Our Brain Learns What We Experience
When we repeat painful or difficult movements, we are teaching and changing the brain. We are telling it, “I stand this way now and walk that way now. Forget all that other stuff. You can’t do it anymore.” An Anat Baniel Method℠ (NeuroMovement®) practitioner can help you gently experience the movements that your body needs. They can help your brain learn movements you didn’t know were available to you, or relearn movements that may once have come naturally.
Hilary Mason / Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner >
An Easy Path to More Dopamine
Did you know? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, reward, and motivation. Massage therapy promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and positively affects dopamine production and release. By normalizing dopamine levels, massage therapy enhances well-being and relaxation.
A Quiet Minute
Start the morning with a few belly breaths to activate your diaphragm. You might notice how shallow your lungs feel after a restless sleep, or how deep the air flows after a satisfying slumber. Connect with the vast universe of breath within, and then greet the world with calm and clarity.
Stress Creates Pain
Pain is our body communicating that it is under stress. For example, every day we use our feet, but in a stress-free body, feet will not hurt.
Happier Body, Happier Mind
We often think of the body and mind as separate. However, science has proven that they are inextricably linked. When we learn to move the body with greater ease, we inevitably feel greater ease in our thinking and emotions.
Hilary Mason / Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner >
Reduce Strain on Your Head and Neck
Rounded upper back and forward-bending shoulders can strain your neck and back muscles, particularly during computer work. Massage, exercising, yoga and proper ergonomics can help relieve the resulting tension. Let's work out a plan together to reduce stain and pain.
Stretching Without Releasing
While stretching a tight muscle may feel good, in a painful kind of way, it could be creating unwanted laxity/looseness in an adjacent joint, which can, in turn, cause further tightness. Acupuncture is effective at undoing the knots, flushing out the sore spot with oxygen and nutrients, and stimulating endorphins / pain relief chemicals in the brain.
Your Body Knows
Listen to your body. Your body will tell you if something is wrong better than anyone else can.
There Is No Singular Ideal
If we try to maintain the ideal posture, the ideal gait, we are bound to fail, because there is no singular ideal. The ideal is the ability to vary and adapt how we move and stand depending on the conditions—to know what is essential and how to adjust the rest.
Hilary Mason / Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner >
Feel Safe, Feel Calm
A safe massage environment is crucial for a great massage. This includes using clean linens and equipment, obtaining informed consent, clear communication, explaining the process, ensuring appropriate draping, addressing client concerns, and adjusting techniques based on cues. When you come for an appointment, my priority is you feeling safe so that you can truly relax.
Vagus Nerve Exercises
The long vagus nerve controls the relaxation response of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Activating this nerve can reduce systemic inflammation, lower blood pressure and stress hormones, fight depression, and improve cognitive function. Stimulate the vagus nerve with belly breathing, singing, chanting, gargling, cold-water face washing, salivating, and manual therapy.
The Basics Are Simply Powerful
While stress is a natural part of our lives, it can be a cause for numerous health issues. Simple things like eating right, exercising, and meditating regularly can be powerful ways to cope with everyday stress!
When the Brain Forgets How to Move the Body
Aches and pains often come from our brain simply forgetting how our body was built to move because of injury or disuse. When we remind the brain how to use muscles and bones more efficiently, we realize how strong and comfortable we can be in our bodies as they are now.
Hilary Mason / Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner >
A Customized Approach for Every Client
As your massage therapist, I prioritize patient-centered care. This involves customizing your massage therapy session based on your needs and preferences, while taking into account your medical history, physical well-being, and desired outcomes. Your input is valuable and respected before, during, and after the session.
Skin Care Does Not Need to Be Complicated
No matter the current condition of your skin, proper nutrition, absorption, hydration, circulation, and protection are key elements in obtaining and maintaining a vibrant complexion. Start with these basics and experience lasting results.
Emotions Create Ripples
All emotions have neurological, pathological, and physiological effects on our bodies. Linger in emotions that make you feel good, while letting yourself move through and beyond those that don’t.
Curiosity and Patience Open Us to Change
It is not always greater effort that allows us to overcome challenge; sometimes it’s greater curiosity and our ability to be okay with not yet knowing how to do something.
Hilary Mason / Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® Practitioner >
Your Skin Wants Love
As a massage therapist, I am trained to observe the quality of your skin and to refer you to a dermatologist for anything worthy of a closer look. Here are ways to give your skin love today: daily cleansing, regular moisturizing, sun protection, balanced diet, proper hydration, sufficient sleep, stress management, gentle skincare routine, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and regular skincare check-ups from your massage therapist or doctor.
Why Bother?
You deserve to live the best life, and your loved ones deserve the best version of you. Start with taking good care of yourself.