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Can Thai Massage Help You Soften Into Deep Relaxation?

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In a recent newsletter I asked you, “what is Thai massage?”

Here are some of the responses I’ve received:

  • gentle stretching and relaxation
  • pressure with hands and feet to aid in releasing muscle tension
  • feeling lighter, more mobile, and with a lifted spirit


How is Thai massage different?

You rest on a padded mat on the floor instead of a massage table. You are supported with bolsters and pillows.

I use my hands and feet to press gently in a rhythmic, wave like motion. While the goal of this work is moving energy, you may also experience softening of tight muscles, as well as immediate reduction in your pain levels, reduced stress, improved relaxation, and better sleep.

Using my feet to massage you allows me to leverage my body weight, while giving specific detailed pressure.

Is this a deep tissue massage?

My goal with this work is deep relaxation, we’re reassuring your body that it’s ok to be soft, to let go. I am asking you to cooperate with me, not grimace, resist, check out, or hold your breath to “get through” the session.

This is not “deep – I’m trying to insert my finger as deep as I can into your tissue” massage. This work can be “deep” in that together we’re gently peeling back the layers of tension, allowing for deep relaxation, encouraging your body to let go. This can be hard work. This requires you and I to be vulnerable, curious, and open to any outcome.

This work is subtle. We’re not attacking your muscles with a sledgehammer, we’re nudging, waiting, asking the layers of tension to slowly soften.

Who is this work for?

If you feel stressed, have trouble sleeping, your body feels tight, or you want to feel better in your body, this work is for you.

If you are comfortable getting down on the floor (and back up), you are open, curious, patient, and kind to yourself (or are trying your best to move in that direction) this work is for you.

If you’re curious about what can unfold when you soften and allow for space, Thai massage (and specifically the style that I practice) can do wonders for your body and soul.

Who is this NOT for?

If you often complain that therapists “do not press hard enough” you will not be happy with this style of soft tissue work. If you do not want to get better, this is not for you.

Here’s a testimonial from a client I worked on this month, who was suffering upper back and jaw pain, and headaches. We did four sessions, starting gently, and working up to more intense neck and jaw work. He’s no longer taking pain meds and is back to resuming daily activities, like working out and dancing.

Contact me today to schedule.

Anne@ FluidPortland.com

503-705-4762.

Here are my next available appointments at my Hazel Dell office in Vancouver.

  • Friday June 19th at noon or 3 pm
  • Friday June 26th at noon
  • Friday July 10th at noon or 3 pm

If none of these times work, reach out to me about other options.

xoxo

Anne

Beat the Heat With This Pink Drink!

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It’s hot out!

Cool off with this refreshing summer drink.

Strawberries are in season now in the PNW, but you can enjoy this drink anytime by using fresh, frozen or freeze-dried berries.

This is similar to a drink you may have ordered in a certain coffee shop with a green mermaid logo. By making it at home you can save some dough and control your ingredients.

I’ve reduced the sugar so that it’s not overly sweet. You can adjust to suit your tastebuds.

Ingredients:

  • Hibiscus tea (1 tea bag or 2-3 tablespoons of hibiscus flowers)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp. sweetener (sugar, maple syrup, honey…)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ice
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup strawberry flavored fizzy water (I used this one from Winco. I’ve also seen San Pelligrino, Waterloo, and Perrier brands, if you can’t find strawberry, plain will work too.)
  • 2 Tbsps. strawberries (I found these freeze-dried berries at Costco)

Directions:

  1. Brew hibiscus tea. Heat water, add tea, steep for 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add sweetener of your choice (I used maple syrup) and a large pinch of salt. Stir to dissolve.
  3. Chill tea in the fridge.
  4. Pour tea over ice. Add coconut milk and fizzy water.
  5. Garnish with berries.
  6. Enjoy!

I’m Anne McCranie, a Vancouver Washington based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage therapist. I offer these recipes to share my love of delicious food and drink with you. Please see your medical professional for specific dietary advice.

June Five Exercises – Rolling

This month we’re rolling on the floor!

June Five:

  • Bridge
  • Rolling
  • Lunge
  • Halo
  • Chest Fly

Have you watched a child fall? They crumple to the ground like a wet rag. When we (adults) fall, we brace for impact, often landing on a kneecap or wrist. Owweee!

The more we practice rolling, falling, crumpling, and softening the better we get at it. This month were starting on the floor, rolling on our backs like flipped over turtles.

I encourage you to play with different ways to soften your spine, hips and shoulders. If you trip and fall, your body will revert to what you’ve practiced, tuck and roll rather than crash and smash.

Want to practice rolling with us?

Come to Wednesday 6 pm Pilates on zoom.

I’m Anne McCranie, a Vancouver, Washington based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist.

This video is meant to remind you of the work we’ve done together. This is not an exercise prescription. Please listen to your body and only do what feels really good for your body today. See your medical professional prior to beginning a new exercise program.

May Five exercises for spine mobility, core strength and balance

Here are your May Five Exercises:

  • Thread needle
  • Bird dog
  • Single leg dead lift
  • Shrug
  • Child’s pose / side bend

What are “The Five”? Exercises I offer each month that follow my trademarked R.O.S.S. protocol.

Who are these for? You! These exercises are suitable for seasoned exercisers, and those just starting out, or returning to exercise.

Why do The Five? To feel good in your body!

How do I do them? Follow this three-minute video.

Your options include:

Starting your day with the Five, get moving by doing one minute of each exercises right after you get out of bed.

Use them as a warmup before beginning a longer strength session.

The Five can be your strength session for the day. Spend 2-3 minutes doing your warmup – Thread the needle and Bird dog, then do 3 sets of 10 reps of the strength exercises – Single leg deadlift and Shrug, then spend a minute stretching in Child’s pose. In less than 20 minutes you will have completed a simple, easy to follow, strength and mobility session.

Want help with these?

Come to Pilates this Wednesday at 6 pm on Zoom!

Or reach out to me to schedule a one on one. Meet with me Thursday May 28th at 5 pm, or Friday May 29th at noon on Zoom!

Anne McCranie is a Vancouver, Washington based Licensed Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer. She offers these exercises to encourage you to get moving. Please listen to your body, and do what is right for you right now. See your medical professional prior to beginning a new exercise program.

Cooking at home, simple recipes from Jacques Pepin

I’ve recently stumbled upon Jacques Pepin’s YouTube channel and his “cooking at home” videos are so relaxing!

Each one is 2-8 minutes long, he chats away telling stories about his family, or his decades long career while he prepares a simple, delicious dish. I feel like I’m sitting at the counter with a friendly grandpa, him watching him work.

Every time he cracks an egg he talks about how when he was young he made sure to scrape all the white out of the egg with his fingers, not wasting a bit.

Sometimes he will say “this is how my mother made this dish”.

Watch him make 5 easy egg dishes here:

On his website he has a series of “budget” recipes including this chicken thigh and spinach recipe.

His French accent is music to my ears, and love how he’s not bothered by anything. Added too much cream, oh well, keep moving. You don’t like cumin, just use another spice, no big deal.

Have you tried any of Jacque’s recipes?

~Anne

Anne McCranie is a Vancouver, Washington based personal trainer and licensed massage therapist. She offers nutrition tips to help her clients look and feel their best. Please see your medical professional for specific dietary advice.