Today I write rather puzzled in regards to our economy.  I must admit that I’m not a morning person nor do I love waking up to NEWS on the TV.  Unfortunately, there isn’t much control to this aspect since my boyfriend loves to see “what’s going” as he puts it.  The last few weeks, I’ve noticed even though I don’t want to, how many “accidents, homicides, and hit-n-runs” there have been in the Bay Area.

Have you stopped to wonder what’s going on?  I mean, there is always bad news in the media.  Why would it impact me so much more now than it did before?  I pondered this question for a full day and realized one simple concept.  We as people are letting our circumstances get to us.

Circumstances can have many masks.  Some call it financial difficulties; others may say it’s a relationship issue or better yet, our government.  The only thing I know that we all have control over is OURSELVES.  You can have the power to change your mood, your perception as well as your outcome.

So how does all this tie into my first paragraph? It’s quite simple. It’s a domino effect.  The hardship we are experiencing in our lives due to our “circumstances” put so much STRESS and pressure upon us that our inner-being is in pain.  We start living each day as a haze.  One day fades into the next.  We get into our cars in this manner and soon enough, something happens to WAKE us up.

Recently, an elderly woman was fatally struck by a vehicle as she was on her way to get more supplies for her granddaughter’s birthday.  A 4 year old was fatally struck as he played.  A councilman in Fairfield age 21 years young was gun down.  Two different incidents like this happened in Oakland two weeks ago.

SLOW DOWN PEOPLE- literally and figuratively.  Live is busy, but we have to take each day at a time.  The economy is not going to improve anytime soon and as soon as we can realize that fact and learn to do our best with it, it will become easier.  The emotional stress that is put on our bodies from daily stressor can harm our decision making process. Get a massage, our massage business RPM Therapy is a perfect solution to life’s craziness.

I’m not saying that all the incidents are due to someone having a bad day, or that getting regular massages would help any but wouldn’t you admit that if things were going better or at least if “they” changed their attitudes towards their circumstances, lots of lost lives would have been spared?

Written by Doreen Jattan Owner of Roman Paradigm Massage

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Pregnancy brings great joy to everyone’s life that is impacted by it.  There are some disadvantages towards being pregnant.  Constant visits to the restroom and eventually the large belly putting pressure on vital organs and of course the pain created from the physical change that occurs to the body.  The smallest things that didn’t matter much before pregnancy become very noticeable with pregnancy such as taking hot baths during the first trimester, or lying on your back during mid-trimester.  Below you will find much needed information in regards to massage and your body.

What is prenatal massage?

Overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension are just a few things pregnant women can look forward to during their massages. Prenatal massage care can give pregnant women an alternative means of taking care of their pain and discomfort without medication. Prenatal massage therapy should be given careful consideration.

Should you lie on your stomach if you can?

Many professionals consider the best position for a pregnant woman during massage is side-lying. This is best only because lying face-down puts pressure on the tender breasts during the first trimester but most importantly, during the mid-trimester, the weight of the uterus puts too much pressure on the vein that returns blood from the legs to the heart. Tables that provide a hole in which the uterus can fit may not be reliable and can still apply pressure to the abdomen, or allow the abdomen to dangle, causing uncomfortable stretching of the uterine ligaments. Do talk to your massage therapist before your first appointment to confirm what method they use during their prenatal massages.

Most therapists have lots of comfy pillows to have the belly and breasts supported well.  I normally give pregnant women choices between a side-lying position or a Prego-pillow designed for women in the mid to late trimester which allows them to lay face-down.

Will prenatal massage help you?

Prenatal massage has many benefits.  From low back pain to possibly reducing chronic headaches.  Massage does decrease stress and promote relaxation, helping you cope with discomfort because carrying a baby changes your center of gravity and puts enormous amounts of stress on your back, neck, abdominal, and shoulders.   Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments for birthing so your pelvic is less stable. This changes your posture and pulls your pelvis forward.  The baby weight upfront also pulls the body forward arching the lowback causing pain.

It’s always good to tell where your pains are but if your therapist is trained well, he/she will be aware of majority of them.

How do you find a great therapist?

Word of mouth is very powerful so ask your friends and family.  Local health practitioners are great resources or www.Yelp.com.  Make sure you ask all the questions you have before booking your session.

How much should a prenatal massage cost?

Depending on where you live, prices can range from as low as $50 to $120 an hour.  Most of the time, pregnancy massages cost just a little more than regular sessions because of the work involve in setting up and breaking down the massage tables and therapists are required to take additional classes to be knowledgeable to perform this technique.  Ask your doctor to prescribe treatments and see if your therapist will accept it.

Are there specific techniques I should look for?

Even though many pregnant women are advised to get Swedish or light work, trigger point therapy to release tensed muscle is a great technique if used by a trained therapists.  Don’t get scared about pressure.  Your therapist should know exactly which areas to avoid.

Are there any kinds of complications during or after the massage?

Just avoid massages in any area where there are any blood clots or any bone fracture.  Also avoid massage if you have skin injury or any condition which will irritate your skin by rubbing. Other than that, you should be fine.

Will the baby feel the massage as well?

I have given massages to pregnant women and have felt the baby move and respond.  The unborn child does respond to touch even before it is born.  This is good news for fathers because even if you don’t get regular massages, a loving touch to the belly is comforting to you and the baby.  Try bonding with the baby this way.

This article was contributed by Doreen Jattan