Massage with a Caring Heart

Massage in Bali?

Off to explore the wonders of Bali. Returning August 19. In my absence, please contact Mary Elliot, at 805-450-9933 or Asia Warren, at... More

Brennan School of Healing – Presentation

We have a new office-mate at the Gibian Wellness Center. Naomi Romulo is a recent graduate of a 4-year energy healing program. She will be presenting her work at the center on Saturday, August 14th, at 2pm. In her words: Life offers so many gifts that we do not seek out, are unable to receive, or even reject simply out of lack of awareness and understanding. I am offering a free informational talk simply because I am inspired and hopeful about this body of work and I want to raise... More

Physical or Energetic?

A new client recently asked me the difference between accupressure points and trigger points, and how that difference informed my perspective when I blended thai massage and barefoot deep tissue. Her question points to the fascinating interplay between the energetic and physical, and this is how I have come to understand it (this may evolve, and others may have different understandings!) Many textbooks on, or related to, Energy Meridians use the following analogy: Meridians are like rivers,... More

Stimulate your Reflex Points

Give yourself a little reflexology session whenever you want! This little tool is very affordable, and using it regularly will do your feet, and your whole body, a great deal of good. You simply roll your foot on the roller, either from a seated position, or standing, which will also help enhance your balance. The rolling motion stimulates meridian points and reflex zones, which then help support organ function. It also helps stimulate circulation which can be very helpful for swollen... More

Mother’s Day Special!

This mother's day, give your mother, or the mother of your children, a special gift that will do more for her than a beautiful flower bouquet or a box of chocolates. Give her an hour (or more!) of blissful relaxation. Beautiful Handmade Gift Certificates $65 for 60-minutes $90 for 90-minutes Please contact me for details. I will be available to do massages on Mother's day, please schedule in... More

All about Trigger Points

Those of you already familiar with my work know a little bit about trigger points. A trigger point is a microscopic contracture knot that is sensitive when pressed upon. It can cause pain locally or in a specific referred pain pattern. For example, trigger points in the gluteus medius muscle cause a specific type of pain in the lower back. Pressing on those trigger points helps release the contraction and eliminates the pain. A large part of deep tissue massage focuses on this work, and I often... More

Some insight on Interdigital Neuroma

Recently a client came to me complaining about severe pain between her fourth and fifth metatarsals (those are the bones on your feet that connect to your tarsals- your toes). She had been diagnosed by both an orthopedic surgeon and a podiatrist as having Morton's Neuroma, also known as interdigital neuroma, which is a nerve inflammation believed to be caused by an enlarged nerve confined between the deep transverse metatarsal ligament and the pressure from the ground with each step. Both... More

One of my favorite teachers in town!

As part of the curriculum in my first massage class we had to read Roger Jahnke's "The Healer Within". It was and still is one of the most influential books in my personal life and in my career. Several years ago I had the wonderful chance to take a five day Tai-Chi and Qi-gong workshop with Roger Jahnke. We are very lucky to have him teach a class next Sunday here in Santa Barbara, at Yoga Soup. I strongly recommend this to anyone interested in improving their health and becoming an active... More

Esalen Kale Salad

I was first introduced to this recipe when my friend and fellow massage therapist Mary Elliott made it for me. I loved it so much that I immediately found it on the internet. The recipe originally comes from the Esalen Cookbook, a collection of recipes from the Esalen kitchen. Serves 4 to 6 1/3 cup Bragg Liquid Aminos or tamari soy sauce 1/3 cup lemon juice (I love using Meyer lemons) 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 medium red onion 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup... More

Welcome to the Healthy Recipe section!

While my professional expertise and training have centered around bodywork and massage, cooking delicious healthy meals has long been a passion of mine, and this blog provides me the opportunity to share some of my favorite recipes and food insights. I'd like make clear that I am not a nutrition expert and that none of the entries in this category qualify as professional advice. Simply, they offer a window into the notion that healthy nutritious food can be delicious and interesting too.... More