We are entering a special season of gift-giving! 🎁💐 We know that 2020 has been a struggle for some and folks are wanting to offer love, encouragement and support in more meaningful ways, like giving the nurturing gift of massage therapy to help alleviate stress filled days. 

Unlike retail industries that can stock product for sale at a later date, massage therapy is a time-income dependent service revenue model. Meaning we make money based solely on the number of massage sessions we can provide in any given week (and no, it's far less than 40 hours, like some people think). In light of gift-certificates sales, this reality holds a lot of weight, especially with threat of another government-mandated shut down resting on the horizon. As veteran massage therapists and professional business owners, this has presented a peculiar challenge that we have never faced -- whether we can ethically sell gift certificates or not. 

So... should a massage therapist sell gift certificates knowing that there is a chance that operations could be halted, for three weeks or four, or more? We, from an ethical standpoint, think not. We simply do not feel it is right to take someone's money for a gift certificate purchase knowing that there may not be a chance for recipients to redeem their certificate at a later date due to the necessity of expiration dates and other time and scheduling constraints. That being said, we'd like to offer a kind-hearted "buyer beware" as we know that there are other businesses out there desperately trying to stay afloat through the turmoil (we're thankful to God that He has sustained ours), and selling masses of gift certificates to do so. We feel their pain, but we're more concerned about your potential loss, and the gift-recipient's potential loss, than our present gain. For big-hearted, gift-giving citizens who are truly philanthropic in nature, this potential loss might not be a concern as many do well just knowing that there are local businesses and "community family" to help sustain (and all service businesses are currently very grateful for that). For us, we simply have to be able to rest when our head hits our pillow every night, so for now we have chosen to keep our traditional "gift-certificate" sales sidelined. So, you're probably wondering, what do we do to give the gift of a much needed massage instead? 

🎁 HOW TO GIVE THE GIFT OF MASSAGE IN 2020 🎁

1) GIVE A NICE CARD OR GIFT WITH A CHECK (or cash) ENCLOSED.
For gift-giving at our location at least, this is currently the easiest option. Let the recipient pay with check (or cash) for their appointment in your stead. Be sure to communicate with a therapist or business place first. Write check(s) for the dollar value of the desired service(s), plus any gratuity you wish to include. Recipients then call to make an appointment (we recommend scheduling right away), and offer the check you've given them when they arrive for their appointment. (NOTE: Some locations have additional requirements for accepting check payment, especially if checks are from out of town. Also, you may be required to make a check payable to an individual therapist instead of the business place, so be sure to ask about specifics beforehand.) In the event the gift is never used, your check simply becomes null and void, and if scheduling is delayed, you can kindly remind them to use their gift when you need to.  We have provided a Gift Voucher (see our Gift Giving & Special Offers page) for your convenience in gift giving. Simply print the voucher out (double sided, as per the instructions), complete the voucher as required, and give the gift to the recipient. Easy as 1-2-3!

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
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Field, T., Morrow, C., Valdeon, C., Larson, S., Kuhn, C., Schanberg, S. (1992). Massage reduces anxiety in child and adolescent psychiatric patients. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 31(1):125-31.  "A 30-minute back massage was given daily for a 5-day period to 52 hospitalized depressed and adjustment disorder children and adolescents. Compared with a control group who viewed relaxing videotapes, the massaged subjects were less depressed and anxious and had lower saliva cortisol levels after the massage. In addition, nurses rated the subjects as being less anxious and more cooperative on the last day of the study, and nighttime sleep increased over this period. Finally, urinary cortisol and norepinephrine levels decreased, but only for the depressed subjects."

Moyer, C.A., Rounds, J., Hannum, J.W. (2004). A Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy Research. APA Psychological Bulletin. 130(1): 3–18.  "Massage therapy (MT) is an ancient form of treatment that is now gaining popularity as part of the complementary and alternative medical therapy movement. A meta-analysis was conducted of studies that used random assignment to test the effectiveness of MT. Mean effect sizes were calculated from 37 studies for 9 dependent variables. Single applications of MT reduced state anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate but not negative mood, immediate assessment of pain, and cortisol level. Multiple applications reduced delayed assessment of pain. Reductions of trait anxiety and depression were MT’s largest effects, with a course of treatment providing benefits similar in magnitude to those of psychotherapy. No moderators were statistically significant, though continued testing is needed. The limitations of a medical model of MT are discussed, and it is proposed that new MT theories and research use a psychotherapy perspective." See also https://bit.ly/2InlSFr .

Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C.. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. Int J Neuroscience: 115(10):1397-413.  "In this article the positive effects of massage therapy on biochemistry are reviewed including decreased levels of cortisol and increased levels of serotonin and dopamine. The research reviewed includes studies on depression (including sex abuse and eating disorder studies), pain syndrome studies, research on auto-immune conditions (including asthma and chronic fatigue), immune studies (including HIV and breast cancer), and studies on the reduction of stress on the job, the stress of aging, and pregnancy stress. In studies in which cortisol was assayed either in saliva or in urine, significant decreases were noted in cortisol levels (averaging decreases 31%). In studies in which the activating neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine) were assayed in urine, an average increase of 28% was noted for serotonin and an average increase of 31% was noted for dopamine. These studies combined suggest the stress-alleviating effects (decreased cortisol) and the activating effects (increased serotonin and dopamine) of massage therapy on a variety of medical conditions and stressful experiences." 

The Depression Recovery Program by Neil Nedley, MD

In addition to other liftestyle programs, we have helped direct and facilitate the Nedley Depression Recovery Program for 5+ years. It is a lifestyle-education based program that has a whopping 90% (that's Ninety Percent!) success rate for helping people overcome depression (also anxiety and anger issues) for those who fully adhere to the lifestyle principles and practices taught within the program. Nutrition, massage therapy, hydrotherapy, mental exercises, et cetera are what make this program so enormously successful. In this capacity, we function merely as lifestyle/wellness educators/coaches and teach scientifically validated lifestyle principles that can be used to help individuals improve quality of life, and as licensed professional massage therapy providers. We work in conjunction with licensed mental healthcare providers, and always refer individuals to appropriate resources. The Depression Recovery Program's overall (and ENORMOUS) success rate is a testament to the fact that when you focus on the underlying lifestyle aspects that may be contributing to someone's depression (there are 10 "hit" categories), individuals are often able to stop relapsing and overcome depression and anxiety for good! The Depression Recovery Program is hosted by Neil Nedley, MD, a world renown mental health expert focusing on lifestyle intervention for depression and anxiety. For further information see https://bit.ly/3lnGBYe.  NOTE: This is not to take away from the importance of professional mental healthcare, or drug therapy when necessary; nor do we profess to treat, cure or prescribe to treat any illness or disease. ​

Regular fasting has proven to be exceptionally effective for reducing the incidence of illness and disease. Overindulgence on the other hand is well known to produce a wealth of disease processes. Fasting can be done in many different ways; from once in a blue moon to daily; from full and water only, to fasting from or with the use of specific foods; or coupled with rest or specific activities -- all depending upon the desired outcome. For length of life, health and general daily detox, caloric restriction diets practiced on a daily basis seem to be incredibly effective. Words of wisdom from the ancients say, "eat until you are 80% full" and if you focus intently on ensuring exceptional nutrient intake along with caloric restriction, one might rightfully expect to live to a healthy, happy old age.
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If you've never fasted before it would be beneficial to seek out more information prior to venturing on any intensive technique as some do come with precautionary measures. Always be sure to talk to your primary care provider before starting any major health venture, especially if you are already under medical care.
If you'd like more information on general fasting techniques, we'd be happy to visit with you. Just call 308-432-4558 for info.

In the winter when the temperatures begin to drop, it can be easy for us to unwittingly steer away from getting the required daily water intake, and this can have a direct impact on our general health and well-being. Did you know?
Symptoms of mild or moderate dehydration may include:
• Thirst
• Dry or sticky mouth or mucus membranes
• Reduced urination/peeing
• Dark yellow urine/pee
• Dry/flaky, cool, or itchy skin
• Headache
• Muscle cramps/spasms
• Digestive troubles
• Constipation
Symptoms of severe dehydration may include:
• Significantly reduced or absence of urination/peeing
• Having very dark yellow, red or brown urine/pee
• Very dry, flaky, burning or itching skin
• Feeling of dizziness or light-headedness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Sunken eyes
• Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion or irritability
• Fainting
If you have difficulty drinking your daily dose of water, try:
• Drinking 50% in the morning and 50% in the afternoon. (Avoid drinking during, 30 minutes before, or 2 hours after eating to reduce digestive upset.)
• Drink it warm. Even slightly increasing the temperature of your water before consuming can help those who tend to get cold after consuming water.
• Drinking other hot or cold beverages does not count! Other liquids contain solids or other nutrients that require water to digest. If you have issues with dehydration, particularly avoid diuretics such as tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, or anything else that contains caffeine, such as energy drinks.
• Add a hint of lemon, mint, or cucumber to make it more refreshing.
MINIMUM DAILY WATER GOAL:
Body Weight (lbs) ÷ 2 = Bare Minimum Ounces Required Daily
[A person weighing 200 lbs should drink a minimum of 100 ounces of pure water daily. Requirement increases during extremely hot or cold weather, illness, physical activity, or detoxification programs, etc.]
*All information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, prescribe or cure. Use at the own discretion, and see your primary care provider as necessary.

In our 27 year history, we have seen a lot happen and we find that we have a whole lot to be especially grateful for. First we'd like to mention that it has been through thousands of outstanding clients like you that we feel we have been especially blessed. You have kept us going all this time. We've shared tears, laughter, and smiles. You've allowed us the great privilege of being part of your journey towards health and wellness. And in hard times many of you have been there to encourage and stand behind us. For all of this we could never express enough thanks! 

We are also humbled and absolutely grateful to God for our being in this profession for so long! The question is often posed to us, "don't your hands ever hurt?" The answer is "yes," from time to time our hands have hurt, which is likely true for any genuinely honest massage therapist. The average career length of a professional massage therapist is said to be between 5-7 years, and if you've ever given a pain relieving massage to anyone, you'll know that it's not easy work. Yet, even after all this time, we believe God has, and will continue to sustain us.  We can honestly say that we still love, and happily practice our work. He has indeed blessed, and we are so thankful to Him for this! 💕
And last but not least, we want to offer special thanks to our family! With five massage therapists in our midst, and a wealth of other family here to support us, we anticipate many more years of humbly serving others (at 85, Florence is still blessing others with her gifted hands, and sharing her experiential wisdom with us)!! 

WE HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU, TO SAY THANK YOU!!
To all our long-standing clients, for the next seven weeks (starting October 19 and ending December 11, 2020), we are offering $1.00 off for every year you have been with us!! Discount applies to any 60 or 90 minute massage service. Be sure to schedule soon to ensure your appointment time is reserved. Call 308-432-4558 or send us a message on Facebook, and be sure to mention the "DOLLAR FOR A YEAR DISCOUNT" when scheduling! 👍😁
NOTE: Some scheduling restrictions may apply; all appointments must be scheduled during regular business hours, and scheduling is subject to availability. Offer good towards the purchase of one massage per client; discount may not be applied to sessions for other family members, or with other specials or discounts. Terms subject to change without notice. Cash or check payment only (with valid ID). Discount is based on client intake history, for inactive clients some records are disposed of periodically; if you have proof of purchase for a previous date than our records indicate, we'll be happy to honor it (a marked receipt or official bank statement necessary). Remember active illness is contraindicated for massage therapy. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology — yes it's a mouthful!! More simply, it's the science of how the mind, nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system all interact and affect the health of the body.
You've probably heard the phrase, "as a man therefore thinks in his heart, so is he" -- the underlying principle in this case being the power of the mind over the physiology (the quote also having other applications as well). Years ago while doing some studies I came across a claim which said, "nine-tenths (9/10) of all disease begins in the mind," which appears to align with the aforementioned theory. But I wondered, "how is this possible?" Well, in a nutshell, and after much more reading I discovered, "the body's primary stress management system is the HPA axis. The HPA axis responds to physical and mental challenge to maintain homeostasis in part by controlling the body's cortisol level. Dysregulation of the HPA axis is implicated in numerous stress-related diseases, with evidence from meta-analyses indicating that different types/duration of stressors and unique personal variables can shape the HPA response" (https://bit.ly/2Fm5yDm). And otherwise noted, "the hypothalamus receives feelings from the amygdala. The hypothalamus then uses the endocrine system to convert feelings into emotions through powerful chemicals, called hormones" (https://bit.ly/3jvjytz). 🤓‼️
So what does this actually mean? It means that the power of the mind in thinking can have a significant impact on the production of hormones. The hormones affected can be almost anything, from the growth and repair hormones , the stress response hormones , and even the "destruction" or "death" hormones. How serious can this influence of human thought on the body get? Well, there are astounding stories of individuals, both women and men, who SO believed they were pregnant that they began to experience physical symptoms within the body, swollen bellies and even breast swelling, only to find out later that they were not actually pregnant (not surprising for the men in these scenarios). It is a condition called "pseudocyesis" (aka: false pregnancy). It stands to reason then, that the impact the mind and thoughts have on the body can be nothing short of extraordinary! 
If the above is true, think how much of an impact can be made by simply thinking, "I am fine and healthy," or the converse, "I am ill and dying". Whatever the thoughts may be, the hypothalamus, will cause the body to come into line with the thinking!! That's not just opinion, that is verified science speaking.
So the next time a negative thought comes to the mind, it may be especially beneficial to stop the thought in its tracks and think a positive thought instead!!  [IMPORTANT NOTE: This of course doesn't mean that if an individual is bitten by a deadly snake, they should simply think themselves well, (although it certainly wouldn't hurt, I'm sure)! So, in addition to positive thinking, reason also says to use common sense too. ]

They taught us in school about "emotional release", the potential for the body to elicit emotional response due to emotion having deep ties to physical pain. If one has ever been in a treatment session and experienced the apparently random onset of tears, or memories that they hadn't thought of in years, this "emotional release" phenomenon is the reason why. Another phrase that was offered us in school is that of "muscle memory", which, when referring to emotions or past trauma, is essentially the same thing. Although scientists do not fully understand how it works yet, our bodies (or perhaps more accurately our nervous system), has the potential to "hold" or "store" memories.

One of the most incredible things we do as massage therapists, is help bridge the healing gap between the physical and mental human being, even so far as to help foster a release of "stuck" or pent up neurological energies by relaxing surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues. Yes, the body has the capacity to do this too -- to have an "emotional release" or to express "muscle memories" -- even if one has never before experienced such a thing. Perhaps it is an uncomfortable thought to finally face parts of the past that have consciously or unconsciously been buried many months or years before. Yet, those memories that have been buried so carefully may be the key to unlocking a pain free life. One can imagine what it would be like to not have pain anymore!!

And what of rejection? We've ALL experienced it from time to time. Maybe someone reading this is experiencing it now. Manifesting itself in headache, jaw pain, neck pain, heartache, stomach ache, low back or hip pain... or one of many other ways it settles into the body. Instead of stifling, stuffing, covering over, or shoving these feelings deep down within, perhaps it's time to schedule regular massage, and let the (drug-free) healing begin? ​