Greek Legend. A stressfull event, tension or nervousness can instantly give us the "shoulders-in-ear" syndrome.
As you are reading this blog, try to focus your attention on your own shoulders....are they tense and lifted? If so, take in a deep breath, and on the exhalation lower your shoulders slowly into their neutral position. Aaaahhhh! Now only if they will stay relaxed.
The upper body, where we feel the most pain and tension, is the number one reason why my clients come in to see me for a massage. Those who sit at a computer desk for long periods of time are especially vulnerable. It's that achy feeling between your shoulder blades, down your arm or into your wrist... this tension presents itself in many forms effecting key muscles in shoulder and neck stabilization.
This pain could be in the form of a knot(s), a trigger point(s), tender points, muscle spasms, etc. One could feel, one, two or all of these symptoms simultaneously. These symptoms then decrease your range of motion, turn into tension headaches, give a shooting pain down the arm or up the neck. If left untreated, this tension then travels to the upper neck and into the scalp and facial muscles.
Massage techniques used for the most sever cases include, but are not limited to, Myofascial technique, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, and Tender Point Therapy. These techniques help to open the connective tissue, liquefy the tense/solid matrix, increase circulation to the area and then the use of Trigger and Tender Point Therapies help to remove those "knots" from your back.
Depending on the client's time, the first session should really be a 90 minute appointment. Also, changing your habits outside of massage will help stave off such inconveniences. Multiple sessions are recommended to assist in relieving the area of concern at it's root.
For more information, please go to www.lotusofannapolis.com. Where you may view our menu, book an appointment and more!
Till next time, Happy Blogging!Posted by lotusofannapolis
Monday, September 14, 2009
Wow! What a great summer this has been...Exciting and refreshing adventures all summer long were heightened when I started my own massage business. I put my best face forward, made business cards, flyers, postcards, and a website. I created a Facebook Page for LOTUS Therapeutic Massage, started a Twitter account and Blogged. All of these things really helped bring me exposure along with listing with Spafinder.com and Nationwidemassage.com, two listings that really increased my ranking online and my overall exposure. Also, I advertized with Facebook and Google, something I blogged about before.
With each passing month, I got more calls and inquiries. The more I put myself on the world wide web, the more hits/clicks/calls/Facebook Fans I got!
I leaned a weakness about myself in the process...I am not good at taking calls and making appointments in person. Also, I was becoming so busy, that I couldn't get to the phone in time to make those important appointments for my next shift. I needed help!!!
I searched online for an On-line Scheduling service for my business. To my surprise, there are many to choose from. They varied in services and coverages and prices. I chose Genbook.com. The first month was free, and only $20 dollars for each month that followed. Genbook.com offers online scheduling, appointment reminders for clients, client database, and a survey of the service received which is sent automatically after each appointment.
Genbook.com allows me to schedule time off, obtain all info required from client effortlessly and a phone free/voicemail free appointment setting option.
Of course, not all of my clients are able to go online to schedule their appointment, but tthose are only a few.
So far, the past few weeks have been less stressful because of this online booking option...ahhh, how did they do it in the old days?
Go Technology!Posted by lotusofannapolis
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I am really excited to administer my first Aromatherapy Massage tomorrow as an independent L.M.T. Up until now, I always gave this massage in a spa that I worked at, using what aromas were there for me to go through. Since offering this service, I have been on the hunt of the perfect blends. These usually promote a state of mind to associate with the blend. Inspiration, Relaxation, Energize, etc. I picked up a small collection of blends today at Sun and Earth of Annapolis, MD. They carry a few lines, one that I am most familiar with is Aroma Land. This is a great company with creative blends that really stand out. Which is where the client comes in...Making it memorable and enjoyable of course!
This should be a great massage!Posted by lotusofannapolisat Reactions:
