wolfies wide world of wellness

Time Magazine Highlights Massage In Special Pain Issue

2011-03-22T12:38:00.004-04:00

"Used for centuries, massage is one of the best understood alternative therapies available. New research shows that even a single deep-tissue massage can help stop the production of stress hormones. Massage has also been shown to relieve cancer pain." Time Magazine, March 11, 2011
(see link below in comments section)

Unbiased Opinions: WebMD Vs. Mayo Clinic

2011-02-09T19:08:00.002-05:00

Insightful article in last Sunday's New York Times Magazine - corporate ad supported WebMD vs. the non-profit Mayo Clinic. http://tinyurl.com/4j8s544

PERSONALIZED HEALTHCARE IS COMING TO YOUR PHONE

2011-01-11T09:43:00.004-05:00

This app & blood pressure monitor will be available at the end of the month via iTunes and the Withings Company. The device can be used with an iPod, iPhone or iPad.

www.withings.com

Go Granny!

2010-12-17T12:18:00.006-05:00

This 91 year old granny (pictured at left) can run circles around you! You might ask what are her secrets to living long while she's ALSO setting track & field records: deep breathing, reflexology & massage. go Olga!

**link to the New York Times article is posted below in comments section - having some techno difficulty**

Wanna Live Longer...?

2010-11-26T08:47:00.004-05:00

Research shows that 90% of living longer AND healthier comes down to lifestyle management. Dan Buettner travels the world observing locales where older people are not just living longer but thriving as well - following are some cliff's notes to his findings and video link:

*having a strong social network & engagement with friends & family
*knowing your purpose in life & cultivating your spiritual side
*eating a more plant based diet, consuming less, drinking herbal teas
*taking daily naps, exercise & weekly nature walks

Video link is below in the comments section - i'm having some techno difficulties this morning - enjoy!

Power of Touch on NPR

2010-10-10T11:23:00.003-04:00

It has been an incredible month in the media for stories highlighting the power of touch - below a link from NPR - keep it coming!

NPR, September 20, 2010

Men's Health September 2010 Issue

2010-09-27T09:18:00.002-04:00

Join me in my 15 minutes of media fame as seen in the September 2010 issue of Men's Health magazine! However, please note a caveat from the article, a scalp massage is not always about feeling sensual - sometimes it's just about deep soulful relaxation.

Massage Study Tops Charts At NYT.com

2010-09-22T21:19:00.004-04:00

The new research findings are wildly supportive of massage therapy but what's even more amazing is that this story has been the number one "most popular emailed article" on The New York Times website for the past three days. I say move over tea party and midterm elections coverage!

This is great news for the healing arts community because the study is obviously resonating with the general public while clearly stating the benefits of a single massage session such as increasing immune function and decreasing the stress hormone cortisol.

The research was sponsored by the NIH/NCCAM and you've got to love the quote from the lead author, Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport, Chairman of Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, who said the findings were "very, very intriguing and very, very exciting and I'm a skeptic."

The New York Times article

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Forest Bathing, Anyone?

2010-07-16T11:36:00.004-04:00

Who knew a walk in the woods could have so many health benefits? After a surprising study involving nature walks - the Japanese coined the term shinrin-yoku or forest bathing.

Scientists found that plants release phytoncides, naturally occurring airborne chemicals that benefit humans by increasing immune function, raising white blood cell counts, lowering pulse rate and also lowering blood pressure.

Or as John Muir said in the late 1800's, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

For more on the study, click here.

Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price

2010-06-29T09:36:00.003-04:00

After reading this wildly illuminating New York Times article about digital overload and what it does to your brain (ie the stimulation provides a dopamine squirt than can be addictive) i decided to test my own addictions by simply leaving my apartment without the cell phone - big whoop you might say - but it was surprisingly hard at first. After getting past the initial pangs of being "disconnected" it started to feel liberating and even kind of refreshingly rebellious. Read on...

Are Some of Us Born With A Desire To Exercise?

2010-05-22T10:43:00.002-04:00

A fascinating case study and the latest read from Gretchen Reynolds of the Phys Ed column in The New York Times...

How To Save Your Hip or Knee

2010-04-26T07:19:00.006-04:00

In 2009 more than 400, 000 Americans had either their hip or knee replaced! Last Saturday, The New York Times featured an article with some simple preventative steps on keeping the joints healthy:

1) control weight - women who lost 10 pounds, cut osteoarthritis risk in half.

2) go low impact - if you're a runner, consider cross training with a low impact sport like swimming, yoga or tai chi.

3) avoid injury - injuries like a torn ACL can increase arthritis by 50%.

4) get fit - strengthening muscles around the joint can act like a "shock absorber".

5) be skeptical - of supplements like shark cartilage where studies are inconclusive.

Full article, click here.

Have You Had Your "Body Break" Today?

2010-03-28T16:58:00.007-04:00

This is why you will do your body a HUGE favor and put a post-it on your office computer tomorrow morning entitled, "take body break, every 20 minutes."

How does one define a "body break"? By taking the name literally and giving your body a well deserved break from static sitting during the day. The break could be walking to your water cooler or taking the stairs down for some fresh air. The point here is to move your body - plain & simple.

After studying two years worth of anatomy & physiology, I knew that the fluids in the body do not circulate as efficiently when the body is stationary. But recent studies, show long-term sitting also increases our risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. (Link to NY Times article)

Lastly, sitting at a desk is a relatively new concept for our sophisticated machine - not so long ago we were hunting & gathering for a whole lifetime. In the meantime, long live the body break!

BODY BREAK TOOLS

In addition to the lo-tech post-it idea mentioned above, following are some additional tools to consider:

-reminder bells: a free program to download to your computer, that can remind you to take a body break

-freedom for macs: a free program that disables your internet connection

-personal Om: a 99 cent app for your iphone, that can serve as a timer/reminder

Wondering How Smartphones Will Be Your Doctor Of The Future?

2010-03-06T08:42:00.005-05:00

Beam me up Scotty. That's what I felt like after watching Dr. Eric Topol's fascinating speech from the recent TedMed Conference. Take a look at the new frontier, where digital technology converges with healthcare - all in the palm of your hand...

Would You Wear These Shoes...?

2010-02-14T10:03:00.007-05:00

Don't laugh until you a try a pair. After taking a class with a fellow runner who was raving about her Vibram Five Fingers (VFF's pictured at left) I decided to give them a try.

After testing out several styles at Paragon - the VFF's were not for me - however, the more middle of the road Nike Free's cranked my tractor. It's as though I was not even wearing shoes and the coolest sensation was that I could feel the entire anatomical symphony of my feet -- that would be 52 bones, 66 joints, 36 muscles, 100 tendons & thousands of nerves -- coming to life.

The $18 billion footwear market has broken out in a heated debate over the benefits of the traditional shoe versus the barefoot or minimal running styles. Ultimately, it's a personal choice and as a massage therapist my body sides with the more minimal shoe that allows me to literally step into the wisdom & majesty of the human form.

Lastly, if you decide that barefoot or minimal shoes are for you - give your body time to adjust by starting out slowly!

a wonderful NPR link on barefoot running

additional info and barefoot evaluations at:

The Balanced Runner

Grand Hyatt Ballroom From 12-8pm

2010-02-08T15:51:00.021-05:00

I guarantee you - this massage will be one of the most meaningful sessions you've ever received! Join me & more than 100 massage therapists today as we'll be volunteering our services so that ALL proceeds will benefit the UNICEF fund for Haiti.

what: Healing Arts for Haiti fundraiser

when: Friday, February 12th from 12noon-8pm

where: Grand Hyatt's Grand Ballroom, NYC

how : Donate $10 or $20 for a 10/20 minute massage

more: www.healingartsforhaiti.org

The Transformative Power of Bodywork: Part 2

2010-02-03T10:56:00.005-05:00

The momentum of this story keeps rolling! With a segment that aired on Good Morning America last week - the actor/dancer, Gregg Mozgala, speaks to re-defining his Cerebral Palsy diagnosis thru the power of bodywork, dance & music. Link to ABC News.

Perhaps, This Is What A Runner's High Is All About...

2010-01-31T15:18:00.004-05:00

A fascinating study on the "immortality" enzyme, aka telomeres, contrasting the DNA of runners as compared to a more sedentary control group.

"In general, telomere loss was reduced by approximately 75 percent in the aging runners. Or, to put it more succinctly, exercise, Dr. Werner says, at the molecular level has an anti-aging effect." Link.

The Transformative Power of Bodywork

2009-11-25T20:21:00.010-05:00

Talk about a wildly inspiring story that warmed my body, heart & hands on this Thanksgiving eve...

"They started at the top and worked down - sternum, sacrum, knees - with his body and brain opening paths of communication that had not existed before. The other day it was brain, meet lower-leg tendon. I said today, I can feel my Achillies, you have to realize, I have never felt my Achillies before."

Learning His Body, Learning To Dance
(The New York Times - 11/25/09)

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2032557746/prognosis-of-a-faun-a-documentary

Insurance Is Tricky When the Treatment Is Unconventional

2009-11-14T10:45:00.007-05:00

An excellent read in today's New York Times regarding one woman's journey using her health insurance to pay for alternative therapies in treating her cancer. Revised link should work this time!

"Can You Feel Your Body...?"

2009-05-23T13:20:00.007-04:00

Can you imagine someone giving a commencement speech and asking this question? I say, it's about time! Leave it to Paul Hawken to realize what students really need to hear. Earlier this month, he gave this deeply illuminating & embodied address to the graduates at the University of Portland. Click here to read Paul's speech.

Running Tights Claim to Reduce Knee Torsion

2009-05-10T18:52:00.005-04:00

Opedix claims their evidenced based apparel reduces the load on the knee by 6%. Additionally their website boilerplate states "clinically tested products that promote healthy joint alignment." The studies were conducted by the Steadman Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation in Vail, Co.

The idea is that the reinforced running tights create optimum joint alignment therefore increasing stability & strength while also reducing wear & tear by unloading the knee joint.

Last week the Opedix line and the salesman's claim peaked my interest at Paragon Sports. I'm curious if anyone out there has trained in any of the Opedix gear...? Click here for Opedix website.

What Are Your Symptoms Trying to Teach You?

2009-04-25T12:32:00.003-04:00

Is this anyway to start a workshop? I'm here to learn about assessing my clients' musculo-skeletal conditions -- plus, I'm much more comfortable talking about their symptoms instead of mine...

It would soon become clear that this illuminating exercise - given by the brilliant Bob Duggan (Co-founder of the Tai Sophia Institute) was a powerful step in listening & acknowledging the wisdom of my own body that ultimately will benefit me AND my clients.

That day, Bob simply asked us to write our symptoms on a sheet of paper and reminded us that these very symptoms in themselves were the best teachers we could ask for.

As he states in his book, Common Sense for the Healing Arts, "Our body has great wisdom, and its symptoms are its way of communicating with us. Thus, I trust that a painful knee may be the body's way of slowing an individual in order to prevent a heart attack. I trust that each symptom has meaning and it is not a random event. I do not suggest that every symptom is understandable. I am aware that life is a mystery. What I do trust is that we can learn to observe the symptoms, and even as the symptoms come and go - we can live well & fully."

Are You Sticky....?

2009-04-12T12:37:00.005-04:00

As part of the shifting landscape out there - I'm taking this as inspiration to revise my website and resume. Even with my communications background I'm always looking for fresh ideas to make my marketing materials even more compelling - ie sticky. The book "Made to Stick" had caught my eye - but to be honest I didn't want to spend the $18 - so lo & behold after checking out MTS's website the resources page is loaded with FREE podcasts and PDFs. The topics covered range from branding, resume writing, interviewing and teaching. Click on this link if you wanna get sticky...

Who Else Out There Is Feeling the WINDS of Change...?

2009-04-04T14:13:00.004-04:00

EQUALIZING, CLARIFYING, CENTERING, GROUNDING, STABILIZING -- do these words resonate with anyone out there in the healing arts...?

For the past few months I've noticed a shift in what brings people to the table for massage whether it's in my own practice or seeing clients externally in a purely clinical setting. While I still see neck or low back issues - it seems as though clients are seeking something "larger" within the bodywork universe.

These shifts have made me look at my profession and ultimately question how should the massage therapy paradigm shift as the economy and healthcare go through their own transformations?

Gains From Exercise After Heart Attack Are Lost if Exercise Stops

2009-03-26T18:51:00.003-04:00

"Some important benefits of exercising after a heart attack can vanish in weeks if the exercise is stopped, a new study has found." The New York Times, March 20, 2009.

Coming Out of the Closet - Say What...?

2009-03-25T23:09:00.003-04:00

Finding your voice and coming out of the closet with it can be a scary thing - at least for me. A former colleague made a comment about the blog saying that the single most interesting thing was the comment I had "buried" that followed the post on "Thriving in a Recession". She encouraged me to expand on that idea - so here goes:

During this period of economic uncertainty, the art of listening, integrating and elevating as the foundation of my massage and wellness practice has elevated my client’s perception of me as a true wellness partner in their journey towards optimum health.

It began more than a year ago, when conditions around me appeared to signal an approaching recession - I could feel energy shifting in my life and in my massage practice. After having several illuminating conversations with fellow bodyworkers regarding rate changes, I was particularly inspired by Bob Bruillard's policy to no longer accept tips for his massage practice, and instead to encourage clients to apply this gratuity money toward future bookings.

As a result of “listening” to the signals around me, I decided to lower my hourly rate by $20 in January of 2009. As I started sharing my new "stimulus & wellness pricing", something unexpected and wonderful happened. The simple act of having this dialogue with clients opened a door in which to have a much larger conversation about their anxieties due to joblessness and other economic bearings on their state of being. It gave me new opportunities to support an integrated approach to wellness, both on and off the massage table.

Who else out there has thoughts on this or has implemented successful “recession pricing” strategies....?

Four Old-School Reasons Why YOU Can Thrive in this Recession

2009-03-10T12:22:00.006-04:00

So, how's the economic meltdown treating you? Excited about the opportunities, or sick to your stomach worrying about how your bills will get paid? (click here for full story)

Dean Ornish Speaks at Summit on Integrative Medicine

2009-03-05T13:02:00.003-05:00

In his 43-minute webcast, Ornish references that he often sees patients who want the high-tech, cutting edge treatments but often the most powerful & sustainable are the low-tech, low cost options - many of which are based on ancient intervention. The low tech approach allows for an inner sense of peace that leads to well-being and can open a doorway to transformative healing. (click here for webcast)

2008 AMTA Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet

2009-03-05T11:57:00.003-05:00

"Economic stress propels Americans to Massage Therapy for relief..." (click here to read fact sheet)

Good or Useless, Medical Scans Cost the Same

2009-03-02T22:21:00.004-05:00

When Gail Kislevitz had an M.R.I scan of her knee, it came back blurry, "uninterpretable," her orthopedist told her.

(The New York Times, March 2, 2009)

jump to full story

Promising Treatment for Athletes, in the Blood

2009-02-21T18:38:00.001-05:00

The article discusses plasma therapy as a treatment to stubborn injuries like tennis elbow and knee tendinitis. The therapy catalyzes the body's instincts to repair, muscle, bone and other tissue. The technique appears to help regenerate ligament and tendon fibers, which could shorten rehabilitation time and possibly obviate surgery. The New York Times, February 17, 2009.

click here for article.

Muscle Strengthening Aids New Knees

2009-02-21T17:41:00.000-05:00

"A new study suggests that a carefully focused program of muscle strengthening can make an important difference in how well patients recover after knee replacement. "
The New York Times, February 2, 2009

go to article here.

In Tough Times, Spas Stress Stress

2009-02-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

"...massage is an investment of sorts, in well-being."

The New York Times, February 8, 2009 . Click here for article.

Little Luxuries (including massage) Faring Well In Flagging Economy

2009-02-21T15:38:00.000-05:00

"That's exactly the kind of comfort consumption that experts say always spikes during stressful times like a recession."

This article and 4 minute podcast aired on NPR, January 26, 2009. Upwards & onwards! click here for link.

Welcome!

2009-02-19T15:21:00.001-05:00

Prior to becoming a licensed massage therapist (LMT), my background was in corporate communications. With this blog, my intention is to weave these two areas (wellness + communications) into an on-line healing arts forum, representing two areas that I value strongly.

My dream is to create a vibrant community of allied healthcare professionals through a blog that is nourishing, compelling, relevant, thought-provoking and above all, informative.

Enjoy and let the wellness flow -- Robert Wolf