Walks on the Beach - Gratitude Week 4
The beach was my special place growing up in Southern California. The picture below is one my mom gave me when I was young and always said it was of the two of us walking arm in arm. Oh how I miss her! I mostly went to the beach at sunset where I could walk along with a beautiful sunset, cool breeze, and the waves rolling in and out to calm my soul. It always seemed to bring me back to my happy place!
Who would have imagined that 36 years later, I would be working as a massage therapist specializing in CranioSacral therapy, where I connect to others rhythms multiple times a day and feel that same wave rolling up and down their spine creating health patterns in their lives.
Not only does walking on the beach offer relaxation and is a great exercise, it also helps to therapeutically ground you and exfoliate your feet. Jeremy and I had the opportunity to visit San Diego last weekend and spent time walking the beach each day. This is why we chose walking on the beach as our week 4 Health Gratitude Challenge theme in creating our healthiest selves.
Fruits - Gratitude Week 3
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is a 19th century English-proverb that speaks truth. Fruits are delicious, highly nutritious, and can prevent many health issues. They are an essential part of our daily diet if we want to live disease-free. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, high in fiber, and hydrate the body. Fruits can also aid in digestion and boost our immune systems.
This is why we chose to be grateful for fruits this week. That and because our one of our favorite places to enjoy fresh, tasty fruits are in the acai bowls at the Northside Shack in San Diego and that’s where we happen to be this weekend.
Hydration - Gratitude Week 2
According to a study published by the National Institute of Health last week that followed 11,000+ people over a 30-year period, drinking enough water is associated with significantly lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart and lung disease, a lower risk of being biologically older than your chronic age, and a lower risk of dying early.
Volume of water recommendations have varied overtime from 8 - 8 oz. glasses, to half your body weight in ounces, to 2 liters of water before 2 pm. No matter the volume recommended, most of us are still not drinking enough to keep our bodies well hydrated. This is why the emphasis in our health gratitude challenge this week is hydration. Hydration is the replacement of body fluids lost through sweating, exhaling and elimination. On average, the body needs to replace 2-3 quarts of fluid each day. Water is your best bet for hydration, however milk, sports drinks, herbal teas, and fruits and vegetables also can help you stay hydrated. Caffeinated beverages have a diuretic effect.
In my experience as a massage therapist that focuses on lymphatic drainage, I can tell who is hydrated and who is not by the way their skins feels and how blocked the lymphatic system is. If you don’t have a good enough reason to drink water, let me give you another. Our blood plasma consists of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and lymphatic fluid. Each of these fluids become each other and work to keep the body healthy. Where every organ and system in our bodies remains stationary, blood plasma fluids flow in and around them all. If you want to impact the health of your entire body, keep hydrated so the fluids impacting your health can work for you.
We love and are grateful for water and the way it benefits our health!
Nature - Gratitude Week 1
Health Gratitude Challenge - Week 1 - Nature
In 2023, we are challenging ourselves to find something something we are grateful for each week that can change/improve our health. This week we are grateful for the healing benefits in nature.
Our 2022 goal was 50 outdoor adventures and we achieved it! Each time we got out of the house and into nature, we felt better. Studies show that most Americans spend more than 10 hours a day staring at a screen. Studies have also found that people who spend two hours a week in nature report significantly greater health and well-being. This can be a long hike or broken up into smaller increments.
Being out in nature can:
Boost your mood and self-esteem
Lower stress levels
Help you feel more relaxed
Encourage you be more active
Improve your memory and help you concentrate
Lighten feelings of depression
Strengthen your immune system
Helps your body create vitamin D
Even a few minutes of green can perk you up. Please join us in our Health Gratitude Challenge and share your own stories in the comments, on our Facebook & Instagram pages, or create you own method to improve your health this year.
Freeing Our Bodies from Stress and Trauma
Freeing Our Bodies of Stress and Trauma
This weekend Jeremy and I will be speaking at the Be Healthy Utah Natural Wellness Conference. We wanted to create this blog post so that attendees as well as others can have the information we talk about at their fingertips. So what are things we can do to free our bodies or stress and trauma? Here are a few recommendations that we have.
Hydration
One liter of lemon water 30 minutes before eating flushes toxins from body
Chronic dehydration causes blood & other fluids to move slower
Healthy Foods
Omega-3’s have a strong relationship with cognitive function - fatty fish, omega-3 eggs, walnuts, flax seed, mangoes, brussel sprouts
Magnesium rich foods lower cortisol levels - avocado, banana, broccoli, spinach, dark chocolate, pumpkins seeds,
Breathwork
Deep breaths into abdomen moves diaphragm that is perforated by aorta, thoracic ducts, vagus nerve (3 major fluids of the body get movement)
Massage
CranioSacral therapy - improves mental clarity
Lymphatic drainage - removes toxic substances
Foot zone - resets all systems to homeostasis
Acknowledge feeling
Recognize they are something we are experiencing, not who we are
Meditation/practicing stillness
Lowers blood pressure, improves concentration & focus, calms racing thoughts
Present state is where healing occurs
Making intentional movement/Qigong
Movement moves lymph
Fluids of the Body
When people ask me about why I started my therapeutic massage practice, I often tell them that it was to work with fluids in the body. I learned during my own health journey the value of receiving a foot zone treatment to reset my systems and impact fluids to overcome my chronic fatigue. I then decided to become a foot zone practitioner to help others find the same relief. As I expanded my knowledge about the functioning of the body systems, I knew I needed to attend massage school to learn more about lymphatic drainage massage and CranioSacral therapy. These two therapies more than any others can influence the flow of the fluids that travel around the body and bring positive changes in creating our healthiest selves.
CranioSacral Therapy - CranioSacral therapy examines the membranes and fluids that surround, cushion, and protect the brain and spinal cord. By monitoring and releasing restrictions within the cerebrospinal fluid, we can clear congestion and relieve tension in the central nervous system, increase mental clarity, eliminate pain, and promote a feeling of well-being.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage - The lymph system carries fluid, nutrients, and waste materials between the body tissues and the bloodstream. Bacteria, viruses, toxins, and debris that induce an immune response are removed from around cells and neutralized in the lymph nodes. A healthy lymph system is essential for fluid circulation and immune functions of the body. Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the lymph system to work more effectively, to promote a healthy immune system, to remove stagnant fluids from tissues, and to reduce swelling and inflammation from an injury or surgery site.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Post Surgery
Lymphatic Drainage Massage Post Surgery
After undergoing elective surgery, we are eager to get back to our normal routines without compromising results. Many surgeons are now prescribing lymphatic drainage massage to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
During cosmetic surgeries like liposuction and tummy tucks, or joint replacement surgeries like knee, hip, and shoulder, the lymphatic system can become disrupted and may take several months to make new connections. Lymphatic drainage massage can help speed up recovery time and improve results by helping to pump fluids along the lymphatic channels, thus decreasing congestion in the tissues.
The lymphatic system carries fluid, nutrients, and waste materials between the body tissues and the bloodstream. A healthy system is essential for fluid circulation and immune functions of the body.
Lymphatic drainage massage uses a gentle rhythmic touch to help detoxify the body. Lymph vessels are found throughout the body, with 70% of them found within the subcutaneous layer of the skin. With light pressure, toxins, cellular waste, and harmful substances are removed from the body tissues and neutralized in the lymph nodes.
Although each case is different, most doctors advise their patients to start lymphatic drainage massage 3-5 days post-surgery. Some also recommend lymphatic drainage massage 1-2 times pre-surgery to help prepare the body. You will generally be able to notice a difference after the first lymphatic drainage massage, however, it is recommended to have at least 4-6 treatments post-surgery to remove the excess fluid.
Here is what Claudya D. says about her experience:
After my surgery (tummy tuck) in September 2020, I had extensive swelling and discomfort due to hardening scar tissue. I researched online and found out about the benefits of lymphatic massage so I googled for places near my area that will offer them and that’s how I found Amy.
Initially, I booked five lymphatic drainage massages with Amy, all between 60 and 90 minutes long. The procedure itself was very gentle and thorough. Time flew by! I went in with bad swelling in my stomach, but by the end of the session I could see a big change, proof that the lymph fluids had been redirected. Amy also performed cupping, and the scar tissue on my stomach was less noticeable after just one treatment.
Amy herself is very welcoming, knowledgeable and professional. She took the time to listen to my specific needs and concerns. I would highly recommend going to Amy over a traditional massage chain, as the quality is exceptional and her experience and devotion is unbelievable.
Create Your Healthiest Self Goals
Last year I set a Create Your Healthiest Self Goal of going on 50 unique hikes before my birthday.
500,000+ steps, 200+ miles, and 4400 staircases later, Ii was proud to say that I achieved my goal.
Jeremy decided that each year we should set a goal to stay active and healthy. This year it will be to have 50 adventures. It’s been just over a week and we have already gone paddle boarding and walked our dog at a new park. It’s been fun thinking up all the active adventures to go on and we have plans for kayaking, hiking, and river rafting. What fun types of things do you do that we should add to our list?
2 New Locations
We have been operating out of our new Sandy office for the past month.
9176 South 300 West, Suite 5
Sandy, UT 84070
We are thrilled to be opening our Lehi office as well.
2426 North 4060 West
Lehi, UT 84043
We will now be able to offer our Therapeutic Massage and Health Coaching services out of both offices.
Our software is only allowing on-line scheduling for the Sandy office at this time. We are there on MWF.
To schedule at our Lehi office on TTh, call Amy at 801-631-1499.
Lymphatic Drainage
Intro to Lymphatic Drainage - Join AJ Bodywork for a free Facebook Live class on Tuesday March 24th at 6:00pm to learn about the lymphatic system, how it stimulates our immune system, and a few simple steps you can do at home to help filter toxins from your body.
The lymphatic system is an integral part of our immune system. It helps the body to defend against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The system supports immunity by making and storing lymphocytes that produce antibodies to defend the body against disease.
The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body's ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues. Lymph nodes function as cleansing stations to filter out germs and other harmful substances, and to recover crucial substances like water and proteins. It works tirelessly to remove waste products from our cells and to maintain the purity of the internal environment.
If the lymph circulation stagnates due to injury or infection, toxins accumulate and cellular metabolism is compromised. The result is an increase in acid and toxins within the tissues causing pain, tension, and edema. These need to be removed quickly from the interstitial fluid to promote proper tissue healing and restore pain-free movement.
Be Healthy Utah
Join AJ Bodywork at the Be Healthy Utah - Natural Health & Wellness Conference on Friday August 28th from 2-9 pm and Saturday August 29th from 10 am - 6 pm at the Mountain America Convention Center in Sandy, UT. You can choose classes from over 25 speakers on natural care and visit over 60 vendors with natural products & services. Hope to see you there! Tickets can be purchased at www.behealthyutah.com
Foods that Heal
Clients have been asking what foods they can eat to help certain conditions. Here are some suggestions:
Utah Infertility Conference - Saturday October 26 9 AM to 3:30 PM
Rise Above Infertility
The Utah Infertility Resource Center is hosting the Utah Infertility Conference “Rise Above Infertility” on Saturday, October 26th. Don’t let fertility challenges consume you. Check out the line-up of this year’s informative and amazing conference. I am excited to have the opportunity to present a practical experiential Qigong class for pelvic health. Life is about movement, when our body's aren't moving they are losing their life. Through surgery’s and trauma, the organs in the pelvis can become restricted creating distress and discomfort. With qigong and fertility massage you can restore blood flow and improve mobility to the pelvis and pelvic organs. I will also be part of a six person holistic health provider panel answering questions about fertility. Come ask questions, find out answers about your fertility needs, and mingle with others on the same journey.
Fertility - The Shared Journey
Fertility challenges don’t have to consume you. Allowing your journey to unfold with the help of a holistic fertility specialist is the most gentle. We want you to be a proactive partner and collaborate in every step of your goal of becoming pregnant.
The Shared Journey Fertility Program consists of 6 one-hour bodywork sessions and one-year of on-going support and advocacy. It can be used as a stand alone regime or in preparation for a more medically assisted cycle such as IUI or IVF. We highly recommend that you prepare your body properly prior to starting any medically assisted fertility cycle to help insure a successful first cycle. The Shared Journey can be completed before your stimulated cycle is scheduled to start.
As a stand alone cycle without medical assistance is what is most natural and primal for your body. You will be guided to monitor your own ovulatory cycle along with our help for up to one year after finishing your therapy with us.
The program is custom tailored to each individual woman's situation and will be discussed in further detail at a consultation. More information and videos can be found at https://ajbodywork.com/shared-journey-fertility-program.
CST for Expectant Mom's & Newborns
Jeremy and I had the opportunity to attend a an advanced CranioSacral therapy class this past week designed for conception, pregnancy, and birth. It was a wonderful class to learn about all the amazing changes that take place in an expectant mother’s anatomy as well as the growth of the child. We were able to feel both mother and childs CranioSacral rhythm both in utero as well as in newborns. I had the opportunity to work with a mom 15.5 weeks pregnant with her 4th and on a 4 month old, Jeremy worked on mom 22 weeks along with her 8th child who hadn’t connected to her child because she has been so busy with the others and on a 6 month old. It was incredible.
This past Monday I had a client come in that I’ve worked on for several years. This was the first time in to meet her cute daughter that was born 6 weeks ago after I assisted in inducing labor through a foot zone. What a blessing to work with these brand new spirits. It is beautiful to see how moms and babies respond so favorably to CST. The central nervous system is very accepting of this gentle therapy, especially in regards to baby’s still-developing central nervous system.
Even a single session can help baby achieve priceless benefits. Additional sessions can extend and strengthen the results. Common phrases used by mothers after the first few treatments include: “good baby, alert, not fussy, at peace, and calm.” Breastfeeding seems to be more easily accomplished and parents seem to enjoy their children more.
If you are curios to see how CranioSacral therapy might help you through your journey, Jeremy and I will be offering a 50% discount off our regular prices for women trying to conceive, expectant mothers, and babies up to one year of age from now through Dec. 31, 2019. Just mention this post to receive the discount.
This button takes you to the brochure from Upledger International that explains crainel for conception, pregnancy and birth. Feel free to look it over and pass it along to someone you know that might need it.
CranioSacral Therapy for Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth
Jeremy and I will be attending a CranioSacral Therapy training for Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth next month. They need 13 pregnant women and 13 women with babies under 6 months of age for students to work with during the class. If you are interested in participating, please contact Colleen at the Upledger Institute (colleen.russell@iahe.com) or the teacher Kimberly Painter (kim@healtheself.net) to get registered.
Location: Hotel RL-Salt Lake City 161 West 600 South Salt Lake City, UT 84101 (Red Lion Hotel)
Pregnant women - Oct. 12 from 10-12 am
Moms with babies - Oct. 13 from 11:45 - 1:45
More details on the benefits of CST can be found at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b6cf1f2aa49a1ee0d0118a3/t/5ce71b01a4222fee19b177ca/1558649615403/CranioSacral+Therapy+for+Conception+Pregnancy+and+Birthing.pdf
Massage for Cancer Support
My mom was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer and in honor of September being Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, I am offering our best discount ever. 50% off your initial visit. Cancer can be a scary word. I know. I just went through surgery yesterday to have skin cancer removed from my back. I also work with clients in varying degrees on their own cancer journey’s even week. I have seen first hand how lymphatic drainage can help pre- & post chemo, radiation, and surgery and how CranioSacral therapy alleviates side effects from the the same treatments, reduces pain, and helps with chemo brain.
Here is what one client posted on his Facebook page after learning about my offer for cancer patientsthis month:
To everyone I know. I affirm that one of the greatest health benefits I received to help bring me to full remission from Stage 4 Brain Cancer the last 18 months was Amy Packer Kuecks from AJ Bodywork doing lymphatic drainage and cranial sacral massage. I can share miraculous stories of how this helped me and I am happy to share those with anyone that will listen! Please contact her for yourself or anyone in need. It will make that rough journey much easier. Even if you are not on a rough journey, her deep tissue massage is amazing! - Scott A.
Please feel free to contact me and ask any questions you may have. Appointments can also be scheduled directly from the Book Now button on our website.
Merciér Therapy Fertility Blog - My Natural Healer
Our good friend Laura Como has a new series on her blog called “Ask Anything”. This weeks post is on fertility where she talks about IVF & Merciér Therapy. My Natural Healer has directory for natural healing practitioners. Each Monday she does an Instagram video series where people write in and ask questions.
Qigong for Pelvic Pain
We just listened to the Rich Roll podcast with Dr. Zach Bush this weekend where he was talking about 1:3 men and 1:4 women have trouble with fertility. This is something that several of my sisters have struggled with over the years and is a very emotional subject. We have laughed with, cried with, and hoped, prayed, and fasted with them with varying degrees of success. As Jeremy has educated himself on abdominal health, he now offers Mercier Therapy massage and coaching treatments with the one-year Shared Journey program, teaches Dr. Sears nutritional pregnancy course A Healthy New Beginning, and now adds a weekly Qigong class focused on pelvic health. Join us every Thursday night at 6:30 pm @ The Studio at Cutting Edge.
Register for this class and all Qigong classes at www.thestudioatcuttingedge.com - The first class is free.
