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How Not to Break the Bank This Summer!

Ashiatsu /

5 Tips for Saving Money While Traveling

It’s that time of year again when everyone, it seems, is traveling. I’ve already had two trips this spring, I’m leaving this week for a leadership training, and it now looks like I’ll be traveling a few days each month through the end of the year. Thus I started thinking about how I can save some money (since I’m also losing income while traveling) and decided to put together my list of how to save a few dollars on the essentials.

So here are my tips for cheap(er) vacationing!

  • Sign up for (or update) AirBnB*! Then spend some time finding the perfect place to stay. AirBnB offers all different price points, amenities, and locations that can save you a lot in accommodations.
  • Pack a cooler! A cooler works really well on road trips. Packing your own sandwiches, snacks, and cold drinks can save quite a bit and keep your tummy happier. Even if you only eat out of the cooler once a day, it adds up. If you’re not road tripping (or even if you are), consider hitting the prepared foods section of the local grocery for a salad or hot meal.
  • Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday. The experts that study the airline industry say these two days are best for cost savings!
  • Visit our state and national parks. There are usually low-cost entrance fees and many times have lots of activities available for no-cost beyond the entrance fee. These areas are also usually less crowded than other public use areas.
  • Seek out free walking tours, free days at museums and parks, or discounted matinee shows. Also, check out the local theater and orchestra schedule for free and discounted dress rehearsals.

So that’s my short list of how I save a few dollars when I have to be away from home whether it be a fun, summer vacation or a business trip.

Happy Traveling!

***

*I’m an AirBnB host as well as an avid user of AirBnB.

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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This Week at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy!

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This week at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy:
– Negotiated a truce with 1 angry hip
– Calmed 3 cases of desk jockey neck
– Consulted on 1 case of improving sleep position
– Relieved 1 clogged sinus
– Eased 3 tense sets of shoulders
– Introduced 4 people to Ashiatsu!
– Introduced 1 person to abdominal massage!
– Introduced 2 people to cupping!
#ILoveMyJob #Massage #HarvestMoonMassage #MyDecaturAL #Ashiatsu 

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How Often Should I Get a Massage?

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CalendarI seem to be getting this question a lot lately. From clients as well as people who know I’m a massage therapist that haven’t been on my table (yet).  So I thought I would take a shot at it.

The answer is…it depends.

How often you get a massage depends on what you’ve got going on in your life and body and what your goals are by having massage. I know, I KNOW, goals and massage? What? But it’s really not that complicated.

Let’s say you’re really stressed out, your shoulders and neck are hurting and you’re having headaches. You work at a desk with a computer full-time and there’s no chance of your workload slowing down any time soon. You’re pretty sure it’s all stress-related because the doctor says you’re perfectly healthy.

If all goes well with your first massage, we will assess how much progress was made and decide how soon you need to come back. In my experience, stress-related muscular issues usually respond well to massage. You may need to come back at two week intervals for a while to train your body and nervous system to relax, but after a few sessions you may choose to go to three, four or more week intervals. After a few months of regular massage therapy, your body will begin to tell you when it needs a massage and you and your massage therapist may need to adjust your interval again.

This is just an example, but I hope it gives you an idea of why it’s sometimes hard to answer how often someone should have a massage.

If you’d like to know how often you should be getting massage, give me a call and let’s talk about it!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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It’s Just a Little Leak

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PuddlesAs I sit writing this morning, Hartselle Utilities is outside my house in the street with a backhoe digging up the pavement. What started out as a small wet spot in the pavement has grown into a substantial flow that has been watering the neighbor’s ditch and yard for a little over a week.

When I noticed it one morning and then again that afternoon I made a little note in my head to check the next day. It hadn’t dried so we put a call in to the utilities. It took them several days to get to it, all the while the problem was silently growing.

It put me in mind of how we deal with and what happens in our bodies. One day our shoulder has little catch, the next day it’s a little worse so we take something for it. Pretty soon we’re favoring it, using a muscle cream, and taking something a few times a day. Eventually we wind up at the doctor’s office for harder medicine and more invasive interventions.

But what if there was a way to avoid that whole chain of events? Oh, there’s always going to be pain in the body. We age, there’s only one way around that, but can regular maintenance slow it down? I think so. At least regular maintenance can help keep most of us from hurting as badly, as long or as often.

Bold claims!

But there is a bit of science to back it up. AMTA recently published this article on massage therapy’s role in pain management and the actual study they are referencing is published in Pain Medicine. Additionally, it’s long been known that the frequency of massage directly impacts the cumulative effects of massage. In English that means the more often you have massage the faster and more long-lasting the results.

So the next time you feel a little twinge, let that be your signal to check your schedule for your next massage. Don’t have a massage scheduled? Well then it’s time to call your massage therapist and get on his or her schedule! You’ll be doing your body and mind a great service. And while you’re there talk to them about an appropriate maintenance schedule.

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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Recapping the Convention

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Boardwalk to Orange BeachSo I promised news of the 2016 AMTA-AL Spring Convention and I finally found a few minutes to sit down and write it up.

First, I am very happy to say that I completed the Chi Nei Tsang Module 1 for Lung and Large Intestine. There was so much information shared and I was able to double my Chi Nei Tsang toolbox.

Mary Ellen Derwis is an amazing instructor and if all goes as planned she will be in Atlanta in July to teach Chi Nei Tsang Modules 4 & 5. I will be taking a couple of days to go finish those two modules and evaluate whether I want to continue on for a full certification in the methodology.

Orange Beach was amazing. The weather cooperated and I actually got to spend time on the beach this trip. Pictures can be found over on my Facebook page. Then I had the amazing experience of a Chi Kung class on the beach Sunday morning. If you’ve never tried Chi Kung (or Qigong), I highly recommend it, especially if you’re on the shore with your bare feet in the sand.

In other news…the membership of the AMTA-Alabama Chapter has honored me with their faith and votes and I will be serving as the AMTA-AL Chapter President for the next two years. This means I will be traveling a bit more. I’ve already been tapped to go to Tampa in June for training. I’m excited and a little bit nervous about this new chapter of my massage therapy and volunteer career.

In the meantime, I’ll be at the office. Call me!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Master Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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Managing Pain With Essential Oils

Aromatherapy /

geranium-oil-infusionHarvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology will be hosting a seminar on managing pain with essential oils on April 16th at 5 pm.

Please join us for this free education on using essential oils to manage pain. Anna Rickabaugh from Opelika Massage Therapy Center will be here to share her experience with essential oils and using them to manage pain.

Come learn the most effective oils to use to manage your pain!

Where: Decatur Healing Arts Center @ 1900 Flint Road, Decatur, AL
When: April 16th @ 5pm
Cost: FREE!
Please RSVP here!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Wellness Destination!

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Symphony of the Cells

1 Comment / Aromatherapy /

SymphCellsHarvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology in Decatur, AL invites you to join us for a demonstration of the doTerra Symphony of the Cells technique.

We will have Norma Willock and Anna Rickabaugh from the Auburn/Opelika area here to share with us about integrating essential oils into your wellness journey.

If you are interested in learning more about essentials oils, their uses and application techniques please plan on attending this talk.

When: March 25th @ 4pm
Where: 1900 Flint Road, Decatur, AL 35601
Cost: Free – Please RSVP here, space is limited

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s newest Certified AromaTouch Therapist!

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Expanded Hours at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy!

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rainbowWell, it seems my contract at that other job that has been taking up so much of my time these past few years has finally run its course. I am so very excited to announce that effective August 24th I will have many more hours to devote to clients.

My new schedule will be as follows:
Monday: 12pm – 8pm
Wednesday: 12pm – 8pm
Friday: 9am – 4pm

I know many of you have been hesitant to share me with your friends because of my limited availability, but you could just earn a free massage if you do!

Refer three friends between now and the end of the year and earn a free 1-hour massage. Each friend must book and receive at least one 1-hour massage, plus write your name as their referral in order to qualify. Gift certificate redemptions don’t count for this incentive, but there’s no limit to the number of free massages you can earn.

Book your appointment today!

 

Also, I will begin sending out available appointments at the beginning of each week (if any are still open) so make sure you’re on my MailChimp email list!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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Introducing Abdominal Detox Massage!

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ChiNeiTsangTummyI am so excited to announce that effective immediately I will be offering Abdominal Detox Massage at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy.

Abdominal Detox Massage is a customized blend of Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage, breathwork, and lymphatic drainage.

The benefits of abdominal detox massage are extensive. If you have problems with digestion, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or dysmenorrhea abdominal detox massage can help.

During this treatment as the abdominal muscles are gently released you may experience pain relief in far reaching parts of the body and notice freer breathing patterns. Often times posture improves significantly after only one session and digestive issues also begin to resolve. And for the ladies who suffer each month with painful menstrual issues, Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massage offers help with very specific techniques to relieve pain.

Breathwork will be used to relax the abdominal region and help release adhesions and loosen fascia. The simple breathwork you learn can be done anywhere and you can use it as needed to prolong the effects of your massage.

By integrating a bit of lymphatic drainage into this massage treatment, immune function and healing experience a boost.

As with all your visits to Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology, you will leave your session feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Call today to book your first Abdominal Detox Massage!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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Take Care of Yourself!

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Pinterest ButtonA while back I started a Pinterest board for self-care. It’s called Stretch & Strengthen and it’s over here. I think you might have to have an account to see it. But go ahead, Pinterest is just another form of Internet crack.

I started this board because sometimes I hurt and my next massage is either not yet scheduled or is a week or more away. And we all know how easy it is to get in with a massage therapist on short notice, so I have to take matters into my own hands and do something.

My favorite self-care tools are a tennis ball, a foam roller and a yoga mat. I think it’s best to keep it simple so a lot of the stretches and strengtheners can be done with little to no equipment.

Right now the board reads like a journey through my personal aches and pains, but recently I was able to start adding pins to it with specific client issues I was seeing. So if you’re working on something specific, let me know and I’ll see if I can add a pin for it.

I intend this Stretch and Strengthen board to be a resource for folks looking for self-care and preventive-care for aches and pains. It in no way should be interpreted as a replacement, substitute or advice for medical care.

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Only Ashi-Thai Therapist!

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