Prenatal Bodywork for Fluid Retention and Edema Issues

Commonly experienced during pregnancy, especially in the later stages when it becomes more laborious to move, swelling or edema can be uncomfortable, but also problematic because it means the lymph system is failing to flush out toxins and dead cells from the body. However, there are several things you can do to jump start the lymph system and thereby reduce edema. Massage is one of those things (light pressure is best for promoting drainage of the lymph capillaries), as is lightly bouncing up and down on a mini-trampoline (very slightly if you are pregnant). Another very effective treatment for edema is dry brushing the skin. In fact, dry brushing can be good to do even if you are not pregnant, as it helps eliminate dead skin cells, clear out toxins, and stimulates lymph circulation. This technique can also be especially beneficial for anyone who is recovering from any sort of lymph removal, such as a mastectomy. To watch a video that illustrates effective dry brushing technique, check out this link. To read more on helpful techniques for reducing swelling during pregnancy, check out this Birth Bliss blog entry.

Staying Sane Through Community Involvement

No matter how you felt about the recent election results, there is no question that our country as a whole and our local communities need some deep healing. We can all admit that it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of political forces, but let's not forget that change starts at home. Getting involved in local causes we feel passionate about, or volunteering our time to organizations and movements that work for positive change can help us regain a feeling of personal empowerment while we give back to the greater good. Personally, I volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem for Hennepin County. Guardian ad Litems (GALs) advocate for children in the foster care system's best interests, thereby giving a voice to the voiceless in juvenile court proceedings. Due to Hennepin County's recent spike in screened-in child abuse and neglect cases, there is more need than ever for volunteer GALs. Need more ideas for how to get engaged in your community? Check out VolunteerMatch.org, and read this blog post for an equal dose of hope and reality.

CranioSacral Therapy for Re-balancing the Body's Natural Rhythm While we are on the subject of self-care and the importance of reflecting inward during this busy time of year, CranioSacral Therapy (CST) provides another channel to reconnect with the body's natural rhythm and effectively switches the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic("rest and digest") mode. Stressful events automatically stimulate adrenal gland activity, thereby flooding the body with cortisol. Right now, many of us are experiencing a great deal of insecurity, fear and anxiety due to recent shifts in the national political landscape. But we may also experience elevated stress levels from our work, family dynamics, the holidays, or any number of other things. Unfortunately, cortisol weakens the immune system, making us increasingly vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. Fortunately, CST shuts off the flow of cortisol, while switching our autonomic nervous system back into parasympathetic mode. Keeping tabs on the cortisol levels in the body is also crucial for pregnant women, because the body has a very difficult time giving birth if there are too many stress hormones in the system. Need more relaxation in your life? You can always request CranioSacral Therapy (CST) be integrated into your next massage session in order to reset the autonomic nervous system, halt the flow of cortisol, and boost the immune system.

Blogging for Self-Care

Speaking of stress, whether it be holiday-driven or politically charged, expressing yourself in a blog can be a terrific way to check in with your inner thoughts, and expel the stress that we tend to bottle up, this time of year especially. Channel your creative side through poetry, short stories, or memoir. Or why not just vent? While writing, you can diffuse peppermint oil to help keep you focused, mentally stimulated, and relaxed.

For inspiration, you can check out my daughter-in-law's blog.

Winter Solstice Celebration

As you may know, winter solstice is a sacred tradition celebrated by many different cultures since ancient times. The stillness of the sun and moon on this date provides us with a chance to slow down, reflect, and honor the world's natural rhythms. By doing so, we can draw parallels between our own shifting lives, those of the seasons, and the larger planet we call home. If you have not yet made plans for this occasion, please consider ushering in the winter season with myself and others for a solstice celebration on Tuesday December 20th from 7-9 pm. Depending on the weather, the celebration may involve a fire pit if it's not too cold. As always, this celebration will be potluck-style, complete with delicious food, sumptuous beverages, hot drinks, and dessert. Everyone is welcome, just call, text, or email if you would like to attend. And even if you cannot attend, you can always acknowledge and honor the solstice in your own sacred way.

Keep in mind the full moon in December falls on the 13th for those who need to set a personal intention to let go of any holiday-related stress they feel this time of year. 

December Newsletter

Dear Blooma and Kingfield Clients, As we move into December I cannot help but wonder if there is snow in our immediate future. Will I be able to use my snow shoes? Or dogsled in Ely? With or without snow, I know that I always look forward to soaking in a hot bath with a combination of sea salt, epsom salt, baking soda and a couple of drops of Thieves essential oil. Especially after a session of dry brushing for lymph drainage. Keeping my immune system strong during this season of changing weather is a priority for me. The past weeks have been so mild that it was easy to pick up a virus. Consequently, I rediscovered the products available to manage the symptoms of a sinus cold and bronchial irritations of allergies. Bodywork is my first choice for alleviating the aches and discomforts that come with excess: working too much, sleeping too little, an unbalanced diet and overactive adrenal activity. Make your appointment online at schedulicity.com, blooma.com, or text me at 612 205-4453 with your requests. I am available Thursdays through Mondays.