November Newsletter 2014

When the weather changes, as it has now, it is common for the change to resonate through our bodies. These seasonal shifts are an ideal time to schedule a bodywork session. The lymph system is flushed, and the soft tissues are warmed and stretched. Restricted areas which have become denser with warmer weather activities are released and range of motion increased.

During a mid October break from camping I watched the red maple in my backyard slowly change colors and drop it’s leaves. Mixed with the yellow leaves of my birch it was a dazzling display of those colors and their variations. I walked the trails at Lake Maria. Deeply covered with oak leaves it seemed wise to slow my usual brisker pace to avoid tripping on the hidden tree roots and uneven surface of the path.

I realized that I am looking forward to trying my snow shoes, but for that activity snow is necessary: not just a little snow but some serious amounts. It is the first year in many winters that I feel happy about the prospect of winter. This is another opportunity for me to move out of my comfort zone.

November brings two opportunities to celebrate “date night” with a massage for couples class. What a great idea for the dark nights ahead of us! For registration details check below. Although this is not a substitute for professional massage it is an effect means to de-stress and support your partner’s health. Being comfortable in your body is important to being present to the people around you: family, friends, co-workers, everyone who crosses your path.

As always, care for your body gently, lovingly, gratefully. As if one day it will be gone...

Young Living Essential Oils Available For Purchase

 Thank you for your interest in exploring the realm of therapeutic grade essential oils! Below is the alphabetically organized list of unopened bottles of Young Living essential oils and oil blends I have available for purchase. You will find a brief description of each oil, as well as a link to the Young Living website where you will find more detail on the product and market price. If you are interested in purchasing directly from me, feel free to email (muellerbodywork@gmail.com), call or text me (612-205-4453), or inquire at your next appointment. Let the healing begin!

Clove (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Hot and spicy aroma that promotes healing and assists memory. Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiparasitic, anti-aging, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-tumoral, anticoagulant, immune stimulant anticonvulsant, disinfectant, stomach protectant (ulcers) and warming.

Copaiba (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, stimulant (circulatory and pulmonary systems), also enhances effects of other oils; its sweet, balsamic aroma is mentally uplifting and relaxing.

 
Frankincense (0.5 fl. oz.)

          Anti-catarrhal, anti-depressant, anti-infectious, anti-tumoral, antiseptic, expectorant, immune-stimulant, muscle relaxant and sedative. Its scent is uplifting and centering, with a sweet, balsamic and warm aroma with incense-like overtones.

Lemon (0.17 fl oz)

            Antitumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, diuretic, digestive, expectorant, and calming. Uplifting to body and mind, and improves concentration.

Lime (0.5 fl. oz.)

           Antibacterial, antiviral, antirheumatic, restorative and tonic. Aromatic qualities are very uplifting to the body and mind, also very light and improves concentration. Also helps to relieve irritation, worry and stress that creates unhappiness and anxiety.

Melaleuca ericifolia (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Gentle, calming and nonirritating to skin, alternative to tea tree oil for anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties with softer, earthier aroma.

Myrrh (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Uplifting warm and woody aroma. Oil is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, analgesic, anti-infectious, antiviral, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, astringent and tonic. Used for spiritual and religious purposes for over 5,000 years it encourages us to let go of fear, depression, anxiety and trauma, and trust and accept others and ourselves.

Orange (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Fresh, citrus aroma that uplifts mind and body. Antitumoral, antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, digestive, circulatory stimulant, sedative and tonic. Also eases anxiety and calms the spirit.

Peppermint (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Strong, clean, fresh and minty aroma, soothes digestion, promotes mental clarity, alertness and concentration, relieves headaches, boosts energy, supports liver and respiratory system.

Purification (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Blend of Citronella, Lemongrass, Lavandin, Rosemary, Melaleuca alternifolia and Myrtle essential oils. Purifies air and neutralizes odors, can be used as bug repellent, relieves bug bites and stings, sterilizes cuts and wounds, and freshens laundry.

Rosemary (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Strong aromatic smell of herbs and wood, keeps mind alert and focused. Also antitumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, liver protecting, cardiotonic, digestive, detoxicant.

Rosewood (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Anti-bacterial, anti-infectious, antiviral, antifungal, stimulant and anti-parasitic. Sweet, woody aroma that is relaxing and grounding, also good for skin conditions such as acne, blemishes, eczema, psoriasis, and wrinkles.

Sacred Mountain (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Blend of Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Balsam Fir, and Spruce essential oils. Calming and grounding aroma that promotes protection and empowerment. Spiritually uplifting, energetically recharging, also relieves stress, trauma, grief and sorrow, and tension headaches among other emotional and physical ailments.

Thieves (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Blend contains clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. Purifying and cleansing, uplifting and energizing, anti-infection and antibacterial.

 

Valor (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Blend of Rosewood, Spruce, Frankincense, and Blue Tansy essential oils. Aligns our physical, mental and emotional bodies electrically in the body, promotes courage, and is calming and balancing. Works to relieve back pain and scoliosis, is also beneficial for those with ADD, anxiety and stress, insomnia and depression.

Western Red Cedar (0.17 fl. oz.)

            Antibacterial and antiseptic, nourishing to skin hair, strong spicy and woody scent that promotes meditation and grounding.

  

White Angelica (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Blend of Bergamot, Geranium, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang, Spruce, Hyssop, Melissa and Rose in a base of almond oil. Soothing and calming, offers spiritual protection and security against negative energies, strengthens aura and promotes energetic balance and healing. Works well when applied on top of shoulders.

Ylang Ylang (0.5 fl. oz.)

            Sweet and floral aroma that is calming and relaxing. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anti-depressant, vasodilating, regulates heartbeat, anti-diabetic, tonic and sedative. Releases negative emotions and promotes positive feelings of self-love and spiritual awareness, also balances male and female energies for achieving harmony.

Bodywork For Cyclists

In addition to regular stretching before and after rides, as well as conditioning the core, leg, and glute muscle groups, massage is key for preventing cycling injuries and reducing soreness and inflammation. Typical injuries include pressure on knees if the body is not aligned correctly or saddle position is not correctly adjusted, stiff and forward-bent neck from holding the head forward for long periods of time, tight or sore wrists, and strain on quadriceps, abductors, gluteals, hamstrings, and lower back muscles. Not to mention any injuries or broken bones that occur from falls or crashes. Massages are recommended shortly after a long ride, a few days before a long ride, or between rides for maintenance.

To read more, check out this article on massage for cyclists and cycling injuries:
http://www.anewyoumassage.net/sports-massage.html

Doula Services Available

As a certified doula, my services integrate craniosacral therapy, acupressure, aromatherapy, soft tissue techniques, and positioning suggestions. Prenatal bodywork helps to ease pregnancy complications such as sciatica and lower back pain, hormone-related migraines and tension headaches, nausea, morning sickness, fatigue, and emotional concerns. As the due date approaches, acupressure at 39-41 weeks will encourage correct positioning of the baby’s head, as well as induce and enhance the efficacy of uterine contractions. Postpartum bodywork will reduce fluid retention, ease anxiety and depression, promote more restful sleep, accelerate recovery, and improve lactation.

$800 will cover two one-hour prenatal sessions, one postpartum session, and in-hospital services during labor. To inquire about doula services, please text or call me (612-205-4453) or email me at muellerbodywork@gmail.com.

Benefits of Therapeutic Grade Peppermint Oil

Unless you have an allergy to peppermint oil, if you have received a massage from me, you have most likely experienced the remarkable qualities of therapeutic grade peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is an effective analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-spasmodic, astringent, expectorant and stimulant. Peppermint oil is great in the summer, as it serves to cool the body when applied topically, and will also repel insects. One drop of peppermint oil added to a glass of water also provides a refreshing and rejuvenating summertime beverage.

doTERRA Essential Oils has a very comprehensive page about Peppermint Oil, and the Young Living Peppermint Oil page is also informative, though not as in-depth.

Massage For Tennis Players

While tennis does provide a great workout, it can be particularly hard on one’s ligaments, muscles, and joints. However, receiving massage can help prevent and reduce the extent of tennis-related injuries. For instance, tennis players can commonly develop issues with shoulder muscles, external rotator muscles of the hip, and can also experience lower back pain, knee pain, tight calves, and of course tennis elbow. Massage can increase circulation, thereby facilitating the removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste that can inflame these areas. Massage can also help to improve flexibility and strength of the muscles surrounding the injured area, which can relieve stress placed on the tendons.

For more about self-care for tennis players, you can read this short article from annapolismassagetherapist.com.

Bodywork for Surgical Births

As some of you know, surgical births (or Cesareans) are fairly commonplace nowadays. As such, it is crucial to discuss the implications of this style of birthing, and how we can minimize the trauma that surgical processes can inflict on our bodies. Prenatal bodywork will prepare the body for surgery by breaking up restrictions and adhesions from past scar tissue or injuries, and prepare the nervous system for the invasive procedure that is surgery by reducing sympathetic response. In addition, postpartum bodywork will accelerate the natural healing process, improve lactation and latch response between mother and baby, as well as reduce need for pain medication, among other benefits. If you know that you will be having a surgical birth, or have had one that still needs healing, consider scheduling some bodywork for yourself.

Want to learn more? Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals magazine has a nice, comprehensive article here.

Father's Day Gift Certificates

Don’t forget, dads need massages, too! With Father’s Day fast approaching, massage gift certificates and packages are always available. Is Dad an IT person who suffers from migraines? Massage and CranioSacral are highly effective ways to reduce migraine and headache occurrences. Does Dad frequently carry the kids around, or do any other heavy lifting on a regular basis? Massage will ease any muscular tension or soreness in the arms and back.

Schedule online at Kingfield or Blooma. You can also call or text Julie (612-205-4453) to purchase.

Health History Form Benefits

If you have received massage from me in the past, you have no doubt completed this health history form. Procuring this information is critical in order to tailor your massage or bodywork to the specific restrictions or scar tissue that may have developed from any car accidents, sports you have played, or any other daily activities that cause tightness in muscles, stress on tendons and joints, etc. The more information we have, the more effective your massage will be for ameliorating any of these issues!

You can now fill out this form online before your massage in order to save time during your appointment. View and download the Health History Form here.

Massage For Couples

Ever dream about integrating massage into your daily life? It is possible! Just bring your partner along to my Massage For Couples class, held Monday May 12th and Monday May 19th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Washburn High School for a mere $24. Come learn couples therapy sequences for (prone) back and (supine) anterior neck and shoulders. You will also learn five basic massage strokes that can be combined to create new variations, safe body ergonomics, lubricants and essential oils, and acupressure points that can promote relaxation and address a variety of ailments.

Learn more and register for the class here.

Also, if these dates do not work for you, it is also possible to schedule a private Massage For Couples session with me at Kingfield or Blooma. Sessions will be 90 minutes (45 minutes for each partner), and will cover the same topics as the Washburn class.

Schedule online through schedulicity, or Blooma.

Mother's Day Gift Certificates and Packages Available!

Mothers’ Day is fast approaching, and the gift of massage is a perfect means of showing your appreciation for a special mother in your life. As always, Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage offers gift certificates for 60 minute ($80) and 90 minute ($110) massages. For those who believe mothers deserve more than just one day of appreciation, multiple massage packages are also available, just $280 for 4 60-minute sessions.

Schedule online here for Kingfield and here for Blooma. You can also call or text Julie (612-205-4453) to purchase!

Massage For 'Spring Cleaning'

Ready to clear out the toxins and dead cells that accumulated in your body over the course of our long, harsh winter?

Massage is a great way to jump start your body's detox process by way of stimulating the lymphatic system, which drains out toxins and supports the immune system.

Learn more about how massage contributes to lymph health and natural detoxification here:

http://elementsmassage.com/spokanevalley/blog/2763/how-does-massage-help-your-body-detox-

Massage for Couples Class at Washburn

Interested couples still have time to register for my Massage for Couples class offered through Minneapolis Community Education at Washburn High School. The class will teach couples therapy sequences for (prone) back and (supine) anterior neck and shoulders. In addition, the class covers the five basic massage strokes that can be combined to create new variations, safe body ergonomics, lubricants and essential oils, and acupressure points that can promote relaxation and address a variety of ailments.

Tuition is only $24 for 2 2-hour Monday night sessions March 10th and the 24th (6:30 pm-8:30 pm). Registration closes March 10th.

Acupressure Sessions at 39-41 Weeks Prenatal

For expectant mothers and couples, bodywork sessions should include acupressure somewhere in the 39-41 week time frame. During these sessions, the woman can come alone or accompanied by the birthing partner. When accompanied by the birthing partner, I will teach the couple how to apply acupressure to specific points when at home.

For clients using my doula services, these sessions will serve as a "dress rehearsal" for how we will work together as birth team. We will explore possibilities of what can happen during labor and delivery.

 I will also provide links to YouTube videos that demonstrate specific points that speed up uterine contractions, ensure correct positioning of the baby’s head, as well as points for muscle fatigue, and back labor.

To schedule an appointment, click here or text me at 612-205-4453.

February and March Facebook Drawing

This month and next, the drawing prize for 'liking' us on Facebook is a 1.5 ml bottle of Young Living's Rosemary Essential Oil. Rosemary oil has many different benefits and applications, but is best known for promoting mental clarity and alertness, supporting the liver, and for maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Keep up to date with our Facebook page this month for your chance to win!

Also, congratulations go to Lizzie B, winner of the January drawing for a jar of Young Living's BLM capsules, which promote healthy bones, ligaments and muscles. We appreciate your enthusiasm!

Foster Care in Minnesota

For those who did not see it, the Star Tribune recently published an article about the penalty fine Minnesota currently faces for failed foster care placements. Currently, 26% of young people in Minnesota foster care are returned to the system within one year after being re-united with their families. This clearly shows the tremendous need for systemic improvements, given that the federal benchmark for foster care re-entry is 9.9%.

As a guardian ad litem in Hennepin County for the last five years, I have been able to act as an advocate for many of the undeserving young people who get caught up in the child welfare system. I strongly encourage you all to read the aricle, as it sheds some much needed light on this often forgotten segment of the population, and the specific issues that Minnesota grapples with in handling these complicated cases.

Please also consider volunteering to be a guardian ad litem, or donating to Minnesota Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA MN). You can learn more about the importance of CASAs for children in foster care from this recent Boston Globe article.

CranioSacral Therapy for Dental Work and TMJ Dysfunction

Through gentle touch and manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy can be extremely beneficial in restoring balance and normalcy to cranial structures before and after dental work. During dental work the teeth, bones, tissues, and membranes of the cranium can become torqued, stressed, or imbalanced, which can then lead to pain or tension in the sinuses, jaw, and other areas of the head and face. CranioSacral Therapy is a safe and effective means of ensuring these structures are correctly positioned and remain so after the work has been done.

In the same way, CranioSacral Therapy can resolve negative symptoms for those who suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction by reducing compression and promoting normal movement of the jaw area.

To learn more about the structure and interactions of the cranial bones, check out this short YouTube video.

New study published about home births!

Exciting news for home birth advocates like myself. The Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health has just published the largest ever study on US planned home births (almost 17,000 women and their babies). The findings provide some nice concrete statistical data to back up advantages of home births that we in the home birth community have known about for a while now. Hopefully the study will help to inform and inspire more health care providers towards making improvements for the needs and safety of expectant mothers and their babies.

From the study, advantages of home births included:

• lower rates of c-sections
• lower rates of birth assisted by forceps or vacuum
• lower rates of episiotomies
• less need for oxytocin to speed labor
• less use of epidural analgesia
• higher rates of VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) than hospital births 
• very small percentage of newborns with low Apgar scores (measure of newborn health in first five minutes following birth)

The full study should be available to read online soon. For now, you can read key findings from the study at the Midwives Alliance North America's website.
 

Love Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage? Why Not Write A Review!

Attention loyal Kingfield and Blooma clients! We are currently looking for folks to write about their experiences with Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage on Yelp and Angie's List. As an incentive, reviewers will receive either 15 minutes added on to their next massage, or a $20 bodywork gift certificate to give to a friend. As always, we greatly appreciate your continued support and business!

To write a Yelp review, click here
To write an Angie's List review, click here

It would seem that reviewing on Yelp is slightly less involved than on Angie's List, though supposedly Angie's List reviews imply more credibility. Either way, whichever review service you choose to use is golden by us!

Package Deals

Scheduling in Bulk

Save on your bodywork sessions when you schedule in bulk, priced as follows for 60-minute sessions: $150 for 2, $225 for 3, $280 for 4, $350 for 5, and $420 for 6. Though packages are non-refundable, they can be shared with a partner or other worthy substitute. Additionally, deals can be adjusted as needed for 90-minute sessions.

Complementary Doula Services

Until June 30, 2014 expectant parents can receive complementary doula services with the purchase of four or more 60-minute bodywork sessions.

What Is A Doula?

A doula is a non-medical, trained support person who assists laboring women through the birthing process. The doula provides emotional and physical support to the expectant mother, and can also serve as an assistant in creating and advocating for wishes specified in a birth plan. Doulas use massage, aromatherapy, and positioning suggestions to facilitate the birthing process. A doula who can provide craniosacral therapy is highly beneficial in promoting a healthy pregnancy and birth, as craniosacral therapy helps to alleviate aches and pains, nausea and morning sickness, fatigue, emotional difficulties, and other pregnancy-related complications.

As a recently certified doula, Julie recommends prospective mama clients to schedule services at 32 weeks, 36 weeks, 40 weeks, during labor, and postpartum. Please call, text, or email with any further questions, or to request services.

Valentine's Day Gift Baskets and Certificates

Well friends, it is already mid-January, can you believe it? Retail outlets are becoming more pink and reddish by the day, so Valentine’s Day must be right around the corner. If you are looking for a unique gift for your loved ones this year, why not order a Valentine's Day Gift Basket from Mueller Orthopedic and Medical Massage? Each gift basket will include a bottle of Weleda Rose Oil, Mueller Signature Bath Soak, a 60 or 90-minute bodywork gift certificate, and your choice of any of the following wines, teas, sweets, and savory snacks:

Cremant D'Alsace Chardonnay ($25.99)
Rosemary Crackers ($2.49)
Dessert Macaroons ($4.99)
Mushroom Pate ($3.99)
Columbia Crest Cabernet 2011 ($11.99)
Parmesan Crisps ($3.99)
Olive Tapenade ($2.99)
Double Chocolate Black Angus Cookies ($4.99)
Mrs. Kelly's Earl Grey Tea ($10)
Stonewall Scone Mix ($3.69)
Meyer's Lemon Cookies ($3.99)
Devonshire Clotted Cream ($6.99)

And as always, bodywork gift certificates can be ordered on their own, and also make a great gift!

Call, text, or email Julie with questions and to order.
612-205-4453
muellerbodywork@gmail.com

Massage For Couples

Looking for a new date night activity? We now offer a private 90-minute session for couples (both prenatal and non-prenatal) that can be scheduled at any time, based on Julie’s Minneapolis Community Education ‘Massage For Couples’ class taught at Washburn. The session will teach couples therapy sequences for (prone) back and (supine) anterior neck and shoulders. Session will also cover the five basic massage strokes that can be combined to create new variations, safe body ergonomics, lubricants and essential oils, and acupressure points that can promote relaxation and address a variety of ailments. Couples will also receive a written guide with YouTube links, illustrating stroke sequences and acupressure points. For prenatal clients, we teach massage and acupressure points for side-lying positions, in addition to seated on a birthing ball, leaning over a counter, or in birthing/labor tub for before and after labor and delivery.

Interested? You can schedule online through Schedulicity, or text Julie (612-205-4453). For those interested in learning in a group setting, the Community Ed. class at Washburn runs March 10th-17th (learn more and register here).