Most everyone I know enjoys a nice relaxing massage. These sessions can be soothing, relieving, healing and even educational. When we enter into a treatment our therapist typically asks us if we have any problem areas or past injuries. After the initial communication process however, some of us prefer to remain silent for the duration of the massage. The lack of communication can lead to a misunderstanding of what is wrong and what areas need more self-care. Most therapists ask about pressure 5-10 minutes into the session but this tends to be where the talking ends. I myself enjoy asking people if tender spots are areas of typical irritation or whether these are new found trigger points. I also encourage the client to tell me if discomfort radiates down a limb because that often signals a bit of nerve damage or at least constriction. As a massage therapist my goal is to help others become aware of how important stretching, meditating, hydrating and the like can be in the overall healing process. I am only a conduit for a much larger transformation and I would like my clients to lengthen the benefits of a session as far into the future as possible. Simple steps like drinking extra filtered water and taking the day off to gently unwind with some yoga can benefit the body and mind immensely after an hour of bodywork. When I am able to communicate effectively with clients during their treatment they are more likely to remember the feel of the problem areas or perhaps the name of the muscle groups involved so they can later apply those tips to their stretching routine. When we pile on a bunch of information at the end of the massage people are not as likely to remember all that was said and suggested. In my opinion it is beneficial to both the practitioner as well as the client to develop a nice flow of communication during the treatment. This isn’t meant to be a distraction but rather an open-ended dialogue that allows questions to be answered and knowledge to be learned. Next time your therapist rolls over a tender spot be sure to speak up and ask what muscle or region was involved. Another wrinkle in the brain may mean one less kink in your body.


by Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist

As we approach Valentine’s Day I thought it would be quite fitting to cover a few of the more luxurious essential oils. Certain aromas bring our minds into a more relaxed, open and loving space. When presented with chocolate and roses many women are floored by the offering because it involves sight, taste and smell. When we pair massage therapy with essential oils that are known aphrodisiacs a similar reaction occurs. One of the most romantic treatments we offer is known as the couples massage. While most people enjoy the idea of a full body massage the added benefit of having a loved one in the same room makes for a very intimate experience. You’re both able to unwind while sharing in the healing process and you both leave relaxed and blissfully serene. Essential oils like Ylang-Ylang and Rose can heighten this type of romantic gesture by uplifting the mood and calming the mind. Other essential oils like Sandalwood and Patchouli may appeal to men who would rather not smell like a flower at the end of their session. Moreover you can carry the tradition home by purchasing a bottle of essential oil and making it a part of your weekly massage routine. That way you are able to bond while also encouraging an open and healthy relationship through touch and healing. A simple foot massage is an easy way to take care of one another with little to no effort. Sit across from your partner on the couch and share in the joy of massage therapy simultaneously. These types of practices really do bring people closer together whether mates or friends. I highly recommend treating yourself and that special someone to a couples massage this Valentine’s Day as a special way of saying I love you.

By Sarah McCalum
NLMSC Massage Therapist

The world of healing arts and self-care is full of so many ancient modalities. Massage therapy, meditation, yoga, reflexology, and aromatherapy are all very helpful in cases of anxiety, stress and fatigue. These types of treatments have encouraged civilizations for millennia to connect with one another on a deeper level while also connecting with the spiritual world. Many essential oils blend beautifully with meditative activities. Yoga for example can be even more relaxing when something like Lavender or Sandalwood is added to the temples before participation. Ask your instructor if they own a diffuser so that perhaps the aroma of Frankincense can float through the air while transitioning through Sun Salutations. In order to open up fully to the healing powers of yoga and meditation we need to let go and allow ourselves to drop down to a place of complete relaxation. A combination of floral and woodsy scented essential oils can be very comforting during a healing event. Try adding a drop of Rose and Cedarwood essential oils to your heart chakra before opening up during yoga practice. If insecure feelings have you down try a mix of floral and mint essential oils. I find it helpful to spray down my yoga mat as well as my clothes with my favorite scent before I drop into a practice for a constant reminder to stay on track. Remember to avoid anything too sweet like Ylang-Ylang before entering a classroom full of students so as to not offend anyone who may be more sensitive to aromas. Stick with just a drop or two of essential oils like Frankincense, Sandalwood, Rose or another mellow scent. Be gentle with yourself and allow for mistakes while navigating the world of healing arts. Even during massage therapy sessions you may feel that you aren’t able to totally let go, forgive yourself, take a deep breath and continue your healing work. Healing ourselves is a lifelong journey of discovery and evolution, one with roadblocks and setbacks. We may encounter discomfort or disbelief at certain points but essential oils are here as gentle reminders that everything will be okay. Keep up the good work one drop at a time. Stop by the spa soon for a bit of self care and remember to never stop exploring.

by Sarah McCallum
NLMSC Massage Therapist

Here we are on the verge of a new season and a new year, how exciting! Does anyone else enjoy the feeling of a clean slate as much as I do? Beginning anew allows each and everyone of us to start over and let go of any guilt we may have about falling off the healthy wagon last year. For most, this time encourages healthier mindsets and attitudes about exercise, self-care, spirituality and wellness. Essential oils and massage therapy can help to keep our bodies and minds on track as we begin a new routine. Habits are created over time not overnight so be gentle with yourself and allow for setbacks and mistakes. No one is perfect and it tends to be our imperfections that make us uniquely beautiful. Essential oils that help with forgiveness are Lavender, Bergamot and Cypress, among others. Use one drop daily on the heart chakra to remind the body of openness and tenderness. Juicing can be an awesome way to boost the immune system as we move through cold and flu season. Essential oils of Lime, Lemon, Ginger and Cilantro are quite delicious when added to green drinks and freshly squeezed carrot-apple juice. Your produce purchase can be brought to a minimum when wisely incorporating essential oils into your juices and smoothies. Detoxification can be quite helpful during the cooler months when our body temperatures drop and sluggishness creeps in. Motivating essential oils like Grapefruit, Wild Orange and Peppermint make for fabulous pre-workout blends. Apply a drop of both Peppermint and Wild Orange (or any citrus oil of your choice) to the bottoms of feet before a run or hike for an added boost of energy. Attempt to fill your day with healthier decisions like an increase in filtered water intake or a high quality supplement versus a variety of restrictions. We will find so much more success approaching health and wellness by crowding out those unhealthy items rather than limiting ourselves. Please come by the spa for an aromatherapy massage featuring some motivating blends before your next workout so that we can help you get this year started on the right foot, or ski boot. ;)
By Sarah McCallum

The winter solstice marks a time of introspection and renewal. Here we begin to slow down and focus on building up our immunity for the cooler months ahead. Many of us can attest to the drop in energy level we feel around this time of the year. Our bodies encourage us to let go of the hustle and bustle by replacing our typical late night activities for an earlier bedtime routine like yoga or meditation. Massage therapy is one of the best resources available for immune boosting support during the winter season. Not only does this type of self-care promote the circulatory system but it also calms the body and mind allowing for cellular regeneration to take place. Combine some deep tissue strokes with a bit of Frankincense for an increased meditative effect on the psyche. Rituals are important while we all transit the winter solstice because they build habits that last all year long. If we experience the solstice period as a down trodden and unhealthy period then it is more likely that we carry these qualities into the New Year. A few upgrades in your usual holiday routine could immensely enhance the rest of your year. Instead of spending $50 out at the bar with friends drinking festive cocktails set aside that money for a massage or facial. The next time you contemplate a late night out you will probably think twice and hopefully spend that money in a healthier way. Attempt to keep your body and your mind strong all year long by setting clear and positive intentions around this reflective time of the year. Pay attention to dreams and vision as they can help you understand much of what is going on internally. The subtle signs you receive during bodywork can also lead to many aha moments. Get to know yourself better so that you can take care of yourself in the best way possible.

By: Sarah McCallum

We all know how easy it is to stray from our healthy eating habits while vacationing over the holidays. We are typically bombarded with sweets, desserts and heavy foods filled with gravy and salt. All of these ingredients tend to lead to bloating and general malaise. Even those who are able to pass on the treats may end up having a few too many glasses of eggnog. Alcohol, sugar, salt and unhealthy fats can turn a fun weekend into one big headache. I myself prepare ahead of time by packing a few of my favorite detoxifying essential oils. Lemon, Peppermint, Ginger and Spearmint essential oils may help combat the negative effects of overindulgence by decreasing indigestion and reducing tension in the head and neck. Before embarking upon your trip to visit with family pack a bottle or two of your go to oils so that you can easily apply when needed. Bring a small jar of coconut oil for those larger areas like the bottoms of the feet and the belly. It’s also a good idea to have some extra lotion or vegetable oil on hand so that you are able to topically apply essential oils like Ginger to children with sensitive skin. I like to apply Spearmint essential oil to my neck and wrists before entering a get together for a little extra boost in energy. If I do decide to imbibe in some red wine my routine includes a glass of water with one drop of Peppermint and one drop of Lemon essential oil about 20 minutes before turning in for the night. This way I am safeguarding against waking up with a hangover. The worst way to welcome Christmas morning is hung over and fatigued. These essential oils are just a few examples for helping ensure a healthy and happy holiday season. Come by the spa and explore the variety of essential oils on hand and choose a bottle or two of your own. We all have diverse and unique preferences when it comes to aromas so you will likely gravitate towards essential oils that may differ from those listed above. Be merry and be well!

By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist
NLMSC

The importance of a healthy skin care routine during the dry and harsh winter months should not be overlooked. In order to maintain smooth and supple skin we need to not only moisturize daily but also keep our bodies hydrated and free of dead skin cells. Using a sugar based body scrub on the arms and legs not only helps increase circulation but also buffs the skin so that you’re left with silky limbs. Certain essential oils like Geranium and Myrrh can act as gentle protectors on your body’s largest organ, the skin. Try applying a drop of essential oil into your moisturizer for the added benefits of antimicrobial and antibacterial action. Coconut oil is my favorite base oil for applying essential oils because it is super hydrating and emollient. If you’re looking to maintain a taught tummy during the holiday season seek out Peppermint and Orange essential oils. This combination may help combat belly fat that usually accumulates after we’ve spent a few months in hibernation enjoying good food and drink. Applying a drop of each daily onto the belly not only reduces the bulge but also helps to keep cravings at bay and increase alertness. I really enjoy creating my own body scrub with ¼ cup coconut oil, ¼ cup coarse sugar and about 20 drops of my favorite essential oil. You can create really fun gifts by combining essential oils and personalizing the scents for friends or family members. If you aren’t sure where to find high quality essential oils, stop by the spa and check out our stock. The ladies are knowledgeable on topics like aromatherapy and can help guide you towards a few that tend to be popular during the winter months. Let us pamper you or your loved ones this holiday season with a facial. Our estheticians will have your skin glowing after a luscious treatment. We also have gift cards available and they make for fantastic stocking stuffers. Take care of your skin this winter and you will welcome the spring season with a radiant complexion!

Every joint in the body is very vulnerable to injury due to the immense amount of stress and weight they manage day in and day out. They are delicately developed systems that are meant to keep our bodies moving in a fluid fashion. Without our joints and tendons we wouldn’t be able to do much moving at all. Our ankles are left to support our entire bodies weight as well as agility and movement while running, walking, hiking and dancing. These joint represent our ability to not only maintain flexibility but also acceptance of our true self in the purest form. Loving our bodies in their raw state can be scary and intimidating. Today we are constantly shown unrealistic images of how a healthy and attractive body must look. In order to maintain healthy ankle joints we need to stop undervaluing who we are. A strained or sprained ankle can obviously result from various sports injuries, missteps when walking on ice, slips from wearing loose fitting footwear etc. Emotionally and psychologically this type of injury represents someone who is having a hard time walking the walk and truly stepping out into the world confidently. Working with a massage therapist can be very healing physically but also emotionally. Applying an essential oil like Cypress will help increase circulation around the injury site encouraging healing. Cypress essential oil also aids in the removal of emotional blockages that can inhibit a full recovery. In my experience as a therapist but also as a client of massage therapy I have encountered incredible shifts physically, emotionally, and even spiritually during high quality treatments. Few healing modalities help my body heal as holistically as an aromatherapy massage therapy session. With so much chaos this holiday season make time to step away from the commotion and bring your vibration back down to a space that allows for renewal. We all need to be taken care of from time to time but more importantly we need to learn how to ask for that care comfortably and without guilt. Allow one of our caring therapists to bring your body and mind back into a place of health and healing so that you are better able to take care of those you love. Be well!

By Sarah McCallum
Massage Therapist
NLMSC

My most favorite essential oil right now is wonderfully grounding Rosemary. While the foods are being prepared for Thanksgiving feast my diffuser is emitting lovely holiday scents throughout our home. These oils help not only to curb tension in the air but also clean the air. Diffusing essential oils is quite a modern form of technology. We are able to incorporate the essential oils into the air we breathe in our homes and that is pretty amazing. For a diffuser to properly work without destroying or altering the original chemical composition of the essential oil being used, it must be either an ultrasonic or a nebulizer. Both of these designs use water and no heat to produce a finely scented vapor into the air. I am an avid essential oil user and I know the spa typically has the space smelling blissful year round. The fun part about the diffuser recipes is making up your own. So I am stuck on Rosemary and Clove right now because it is so very festive and healing. The more I begin to explore the wide world of essential oils and the healing power that even a diffuser can bring into the home the more curious I become. This holiday season I am thankful for a passion. I am thankful for my family and friends of course but I owe a lot of good to my passion for health and healing. When we follow our passion it never leads us astray. Don’t shy away from shining in whatever way is uniquely you. Now get out there and enjoy your snowy holiday, rest, relax, recharge and perhaps Rosemary? P.S. I think a little post Thanksgiving massage therapy ain’t a bad idea either.

The Reno Tahoe area is chalk full of avid winter sports enthusiasts. Once the snowfall commences the locals are geared up and ready to ride the slopes. Highly active individuals are more prone to injury due to overuse of joints and muscle groups needed to ski or snowboard all season long. One of the most vulnerable joints involved in winter sports are the tendons and ligaments that make up the knee. Shortly after ending a six-hour day on the hill it is typical to have some discomfort in the legs due to intense wear and tear. In order to keep your body in top shape it is important to seek out some self-care post shred session. A massage is the perfect way to unwind while also encouraging the body to heal after some serious skiing. One of my favorite essential oils for massage therapy is bold and beautiful Frankincense. This essential oil is also known as the master oil because it not only aids in the reduction of pain and tension but also puts the mind in a meditative state. I have found this oil to be my go to for helping to relieve tension in the knees. Try applying a drop or two directly onto the knee and immediately covering the area with a hot towel or compress. The heat combined with the essential oil of Frankincense produces a highly relaxing and soothing treatment. The knees can become fatigued and sore even due to repressed anger held within the body. Frankincense tends to help us feel grounded and stable therefore reminding the body that this long held anger needs to go. Please be sure to visit the spa on your way home from the slopes. We will be happy to help you recuperate from an exhilarating yet exhausting day on the mountain so you can get back out and do it again!