Posts In: massage

Wishing you healthy, happy holidays
from all of us at Yoga One!

The above words are how students have described feeling after practicing at Yoga One!

Give the gifts of Yoga and Massage!

Special holiday offers available until December 21st:
 10 Yoga Classes for only $120
(normally $187, SAVE $67!)*
Click here and use promo code: cheers
*Package expires 6 months from the first class attended (not from purchase date).
No refunds or extensions. Must be purchased by December 21st.

Gift Certificates are also available in any denomination.

Click here for Yoga One holiday schedule.

This holiday season, give the gifts of yoga and massage (for those you love or for yourself!)

click to purchase gift cards in any denomination 

Valid toward yoga classes, private lessons and massage. No expiration date. Support your local studio and share something you love!

Give yourself the gift of a greater understanding of yoga and a deeper practice. Register for the life enhancing experience that is the Yoga One Teacher Training. Our next training is an 8-week course that starts in January 2017.

Massage therapy is proven to improve circulation, decrease chronic pain and generally help you feel like a million bucks! Catch up with Yoga One Wellness Team Member, Emily Gaspar and schedule your massage today.

1. Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?

In 2007 I moved out west with the intention of studying massage therapy in Hawaii. What a great excuse to live on a tropical island, I thought! I landed in Portland, Oregon and fell in in love with the city. There was an open house one day at East West College of the Healing Arts and I was so impressed by their program that I decided to stay in Portland and pursue my massage studies there.

I really decided to become a massage therapist because, outside of the normal bumps and bruises, I personally know the joy of living a pain-free life. The tools of massage education have enabled me to go forth and help others, which is an invaluable experience.

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular massage therapy?

It is always amazing to see the transformation in my clients before and after a massage. So many of us wait too long to get a massage and once we lay down on the table we ask ourselves why we waited this long! It is important not to beat ourselves up about this, but rather to use the time we have set aside to make some positive changes. Regular massage therapy gives our bodies the break they need to heal, restore and move forward with ease and productivity.

3. Do you have a favorite type of massage?

I love Thai Massage. One of my favorite instructors in college, Allison Lurie, specialized in Thai Massage and took groups of students to Thailand each year. She inspired me to take my own journey abroad to study and explore. What a beautiful country! The colors, smells, architecture, culture, people, and the incorporation of massage into every day life really made an impression on me. While traditional Thai Massage (think acupressure and assisted Yoga) is something special and unique, there are so many ways to incorporate Thai Massage into Deep Tissue Massage and other massage modalities.

That brings me to my second favorite type of massage, Deep Tissue. I hope that it is okay to have more than one? I’m not good at picking favorites! Another incredible instructor in college, Jonathan Primack, who drilled Kinesiology (the study of human movement) into all of his students taught me to use movement therapy in my own practice and explore areas on the body outside of the direct area of pain or tension. Everything in the body is connected and often times there are other structures impairing or affecting the area of focus.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is: I ride a Vespa and have been playing alto saxophone for over 20 years!

5. What’s the best advice you give for how to really enjoy a massage?

Take deep breaths. Trust. Allow yourself to relax and let go. Ask questions! Oh, and I am also not noticing your body hair or anything else that might make you feel self conscious. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to love and appreciate your body. Every body is beautiful and deserves a moment of respect.

There are so many messages that our society sends women about their bodies and how they should look and perhaps one of the most vulnerable times to hear these messages is when you’ve just had a baby. Case in point, just recently a reviewer on Yoga One’s yelp page wrote about leaving class because the teacher was out of shape and therefore couldn’t be an experienced teacher. The reviewer had never been to the studio before. That teacher happens to have over a decade of experience and a beautiful six month old.

Help us share real stories like this one and support all individuals in their journey to lead happier and healthier lives. We want to hear your experiences with body image and/or postpartum recovery in the comments or by email (info@yogaonesandiego.com). If you’ve taken class at Yoga One, please consider posting your feedback online, Facebook, Yelp, Google, etc., we’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Part three in a series of reflections on pregnancy, childbirth and yoga from Missy DiDonato. Be sure to read her prenatal article and a just-after postpartum article.

guest post by Missy DiDonato

One year later (damn, already?!) I can say this about postpartum recovery and overall wellness – it’s not for sissies! 

Before giving birth, I had expected that my body would go back to what I still considered “normal.” I wouldn’t have the aches and pains I’d experienced during pregnancy and I assumed that with some time and effort, I would eventually be the same size and weight as before. But I was naïve to how long it would actually take and I had to adjust my expectations.

I had a cesarean and they cut my stomach muscles to deliver my baby. Abrupt, I know, but I needed to say those words to myself in order to process the experience. The initial weeks of recovery and healing from the c-section were easier than I anticipated and I was able to get back on my mat practicing yoga after just six weeks. I took it slow and thought that by allowing myself enough time to heal, my body would go back to the way it was pre-baby. But a year later, I’m still struggling with both the expectation and physical experience of “getting my body back.”

My biggest setback physically is the ongoing work of mending and strengthening my abdominal muscles. Their lack of stability often causes acute low back pain. I’m constantly reminding myself to get up after sitting for too long (an epidemic really, among anyone who sits too long at their desk or in a car.) I’ve had a couple of debilitating moments where I had to seek medical treatment with acupuncture and massage. This, coupled with proper yoga asanas to strengthen my ab muscles and stretch my hips and hamstrings, has kept the pain at bay. But sometimes I feel as though this pain will be a consistent reminder of what my body miraculously performed.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t feel bad about my body. It’s given me a healthy baby girl and for that, I am forever grateful. I do get bummed when I realize my belly is no longer the adorable object of affection.

Just as my body had to make space for the experience of carrying a life, my postprtum body needed time to adjust to a new version of life with different activities, patterns and eating habits. It’s been a challenge to fit healthy eating into a much busier day to day life. Making time for workouts and time for me often falls by the wayside simply because I miss her. So we take more walks and do yoga in the park. 

My priority is Olive and I remind myself that I have to be physically and spiritually strong to care for her like she deserves. My physical appearance is no longer my top concern, but the health of my body matters.

If I could say one thing to new moms, it’s that adjusting to your new schedule will be difficult, but remember that you gave birth, and that’s not for sissies! You got this!

 

Missy DiDonato
Guest Writer

Missy began practicing yoga at home when she was fourteen, following along to a DVD in her living room. She has since completed two separate 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings with UCSD and Yoga One. Missy loves helping others find their own yogic path and students of all levels appreciate her warm and friendly teaching style.

Massage therapy is proven to improve circulation, decrease chronic pain and generally help you feel like a million bucks! Meet the newest addition to our wellness team and schedule your massage today.

1. Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?

I have an active lifestyle, which often meant sore muscles and an aching body. I wanted to learn ways to alleviate and even prevent this discomfort. Now I love being in a position to help others achieve their health goals.

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular
massage therapy?

Giving a massage makes me feel like I’m enjoying a nutritional, superfood smoothie. It allows me to stay present and aware of how I’m moving during and after a session, which is very energizing.

Receiving massage gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself, re-discovering areas of the body that may have been neglected. Massage can help you feel better aligned and improve your natural range of motion. Moving through your life without pain or discomfort is a joy that every body should experience.

3. Do you have a favorite type of massage?

My favorite types of massage are Acupressure and Deep Tissue. I enjoy using a blend of modalities to achieve the best experience and result for the client, often including Swedish and Sports Massage techniques as well.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is:

 In my spare time I enjoy making music and performing to get the creative juices flowing. I beat-box through a loop-pedal and create funny freestyle-raps about my immediate surroundings or whatever strikes me at the moment.

5. What’s the best advice you give for how to really enjoy a
massage?

Communicate with your therapist! Let them know what feels good and what areas of your body need the most attention. A great massage is not just something you receive, but something you help create through good feedback.

Yoga One offers acupuncture! Award-winning Yoga One has been honored to enhance the well-being of individuals since 2002.

Our goal is to help as many people as possible live happier and healthier lives. To this end, Yoga One provides traditional group yoga classes, semi-private yoga experiences, corporate yoga classes, yoga teacher trainings, private instruction, meditation, massage therapy and acupuncture all in a positive, non-competitive environment.

 Click here to schedule an appointment.

This is Part 2 in the series, Acupuncture: Frequently Asked Questions, answered by expert licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, Jacintha “Jaz” Roemer. Read Part 1 here.

Often new acupuncture patients inquire about the needles used during treatment. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and used only once and the risk of complications is very low. We at Yoga One Wellness will always work within your comfort zone and do our best to alleviate any stress you may have about acupuncture.

What if I am afraid of needles?

A reservation regarding needles is understandable, but rest assured, even people with needle phobias can receive acupuncture! The needles used in the treatment are very small. They are not the hollow hypodermic needles most of us are familiar with from Doctor visits. In addition, Yoga One Wellness therapists are trained in a variety of methods that can be used to help clients relax prior to treatment. Another option is not to get needled but to receive acupressure, or moxa, only.

Do the needles hurt?

As mentioned above: acupuncture needles are extremely thin, often about the thickness of a hair. While some people feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. These are typically pleasant sensations, and most people find the experience extremely relaxing and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.

The needles can often bring relief to symptoms within minutes, a few hours or a few days, depending on the state of your body. It is not uncommon to experience some soreness post-treatment. This usually indicates that the body is healing through the movement of qi that occurs during an acupuncture treatment.

Have a question about acupuncture, massage or bodywork you want answered by an expert? Submit it toinfo@yogaonesandiego.com with “Blog Question” in the subject line.

Jacintha ‘Jaz’ Roemer L.Ac. is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Licensed Massage Therapist. She is a graduate of the Master of Science and Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) program from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Jaz is the Head Coordinator for the Yoga One Wellness Center. She has been a bodyworker since 2005 and has traveled to both Thailand and China to further her studies in Asian medicine.

Hi there!

Whether it’s your first time visiting our site or your hundredth, thank you. You, our readers, infuse our effort, words and messages we promote each week with greater purpose and meaning. If you haven’t already, please sign up to follow our blog and like us on Facebook.

Yoga One Blog has come such a long way from its humble beginnings back in October of 2011. The original vision for the blog was to provide a place for Yoga One students to receive information about the studio and participate in a wider discussion about yoga and wellness.

We’re expanding our scope this year to include a more diverse and engaging community of yogis and wellness experts, all of whom care about fostering greater happiness and well-being for individuals and the global community.

Here’s a roundup of the biggest changes in the past year:

• We’ve continued to bring you incredible stories of personal transformation through yoga like Kim’s struggle to overcome a diagnosis of paralysis and Laurie’s inspiring goal of running a marathon in all 50 states!
• Music + Art has expanded to include instructor playlists so you can recapture that yoga mood at home and bookmark your favorite song. We’re working to update old posts with an embedded Spotify playlist so you can listen right from our page, stay tuned!
• Massage + Acupuncture is brand new to the site and complements our vision of expanding into all areas of wellness. We’ll feature interviews with therapists and clients, tips on how to get the most out of your experience and more.

Like a real two year old, we’ll experience both growing pains and big growth spurts this next year and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Finally, it wouldn’t be a birthday party without a celebration and presents – we’ll be hosting a Wellness Block Party at Yoga One in San Diego, CA on November 9th at 7pm, please say you’ll come! And for all of our geographically far-flung friends, we’ll be hosting an online giveaway – check back next week for details!

Peace, Love & Light,

Laura and All of Us at Yoga One

Yoga One offers a variety of massage modalities to meet your individual needs – as if you needed more incentive to relinquish tension and increase vitality! Let the magic hands (and elbows) of professional massage therapist Fawn Rangel get you back to your best self. But keep an eye on your shoes!

 

1. Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?

I became a massage therapist because I like to see transformation. People often come in to their session burdened with stress and muscular pain. After the massage, their stress has unraveled, their muscles have unfurled and they have rosy cheeks with a bit of a glow about them. The client leaves feeling better, less weighed down by daily stress and more in tune with his or her true self. I love being a part of that process! I also like that the transformation is simple; it doesn’t require special equipment or fancy gadgets, just my hands, an elbow here or there, and a little nurturing attention

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular massage therapy?

The benefits of massage are vast. Most clients report a significant reduction of stress and pain, increased energy, improved range of motion (especially in the neck and hips), and improved quality of sleep. Some clients say they leave a session feeling taller and more structurally aligned. Others have experienced less sinus congestion and fewer headaches.

3. Do you have a favorite type of massage? 

Personally, I really like to receive Thai Massage. It’s very grounding because you’re on a mat so you’re closer to the earth. It implements a soothing rocking sensation and gently stretches the body. When I give massage, I like to mix modalities. I primarily use circulatory massage with a little acupressure, deep tissue, TuiNa (Chinese medical massage), and table stretching.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is:

I went to acupuncture school and am in the process of getting licensed. I also am crafty and like to make jewelry and paint on shoes.

5. What’s the best advice you give for how to really enjoy a massage?

I think it’s important to allow yourself a little down time after a massage. Some rush right back to work or even workout after a session, and that can really halt the benefits of massage.

Communication with your therapist is also vital. Don’t be shy! Feel free to tell your therapist the areas of your body you want them to focus on before the session starts. Let your therapist know when you want him/her to apply more or less pressure.

Did you know that Yoga One offers a range of massage therapy treatments as well as acupuncture? Massage and acupuncture are useful for treating many different types of ailments and injuries and best of all – regular massage therapy promises enduring relief.

Keep reading to meet one of our amazing massage therapists, Jaz, and learn why she believes you should include massage in your self-care program instead of treating it as a luxury.

1. Why did you decide to become a massage therapist?

I grew up on a farm in the midwest and spent a lot of time taking care of animals. Eventually that transitioned into people, I was always massaging friends and family. Often the would say to me, “you’re really good at this, you should be a professional.” At the time, to me, it seemed like a ridiculous career. Where I grew up “New Age-y” concepts were often mocked and attracted negative attention. But when I moved to Minneapolis for college, I met a more supportive community that encouraged me to explore massage and meditation.

My introduction to bodywork was an elective course called BodyMind Centering. It changed my life and the way that I lived in and perceived my body. During this time, however, I wanted to be a painter and was pursuing a Bachelors in Art. When I finished my undergrad, I knew I needed a skill that I could do anywhere in the world. I had considered massage but I was sure I was going to become an American Sign Language interpreter. When I went to the community college to register, all the classes were full for an entire year! I didn’t want to wait that long, so that very same day I went to the local massage school and signed up for classes.

2. What benefits have you or your clients received from regular massage therapy?

Many people have the idea that massage is only a luxury. And yes, it certainly can be, but what those people don’t realize is that massage can be utilized as a way to maintain health, prevent disease and decrease stress. Regular massage clients are less likely to get sick, go to the doctor less frequently and report fewer feelings of stress. Massage is also especially beneficial for anyone with an injury such as a strained shoulder, twisted ankle or sciatic nerve pain. I often hear that their sleep has improved or that pain is forgotten about the next day.

For me personally, massage always makes me feel human again. When I experience massages, I think to myself: Oh yeah, THIS is how I make other people feel. It always reminds me why I do bodywork and how profound something as simple as touch can be.

3. Do you have a favorite type of massage? 

My favorite type of massage to give is Chi Nei Tsang. It is an ancient Chinese abdominal massage that has been around for thousands of years. The Taoist monks would meditate for hours in their temples in the mountains yet still they had digestive issues. Over time they started exploring ways to help them feel better by rubbing each other’s bellies, eventually it evolved into this very massage.

Chi Nei Tsang (pronounced Chee Nay Song) was kept secret for a very long time and only in the last 30 or so years has it been revealed to the public. Not only does it address digestion and elimination issues, it confronts emotions as well. As a culture, we are not given appropriate tools to cope with many of the daily emotions we experience. The imbalance of these unexpressed emotions often causes disharmonies in the organs, or vice versa. This massage includes breathing techniques and visualizations to “transform negative energy into positive vitality.” These are tools a client can take home with them to use in their daily lives. I feel that this massage empowers people to transform their bodies into healthy, balanced beings.

4. Something interesting your clients might not know about you is:

In 2008 I spent seven weeks in Thailand studying with Taoist Master Mantak Chia in the city of Chaing Mai. I completed a four week teacher training course and certified as a Chi Nei Tsang practitioner.

5. What’s the best advice you give for how to really enjoy a massage?

Communication. Don’t be shy! Tell your massage therapist what you want. This is your massage and it should feel good to you. A massage therapist can easily modify to meet your needs, it should not be painful. There may be occasional discomfort, but it should not last the entire massage. Talk to your therapist about pressure, sensations you experience or something you’d like repeated or avoided. Also, breathe! I often find clients are holding their breath. Coming back to your breath helps bring you to a place of peace and enjoyment.

by Sharyn Greenberg

Spring is a time of flowers, sunshine, love and picnics! After the long, dark, chilly winter days and nights, it’s nice to find ourselves finally emerging from hibernation. Even in San Diego, rain showers, cloudy days and the occasional hail storm kept us indoors. But spring is a time of rejuvenation when nature is reborn and the excitement of a warm breeze makes life seem a bit lighter.

As we set out to face the sun of this new season, the practice of Ayurveda can help put a spring in your step by bringing your body in balance with the rhythm of nature.

During winter and early spring, the elements of water and earth (kapha dosha) are dominant yet as the earth transitions into late spring there is an onset of fire (pitta). These elements are present in both our external and internal environments. An accumulation of too much kapha within a person may lead to sleepiness, depression, weight gain or phlegm – all of which may have been noticed in the winter. Now that spring is here, it’s time to reign in kapha so we can remain in step with nature, which is moving towards light and warmth.

1. Embrace routine to combat any lingering lethargy from winter. Ideally you should wake up with the sun, around 7am, and go for a brisk walk outside first thing. If you don’t have time for a walk, just pop outside to feel the air against your skin.
2. Lighten up your diet. There’s no more need to store up fat for the winter – it’s time to eat lighter, incorporating herbs and spices into your diet. Avoid heavy, oily foods. Enjoy bitter, pungent and astringent foods such as apples, asparagus, okra, leafy greens, beets, legumes and dark grapes.
3. Herbs are nature’s pharmacy. Triphala is good for detoxifying the body (take 1/2 teaspoon at night.) Ginger gets the digestive system going and warms the body; try drinking ginger tea 30 minutes before every meal. Turmeric dries mucus and aids allergy symptoms (mix 1/4 teaspoon with 1 teaspoon raw honey a few times per day).
4. Get moving! Yoga asana that soothes kapha include sun salutations to get the heart rate up, back bending to energize and spinal twists to detoxify. Daily yoga practice is encouraged but equally so are outdoor activities like hiking, jogging and bike riding.
5. Don’t Forget to Breathe. Kapalabhati is the recommended pranayam to do daily in the spring as it promotes detoxification, healthy digestion and a lighter state of mind. Go here for a tutorial.

Sloughing off the heaviness of winter is the main guide to health in the spring. The goal is not only to lighten up the physical body but also the mental and emotional bodies which are also affected by the seasons. Naps are not advisable during spring as they slow digestion and aggravate kapha. Try to stay up and enjoy the daytime. If you feel tired or restless, enjoy some restorative yoga!

The word is out! honestly, kate. designed our gorgeous new gift cards and she wrote a lovely blog post about our holiday special:

Available until December 15th, we’re also offering a Holiday Package Special: for $99 you get a 5 class package and your choice of either a one hour massage or private yoga lesson. Buy one for yourself and gift one for a friend! Don’t miss out on this amazing deal, go here to purchase then click on Store and Gift Cards.

Namaste!

This month we’re checking in with the talented and oh-so-sweet Sharyn Greenberg! Sharyn is not only an awesome yoga instructor, she’s also one of Yoga One’s wonderful massage therapists. Whether you schedule a massage with her or drop in on her Wednesday night class at 7pm, you’re sure to enjoy every moment. Check out our full class schedule here, no reservations required.

1. What is your favorite style of yoga?

I like all kinds of yoga, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one style! On my own I practice Hatha/Vinyasa, but the classes I take range from Power Flow to Kundalini. I enjoy a class that challenges me physically and then puts me to rest.

2. What first attracted you to yoga when you began your practice?

I enjoyed the peaceful feelings that I got after practice, as well as the deepening sense of self-acceptance that began to develop. It was a way for me to connect with my body that is kind and forgiving, challenging and healthy. Yoga helped me realize that we are all exactly where we need to be at any given moment; and this discovery allowed me to release a lot of anxiety in my life.

3. What is your favorite yoga pose right now?

I’m really into twists right now. I like Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) because there is so much going on! The subtle sensations are kind of overwhelming at times but I enjoy breathing through all that, experiencing it, and letting it go after a few deep breaths.

4. What pose is still the most challenging?

Hanumanasana, also known as the splits. I’m a runner, so this pose is a challenge! It scares the shit out of me when teachers announce that we will be working on this in class…

5. If you were an animal, you would be: a hummingbird. They represent healers, messengers, and warriors and their wings move in the pattern of infinity! They are vivacious, present, and they get to spend all day smelling flowers. I think I’d enjoy flying through the sky as my main source of transportation.

6. Describe what yoga means in your life using just 6 words: Connection. Experience. Expression. Peace. Balance. Acceptance.

7. What might your students be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a Scrabble fanatic and love to play board games.

8. Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for new students?

Don’t be scared to take a risk every now and then, even if you are uncertain of the outcome. Be kind to yourself and others and do your best to embrace all the ups and downs that you encounter. Don’t take life so seriously… it’s okay to smile, laugh, and dance multiple times throughout the day (even in yoga class).

That’s right, September is National Yoga Month, a time to celebrate a common love for yoga and healthy living and to share that passion with others! Here are some fun ways you can spread the yoga love:

First off, the most obvious of all, bring a friend to yoga! How many of you went to your first yoga class because a friend brought you along? Pay it forward by extending your own invitation. For all you ladies out there trying to convince your guy to come to class with you, check out this article for tips!

Change it up by taking your practice outdoors. There’s nothing like feeling the earth beneath your feet and the wind in your hair while you practice, not to mention having a live tree for your inspiration during tree pose! You can connect to your breath and find your connection to nature at the same time, maybe even get a little sun. Check out our rooftop class at the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy on Sunday mornings at 9am.

Three words: Treat Yo Self! Do you always borrow a mat when you come to class? Treat yourself to the gift of your very own mat; we’ve got hugger mugger and manduka mats for sale at the studio. Feeling down about wearing the same old workout clothes to class all the time? Treat yourself to some new digs. A vigorous vinyasa practice have you feeling sore? Treat yourself to a massage! We’ve got four amazing massage therapists at your service and a deliciously relaxing massage room.

Take your practice to the next level. Whatever level you’re at in your practice, there’s always another level to discover. Have you been taking beginner classes for awhile but still feel unsure about a mixed level class? Talk to the instructor before class and let them know your hesitations. They’ll be able to offer you modifications to meet your body’s needs. Do you have a regular practice but need a push in order to try out a level 2 class? Go for it! Listen to your body so you know when it’s okay to try something hard and when you need to rest. Check out Mara’s 6pm class on Thursday nights or Amy’s 6:45pm class on September 14 for a challenge! Full class schedule here.

Do yoga from the inside out this month by practicing gratitude. Journal about your yoga practice and write down how you feel before and after class. Give yourself a pat on the back for stepping on your mat one more time. Thank a co-worker or family member or yoga instructor for their guidance and understanding. Studies show that grateful people feel “more alert, alive, interested and enthusiastic.” Gratitude creates feelings of happiness and joy simply by changing our internal rhetoric, a very yogic thought indeed!

Other cool stuff to check out: Yoga One’s very own Amy Caldwell  is leading Lululemon’s Vino & Vinyasa every Wednesday night at the Solamar Hotel, 6:30pm. Class is complimentary. Click here to see Amy’s interview for Vino & Vinyasa on KUSI news and click here to see her interview for San Diego Living!