February is National Haiku Writing month and we are hosting a Haiku Competition!
Haiku poems have been an important part of Japanese art dating to the seventh century. This form of poetry, consisting of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5,7, and 5 syllables respectively are meant to capture an inspiring moment or a thoughtful reflection. Here are a couple examples to get you inspired:
Entering Freestone,
the fog lifts off rolling hills,
tension floats off, too.
______________________
Heavy cedar bath
holds me still to calm my soul,
Warm meditation.
Write about Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, an experience you’ve had here, a place on the property, a feeling, a moment…. and email it to marketing at osmosis.com! Be sure to follow us on Facebook to see posts of Haiku’s submitted.
Our first place winner will receive a Cedar Enzyme Bath AND an Osmosis Fusion Massage. The runner up will receive a Cedar Enzyme Bath for Two.
Deadline to enter is Feb 28. There is no limit to how many Haiku’s you submit. Winner will be announced the 2nd week in March on our Facebook page as well as in our newsletter.
Follow us on Facebook and show some love to your Haiku when it is posted. Tell your friends to “like” your Haiku and possibly influence our decision!
Take a moment to acknowledge, review and release this surreal past year. It has not been easy, but the person you are now is better prepared for what lies ahead.
There is a certain trepidation we feel entering 2017. We know things will change as we traverse the coming days. The unexpected will continue to erupt into our reality, scorching familiar comforts. Accept this turmoil, however disruptive. Bold new bedrock, ideas and alliances will spring from these fires. The quest for what is real and true has begun.
I’d like to think that the worst is behind us. But it is not. There is no going back to what is “normal.” That box we constantly try to think outside of…is actually breaking apart. Change has begun and it is permanent. 2017 is the year you decide whether to jump into the front seat of your life, hands purposefully on the wheel, or submit to the back seat resigned to what happens. Take actions, however small, that steer you in the direction you want to go.
Most of us will experience a profound event in our lives, a quantum shift towards a new way of being. There will be waves of dread and chaos, then opportunity and wonder. New friends will appear. What we believed to be absolutely true might prove to be false. Something we assumed would last a lifetime does not. Trust will become both a question and an ally.
For those who choose to step up and be the designated driver in their lives this year, I offer guideposts to navigate 2017’s uncommon crossing:
Be present to what is. As illusions dissolve and current structures and belief systems crumble, steady yourself by being present to what is, regardless of what was or should be. We must learn to adapt to each jolt, and respond fresh from that moment without clinging to the verdicts of the past.
Know thyself. The most important thing you will ever do is being who you truly are. Grant yourself time alone. Turn off technologies and be still. Commune with the earth, touch trees, walk barefoot, and listen to the language of nature. It will remind you of your place here, and initiate you into a higher way of thinking. Be with people who care about you enough to expose your blind spots, those unrecognized hindrances you cannot resolve until witnessed.
Stand up. When someone is giving you crumbs, don’t let them convince you they are giving you the whole cake. Choose the world you wish to inhabit and stand fully in it. Reserve judgment of others but do not cower in the shadows. Allow yourself to be seen. This is the year to speak your truth out loud. Ladies, take your places!
Suffering is a teacher. We will receive as much pain as it takes for us to change. Most of it will be unfair. But it will transform forever whomever it touches. Suffering is asking us to wake up, end stale routines, remember our humanity and pay attention to what is wrong. Suffering precedes every great breakthrough. Ask for help, and hold a caring space for others traveling through difficult circumstances. You are not failing. You are emerging.
Cultivate the adult within. Be the person who can handle anything. 2017 will require the adult in us to intercede and take responsibility for our emotions, actions and goals. Find your courage. The world needs adults now more than ever. Stop complaining, blaming, and shaming. Lead, care, and manage, instead.
Have fun! There will be radiant sparks of happiness available all year. Respite from the storms. Seek people and experiences that bring you joy and make you laugh. Take risks. Your best life exists on the other side of those gambles. Fun fuels courage.
An explosion of sharing. Share kindness, vulnerability, support, money, things. It is the glue of a new community being born. Holding too tight to what you have will only bring fear and separation. Sharing will open hearts and doors to what is possible in the world that is unfolding.
Love what you don’t understand. Everyone will struggle with something this year. We may not always respond to our stresses in the best way. Be compassionate. Another’s journey may appear different from yours, but in the end the destination is the same. We will all need a little latitude as we grow.
Take care of your body like never before. Anxiety and illness will run high, and the healthcare system is not equipped. People will be dying this year in uncomfortable numbers. Eat healthy, move your body, quiet your mind. It’s the most important thing you will do for yourself in 2017.
Pray. Yes, pray. Reclaim the divine presence within you. Prayer is powerful, soothing and meaningful. Prayer helps you remember who you are beyond our social conditioning and technology and creates a spiritual cord that connects us all. Prayer transforms what you cannot bear.
Stop buying stuff. You really want the world to change? Don’t buy anything until you need it. There is power in economic restraint. The best way to get the attention of those who seek to control you is by spending with discernment.
Be Kind. That’s it. Just be kind all the time.
Learn where to place your trust.For now, do not trust institutions, corporations, the media, or governments. Trust each other. Get to know each other. Build community through shared vulnerability. Help your neighbors. Open to the possibility of our human connection. Take responsibility for your thoughts and actions. You are the only one you need to change. Love more. Fear less. Walk hopefully into what you do not know.
This year, we are going through a birth canal of sorts. It will be messy and uncomfortable. Where we finally arrive dwells within our individual choices more than we have been willing to accept. Act towards the world you envision for yourself. Everything better we can be involves moving beyond our personal dramas, prejudices and absolutes. The good news is that we will begin to understand this as we continue our migration together towards somewhere we have never been before. Go where you feel called, even if no one you know follows. Others will be there, waiting. Begin to recognize and fully embrace your fellow travelers. Let go. This is happening!
It’s going to be a momentous year. Hope to meet you along the way!
The Lymph system serves as our first line of defense against disease or foreign particles by circulating immune cells throughout our bodies.The lymph nodes filter fluid by using lymphocytes (immune cells) which can recognize and destroy invading pathogens or foreign particles.These immune cells create antibodies for each disease they encounter, and for the rest of a person’s life, will recognize and destroy those organisms each time they invade.
History of Lymphatic Drainage Massage (LMD)
Lymphatic Drainage Massage was developed in France in the 1930’s. Initially it was used to address sinus infections, enlarged lymph nodes and acne.There are now countless approaches to the ways in which Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be used.At Osmosis, we may encourage our clients to explore the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage if they are interested in cleansing or detoxifying, wanting to build their immune systems, or even healing from edema or soft tissue damage.
What isLymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle, rhythmic style of massage that mimics the action of the lymphatic system.It uses precise rhythm and pressure to open the initial lymphatics and stimulate the lymph vessel contraction to move fluid toward the lymph nodes.Because the initial lymphatics are located just under the skin, LDM uses light pressure.While the gentle touch of LDM is soothing and relaxing, it is also deeply therapeutic.LDM has a number of important functions, which include: distributing immune cells throughout the body to defend against disease, ridding the body of excess proteins and toxins, helping to repair damage to injured tissues, and regenerating lymph nodes in areas of chronic infection.
How does Lymphatic Drainage Massage work?
When performing LDM, the massage therapist will move the client’s skin in different directions, which stretch the microfilaments just below the skin that control the openings to the initial lymphatics.As the initial lymphatics are opened, they fill with interstitial fluid. This initiates a pumping response which is similar to peristalsis, moving the fluid toward the lymph nodes.Within the lymph nodes lymphocytes cleanse and purge the lymphatic fluid of any microorganisms, foreign particles, and excess proteins, enzymes or hormones in the blood.From the lymph nodes, the cleansed fluid is emptied into the lymphatic and thoracic ducts for return to blood circulation.
While Lymphatic Drainage Massage works directly on the superficial circulation of lymph fluid, it affects the deep circulation, including toward the nodes within the intestinal and respiratory organs, because lymph flow is increased through the whole lymph system.The pumping response of the initial lymphatics moves like a wave through the entire lymph system to the deepest layers of the body.
Who can benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Everyone can benefit from LDM.It cleanses the body and boosts the immune system, something everyone needs on a regular basis.Lymphatic Massage is especially useful for those who suffer from:
Edema
Soft tissue injury accompanied with inflammation
Recent surgery
Recent or recurring illness
Lowered immunity
How often should you receive Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
You will benefit from Lymphatic Drainage Massage in any frequency.Some people choose to start their new year with a cleanse incorporating LDM.Others will choose to receive LDM as they move into cold and flu season to boost their immunity.While others, who suffer from stress or other factors that lower immunity, will choose a monthly Lymphatic Massage for health maintenance.
How does Dry Brush Self-Massage help the lymphatic system?
Dry Brush Self-Massage is like a mini Lymphatic Massage that can be done at home. You can increase the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage by incorporating Dry Brush Self-Massage into your daily self-care. The dry brush can be used to move the skin over the initial lymphatics to open and to stimulate the lymph vessel contraction. While Dry Brush Massage offers cleansing benefits, Lymphatic Drainage Massage performed by a professional will affect the lymph system and our immunity more profoundly. You can learn more by reading our blog post about how to Dry Brush, HERE.
We offer 75-minute and 90-minute Lymphatic Massage at Osmosis. It can be booked as a stand-alone service or within one of our packages. The Specialty Package includes a Cedar Enzyme Bath and any specialty massage, including a 75-minute Lymphatic Massage. Seasonally, we offer the Bath as Medicine Package which includes a 90-minute Lymphatic Massage, Cedar Enzyme Bath and Sound Therapy. Please call 707.823.8231 for more info.
Bath as Medicine Package
This exceptional package is designed to offer a synergistic blend of treatments for optimal detoxification, beautification and relaxation.
Synergy with the Cedar Enzyme Bath.
Fermentation is the fundamental impulse in biology. It generates the heat and dynamic energy in our signatureCedar Enzyme Bath. This healing bathing ritual stimulates metabolic activity inside and out. It helps to break down toxins mobilized by your lymphatic massage and metabolize waste accumulated in the cleansing organs. This enzymatic activity also provides relief from aches including arthritis and joint pain leading to increased mobility. Lactic acid in sore muscles is broken down in this process as well.
This warm and fragrant treatment also improves circulation as it dilates the cardiovascular system and increases blood flow to even the smallest capillaries while the living enzymes deeply and thoroughly clean your skin, performing a full body exfoliation – leaving your entire body exuding a radiant glow!
Raizelah Bayen is a California Certified Massage Therapist, currently employed as the Spa Services Manager at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California. She has been practicing massage for over 25 years, and teaching T’ui Na, Acupressure, Sports and Pregnancy Massage in massage certification programs for 15 years. Raizelah is an approved CEU Instructor by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), offering trainings in Freestone, California and on-site training at your massage school or spa. For more information, connect with Raizelah Bayen on LinkedIn.
Please contact raizelah@osmosis.com for information on upcoming trainings in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers scheduled in Sebastopol, California. Or book Raizelah for an on-site training in your massage school or spa in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology or Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers.
At the base of the Bohemian Highway, within a stone’s throw of California’s best coastal vineyards, is the tiny town of Freestone, tucked between the redwoods and the ocean. Blink your eyes and you’ll miss it—but consider it a destination for deep relaxation. Osmosis Day Spa & Sanctuary, founded by Michael Stusser in 1985, is a Zen meditation retreat here, at the center of which is a cedar enzyme bath experience.
A day at Osmosis begins with a welcoming cup of hot tea and a walk through the Kyoto-style meditation garden, whose labyrinthine paths are designed to bring you into the present moment. Based on the Zen parable of The Ox and the Herder, a metaphor for the experience of enlightenment, the ten-stage journey carries you through various elements of earth and water with opportunities to stop and reflect for as long as you’d like.
Zen Garden meditation space at Osmosis Day Spa. Photo by Kim Westerman
Designed by British horticulturist Robert Ketchell and built by the late Steve Stucky, once the Abbot of the San Francisco Zen Center, the garden is lovingly tended by unobtrusive staff who will come find you if you lose track of time. After all, that’s the point.
The lovingly tended rock garden at Osmosis Day Spa. Photo by Kim Westerman
When it’s time, you’ll be led back to the main building for a tea service in a private room overlooking a beautiful tea garden that you’re also welcome to stroll in. The tea is infused with enzymes designed to aid digestion and mirror the experience your skin will have in the forthcoming cedar enzyme bath.
Next, we had massages in the couples room, a quiet space where two therapists work in harmony on your respective sore muscles, tailoring the treatment to your specific needs. There are also outdoor pagodas available for massage therapy, a good option on warmer days. Our massage therapists were especially attuned not only to what we reported our bodies needed, but also what they sensed through their own intuitive assessment.
After the deeply relaxing massage, we took a break for lunch, which was a generous salad of local greens and an egg, served at a picnic table by the creek.
Lunch by the creek at Osmosis Day Spa. Photo by Kim Westerman
At last, the main event: the cedar enzyme bath, a therapeutic treatment from Japan that is the only one of its kind in North America. Wooden boxes hold the deeply aromatic mixture of ground cedar and rice bran, infused with enzymes created by a biological catalyst imported from Japan that triggers fermentation, hence the steam rising from the “bath,” which is, actually, not wet, but rather humid from perpetual fermentation. And warm. Perfectly, relaxingly warm.
The cedar enzyme bath is the only one of its kind in North America. Photo by Kim Westerman
The cedar enzyme bath takes about 30 minutes, all told, and an attendant walks you through the process, coming in periodically to wipe your face with a cool cloth and give you a sip of water (as your hands are buried in the mixture). Then, she brushes your skin off with a little broom—yes, a broom!—before leading you into the adjacent shower.
So relaxing was our time at Osmosis that it seemed like a crime to get in the car and drive back to reality. But it’s a comfort to know that this sanctuary is always there.
Shiatsu massage, an Eastern-based massage modality not only relaxes, but revitalizes you. It provides not only the calming and quieting that you would expect from a Western massage, but so much more. It moves and balances our Chi, our vital life force, increasing our vitality and building the foundation for health.
History
This style of massage, developed in Japan, is influenced primarily by the Chinese understanding of the body, asserting that we are comprised not only of flesh, but also a network of energy channels called Meridians. According the the ancient Chinese medical text, Nei Jing, “The function of the channels (Meridians) is to transport Chi (energy) and to nourish the body.” While we cannot see Chi, it can be measured with devices that detect electromagnetic fields, and it can be felt by each of us. When we feel elated, we feel a surge of Chi moving through our bodies. When we feel depressed, we feel the stagnation of Chi, making us feel inert, stuck or unable to motivate.
12 Meridians
There are 12 Meridians that circulate Chi throughout our bodies. The Chinese understand that the the unobstructed or balanced flow of Chi through the Meridians in the foundation of health. Chi blockages are the foundation of tension, pain or dis-ease. These blockages may be the result of stress, injury, trauma, or bad living habits (in diet, addictions, or lack of exercise). The key to strong immunity, vitality and health, is to keep the Meridian pathways unobstructed and flowing with abundant Chi.
Shiatsu Builds Health
Shiatsu Massage is a technique developed specifically to balance the Chi flow through the Meridian pathways. In a full-body Shiatsu massage, each of the 12 Meridian channels are massaged using rhythmic finger and palm pressure along these pathways. This slow, rhythmic compressive style of massage will engage the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the nervous system, while simultaneously opening Meridian blockages and revitalizing Chi flow. This is a massage that offers not only the sedating benefit of our Western Swedish Massage, but also the deeper benefit of increasing our Chi or vitality, and building a foundation for health.
Clothing Optional?
As all Eastern styles of massage, Shiatsu is received with soft, comfortable clothing on. Traditionally, this style of massage is offered on a thick, cushy floor mat. At Osmosis, we offer this traditional style, referred to as Floor Shiatsu, as well as a Western version, called Table Shiatsu. These are equally beneficial and can be booked with one of our highly trained and skilled massage therapists.
If you have never experienced Shiatsu Massage, you are in for a treat!
Raizelah Bayen is a California Certified Massage Therapist, currently employed as the Director of Training and Massage Therapist Supervisor at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California. She has been practicing massage for over 25 years, and teaching T’ui Na, Acupressure, Sports and Pregnancy Massage in massage certification programs for 15 years. Raizelah is an approved CEU Instructor by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), offering trainings in Freestone, California and on-site training at your massage school or spa. For more information, connect with Raizelah Bayen on LinkedIn.
Please contact raizelah@osmosis.com for information on upcoming trainings in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers scheduled in Sebastopol, California. Or book Raizelah for an on-site training in your massage school or spa in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology or Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers.
February is National Haiku Writing month and we are hosting a Haiku Competition!
February is National Haiku Writing month and we are hosting a Haiku Competition!
12 Meridians