This message comes to you from the desk of Jessica McClain, founder of Just Be Bodyworks:
After over 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist in my cherished community, it is with a bittersweet heart that I must announce my retirement from the world of hands-on bodywork and business ownership. This was not an easy decision to come to but one that is necessary in order for me to continue to successfully navigate ongoing health concerns and find my own sense of physical wellness again. I have absolutely loved the chance to serve my community and my clients over the past decade.
The easiest part about this decision was deciding to who I should pass the proverbial torch. Toni Skaggs LMT came to join the Just Be Bodyworks team in July of 2020 and I have had the exquisite honor of mentoring and working alongside her for the past 2 years. Toni as a practitioner is excellently skilled, uniquely intuitive, and reminds me so much of myself 10 years years ago. Toni as a human is a gentle, bright, and kind soul and my absolute first pick to entrust my business (i.e. my baby) to. I know with certainty that she will take such incredible care of Just Be and all of our dear clients.
Logistically not much will change for you; same location, same space, same business name, etc. June will be a month of transition so you may still see me around the office and I hope to say my goodbyes in person to as many of you as possible before I take my exit in July. The process of handing the torch to Toni is one that feels aligned and “right” and makes this whole transition so enjoyable as I am so excited to see the fresh energy and skills she brings to the table. (read Toni’s ‘Hello’ letter)
Thank you so much for the past ten years. Time flies when you’re having fun!
So much gratitude,
Jessica McClain LMT
P.S. I’m not sure what comes next for me professionally but if it’s ok with you, I’d love to hold onto your email contact info to keep you in the loop in case I end up reemerging in the wellness field, in some other context outside of massage, in the future.
If you’re reading this it means you’ve survived the Great Southern Oregon Heat Wave of 2021 (or at least the first one). It may not be consistent triple digits anymore but it is still HOT and there is a whole summer ahead to stay cool for!!! Beat the heat by booking an Ice Massage at the Just Be studio.
What is ice massage?
Ice Massage is traditional relaxation or therapeutic massage that incorporates ice application generally for it’s therapeutic value. It can be applied either to problem areas to decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation or just as a novel sensory experience to cool down on a hot day. Your therapist would carry out a massage similar to a regular session you would experience at Just Be Bodyworks but would discuss with you where you would like your cryo-therapy applied.
Benefits of Ice Massage
Pain Management
Reduced Inflammation
Decreased Swelling
Stress Relief
Sensory Experience
Regulate Body Temperature
How Cryotherapy Works
Ice Massage or Cryotherapy helps to reduce inflammation by vasoconstriction and norepinephrine. Vasoconstriction occurs during cryotherapy due to the cold. Your skin and muscles constrict their blood vessels in response to the ice to push the surface blood away from the cold to the body’s warm core. When a area is chilled for over 90 seconds, a mini-fight-or-flight response begins and the blood is enriched with inflammation reducing enzymes. The brain then releases norepinephrine, the happy hormone.¹ Once the ice application is over, warm blood returns to the surface oxygen-rich and nutrient dense and flows throughout the entire body.
Take the Plunge!
Arthritic knee? Strained ankle? Achy spine? Sweaty palms? Just flippin HOT? Ice massage to the rescue. Call or text today to learn more or request a session online and we can discuss adding in ice massage when we contact you to book.
*Ice massage is not indicated for clients with Raynauds Syndrome, Paralysis or areas of impaired sensation
Call or text today to learn more or request a session online and we can discuss adding in ice massage when we contact you to book.
At some point everyone has tossed and turned, longing for sleep to find them on a particularly restless night. A decent night’s sleep is how humans rest and recharge both physically, mentally & energetically. When sleep evades us, carrying out our normal day to day tasks and just existing in general can be challenging. Irritability, brain fog, lethargy and a multitude of other symptoms are a result of poor sleep. It is also a vicious cycle; the worse you sleep, the more frustrated & stressed you become – and the less likely you are to sleep well.
Massage Reduces Stress
Stress and the subsequent cortisol (the stress hormone), is known to affect sleep by putting our brains and bodies into fight or flight mode. Massage is a proven antidote that reduces stress by decreasing cortisol and increasing serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters that help to stabilize mood). Using massage to decrease stress and to promote relaxation may help you sleep better and may even reset your circadian rhythm (I’m looking at you Night Owls).
Massage Reduces Pain
Massage for pain management can also help to enhance sleep quality. Pain and sleep loss can exacerbate one another, leading to a vicious cycle. A lack of sleep can worsen pain, while pain itself can make it difficult to find a comfortable enough position to fall asleep. Consistent l treatment and management of pain may help to improve sleep.
Sufficient Sleep Is Essential
Simply put, adequate rest is one of the foundations of homeostasis and a key source of sustainable authentic energy. Studies now support the fact that inadequate sleep is associated with diseases such as obesity/weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, depression and numerous other chronic issues. Healthy adults generally require at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to adequately stimulate cellular rejuvenation.
Unfortunately, most people get far less sleep than they need. Depriving the body of sleep means less than optimal function – physically and mentally. Whether it’s insomnia, unwillingness to turn out the light, or just a busy schedule, adjusting some of your current habits (put the phone down!), and integrating a regular, therapeutic massage into your routine can greatly improve the quantity and quality your sleep.
Book your next massage at Just Be Bodyworks and find your self being lulled into a great night’s sleep.
A migraine is an extreme version of a headache marked by moderate to severe pain and throbbing in the head, and can be accompanied by nausea as well as sensitivity to light and movement. Migraine attacks can be absolutely crippling & debilitating. In some cases, these painful headaches are preceded or accompanied by some sort of sensory warning sign, such as flashes of light, blind spots, “auras” or tingling in a limb. If you are one of the poor souls who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, then you know the misery of which we speak.
One remedy that many find effective, but not many know to seek out, is massage. When applied therapeutically, massage helps to relieve muscle spasms, improve blood flow and circulation, relieve tension and promote relaxation. Massage has been shown to be helpful in bringing relief for migraine sufferers and both tension and vascular headaches, in both studies and from our own anecdotal evidence from clients.
Because many migraine sufferers experience extreme sensitivity to touch, and movement, deep tissue massage during an acute attack may not be ideal. However, when used as a proactive intervention on a regular basis, it can help to reduce the quantity, duration and/or intensity for ongoing migraine sufferers.
Many of our chronic migraine and headache clients will seek out massage on a weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly basis and request the majority of the 60 or 90 minute session to be focused on head, neck, shoulder & upper back tension, though full body massage is still beneficial systemically. Did you know that Just Be Bodyworks even offers 30 minute sessions for clients committing to ongoing appointments every week or every other week? Book a 30, 60 or 90 minute session with one of our skilled and compassionate massage therapists to discover how massage can help with headaches and migraines.
Are you one of our existing clients and have a massage for migraines or headaches success story to share? Please consider leaving us a review on Google or Facebook.
How to Enjoy Your Massage Without Feeling Embarrassed and Awkward
We all know how enjoyable a massage can be but if you’re feeling self-conscious, embarrassed or awkward because you’re not sure what to expect or how your body will react, it’s going to be really difficult to relax. Here are a few insights to avoid the awkwardness.
Undressing & Draping
Newbie massage clients often ask “what should I wear?” Our answer is always “the less the better, but ALWAYS within your comfort level.” The more skin we are able to access, the more muscles we can effect. You will be covered underneath a sheet at all times and all of our massage therapists are thoroughly trained in sheet draping techniques and how to preserve your modesty.
Your therapist will instruct you to “undress to your comfort level, ” how you should lie (face up or face down) underneath the sheet, then leave the room so you can get undressed and situated on the massage table. If you are not comfortable undressing for your massage then we suggest wearing comfortable lounge or workout style clothing, again the less the better so think shorts and a tank top or sports bra for women.
To shave or not to shave?
Don’t worry about hairy legs or arm pits, we don’t! Massage therapists love the human body and we know that hair is a normal and natural part of those bodies. Please don’t be embarrassed or apologetic if you haven’t or don’t shave. To be honest, a little stubble gives our hands a nice exfoliation.
Pre-Massage Hygiene
Especially as we move into warm summer months, we do like to occasionally put out a reminder to always shower before your massage session, especially if you’ve been playing in the garden. But let’s say you’ve just had an absolutely amazing massage, your therapist has left the room and you get off the table to find tiny bits of tan or brown mystery lumps on the sheet. This is perfectly normal, especially if you’ve recently had a sunburn! The act of massage helps to slough off dead skin which then mixes with the lotion and forms little balls or rolls.
While not ideal, it is perfectly normal and we as therapists are used to it. Do not be embarrassed! To avoid excessive skin sloughing during your massage, we suggest exfoliating in the shower prior to your appointment.
Feet & Toes
As warm summer weather approaches, the sandals are coming out again! Please do not be embarrassed of your feet or your unpedicured toes. Feet need massage too! While we do ask that you bathe prior to your massage session, we do understand that sandals can lead to less than pristine piggies and as long as they aren’t completely caked in mud, we aren’t scared of your creepy feeties.
If you have overly ticklish feet, let your therapist know as the tickle reflex can often be overridden by firm pressure or we can skip the feet altogether. If you prefer NOT to have your feet worked on please let your therapist know or bring a clean pair of socks to put on which is an LMT’s universal sign for “Don’t work on my feet.”
Snoring & drooling is a compliment in our world
If you start snoring or even drooling during a massage, please don’t worry. It happens pretty often and we take it as a compliment because it means that you’re totally relaxed, at ease and comfortable. Here’s one that may make you cringe but we are going to tackle it anyways. Another sign of full comfort and relaxation is sometimes passing gas as well. PLEASE do not lie there silently mortified if this happens. It is perfectly natural!
Feeling emotional post-massage
We are all about stress management & emotional regulation here at Just Be Bodyworks and sometimes this extends beyond just the physical body. Please do not feel self-conscious if you start to feel emotional or weepy during or after your massage.
We hold emotions and trauma in our tissues and massage can help to release them. If you become anxious or enter a heightened state of emotion during your massage, please let your therapist know and you can work together to adjust, pause or end the session as needed. If your therapist finds that you are crying during your massage, they will pause to check in with you and will only proceed if you are comfortable doing so.
Believe it or not, Valentines Day is just around the corner! Just Be Bodyworks makes it easy to express your heart and help your significant other live their best life!
Gift Baskets
PRE-SALE HAS ENDED. CONTACT THE STUDIO DIRECTLY TO INQUIRE ABOUT EXTRA PRE-MADE BASKET INVENTORY OR GRAB A STAND ALONE GIFT CERTIFCATE.
Show your sweet heart how much you care by gifting one of our Just Be My Valentine gift baskets! Choose one of our lovingly curated Valentines Day gift baskets containing one or two 60 or 90 minute massage gift certificates, locally made chocolates and other stress relief goodies.
$90 – One 60 minute massage gift certificate
$160 – Two 60 minute massage gift certificates
$130 – One 90 minute massage gift certificate
$240 – Two 90 minute massage gift certificates
Pre-order gift baskets now through 2/8/21 and pick up 2/11&12/21, just in time for Valentines Day weekend. Order by phone or online and pick-up in-studio or curbside.
PRE-SALE HAS ENDED. CONTACT THE STUDIO DIRECTLY TO INQUIRE ABOUT EXTRA PRE-MADE BASKET INVENTORY OR GRAB A STAND ALONE GIFT CERTIFCATE.
Relax with your sweetheart after the holiday weekend by booking a limited availability post-Valentines Day couples side-by-side massage sessions February 16th & 17th. Side-by-side sessions are not a normal service on our menu but we have reserved these dates just for you and your honey. Call the studio to claim a February 16th or 17th side-by-side session for you and your love today! Ask about gift basket options for these appointments as well.
During the shut down last spring we offered twice weekly online guided meditations to great reception from our clients. Upon reopening the studio last summer, the kids and infant classes were unfortunately put on the back burner due to safety considerations but we do look forward to offering those in studio again some day and possibly online in the future.
Over the past 6 months of being open again we have offered Partners Massage Classes and Guided Meditation groups in studio. The meditation groups we have offered hybrid, both in-studio & online. In the most recent months these in-studio offerings have all taken on a tentative status, pending sufficient pre-registration as well as assessment the current health & safety climate, which seems to fluctuate daily.
We have decided that rather than continue to schedule, cancel and reschedule these in-studio offerings, that we will be offering Guided Meditation Online only and will revaluate the….world….come March 2021 when we hope to be able to consistently offer them in-studio once more.
We do still have the intention of someday making our other offerings available online as well, as on-demand courses but for the time being we are enjoying the simplicity of the online Guided Meditations which seem to fill a great need in our current world climate of chaos undercurrents. This allows us more time not only for our own presence & mindfulness, but also to focus on continuing to grow and improve the Massage Therapy side of things at the studio.
You are invited to join us for an upcoming online Guided Meditation, all of which are sliding scale and can be enjoyed online from the comfort of home. These meditations are livestreamed via the Mindbody platform which has similar functionality to Zoom.
Regular Guided Meditation is generally offered the first Wednesday of the month at 5:30pm and Explicit Guided Meditation is generally offered the third Thursday of the month at 6:00pm.
UPDATE 6/19/21: Our beloved Lilly has left us to go travel but keep an eye out for pop-up appointment availability with her in the future when she is passing through town. In the mean time, let’s book you with one of our other amazing Massage Therapists on staff.
Lilly is a resident Massage Therapist here at Just Be Bodyworks, having joined the team in July of 2020. She is our in-house Trigger Point Therapy specialist but also gives an epic Swedish relaxation massage.
Lilly has an intuitive & therapeutic touch and we are so blessed to have her skillset in the Just Be family. We thought you would like to get to know her and her craft better, so we had a little chat!
Lilly in the Just Be studio (before her hair cut)
Just Be: “How long have you lived in Grants Pass / Southern Oregon? What is your favorite part about our community?”
Lilly: “I’ve lived in the Southern Oregon for 5 years now. Originally I’m from Northern California. A few of my favorite things about the community is the local music, markets/festivals, and all the small town businesses. I love that there always seems to be events and shows to be at. I look forward to those returning”
Just Be: “Tell us about your Massage Therapy training. Where did you go to school? What was your favorite class and why?”
Lilly: “I moved to Oregon so I could pursue my massage career through Rogue Community College. The massage program there was spectacular! All of the teachers and classes were wonderful but my favorite class would have to be Trigger Point Therapy. Personally it’s my favorite because it helped me so much with my own whiplash injury.”
Just Be: “What was your experience in the Massage industry prior to joining the Just Be Bodyworks family?”
Lilly: “Prior to joining Just Be Bodyworks I worked independently. I mostly worked from home but would occasionally travel to clients homes.”
Just Be: “What specialties & modalities do you offer? What style of massage do you love to do and why?”
Lilly: “My favorite modality that I offer is Trigger Point Therapy. It’s works so well for chronic and acute pain. I also love Craniosacral Therapy because it can be great for physical pains as well as mental ones.”
Just Be: “What’s on your massage bucket list? What specialties & modalities do you feel called to pursue in the future?”
Lilly: “So many! Mainly I would love to learn more Craniosacral. Also myofascial therapy, reiki, cupping, and reflexology. I hope to learn more modalities in the future that I can utilize to help me reduce clients physical, mental, and spiritual discomforts and pains.”
Lilly Wisdom LMT
Just Be: “Who is your ideal client? What kind of humans do you enjoy working on and connecting with?”
Lilly: “Well anyone in pain is someone I would want to work with but my ideal client would be those suffering from mental illnesses. I would enjoy connecting with these clients because I can relate to them. Personally I’ve just always felt more comfortable with a Massage Therapist who understands my mental illnesses as well as my physical ones and brings focus to both. I hope to bring that level of comfort, healing, and relaxation that I’ve felt to the table for others.”
Just Be: “What is your favorite part about your job as a Massage Therapist? Why do you do what you do?”
Lilly: “Being a part of someone’s healing process and teaching them ways to reduce pain is my favorite part of being a Massage Therapist. It’s amazing to see people progress and watch them succeed down there path of healing, especially when I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of that process.”
Just Be: “What does your self-care routine look like? What hobbies & activities do you enjoy?”
Lilly: “My self care routine mainly looks like hot showers, massage, stretching, and lots of Arnica oil. As for hobbies, the list is large. I enjoy hiking, camping, and just about anything outdoors. Reading and making art are other favorites. I also really enjoying hula hoop dancing and fire spinning.”
Just Be: “What does it mean to you to “Just Be?” How do you create space to Just Be?”
Lilly: “To me “Just Be” means being present. Being mindful, in the moment. Taking time to step out of the past and the future, to breathe, and just be in the moment. Just be present. A few ways I like to create space to do this is by either being outside in nature or laying in bed with a meditation on.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is recognized as a depressive disorder correlated to seasonal changes. One in five Americans are negatively impacted by seasonal change. The purpose of this blog post is not to diagnose or treat medical conditions or mental health disorders but rather to explore the benefits that Massage Therapy can play as a complimentary therapeutic support of a healthy brain & overall emotional wellness.
What causes SAD?
SAD, is often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. SAD is more common in northern latitudes, such as the PNW, where seasonal changes result in significantly less daylight. Popular theories for the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder involve the a lack of sunlight and how it contributes to endocrine (hormone) balance & Vitamin D synthesis.
Lack of sunlight can inhibit a part of the brain called the hypothalamus . An inactive or inhibited hypothalamus can affect the production of melatonin which is the “sleep” hormone”. In people with SAD, the body may not only produce melatonin in higher than normal levels but the production of serotonin may also be effected. Serotonin is a hormone that has a significant effect on your mood, appetite and sleep-wake cycle. A lack of exposure to sunlight during the winter months may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is strongly linked to feelings of depression.
Additionally, our bodies have specialized vitamin D receptor cells that produce vitamin D3 when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun. As this is known as the “sunshine vitamin”, reduced sunlight in winter months can lead to inhibited vitamin D synthesis within the body. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk for depression as well as poorly regulated mood and behavior in addition to brain fog or cognitive impairment.
All of these theories are linked to the regulation of your your circadian rhythm, also known as your body’s “internal clock”, which uses sunlight to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Lower light levels during the winter months can disrupt your natural rhythms & biological processes on a multitude of levels.
Long story short, healthy brains love light!
Symptoms of Fall/Winter SAD
Symptoms of SAD can include:
a persistent low mood or feelings of depression
a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
irritability, agitation or moodiness
feelings of despair, guilt, or worthlessness
feeling lethargic, sluggish or fatigued (lacking in energy)
excessive sleep or disrupted sleep cycles
weight &/or appetite changes
difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
In Spring & Summer months, SAD sufferers may also experience opposite symptoms such as insomnia, weight loss & poor appetite. Summer/Spring SAD may exhibit more anxious symptoms vs. depressive.
For some, symptoms can be so severe that they may impact day-to-day activities and in prolonged severe cases of SAD, a health care provider should be consulted.
Massage Therapy as an Intervention for SAD
Diagnosed disorders aside, Massage Therapy has a proven record of supporting mood and elevating energy levels. Individuals looking to overcome the symptoms of SAD may find relief by integrating complimentary therapies such as light therapy and massage therapyinto their health routines. Regular massages can improve mood and can help to reset circadian rhythms, leading to balanced sleep cycles and energy levels.
How Massage Affects Symptoms of SAD:
Endorphin release: Massage is well known to initiate the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel good” neurotransmitters that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters.
Reduced melatonin production: By helping to balance the endocrine system, massage may help regulate melatonin production back down to normal levels.
Serotonin increase: Massage enhances the bodies serotonin production, which balances mood while also blocking melatonin absorption.
Ache and Pain Relief: Depression HURTS. Seemingly unexplained joint & muscle pain is yet another potential symptom of SAD. Pain relief is one of the more obvious benefits of regular massage.
Stress relief: SAD is telling our bodies to hibernate while modern life tells us it’s business as usual. The differential between the two can lead to pressure, tension & stress, the relief of which is yet another classic benefit of massage.
Endocrine regulation leading to balanced sleep cycles & improved mood as well as relief from pain & stress, are all ways in which Massage Therapy can assist you in overcoming “The Winter Blues,” diagnosed or otherwise. This is especially so when combined with other complimentary therapies such as light therapy.
To experience seasonal relief through massage therapy, book your next massage session at Just Be Bodyworks with one of our compassionate & knowledgeable Licensed Massage Therapists. Curl up on one of our heated massage tables and allow yourself 60 or 90 minutes of sanctioned hibernation. You deserve it.
Many people think of stretching as something done by fitness enthusiasts or athletes. The truth is we all need to stretch in order to maintain our mobility and range of motion. Stretching should be a daily part of our wellness routines. But where to start?
Why Muscles Love Stretching
Stretching keeps the muscle tissue flexible, strong, and healthy. That suppleness & flexibility is critical in maintaining joint range of motion & strength. Without adequate stretching, muscles can shorten and become tight. Shortened muscles are weak muscles. When you ask a shortened muscle group to perform a strenuous or novel activity, their lack of mobility puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.
Muscle strength is nothing more than potential for contraction. A lengthened (stretched) muscle has more potential for contraction that a shortened (tight) one.
When tight muscles are suddenly called on to perform a strenuous activity that stretches them, they may become damaged from that sudden abrupt stretch. Herein lies the importance of a regular stretching routine or at the very least, a warm up stretch. Regular stretching keeps muscles long, lean, and flexible, and this means that exertion is less likely to result in injury or soreness.
There are over 600 muscles in the human body!
So many muscles: where to start?
With a body full of muscles (over 600 as a matter of fact), adopting this concept of daily stretching may seem overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to stretch every single muscle you have in order to reap the benefits. Target critical mobility muscle groups for mobility such as calves, quadriceps, shoulders, neck, and low back. Keep your expectations sustainable any time you are building a new habit. Start with 1-2 times per week and build from there.
Find a bodywork practitioner who can assess your muscle strength & flexibility, coach & and assist you on proper technique and tailor a stretching program to fit your needs. Toni Skaggs LMT, resident Massage Therapist at Just Be Bodyworks has developed an Assisted Stretch Session offering to assist clients in learning more and benefitting from the power of proper stretch.
Assisted Stretching in Grants Pass
These Assisted Stretch Sessions consist of full body passive stretches in which the client lays clothed on a massage table and your practitioner does the stretches for you, assessing range of motion & increasing flexibility. Different neuromusclular & muscle energy techniques are incorporated as needed to help reset your muscles nuerological baseline resting position. After the session, Toni will help you to create a home stretching routine based on her findings.
These sessions can be utilized one time to get you started on the road to a healthy stretching routine or scheduled periodically for accountability & reassessment on your journey. Assisted Stretch Sessions can be scheduled as a stand alone session, added on before or after your massage session or incorporated into your massage session.
