If you are wondering what the long scarves are for, they aren’t scarves, they are Silks that are used by Massage therapists to perform a type of Deep Tissue massage called Ashiatsu.  If you read our last Blog, you already know what Ashiatsu is and what it means.  If you are catching up, Ashiatsu is rooted in Japanese and broken down, means Foot Pressure.  ​

Therapists use these Silks that are attached to the table to deliver therapeutic myofascial and deep tissue techniques. This fabric strap is used by practitioners for stability and to add tensional and gravitational force to specific manual therapy methods. These methods, combined with the broad contact surface of the foot facilitate less restriction and more ease and relaxation in recipients’ bodies.

We will be adding this service to our menu in the future.  We can’t wait to share this with you!
~Brooke

Our week has been full of so much excitement.  We held our first Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy class in our studio.  We hosted six students from all over the country that worked very hard to learn the wonderful art of working with their feet.  
If you have never experienced Ashiatsu work with me, let me tell you a little more about this type of bodywork.
I normally get asked "Ashi what???" with a very confused look about what I do.  
Ashiatsu is a Japanese word. The root word “Ashi” means foot and “Atsu” means pressure so together they symbolize “foot pressure”.
Inspired by ancient forms of Eastern barefoot techniques, Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy is a western adaptation of barefoot massage techniques. Therapists utilize their bodyweight and bare feet to apply a deeply relaxing and therapeutic massage. Gravitational force is combined with centrifugal and centripetal movements. Correct application will induce deep relaxation, decrease pain and inflammation and create structural change in chronic soft tissue damage. Parallel wooden bars are used above the therapist’s head for support, balance, and client safety. Lubrication is applied to the client’s body. 
I've been practicing massage since 2004.  What lead me to learn Ashiatsu was when I nearly injured myself trying to accommodate a client who wanted pressure I just simply couldn't get, but I tried and my body paid the price.  I can give a great deal of pressure with my hands but everyBODY has it's limits.  When I trained in Ashiatsu in 2014 it allowed me other ways to work smarter on my clients and use gravity to give 3 x more the pressure vs. traditional massage using my hands.  It really was a no-brainer! My clients have loved my extra tools...aka my feet.  
I'm not the only one benefiting from this amazing modality.  To name a few client benefits of Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy...

1. Less pain when receiving deep tissue massage. The feet cover a larger surface area and are more comfortable than pointy elbows and thumbs. 
2. Utilizing SLOW broad compressive movements induces deep relaxation quickly. 
3. Many of the movements help to elongate the spine. These movements dramatically stretch the shortened muscles along the spine, relieving muscular discomfort and opening up space in the
   the intervertebral foramen. 
4. increases blood/lymph circulation quickly which detoxifies the body at a much faster rate. 
5. It’s both relaxing and therapeutic at the same time, which makes it great for both spa or clinical settings.
6. Less inflammation and soreness post massage compared to deep neuromuscular work. 
7. Clients receive more massage benefits in a shorter amount of time and maintain results for a longer period. 
8. The biggest benefit is that after a few treatments it will help improve the client’s posture and movement while relieving pain, improving bodily functions and creating a state of well- being. 

I enjoy this work very much and that is what lead me into becoming an Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy Instructor.  I'm currently an apprentice going through my training to teach other massage therapist barefoot massage.  The first group we had was amazing.  Seeing each of them get so excited to take their new barefoot skills back home to their clients is the most gratifying feeling.  Helping to inspire these therapists to bring more ways to help others, makes me feel like I’m truly doing the good work I’m meant to do.  I not only want to educate my students but educate my community and clients about barefoot massage and all forms of bodywork.  After 16 years of practicing massage my love for it grows stronger each day that I get to help my students and clients. 

With love,
Cindy

We started from scratch to build a space that is welcoming and comforting for our clients.  

This is from January 2019. 



We are proud to share our beautiful space with you and hope to see you in the near future.                        
​                                                December 2019

Bodyworks of Perdido Key is a proud supporter of Toys for Tots.  We have a collection box displayed in our waiting area, ready to be filled with toys for children in our community!  Help this wonderful organization share in the magic of the holidays!

Bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to children in need by donating a new unwrapped toy.  As our thanks we are offering an aromatherapy enhancement for your generous donations!

To learn more about this program  click on the link below.
www.toysfortots.org

We will be accepting donations now through December 4.  You can drop off your gift anytime Monday through Friday from 9:30 am - 5pm.  

Thank you for being a part of our amazing community that is always thinking of others and caring for those in need!  

Sincerely,
Cindy & the Bodyworks Tribe

     Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines in the world.  A member of the dandelion and sunflower family, arnica has been used to treat muscle soreness and aches, bruising, joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.

     Known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its effectiveness treating sore muscles, easing joint pain and healing bruises, arnica is a great choice for almost everyone.  Some studies have shown that topical arnica applied to affected areas may reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis and heal bruising.  Arnica can be used along with other anti inflammatory agents to improve healing.  Some studies have shown arnica to have antibacterial qualities as well.*

Try one of our signature arnica services:
Autumn Energy ~ arnica infused oil, ginger, orange, and local honey.  Powerful pain relief and immunity booster!
Rocky Mountain Pain Relief ~ Powered by plants, arnica, juniper, and peppermint to help with localized pain relief, muscle soreness, inflammation, headaches, swollen joints, distressed skin, and menstrual cramps.  Our infusions are formulated with natural, nutritious ingredients to help balance the body and senses. 

Well wishes!
The Bodyworks Tribe

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12539881,
https://www.verywellhealth.com/arnica-what-arthritis-patients-should-know-189149,
http://doc.rero.ch/record/312834/files/296_2007_Article_304.pdf

Some things that you should look for
when choosing the right
massage therapist for you.  
*State Licensed 
     -License should be in plain sight - In establishment and/or treatment room
*Intake forms
- Your medical and health information helps our massage therapist to better asses your therapeutic needs.  
*Professional

*Clean Establishment

*Reviews
- Google, Facebook, Yelp, Trip Advisor, etc

Did you know?
Licensed Massage Therapists are required by the state to take 24 continuing education courses every 2 years.  

Why the Price?
Often times people may wonder why they should pay more for a massage when they can get one for lesser rate.  If the person performing your massage is not a Licensed Massage Therapist, then they will likely have lower rates.  The massage you get may not be what you need, but more of a routine that is provided to each client.  
Licensed Massage Therapists should be able to customize a massage to address your individual therapeutic needs.  

Bonus!
You can make a plan for continued treatments with your therapist
You can tell your family that you got a massage...and the establishment name
NO RAIDS 

We are looking for full time and part time LMT’s with a passion for helping others. If you are looking to join our team of incredible body workers email your resume to bodyworksofperdido@gmail.com. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the positions. 850-356-6311. M-F 9:30-5 Saturday’s 9-2. 

​

WELL - NESS
You hear us using the word wellness a lot.  It’s a very popular word in the health, beauty, and WELL-NESS industries.  I recently read an article UCDAVIS Student Health and Counseling Services wrote about wellness and why it matters.  I really couldn’t describe it any better.  

Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.  Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.

Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to live a higher quality life. Wellness matters. Wellness matters because everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being.  In turn, our well-being directly affects our actions and emotions.  It’s an ongoing circle.  Therefore, it is important for everyone to achieve optimal wellness in order to subdue stress, reduce the risk of illness and ensure positive interactions.

There are eight dimensions of wellness: occupational, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, physical, social, and intellectual. Each dimension of wellness is interrelated with another.  Each dimension is equally vital in the pursuit of optimum health.  One can reach an optimal level of wellness by understanding how to maintain and optimize each of the dimensions of wellness.
Bodyworks is here to help you achieve your optimal level of wellness.  We have highly trained Licensed Massage Therapist that listen to you and your body.  Our skilled Licensed Esthetician takes the time to help you achieve that glow in your skin.  Our yoga teachers are here to guide you through a yoga practice for EveryBODY.  When we feel good, we do good, and we want to help you be the best version of you possible. 

~Cindy

Have you ever had a cupping massage?  

This type of massage is performed with the use of glass or silicone cups that are used to gently lift the skin, muscle, and fascia into the cups by creating a vacuum.  Our therapists may leave the cups stationary to allow blood to flow into the muscles and loosen them up.  The cups are also actively used to gently massage and relieve tensions in the affected areas.  

This technique is highly effective in loosening stiff, overworked muscles and can be beneficial in reducing scar tissue.  

Will cupping leave marks?
In some cases there may be light reddening (bruising) of the skin associated with cupping.  These spots typically do not last long, in some cases a few days, but can last up to a few weeks.  Discoloration of the skin is normal, depending on the health of the skin, some people may have more bruising than others. 

~Brooke