Brandy Woodley
Editor in Chief
brandy@armywifemagazine.com
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HEALTH/WELLNESS
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Well, ladies, all the things we do to keep things running adequately in our military lives, we usually do with stress, minimal sleep and overexertion-all while riding an emotional roller coaster and juggling multiple things. Whew! Just picturing that is exhausting enough. I hate feeling tired, on the verge of a cold, frustrated and more. So, I was excited when Operation Homefront Oklahoma presented the ladies of Fort Sill with an opportunity to explore and sample some of the various salon and spa venues and their services here in Lawton, OK. I met an awesome massage therapist and owner of the Oasis Day Spa, Terry Tahsequah. He gave me so much insight into how a simple massage can break down built up toxins and stress in our body and set us back on a path of health and well-being.
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Lately, when I have a minute or two, I have been reading Deadly Emotions, Understand the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection that can Heal or Destroy You by Don Colbert, M.D. The first few chapters talks about the toxicity of anger, bitterness, resentment, anxiety and stress. It explains how consistent high levels of adrenaline and stress put on the body, negatively (damaging and harmful) affect our hearts, cellular structure, hormones, etc. It has really been an eye opener for me being a Type A personality, who is prone to high stress; as well as, dealing with the recent move to a new installation with three small children during a deployment. Some of you can probably relate.
Stopping the Dis-Ease
with Massage Therapy
by Brandy M. Woodley, posted April 2010
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Archived articles will be posted soon!
AWMag: Army wives go through relocations, being apart from husbands, leaving and making new friendships, raising children without their father physically in the house, etc. How can those stressors affect the body?
Terry: When one takes on the role of mom and dad, the weight of the world is on their shoulders. That weight (providing, disciplining, parenting, etc.) can lead to tight necks and tight shoulders and backs, which then leads to restless sleep which can add weight, headaches and moodiness. All of this is the start of “dis-ease” and disease.
AWMag: What are the difference between therapeutic, Swedish, and deep tissue massages?
Terry: Therapeutic is used for people who have problems in the body and need relief directed at certain areas of the body. A massage therapist can pinpoint problematic areas and work them to break down toxins and tensions. Usually, those areas we experience pain are linked to other parts of the body, so the therapist works on those extensions as well. Swedish is used to give relaxation-to help sleep insomnia and decrease built-up stress. Deep tissue is used for people whose muscles are very tight, requiring more pressure to get into the muscles and break up knots, which ultimately relaxes the muscle and decreases pain.
AWMag: What are some advantages of regular massages for a woman?
Terry: Regular massages help to keep the body at a more relaxed state and keep toxins from building up in the body. Keeping the muscles loose will help you sleep and deal with the life’s challenges. Also, massages can put a woman in a lot better mood, not so quick to become angry and frustrated.
AWMag: How does massage therapy or regular massages affect the physical and mental components of the body?
Terry: Yes, massage therapy does affect the physical and mental parts of the body-in a positive way. First, you are taking a step realizing that you are taking care of yourself. You feel better and think clearer. The massages also help the circulation of fluids in the body and muscles. It helps prevent congestion.
AWMag: Tell me about Oasis Day Spa and the variety of services offered?
Terry: We are a small spa that has been around since 2006, with a good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Oasis Day Spa offers competitive prices for massages (individual or couples), wraps, scrubs and facials. We focus on full body wellness-from head to toe and everything inside. We offer a feeling not a look-we like to make you physically feel better and be better. More information can be found on our website www.terrysoasis.com or by calling (580) 351-9999. I want to thank Lawton/Fort Sill for helping us to stay in business and remember, “For a good massage and a healthy glow the Oasis Day Spa the place to go.” Also, I recommend to all my clients to do the Fountain of Youth stretches and exercises daily. These help keep the body flexible and well in key areas [see picture].
AWMag: What else would you like for the readers of Army Wife Magazine to know?
Terry: It is so important to take care of your body. Stress causes so much damage to the body and leads to life-altering, changing and ending diseases. Get a massage to help you work towards wellness. When looking for a massage therapist, it is important to that he or she is licensed. Don’t let your body type deter you from going-it doesn’t matter to the massage therapist. We are here for everyone and anyone that wants to feel better.
From the bits of knowledge that I have gained through books, this interview with Terry and years of personal experience, I know that stressors and consistent high adrenaline situations are the commencement of a domino effect. Stress leads to tension in the muscles, then the breakdown of your immune system and the next thing you know, you have a cold or something worse. Don’t let that first domino fall-be proactive when it comes to your health.
I have already had one massage from Terry and referred my neighbor. We both felt relief after just one and have scheduled our second. I hear a lot of women say that they don’t want somebody else touching them, they are ticklish or they are overweight and don’t want someone to see their body. Well, I will tell anyone that massage works, it helps with weight loss and trained professionals know how to work with all types of bodies. Just try one-and if you are here in or close to Lawton, OK, call and make an appointment with Terry and his staff. Tell them I sent you!
Brandy
Terry Tahsequah
