I held out as long as I could, but I've finally come to accept that Autumn is here and Winter is knocking adamantly on the door. As if the visual cues outside weren't enough, Brandon, Mellow Massage’s lead receptionist was telling me about a new Autumn Add On foot massage we offer as he mixed the clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon essential oils in the diffuser. Great! Now fall has taken over my olfactory system, too! With a smell that is…comforting…and relaxing…and kinda makes me think of the holidays and the family prep time that goes into it. At least this year I’m fully prepared to remedy my stiff aching joints, winter blues, dry skin from overzealous central heating and mood fluctuations.
Read moreIs your deep tissue massage actually doing more harm to your body than good?
Before I could complete my muscle therapy program and take my licensing exam, I had to complete 65 "hands on" massage hours in our student clinic. In the beginning I was both nervous and very excited to finally be able to work with people I didn't know, with issues I wasn't familiar with. From Swedish techniques, to therapeutic massage, to deep tissue, I was honing my skills and really making a difference! My clients pretty much put their trust in me and together we made treatment plans to bring them relief. I had some great sessions and that really taught me a lot. It was pretty much smooth sailing…until my appointment with"CFG" (short for "Cross Fit Guy."). CFG was the poster child for all things highly intense. That's how he liked his workouts, and as I quickly found out, how he liked his massages. He walked in the door, introduced himself, flexed his hypertonic trapezius then said, " I want the deepest pressure you can give me!"
Read moreFrequently Asked Massage Questions - Pt 1
As Mellow Massage and Yoga draws closer to a decade of serving the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond, we proudly acknowledge that we couldn't have done this without YOU, our extended Mellow Family. We love our clients and we enjoy interacting with you on a daily basis. Over the last several years we've collectively had thousands of conversations with you in person, on the phone, via email, and on social media. In light of those exchanges we offer you the Frequently Asked Massage Questions segment of our Stay Mellow blog in an effort to highlight questions you've asked us over the years AND to invite you to ask more!
Read moreWhy Water Is the Source of Life and of a Good Massage
So you guys remember how we said that Stay Mellow is a safe space to share secret wellbeing tips and healthy living techniques right? Right?! (Ok…Just making sure we're on the same page.). I have a confession. I haven't been completely honest with you. By now you know how I anticipate my upcoming massage appointments and how massage and bodywork have become a big part of my health and wellness routine. Truth be told though, that's only one side of my massage experience. I can't continue to deceive you all so I'll spill the beans. That little speech at the end used to grind my gears!!! The one where your massage therapist is bound to say something along the lines of "Be sure to drink plenty of water.."
Read more"Where Should I Put My Arms?" & Other Dilemmas That You May Face In Searching For a Relaxing Massage Experience
A massage is advertised and generally referred to as a relaxing and holistic experience, however for some people, the very word can induce a blind panic. Critical questions surface, such as, when should I take my clothes off? Should I take all of my clothes off? Does it matter if I haven’t shaved my legs? Do I lie on my front, or on my back and what about my arms, where should I put my arms?! These are completely natural questions and dilemmas that we are asked on a daily basis at Mellow Massage and we want you to know that you are not alone. Let us tell you the secret.
Read moreHow Do You Know If You Need A Massage?
When did society decide that it is ok to spend copious amounts of money harming our bodies with food, drink and cigarettes, yet massages are a sacred practice, reserved only for special occasions? You are blessed with only one body in your life time, it’s time to show it some respect. Here’s how I discovered the bountiful benefits of massage and ended up training to become a masseuse!
Read more"What is Wrong with His Arm?!"
It was a warm August day in 2016 and I was in a restaurant watching Michael Phelps stun the world with his swimming prowess. The swimmers were lining up on their blocks and the commentators were having a field day rattlingoff statistics left and right. All eyes were on Phelps and the air in the room was charged. You could hear a pin drop…Then all of a sudden a woman yelled out, "What is wrong with his arm?!"
Read moreI'm not a Blogger - Creating A Wellness Blog
Have you ever needed a moment to yourself? A step back to collect your thoughts and refocus your energy? Or simply a calm space to get grounded? Don't worry you don't have to tell me; I'm almost certain we've all been there. In fact, some of us may be experiencing this right now. Read how our latest project, the Stay Mellow Blog, got started.
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