GRATUITY: SHOULD I TIP?

This seems to be the ever ending dilemma of whether you should tip your therapist or not. It’s really a simple question to answer. It all depends on what type of service you are receiving. Usually in a spa environment it is expected for the client is to tip the therapist. In a medical setting when you are paying insurance tipping is not necessary. When uncertain do not be afraid to ask if gratuity is customary for that business. If service is satisfactory a tip may be in order.

In my business tipping is not necessary but appreciated. It is your choice to give gratuity or not. It should never be opposed or enforced in any establishment.

Sometimes the client does not know gratuity etiquette. The client may assume the gratuity is included in the service fee. Another reason could be the client may only afford the service but not the tip. They might be embarrassed because of the lack of funds for the tip. No explanation is ever needed in why you can not give one. If you received exceptional service, in lieu of a tip you can schedule another session or refer friends and family out to the therapist. I personally would rather for you to be a returning client. Save the tip for your next session.

When paying for your massage session by credit card, my processing company will give you options to leave a tip. This is normal procedure with all credit card companies. It gives you options to choose to tip or not.  The choice is yours to do so or not.

Gratitude is an exchange of energy. It manifests in many ways for both the client and the therapist. I am always grateful of the returning client. In appreciation I give up to 15 minutes to frequent clients (when I am not booked back to back in sessions). I give this freely. I do not expect anything in return for the extra session time nor a tip. It is my gratitude to you for selecting me as your massage therapist.

Suzan Walker, LMT

Connective Integration Massage Therapy

817-966-1020

3100 West Arkansas Lane

Suite 108

Arlington, Texas 76016

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HEADACHES AFTER A MASSAGE

“Why do I have a headache or migraine after a massage?”

There could be several or more factors as to why some people get a “headache” after a massage session.

1. A Healing crisis – the system is attempting to pass too much metabolic waste too quickly from the body.
2. Latent trigger point – hidden trigger point set off by touch or movement.
3. Lack of hydration before and after a massage.
4. Hormonal or chemical imbalance.
5. Muscle memory.
6. Food allergy reaction.
7. Nerve Entrapment.

It’s rare that I have a client that receives a headache after a massage if they follow self care and hydrate. In those rare cases the following above needs careful consideration.

If a client develops a migraine in less than 24 hours I request that they contact me immediately to check for latent trigger points. The follow-up is free of charge. I want to make certain you are receiving the best care.

Do not allow a headache to deter you from a specific modality or at worst massage all together. Our bodies can react in a positive or negative manner when we are releasing muscle tension and scar tissue. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. This is from personal experience.

I encourage and empower every client to make well informed decisions for their health care. The more knowledge the client has about massage therapy and healing the better choices they can make for themselves.

If you have questions or concerns, you may contact me at anytime at 817-966-1020.

Thank you,
Suzan Walker, LMT
Connective Integration Massage Therapy
Arlington, Texas
817-966-1020

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HEALING CRISIS: HOW ONE MAY EFFECT YOU AFTER A MASSAGE

If you are new to massage or have had a similar experience, this information is for you.

What is a healing crisis?

“Herxheimer Reaction,” aka healing crisis is a medical condition that can occur when ones chooses a path of healing. A healing crisis occurs when cells release metabolic waste too quickly into the system and the organs cannot eliminate the waste fast enough. The metabolic waste gets recycled over and over again in the body. Symptoms may be subtle or severe including headache, soreness, nausea, fatigue, fever, stomach distress, rash, skin eruptions and other conditions.

A healing crisis simply is not limited to massage. It may happen to those that are incorporating a new health and exercise regiment, recovering from a long or short illness or disease or have been previously injured. Those that are currently ill or recovering from an aliment may experience severe reaction of a healing crisis. Conditions can last from one to three days or in some cases up to a week or more.

When your body is undergoing a healing crisis it will go into a flushing mode creating an organized cleanse. It’s the body’s way of flushing out previous illnesses, viruses, bacteria or disease. The muscles retain and hold memory like a hard drive on a computer. Our muscles and fat can store previous aliments and injury. Sometimes by touching a part of the body will trigger a response for the muscles to remember and release. This is a natural cleansing mechanism and necessary in helping repair and healing of the body systems.

No massage therapist can predict if you will receive these symptoms after a massage session. In some cases it is unavoidable. You just go to ride the dragon and allow your body to do its job by releasing the metabolic waste. Do not allow a healing crisis deter you from receiving much-needed body work.

It is best to prepare in cases such as these. Here are some things you can do to prevent or reduce a healing crisis after your massage.

1. Drink water before and after a massage. VERY IMPORTANT -HYDRATION! HYDRATION!

2. Epsom salt baths help to reduce soreness and stiffness after a massage. Mustard seed baths help to eliminate metabolic waste and reduce soreness, too.

3. Daily intake of luke warm water with lemon in the morning can assist the liver in flushing out metabolic waste. This is a great daily routine to incorporate in your health regiment. This daily ritual can help to alkaline the body.

4. Drinking apple cider vinegar before and after a massage session can aid in reducing Delayed Onset Soreness (DOMS). 1tb of apple cider vinegar, 8oz of luke warm water and 1tsp of organic honey (to taste).  Also a fermented drink! Read on.

5, Fasting for 24-hours has been proven to help the body eliminate metabolic waste, frees up space in the colon and help the integrity of the cells in the regeneration process.

6. Fermented drinks or food help to decrease a healing crisis. Fermented food and drink can help increase flora in the intestinal track, reduce sugar cravings and kill off bad bacteria in the digestive track. Fermented food and drink are abundant in enzymes and electrolytes.

7. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Sleep aides in the body to heal.

8. Enema’s can help to vacate dried fecal matter and excess waste in the colon.

There are many ways to help your body while in a healing crisis. Books and research on the Internet can give you more information on healing crisis and how to reduce the symptoms .

Suzan Walker, LMT
Connective Integration Massage Therapy
Arlington, Texas
817-966-1020
http://massageandhealingdfw.com

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The Benefits of a Himalayan Salt Massage Stone Session

It’s nearly that time of the year again when it’s time to pull out the flannel sheets, warm up the table and heat up the massage stones for the fall weather. When you schedule your next massage session, why not consider a Himalayan  salt stone massage session?

The benefits are amazing. You can see the effects of the salt after one session. Your skin, body and mind will thank you!

The benefits of a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage:

• Negative ions are produced when heated creating a sense of peace and deeper sense of relaxation.​
• The heat of the salt melts restrictive fascia to go deeper into the muscles and loosens the joints.
• The moist heat of the stones assist with soothing inflamed muscles and joints.
• Leaves the skin feeling refreshed and glowing. The salt stones moisturize and plump up the superficial layers of the skin.
• May detoxify and alkaline the body.
• May aide in reduction of insomnia, blood pressure and stress.

On a spiritual level:

• Can ground and balance meridian levels, chakras and electromagnetic field.
• Clear your prana and energy.

Himalayan Salt Stones are used with a choice of organic coconut or Banyan massage oil for your relaxation needs. The stones can be used in conjunction with other massage techniques. Highly recommend when fascia is very tight.

The stones provide 84 essential mineral and trace compounds. Stones may be used hot or cold. Unlike river stones, Himalayan stones are anti micro-bacterial.

Give yourself a wonderful treatment by scheduling a Himalayan salt stone massage session today.

Thank you,

Suzan Walker, LMT

Connective Integration Massage Therapy

Arlington, Texas 76016

817-966-1020

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THE BEST MASSAGE IS A HOUR OR MORE

One of the most valuable self care options that one can do for themselves is to budget and schedule regular massage sessions. 

Massage is necessary for those that work out, have chronic pain, have a strenuous labor intensive job, are athletes or have had recent injury. Maintaining your muscles is essential for peek performance and physical health.

Old injuries may arise when working out. If you do have scar tissue or tight fascia it may impede performance and enhancement by reducing the amount of time you are able to work out. You may not be able to push your workout to the maximum when pain is involved.

I work with those that need to come in for a hour or more session of body work. I no longer offer 30-minute sessions unless they are a follow up session a few days after a massage or if you are a regular client of mine. 

I find that for new clients thirty minutes in most cases is not enough for the issues that need to be addressed. Not only are you cheating yourself of much needed body work but there could be other factors that may be involved elsewhere in the body causing your pain. Especially if it an old sports or auto accident injury.

You owe it to yourself and deserve a much needed hour or more session of body work.

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SHOWER & PERSONAL HYGIENE

“Is it best to take a shower before getting a massage?”

My answer is always yes if you meet the criteria:

If you do any type of construction, outside work or exercise you will need to take a shower before seeing a massage therapist. Debris such as dirt clings to the skin and may scratch you when massage strokes are applied. A hot bath or shower will open up pores, relax and help loosen the fascia and muscles. Exfoliating the skin with a cotton washcloth, loofah or Agate cloth will help increase circulation while removing dead skin cells.

I have no shower facilities at my office so you will need to take one before seeing me. 

For the ladies:

“I’m a bit embarrassed but I haven’t shaved my legs. Is it ok to still schedule my appointment for a massage?

As I always stress never allow hair stubble (hairy legs) deter you from getting your regular massage maintenance.  Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me if you shave or not. By not shaving your legs it will never take away from the quality of your massage session.

Have a question about massage therapy?

If you have any massage related questions, please feel free to ask them and I will answer them.

Suzan Walker, LMT

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NAME CHANGE – WELCOME CONNECTIVE INTEGRATION MASSAGE THERAPY!

You may have recently noticed my business name has changed and might be wondering why I have done so. For some time I have been contemplating on changing my business name to reflect what I do now. I do more than just travel and relaxation therapy as was the intended goal for my business in its early years. My business now emcompasses much more than those two concepts combined. My business grew into a pain management service that was incorporated into a office type setting. Clients were not only coming me for pain management but were coming to me for holistic service that entailed energy work as well. Energy work in my opinion is vital to massage therapy. You cannot have one and not have the other.

Back in massage school I was taught more than just Swedish massage. I had many wonderful teachers that taught me the skills of neuromuscular and sports massage therapy. Before becoming a MT, I was a Reiki practitioner and a reflexologist. What my massage entails is not only medical but applies alternative therapies such as energy work and holistic healing.

What do you get when you mix modern and old school modalities together? You get integrated massage. Integrated massage incorporates a variety of therapeutic massage techniques along with energy work. You receive the best of both worlds. You have a therapist that brings together mind, body and spirit so that YOU can “heal thy self”.

We all have growing pains and it’s normal to want to hold on to things that no longer serve us. Some people don’t enjoy change all. Yet we need change so that we can grow spiritually. This is my growing pain – letting my old business name go. It was difficult to change the name since I put so much time and energy into promoting, networking and creating a image. It was a difficult choice since I have had the name The Traveling Masseuse of DFW for nearly six years. Besides, I do more office visit appointments rather than onsite for chair massage or hotel out calls. Of course as a business owner you got to change with what the client needs. From my personal experience, people need one on one work with a therapist in a private, safe and comforting environment. I knew it was time to bite the bullet this week and change the name once and for all. It’s a new start, name and energy that with bring forth new a synergy to my business.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

I was brainstorming with a friend over a week ago about a new name. I could not decide on a name and my brain was totally fried. Every time a name came to mind it was taken. (Never hurts to do a name check on google.) My friend and colleague Andi told me “just allow it to come to you. Don’t think of it too much”. Of course I get my best ideas when I am about to nod off to slumber land or in the shower. The name Connective Integration Massage Therapy came to me before lying down for a nap. Connective – bringing things together. Integration – the act of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole or harmoniously to desegregate. I jumped out of bed, wrote down the name quickly and completed a search online to find out if the name was already taken. Sure enough it was not. From there on Andi and I have been playing around with acronyms for the name such as CIMplisity and CIMplified. For now I will just leave it alone.  Andi also has been helping me create a new logo for the business too. All of it is coming together quickly. Thank you Andi for assisting me.

As of now I am working on a new website design, logo, web listings, business cards and a door sign for the office. All of this will reflect the name change in a matter of weeks. I will still keep my domain http://www.travelingmasseusedfw.com for future reference for old clients that have not seen me in a while.

I will still offer out call services between the hours of 10 am to 7 pm. Please call ahead of time for this service. A out call service fee does apply.

Always, I do appreciate your business and I thank you all for being supportive of the recent changes.

Suzan Walker, LMT

Connective Integration Massage Therapy

817-966-1020

massageandhealingdfw.com

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FRANKINCENSE FOR MIGRAINES

One of my favorite scents in the whole wide world is frankincense. For years I’ve used it primarily for incense to cleanse my spaces whether it be at home or at the office. I also add a bit of sandalwood to the mix as well as myrrh.

Tonight, began to feel another migraine coming on. With a bit of intuitive assistance I went to my apothecary to pull out a vial of frankincense oil. I placed a drop on top of my head, right on my crown chakra. I followed up with lavender oil on my temples and the base of my skull. Totally feel a huge difference in just a few minutes.

By placing a drop of frankincense oil on top of your head this will stimulate pineal gland, improve circulation and will aide in emotional balance. It is also another excellent antibacterial essential oil to kill the nasties.

Benefits those that have PMS issues. For those that have cancer it has been proven to stop the reproduction of nucleus producing corrupted DNA codes.

If you’re having a migraine I highly recommend! One drop will do you!

Make sure to dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil.

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MAY I HAVE A HUG?

Every so often a client will ask “May I have a hug?”

It’s perfectly all right to ask for a hug and I am more than happy to give you one. A hug is a form of appreciation. Some clients will ask for one after receiving a massage when they have been in pain for months.

I have never been offended nor uncomfortable when someone has asked for a hug. I do not believe that it will lead to transference or a inappropriate relationship. A hug is a form of compassion in my opinion. Being compassionate is only human. I feel we all need to give and receive more compassion. As humans we need touch that is soothing and comforting. Touch decreases stress and helps to lower blood pressure.  By hugging it does release chemicals such as Oxytocin and endorphin’s that can assist in healing the body faster.

Best of all hugs are free and feel good when you receive one. It makes your day better. You are more than welcome to ask for one.

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H1N1 VIRUS

A little late but never. I still have clients inquiring for services when they are ill. To clarify some issues, please read the following blog on the H1N1 virus and colds.

To ease the minds of clients, I want to clarify that I am taking all precautions to keep H1N1, viruses or any disease of out of my office. I do not and never have accepted a client that has a cold, fever, or any form of infection.

After each massage the room is disinfected, the trash dumped, and clean sheets are placed on the table. As a massage therapist I adhere to the laws implemented by the state on health and hygiene. As always I wash my hands and arms before and after a massage.

Here are some tips what you can do as a client to take precautions for H1N1 or any possible contagious disease you may come in contact with.

1. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

2. Golden rule: Always wash you hands after going to the restroom or coming into contact with bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva and sweat. You can also use a hand sanitizer to kill germs.

3. If you have a cold lasting more than three days or have flu like symptoms make a appointment to see your doctor.

4. Do not schedule massage appointment if you are ill. Wait until all symptoms have pasted before scheduling your massage appointment. You may schedule a appointment after three days when the symptoms have passed. I will not schedule a appointment with you if you are ill.

5. If you are not showing symptoms of a cold, flu, or infection, it is best to strengthen your immune system. You can also go to your doctor to get a flu shot. Also taking preventive vitamin supplements or medicines prescribed by a doctor can help prevent becoming ill this winter season.
Vitamin C, red clover leaf, elderberry, Super Lysine, nettles (sinus and cleaning the blood stream), slippery elm bark (sore throat) are just some that you can get over the counter. Homeopathic medicines like BOIRON, Oscillococcium can help prevent the flu.

6. Try to avoid those that are ill. If you cannot, make sure you follow step five.

7. Get plenty of rest.

8. Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water and fluids.

“Remember a ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.”

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