Stressed out? Overwhelmed?
Too much to do and not enough time to do it ?

Most people tend to keep going in life and don't take the time to "Stop and smell the flowers", as the expression goes. The more we stress out and not find relief the more life seems unbearable.

You have heard us say "It is important to take care of yourself" at the end of a session. Why do we say this? Here are a few key reasons:

Massage releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemical, which can ease anxiety and stress. By helping muscles truly relax, massage lowers blood pressure, increases deep sleep, reduces fatigue, and increases energy. Like yoga, massage can also induce a meditative state or heightened awareness of the present moment, manifesting in emotional and spiritual balance.

Getting regular massages can reduce your stress level and help to see life in a better way. During this busy holiday season remember to take that time for yourself. You matter!! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving

It has been a year of giving at Body & Soul: In February we donated massages and blood at the Salem So Sweet Blood Drive. In March we held a fundraiser for ALS in memory of Lisette's mom. Our 6th year of donating massage for the walkers in the NSMC Cancer Walk took place on a beautiful, sunny day in June at the Salem Willows by Tina, Kasey, and Linda.

To honor Everybody Deserves a Massage Week in July we collected diapers and wipes for the St. Joseph's food pantry Baby Blues program. We cheered on Ann Sept. 27 as she ran 13.2 miles in Salem's Wicked Half Marathon, while Bo, Linda, and Sophie and Rey massaged many sore runners at the finish. Ann and Rey then went on to donate their time to the runners and bikers at the Down N Dirty Duathlon in October. This November a holiday meal was donated to NFI Family Based Services for a family in need.

As the holiday season approaches Body & Soul is is proud part of the wellness community. We are grateful to share our time and talents with our many loyal clients and the community that allows us to be part of their lives. Thank You!

10 Natural Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate

By Monique N. Gilbert

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, April/May 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.


Protecting the immune system and managing stress are vital aspects of living longer, feeling younger, and being healthy. Here are 10 ways to reduce stress, boost your immune system, and slow down the hands of time.

Physical activity. Regular exercise -- whether it's walking or dancing -- strengthens your cardiovascular system, heart, muscles, and bones. It also stimulates the release of endorphins, improves mental functioning, concentration/attention, and cognitive performance, and lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, cortisol, and other stress hormones.

Yoga and stretching. The slow movements and controlled postures of yoga improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance, circulation, mental focus, and calmness.

Hand hygiene. The most effective measure in preventing the spread of germs is good hand hygiene. Washing your hands as soon as you come home, and always before you eat, greatly reduces your exposure to bacterial and viral infections. Carry alcohol-based hand wipes to control exposures away from home.

To read more of this article please go to www.massagetherapy.com