Bodymind Massage Therapy - bodyMinder

Dog Days of Summer : : Bikes That Heal

2008-07-11T11:56:00.001-04:00

Vote for Bikes That Heal!

The goal of BIKES THAT HEAL is to promote awareness, educate, and raise monies in an effort to help find a cure for Blood Cancers. They donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the many hospitals that do clinical research.
In addition, BIKES THAT HEAL wants to help individual cancer patients in any Bikes That Heal community with the extra expenses that are incurred during treatment (ie: hotels, temporary apartments, travel, etc).

They also aim to combat the concerns of rising fuel prices, pollution, and obesity in our country. BIKES THAT HEAL is a major step toward reduced energy consumption, clean air, reduced traffic congestion, a healthier environment, and an overall improved quality of life for everyone, one town at a time.

BIKES THAT HEAL is currently in the running for a $25,000.00 grant that will enable them to raise awareness even more, but they need your help. In order to win the grant, they must receive the most votes out of 10 finalists up for the award.

To vote for BIKES THAT HEAL, please visit:
www.markhammarkofdistinction.com

You can vote once a day, every day until the end of the contest.

Good luck to BIKES THAT HEAL!

"Be Tuff! Dog Days of Summer Can Be Wuff!"

Worse than having to put on layer upon layer of clothing in the Winter to get warm, for many people it is not being able to take enough clothes off in the Summer to get cool. Going to the pool or beach is a favorite passtime in the Summer for the cooling off factor alone. Many people stay away from massage in the Summer because the thought of being touched when it is hot and humid outside doesn't seem appealing.

You CAN Teach and Old Dog New Tricks!
If you think massage in the summer has to make you overheated, you've been barking up the wrong tree. Massage actually causes vasodilation (increase of the diameter of blood vessels), so the blood in your circulation actually moves slower and has less friction, thereby actually making you feel cooler.

So if you want to relax AND cool off and your friends say the beach is the only way, don't let the tail wag the dog! Tell them that they can cool off with a massage too!

Mentastics® Minute

Welcome to your Mentastics Minute!
Mentastics, or mind-directed movements, are a fun and easy way to help you relax, break through holding patterns in your body, move easier and recall the feeling of a Trager session.

In each newsletter, I suggest a Mentastics movement that you can "try on" for yourself. If you have suggestions or requests for the Mentastics Minute, please send us an email.

"Down, Doggie... Down!"
This Mentastic movement helps bring a feeling of playfulness.

Do you use your body solely for utilitarian purposes like driving your car, washing your laundry, typing on your computer or sitting in a meeting? Do you ever use your body for play such as running and jumping to catch a frisbee, hula-hooping, splashing around in the water or ecstatic dancing?

Take a quiet moment wherever you are and notice how you feel in your body. Do you feel tired or awake? Do you feel stiff or fluid?

After noticing how you feel, bring some playful movement into your body - whatever that means to you... running and jumping to catch a frisbee, hula-hooping, splashing around in the water, ecstatic dancing, or just some "shaking out" of your limbs. Do the movement with ease, with joy and with a smile for about a minute.

Now pause for a moment. What do you notice about your body, how you are sitting or standing - your movements - your mind?

Feel The Trager® Flow	Save 25% off your first Trager® Approach session! Just mention that you would like to try a Trager® Approach Session when making your appointment, and save 25% off the regular fee. Session lasts approximately 90 minutes. Call 845.255.3228 to schedule your appointment today!
Offer Expires: December 31, 2008

"Trager", "Mentastics", and the Dancing Cloud Logo are registered service marks of Trager International, which licenses their use in the USA to the United States Trager Association. In the USA, they can be used only by members in good standing of the United States Trager Association.

June Brides and Butterflies :: Bodyminder June 2008

2008-06-04T15:18:00.002-04:00

Volume 4 Issue 6

June 2008
Call today for an appointment:
845.255.3228

"There are moments, above all on June evenings, when the lakes that hold our moons are sucked into the earth, and nothing is left but wine and the touch of a hand."

~ Charles Morgan (English novelist, 1894-1958)

Butterflies Moving Elephants

Have you seen the current edition of Healthy Living Magazine yet? If so, then you've probably noticed an article entitled "Butterflies Moving Elephants", all about the Trager Approach with an interview by yours truly.

If you haven't picked up your free copy yet, you can check it out by clicking here or by visiting: http://healthy-living.chronogram.com/issue/2008/5/
Arts+%26+Culture/Butterflies-Moving-Elephants

June Weddings

It can be the happiest time of your life, AND one of the most stressful. From setting a date to dress fittings to deciding where to seat the guests, the busy-ness of the details of wedding planning can often make you feel run down and tired when really you want to feel elated and joyful... and you should!

If you are in the last throes of your wedding planning and you are feeling more stress than bliss, its time to stop - take a deep breath - and relax.

For the Bride-to-be, getting a relaxing massage before the big day is essential. Why not make it a special day out for you and your Maid of Honor or for you and your Groom? We have special but limited Saturday availabililty to accommodate couples and best friends, so make your appointments today.

Happy Father's Day!
(Dads Love Massage Too!)

Last month you may remember hearing about how all types of moms love massage. Well, I'm here to tell you that dads are no different! Click here to order up some R&R for that special dad in your life.

Mentastics® Minute

"Self Care"
This Mentastic movement helps bring a feeling of ease to ______________ (fill in the blank).

Mentastics are designed to bring you awareness of your own body and mind. With that in mind, sit or stand quitely and comfortable and close your eyes and take a "scan" of your body starting from your feet and going all through your body all the way up to your head. In what part of your body do you notice that you would like a little opening, ease, length or free movement? In what part of your body do you notice that you already have those feelings? What type of movements would feel good in your body right now? Remembering to move with ease and without effort, make a movement now and for about a minute that would feel good to you.

Now pause for a moment. What do you notice about your body, how you are sitting or standing - your movements - your mind?

Happy May! Mother's Day, Breathing Easy and Golf

2008-05-02T22:55:00.003-04:00

May you always have these blessings: A soft breeze when summer comes, a warm fireside in winter, and always, the warm, soft smile of a friend. May the roads rise to meet you. May the wind be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields. May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold, and at the end of your rainbows may you find a pot of gold.

Happy May.

Peace,
Helen

This Mother's Day
Give Her the Gift of Relaxation

Moms love massage. Period. New moms, old moms, single moms, moms with one kid, moms with a dozen kids, your mom, moms-to-be, your best friend's mom, your mother-in-law, the mother of your children - they will all love you for treating them to a relaxing massage for Mother's Day - trust me!

Click here to purchase a gift certificate for your mom of choice.

And this Mother's Day, Bodymind Massage will be open!... a rare Sunday event! So bring your mom for a massage and a cup of tea and let her know how much she means to you. Appointment times are limited, so call 845-255-3228 today for your appointment!

Mentastics® Minute

Welcome to your Mentastics Minute!
Mentastics, or mind-directed movements, are a fun and easy way to help you relax, break through holding patterns in your body, move easier and recall the feeling of a Trager session.

In each newsletter, I suggest a Mentastics movement that you can "try on" for yourself. If you have suggestions or requests for the Mentastics Minute, please send us an email.

"Breathing Easy"
This Mentastic movement helps bring a feeling of ease to the entire body.

How often do we think of our breathing? Not too often, probably - it is an involuntary action that takes place, by definition, without having to think about it so life can be sustained. But how would it feel if you did focus on it for just a moment?

Have a seat and become comfortable in your office chair, sofa, yoga cushion, leaning on a shade tree - wherever you choose to sit. Now close your eyes and become aware of your breath for a few moments - not trying to change it or judge it, but just becoming aware. Now pause for a moment. Next, bring your attention back to your breath and this time visualize that with every breath in, your back becomes longer and that with every breath out, your back becomes wider. Practice this for about one minute, feeling with every breath that it is easier, and easier and easier... with no effort.

Now pause for a moment. What do you notice about your body, how you are sitting - your breath - your mind?

Rotary Radio

This past March, Helen Gutfreund of Bodymind Massage was interviewed on 950AM WHVW, about her experiences while in New Zealand on Rotary International's Group Study Exchange, a program for young professionals who are chosen to act as International Ambassadors, learn how their professions are practiced elsewhere, and engage in a cultural and idea exchange.

Click here to listen or visit
http://rotary7210.com/radiorotary/radio_menu.htm and click on the "March 7, 2008" link.

http://rotary7210.com/radiorotary/radiorotary9.mp3

New Paltz Rotary
5th Annual Scholarship Scramble

Come join us in a round of golf for a good cause - scholarships that
are given to meritorious and needy students from New Paltz.

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Apple Greens Golf Course
Format - 2 player scramble
Registration/Check in 8:30am
Tee Off 9:30am

$125.00 per person

Includes:
18 holes with cart
Gifts
Lunch at the turn
Dinner
Raffle
Longest Drive (men's & women's)
Closest to the Pin
Hole in One

Please contact Helen Gutfreund at 845-255-3228 or click here to email her for a registration form

April showers bring May flowers.

2008-04-04T22:18:00.003-04:00

April showers bring May flowers. Who doesn't think of that saying the second they flip the page on th calendar from March 31st to April 1st? It is so ingrained in me that I say the saying all month long whenever I think of what month it is! The nervous system is powerful this way. Reciting "April showers bring May flowers" is habitual as are so many other things we do on a daily basis without even realizing it. What patterns or habits do you have that you would like to move past? The Trager Approach can help you to move past your habitual patterns, whether or not you know they are there, by gently rocking, swaying and supporting your nervous system into a deep state of relaxation, thereby creating the possibility of change. April showers have always brought May flowers, but just because you've always had pain or stiffness or lack of mobility or balance issues doesn't mean you always have to. Click here to find out more about The Trager Approach at Bodymind Massage.

Peace,
Helen

Saturday Afternoon Fever Starting this month, Bodymind massage Therapy will be offering Couples and "Girlfriends day out" massages! With our "room 2" expanded space, we now have the capability of seeing two clients at the same time on Saturdays from 10 am - 4 pm - so grab your sweetheart or your best friend and have a relaxing Saturday out!

Now through the end of April, make an appointment for two people at the same time and get 10% off both sessions!

Mentastics® Minute

"Sea Kelp"
This Mentastic movement helps bring a feeling of ease to the entire body.

Standing comfortably, notice how you feel in this moment.

Now imagine that you are a piece of sea kelp, firmly but gently rooted through your feet in warm, tropical sand and that you are surrounded by warm Carrribean waters. As the sea currents move and sway and roll and swish, so too do you. Your arms become uplifted by the current and gently float back down again. Your knees, your ankles, your hips, your back, your mind are soft and swaying freely and gently.

How would it feel if you used half as much effort now... and half of that... and half of that... Make this movement for about a minute.... or two, if you have the time and inclination.

Now pause for a moment. What do you notice about your body - your legs - your hips - your arms - your back - your sea kelpness - your mind?

Long Term Care

Long Term Care is medical and non-medical care to an individual who has a chronic illness or disability. It can be provided at home or in an assisted living environment. It is important to remember that you may need Long Term Care at any age.

This is an invitation from Financial Planner, Chris Drouin of Beyond Wealth Management, to join him on a free telephone conference on Tuesday, April 8th at 12:30-1:00 PM regarding this important topic.

During the telephone conference Chris will answer the following questions:

How do I discuss Long Term Care plans with my family?

What does modern Long Term Care insurance pay for?

Does Long Term Care affect annuities and cash value life insurance?

How do I evaluate the NY State Partnership Program?

What Long Term Care costs does Medicaid cover?

To call in, please register at the Beyond Wealth website at: www.beyondwealthmanagement.com
There, you will receive the call in number and code.

Chris can also be reached directly at 845.750.6213.

Save 10%	Couples and Best Friends Now through the end of April, make an appointment for two people at the same time and get 10% off both sessions! Call 845.255.3228 to schedule your appointment today! 60 or 90 minute sessions only.
Offer Expires: April 30, 2008

Bodymind Now Accepts Health Insurance! bodyMinder, March 2008

2008-02-28T13:12:00.008-05:00

Its hard to believe that Spring is just around the corner with all this recent snow, but it will be here before you know it! With a new spring in our step, Bodymind has great news! We now accept National Health Administrators Health Insurance! Massage can help you have spring in your step too! See the article below about Springtime running and outdoor activities. Listen to the radio much? Now is a good time to start! I will be interviewed on the radio on Friday, March 7th - you'll find the info in this newsletter too. And if you've always been a big Miss Piggy fan - don't miss this month's Mentastics Minute.

Click here to visit our website and here for our blog for even more information about how bodywork can help you be the best you you can be.

Peace,
Helen

In This Issue

Amanda Paul, LMT Featured Therapist
Tune In!
Good News for Teachers
Run, Don't Walk, To Your Massage Therapist
Mentastics® Minute

Amanda Paul, LMT Featured Therapist at Bodymind Massage

After many years of studying dance and receiving Massage Therapy and other wholistic health care to maintain her body, Amanda enrolled at The Swedish Institute of Massage in 1987.

Licensed in 1989, she practiced in Manhattan for many years and along the way received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Hunter College in 1995.

In addition to her passion for alternative health modalities, nutrition and movement, she adores children and worked for years in education, child welfare and childcare.

Amanda's specialties:

Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish Massage

Amanda's hours of availability are:

Monday-Thursday
5:00-9:00 PM

_____________________

Tune In!
Friday, March 7
12:00 noon
950 AM, WHVWBe sure to listen in on Friday, March 7th from 12 noon until 12:30
to 950 AM, WHVW, when Helen Gutfreund, LMT
of Bodymind Massage will be interviewed on the radio
with Heather Malcom and Nancy Proyect, two of the other
Group Study Exchange Team Members with whom
she traveled to New Zealand last year,
courtesy of Rotary District 7210.

_____________________

Good News for Teachers in Kingston and Poughkeepsie!
Bodymind Now Accepts National Health Administrators, Inc. (NHAI) Health Insurance!

Over the years, one of the most frequently asked questions by clients and potential clients has been, "Do you accept health insurance?". With the acception of no-fault, which I have always taken, the answer, sadly, was no.

Well - that's all changed! Now the answer is "Yes!"

Bodymind is pleased to be a provider of health care services for National Health Administrators, the health insurance company that insures the faculty of Kingston and Poughkeepsie schools, so if you work in these districts, you are now covered for massage therapy at Bodymind!

We even have after-school and weekend hours to accommodate your busy work schedule. Make your appointment today - we look forward to serving you!

_____________________

Run, Don't Walk, To Your Massage Therapist

Spring is nearly upon us and for many, that means the return of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, running and gardening.

While we all love these activities, if you've spent the Winter on the couch, your muscles may not like you very much the day after your first run! So, why not come in for a massage to gear up for (or recover from) your first Springtime outing.

The soreness that you can feel after a vigourous workout, whether it is from hiking up Slide Mountain or from digging in your back yard to plant a new bed of annuals, is a result of lactic acid, a natural waste product of muscles.

It is important that you stay well hydrated, before, during and after your workout so your body has all the help it can get in flushing the lactic acid from your system.

Massage Therapy also can help you move lactic acid out of circulation, so the two make a great complimentary approach to your health and well-being.

_____________________

Mentastics® Minute

Welcome to the Mentastics Minute!
In each newsletter, I will be suggesting a Mentastics movement that you can "try on" for yourself. If you have suggestions or requests for the Mentastics Minute, please send an email.

"Miss Piggy"
This Mentastic movement is an all-over upper-body moment of joy.

Standing comfortably, make the movement with your hand and arm as if you are a princess stroking your beautiful, long, flowing flaxen hair, from forehead, over the top of your head and down your side. Some Trager Practitioners used to call the movement "Miss Piggy", because it reminded them of that puppet, when, very coyly, would ask, "Who... moi?!" How beautifully can you make this motion... how lovely... how fun?

How would it feel if you used half as much effort now... and half of that... and half of that... Make this movement for about a minute. Switch and do the movement with the other arm.

Now rest for a moment. What do you notice about your body - your hands - your arms - your shoulders - your back - your mind?

Gift Certificates
As always, gift certificates are available

Online
In the office
By phone at 845-255-3228

_____________________
LUCKY YOU!

Save 25% off your first Trager® Approach session in March!

Just mention this coupon when making your first appointment for The Trager® Approach and save 25% off the regular fee.

Session lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Call 845.255.3228 to schedule your appointment today!

Offer Expires: March 31, 2008

What is The Trager® Approach?

2008-02-09T17:22:00.001-05:00

The Trager Approach

The Trager Approach is a gentle form of bodywork that aims to give positive, pleasurable feeling experiences to your body and mind, rather than reinforcing painful ones. Many people believe in the "no pain, no gain" philosophy, but Trager believes in "what can be softer, easier and freer". The Trager Approach can help to release mental and physical holding patterns, promotes deep relaxation and aids in increasing mobility and balance.

The Trager Approach comes in two parts:

Table Work
The client lies on a massage table and is gently touched, moved and supported by the practitioner within your normal and comfortable range of motion. The feeling is of gentle, rhythmic, wave-like motions. The movement feels as if it is effortless and neither coming from you or from the practitioner. In these movements, tension disappears and old patterns slip away as new, freer movement possibilities arise.

Mentastics
Mentastics are The Trager Approach's self-care movements. For those of you who have had physical therapy, you know that often the PT will give you a series of exercises to do on your own. Mentastics are similar to that idea, but are not strengthening exercises. The movements are designed to help you explore what could be freer in your own body. Taught individually or in groups, Mentastics allow each person to explore free and easy movement as well as stillness in their own body, in their own way, in their own time.

Benefits of Trager Sessions
The gentle, rhythmic movements of the Trager Approach can be beneficial to many people. Anyone who seeks massage or bodywork could benefit from Trager, especially people who suffer from:

Stress		Muscular Dystrophy
Limited movement		Everyday aches and pains
Back and neck pain		Muscle spasms
Depression		Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis		Physical/emotional trauma
Post-Polio Syndrome		Cerebral Palsy
Sports and other injuries		Parkinson's Disease
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome		Fibromyalgia

Heart Shaped Massage

Why not treat your sweetie with our special Valentine's Day Warm Heart Massage? Nothing says "I Love You" like a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage!

It'll really warm the
cockles of their heart!

Click here to send your sweetie a Valentine's Day gift they'll be sure to remember - a 90 minute Hot Stone Massage Gift Certificate!

P.S. I actually have some heart shaped stones!

Mentastics® Minute

Welcome to the Mentastics Minute! In each newsletter, I will be suggesting a Mentastics movement that you can "try on" for yourself. If you have suggestions or requests for the Mentastics Minute, please send an email.

"Fuggetaboutit!"
This Mentastic movement helps free the hand, arm. shoulder and upper back. Make the movement with one arm first, then take a pause, then with the second arm.

Standing comfortably, make the movement with your hand and arm as if you are telling someone to "forget about it" - no worries mate... whatever - who cares. Make the movement with your whole arm, letting gravity gently guide the arm in it's downward motion. How easily can you make the upward motion - can your arm float up? Make the movement with the same "who cares" attitude that the message "forget about it" is meant to convey.

How would it feel if you used half as much effort now... and half of that... and half of that... Make this movement for about a minute.

Now rest for a moment. What do you notice about your body - your hands - your arms - your shoulders - your back - your mind?

Mentastics® Minute

2008-01-12T23:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Mentastics® Minute!
In each newsletter, I will be suggesting a Mentastics movement that you can "try on" for yourself. If you have suggestions or requests for the Mentastics Minute, please send an email.

Shifting Weight
Stand up and notice how your legs and feet feel. No judgement - just noticing. How does your body feel in general? Your balance? Your connection to the ground?

Imagine your legs are sandbags - filled with warm sand. As you stand and shift your weight from side to side, imagine the sand emptying from one leg and filling up the other. The movement from one leg to the other and back again is effortless as the sand moves from one leg to the other. How would it feel if you used half as much effort... and half of that... and half of that... Make this movement for about a minute.

Now rest for a moment. What do you notice about your body - your legs - your feet - your balance - your mind?

INSPIRATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2007-12-28T14:28:00.000-05:00

INSPIRATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Beat Holiday Stress with Breath and Massage

Take a deep breath. No, really... stop for a moment and just take a deep breath. During the holiday season, so many of us are running around at a hectic pace doing everything for everyone excpet for ourselves. When was the last time you just took a moment for yourself to relax? Its safe now. No one's looking. Take a deep breath.

Deep breathing can be the source of profound relaxation and it doesn't have to take any time at all. You can do it at your desk. You can do it in your car. You can do it at the dinner table. You can do it right now.

Find a comfortable sitting position
Close your eyes or keep them at a soft gaze at nothing in particular (eyes open, of course, if you are driving)
Inhale through your nose to a count of four
Exhale through your nose to a count of eight
Repeat the breath five times
Open your eyes and breathe normally and feel how your body and mind have shifted

It is no coincidence that the word inspire means both to breathe in and to fill with a special feeling. How do you feel when you take a few moments to inspire? Do you feel inspired? I know I do!

Many people release tension with long, deep and releasing breaths when they receive massage. Its part of what's so relaxing about massage. So if you find yourself needing to turn off the stress of the season, a massage right about now is a wonderful idea. And if you just cant find the time for that, stop for a moment and take a breath. No one's looking.

Insomnia? No Worries - Massage Will Put You Right To Sleep

2007-12-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

WE'LL PUT YOU TO SLEEP
But We Don't Take It Personally...

Bodymind is pleased to announce that we have extended our weekday hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to 9:00 PM, so if you are a commuter, a weekend warrior, suffer from insomnia, have to get the kids off the bus in the afternoon, or just have a hard time finding time in the day for yourself, we've just made it a little easier for you.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, people receiving therapeutic massage report a reduction in the symptoms of insomnia. And what better time to feel sleepy than at bedtime! Just think how lovely it would be to come for an evening massage and then, all relaxed, slip right in to bed. zzzzzzzz.......