My Favorite Massage Tools

Many people ask me if I recommend any self massage tools. Although I am very picky, there are a few that I have found useful and effective, and that I own. These tools literally keep me from breaking down and are great for maintenance in between professional massages.  I've linked these products to Amazon, which most of the time has the best deal, but feel free to search the internet for better pricing. 

The Tiger Tail is a fantastic roller that is great for rolling out anywhere on your legs. It makes it easy for you to get deep work done and massages hard-to-reach places like your hamstrings. I love it because it isn't super large and is more firm than others I have seen. If any of you struggle with IT Band tightness and pain, this will do the trick and roll those trigger points right out! 
Tiger Tail 

The Roleo is just like sticking your arm in a wringer. The knobs and bumps, along with the customized level of tightness, are perfect for treating Carpul Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, pain or weakness in your forearms or hands, etc. I use this ALL THE TIME! Since I use my hands so much, my flexors and exstensors really need a good "wringing out." 
Roleo

This cane is PERFECT for reaching those trigger points on your back that you just can't get to. All the knobs and bumps are great for massaging many different parts of your body, including your neck. This can be a lifesaver, but be careful on the amount of pressure you use, or you may end up bruising yourself.
"S" Cane

I've used this marble stone that fits so easily in my hand to massage many different parts of my body, including neck, head, arms, glutes, legs, etc. I've found it extremely helpful in isolating a trigger point that's causing sciatic nerve pain in my glutes while laying on the floor on my side. I also use it frequently on my neck and head to get rid of pesky trigger points causing headaches. 
Oblong Marble Stone

This heating pad is great because it is machine washable, soft, twisty, long and wide! I love it for heating larger areas. I have one in my doula bag because it's so great for back labor or early labor cramps and fits across a pregnant belly perfectly! Nice, deep heat. Mine has lasted years and is still going strong.
Heating Pad

These types of gel packs are great for icing areas while still being hands free and mobile. They are soft and mold to the body perfectly. Highly recommend!
Gel Ice Pack

This is the ONE and ONLY electric massager I have ever liked. I tried it at Costco and immediately fell in love! It is great for massaging your neck and back, but really can be used anywhere on your body. Both me and my husband use this often, and it has really been a lifesaver when we couldn't get a full body massage for whatever reason. Definitely worth your money, and lasts a long time!!
Neck and Back Massager

I hope you find these useful and helpful for your at-home maintenance! Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions! Remember to check out my NEW WEBSITE at www.healingpoweroftouchmassage.com and follow me on Instagram HERE and Facebook HERE for specials and more awesome posts!

***FLASH SALE!!!!

Come see my beautiful, new office and spa room this WEEK and get $20 off ANY massage! This is a limited offer for new and current clients only good through this WEEK. Such a STEAL! HURRY AND BOOK BEFORE SPOTS FILL UP!! 

You can schedule at here on the tab for scheduling! 

Photos from births I've attended

Benefits of hiring a Licensed Massage Therapist for Labor Support

Benefits of hiring a Licensed Massage Therapist for Labor Support

On a physiological level, our bodies change so drastically so quickly as we go through the process of bringing a baby into this world, that it is no wonder we are met with a variety of aches and pains, and that our bodies can feel foreign to us. Our ligaments, joints, muscles and skin are all being pulled and stretched and strained, and we experience an imbalance between them all. It is important to help the body transition, and relax, and strengthen what is weak and tired so that we can relieve the pain caused from the imbalance. 

Touch is very powerful. The right touch can be the ultimate healer, more powerful than any drug. It can be the difference between life and death.Truthfully, we cannot live without touch. No drug can substitute it. I see dramatic, real life changes in my client's quality of life every day, and they are healthier inside and out. It only makes sense to use massage during the most physically challenging and changing thing we will ever go through.

Some benefits of pregnancy and labor massage include:

• Helps control blood pressure
• Helps relieve nausea, constipation and indigestion
• Helps reduce swelling and edema and increases circulation
• Increases flow of nutrients to the placenta
• Relieves leg pains and cramps
• Opens chest for deeper breath and supports learning deep breathing
• Strengthens the immune system
• Directly affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and its consequences for mother and baby
• Alleviates anxiety and depression
• Strengthens muscles in preparation for labor and delivery
• Allows for deeper breathing and a better night’s sleep
• Maintains body posture and balance
• Reduce labor time, labor pain, and even technical intervention
• Shortens hospital stay
• Reduces postpartum depression

A laboring woman's back in particular can get extremely sore, and a good rub can make a world of difference. The back pain can be more intense than the contractions - this has been named 'back labor', and occurs in 25% of births. Usually the back pain is caused by baby being in the 'occput posterior position', in which baby's back is pushing against mom's spine. If your back is sore during childbirth, make sure you speak up, don't grin and bear it! It may mean you're experiencing 'back labor' and you need to change position onto your hands and knees to ease pressure on your spine, and receive a good back rub". - (http://naturalmamanz.blogspot.com)

Massage can also decrease labor time by keeping the body relaxed and therefore allowing the cervix to open without tension. Using the shoulder press and counterpressures creates a grounding feeling and an opposing force that counteracts the pressure from the surges. Also, using light-touch massage to create goosebumps confuses the nervous system and provides temporary relief and releases oxytocin, the body's natural pain reliever. Focusing on the head, neck, back and arms using a sweeping motion with your fingers will create this effect. There are also acupressure points that, when held, can decrease pain. This is only released when a woman feels relaxed and safe, and so therefore having a calm, quiet and relaxing atmosphere are integral to achieving this wonderful natural drug. 


My name is Latissa Marie Graham and I have been a Certified Hypnodoula in the Curtis Method for 4 years, and have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 9 years. I graduated from the Utah College of Massage Therapy and I received certification in the following from Claire Marie Miller AMTA Registered and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist

Nurturing the Mother Pregnancy Massage, 
Labor Massage and Support
Postpartum Massage
Infant Massage
Reflexology for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Nurturing the Pregnant Couple Yoga and Massage. 

Since then, I have worked on many pregnant and postpartum women who have benefited from massage and doula services
I am a mother of two boys and two girls, and took Lauralyn Curtis's Hypnobirthing class and had wonderful births utilizing those techniques. I believe in empowering women with the knowledge of all the many options available to the pregnant mother. I believe that touch is vital to healing, and is incredibly powerful in aiding relaxation and alleviating pain and discomfort. 

On a physiological level, our bodies change so drastically so quickly as we go through the process of bringing a baby into this world, that it is no wonder we are met with a variety of aches and pains, and that our bodies can feel foreign to us. Our ligaments, joints, muscles and skin are all being pulled and stretched and strained, and we experience an imbalance between them all. It is important to help the body transition, and relax, and strengthen what is weak and tired so that we can relieve the pain caused from the imbalance. Touch is very powerful. The right touch can be the ultimate healer, more powerful than any drug. It can be the difference between life and death.Truthfully, we cannot live without touch. No drug can substitute it. I see dramatic, real life changes in my client's quality of life every day, and they are healthier inside and out. It only makes sense to use massage during the most physically challenging and changing thing we will ever go through. 


Some benefits of pregnancy and labor massage include:

Helps control blood pressure
Helps relieve nausea, constipation and indigestion
Helps reduce swelling and edema and increases circulation
Increases flow of nutrients to the placenta
Relieves leg pains and cramps
Opens chest for deeper breath and supports learning deep breathing
Strengthens the immune system
Directly affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and its consequences for mother and baby
Alleviates anxiety and depression
Strengthens muscles in preparation for labor and delivery
Allows for deeper breathing and a better night’s sleep
Maintains body posture and balance
Reduce labor time, labor pain, and even technical intervention
Shortens hospital stay
Reduces postpartum depression

Some benefits of postpartum massage include:
Supports and enhances the realigning process, with a focus on the pelvis and ribs
Assists breastfeeding, alleviating tightness
Aids in the process of the uterus returning to its normal size
Helps relieve tension from the birth process
Helps the mother regain vital energy (chi) to help reduce fatigue
Supports fluid balancing
Encourages pelvic and abdominal organs to return to pre-pregnant positions

Some benefits of infant massage:
Aids in bonding process between parent and child
Increases communication skills through touch
Alleviates digestive discomfort (colic)
Supports the growth of nerve pathways
Enhances sleep

Nurturing the Mother packages:

Prenatal massage - 60 minute $65, 90 min $95
Labor Stimulation Massage - $75
Out call Postpartum Massage with Organ Placement and Infant Massage Instruction - $150

Professional Massage and HypnoDoula service $1,100 
Includes 2 prenatal visits, 1 chair massage with fear release, 24/7 on call support from 37 weeks until you deliver, continuous labor support up to 2 hours post delivery, 1 postpartum visit including postpartum massage with organ placement and infant massage instruction.

Contact information:
Website: http://healingpoweroftouch.blogspot.com
Phone: 801-616-9925
Email: latissa.graham@yahoo.com

9 years

9 years ago, on this day, I walked into my first day of Massage School, and my calling was born. I remember it clearly, the feeling of complete certainty that this was what I was meant to do. I wrote this on the first day of school:

"We learned a new concept called "Beingness", which is to completely "be" in a moment. To give your undivided attention to another person and completely focus on just them, and nothing else. How often do we have time to give someone that? With all the distractions and chaos that this life produces, we rarely have time to just "be". How often do we look at our child or a friend and just say, "Tell me everything about your day. You are the most important thing to me right now, and I have nowhere else to be, and I truly care, and will listen completely until you are done". Has anyone ever experienced "Beingness"? I know I have, on a few occasions, and those moments are treasured most in my memory. We learned about beingness in our class, because when you give a massage, you need to be at one with your client. You have nowhere else to be. You have a full hour to give, and you must give it your all. Ask questions like, "What does this person need from me?" What can I give to them that will make them feel better than when they first came to see me?" Giving a massage is ideally to be a moment of selflessness. Your complete at utter attention needs to be on them, and what they need from you. What a cool thing I get to do for people? I have the power to aid in healing someone! I only hope that I will be able to master Beingness, and I plan to practice this more in my everyday life."

As I read over that, I am filled with all the times that I had the privilege of experiencing beingness. Where I have truly felt the power of holding space for someone else.The experience of facilitating healing, not just of body, but of mind and spirit. Letting energy and love flow through. All the tears, the laughs, the anxieties, frustrations, the emotional, mental and physical baggage finally have the space to release. And all the while, I was healed, by creating this healing, safe space. 

The 75 year old who has been coming to me nearly every week for 8 years, the baseball player I helped pitch again, the hair stylists who thought they needed surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome but I fixed instead, the chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, herniated disks, scoliosis, frozen shoulders, healing from surgeries, sciatica, scar tissue, pregnancies, labors, postpartum, the woman who was bedridden and on disability before coming to me, and after a year of treatment, hiked the Y. The hurting, the touch-starved, the stressed. The babies who sleep better. The mommas who can now nurse without pain. The daddy's who shoulder so much. You are the reason. You have enriched my life in so many ways. It is an honor, of privilege, a GIFT.

My life is at a point of great upheaval and reevaluation of priorities. Having a fourth child has changed so much of how far I can stretch myself. I long to do it all, to find BALANCE. This has become harder and harder. With the loss of my nanny, my mother, my best friend to a few states away, to a husband whose business is expanding and needs support, to a child in 2nd grade, two in preschool, and a 1 year old, I am having trouble finding that balance. I am so desperately wanting to keep all my balls in the air, but in the process, my health has suffered terribly. 6 very difficult pregnancies in 8 years with no time for healing has taken it's toll. I need to heal, to find me, to serve my family. I have thought, prayed, considered every course, the pros and cons, and although my spirit and will and stubbornness and LOVE for massage, for my clients, for the WORK, has fought so hard to keep those balls up, it's time to take a step back. It's time to let it go, for now. And as I write this, tears stream down my face. I know that I will come back. I know that this is not the end. But as I am learning despite my stubborn heart, to everything there is a time and a season. And my babies are growing. And they won't stop. And I need to not miss it. And I need to heal. 

So with a heart full of love, and bittersweet tears, Healing Power of Touch is closing at the end of October, for now. I will still continue to offer Hypnodoula Massage Doula services for the time being. Please don't forget me. Please remember that I love you all, and love this work. And I look forward to the season where I can give, and bring the healing power of touch to all those who seek it.

Nurturing the Mother Certification course for all LMT's

Coming up in October in the beautiful Red Rock of St. George, UT! Don't miss out of furthering your education in Prenatal, Labor, Postpartum and Infant Massage! Please register HERE

Father's Day Special!!

Dad's need massage too!! Get that hard-working hubby of yours, or awesome dad the best gift ever! 60 min where they don't have to think about their daily stresses and can just relax. Give the men in your life a gift certificate for a 60 min massage for 20% off normal price! (regular price $65) Gift Certificates can be emailed or picked up. Can accept payment via PayPal, Venmo, CC, or cash. Offer good until June 17th.

Massage Hypnodoula Special!!!

In celebration for my first day back at work after maternity leave (Lily is 1 month old today!! Ahh!!) I am running a Massage Hypnodoula special!! If you reserve me as your doula within the next week ($50 reservation fee) for all due dates January or later, I will include a FREE PRENATAL MASSAGE in your package! $65 value! Feel free to call, email or arrange to meet with me to discuss if we are a good match.

Nurturing the Mother Certification course for all LMT's

Massage Techniques for the Professional Doula Class

This class is for all doulas and birth professionals wanting to be trained in:

*Hand, foot and ear massage
*Reflexology for pregnancy and childbirth, 
*Light touch massage for pregnancy, labor and postpartum

This will be a two hour training for $65. I am sending out an invoice from PayPal to your email address. Payment required to reserve your spot. Seating is limited. If you would like to pay another way, please contact me. Class will be held at the Aspenwood Manor 289 W. 500 N. Provo on August 13th from 10 am to 12 pm. 

Nurturing the Mother Certification Course

I will be teaching Claire Marie Miller's premier certification course in pregnancy and postpartum massage for all Licensed Massage Therapists. 24 CE hours and Nurturing the Mother Pregnancy Massage Certification given at completion of the course. This course also includes labor massage and support techniques as well as a demonstration of newborn/infant massage. We will have pregnant volunteers come to enhance your learning and experience.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

Anatomy and physiology for pregnancy and birth

Pregnancy massage sequence

Cautions and contraindications for pregnancy massage

Guidelines for pregnancy massage for each trimester

Massage cautions and variations for high-risk pregnancies

Postpartum massage, with the principle of mother roasting: the application of heat along with specific bodywork techniques for the recovery and realignment of the mother.

Rituals as a tool for empowerment for the mom and family, including the Blessingway Birth Ceremony, Birth Beads, and Lotus birth.

How to market your skills, along with access for “ready to use” brochures and a listing on Claire Marie Miler Seminars

Resources for you and your clients surrounding pregnancy, birth and family, including books, websites and informational groups

In-class Certification Requirements:

A practical assessment is given when you massage a pregnant volunteer or student during the workshop

Written assessment completed at the end of the course

24 CE hours and Nurturing the Mother Pregnancy Massage Certification given at completion of the course.

This class will be offered in Provo, UT on September 8th through 10th. Cost is $495, or $450 if paid in full by August 8th. To sign up, visit this link: Registration

June Hypnodoula and Massage Special!!!

Certified Hypnodoula and Licensed Massage Therapist special! I'm running a special on my Hypnodoula package. Along with 2 prenatal visits, including help with birth plan, overview of positioning techniques, etc, I include a 40 min chair massage with hypnosis script. But for the month of June, I am adding an outcall postpartum massage with organ placement and infant massage instruction! (A $150 value) I am a Licensed and Certified instructor in prenatal, labor, postpartum and infant massage, as well as couples massage and Yoga. I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 6 years, and also specialize in deep tissue, trigger point and injury massage. I have attended many births, including hospital, home, birth center, unmedicated, medicated, vaginal, cesarean and vbac. I myself have experienced a medicated hospital birth, cesarean, and vbac hypnobirth. I believe in the healing power of touch and the importance of support during this life changing experience. I am one of Lauralyn Curtis's Certified Hypnodoulas, and you can find my profile on her website at http://www.hypnobirthingutah.com/hypno-doula-services/latissa-graham or call or text at 801-616-9925 or send me a Facebook message. (Offer expires June 30th and  includes births with due dates from now till September)

Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday Special!

Remember, this deal ends tonight! Buy one get one half off on any massage!
Only comes once a year! Buy gift certificates for Christmas! Can PayPal, pay over the phone or in person. Certificates can be emailed. Text STOP to be removed from text list. - Latissa Graham with Healing Power of Touch

Small Business Saturday Special! Get a free postpartum massage with organ placement and infant massage instruction (value $150) with purchase of my Massage Hypnodoula package! I am a Licensed Massage Therapist and am certified in prenatal, labor, postpartum and infant massage. Package includes 2 prenatal visits, one of which I give a 40 min chair massage with a fear release, as well as labor massage and Hypnodoula support, and 1 postpartum visit, all for $800. I'm also doing a buy 1 get one half off on any massage, which is a once a year deal. Offer ends Monday November 30th. My website is healingpoweroftouch.blogspot.com. To reserve me as your doula, visit my profile on Lauralyn Curtis's Hypnobirthing Utah website. http://www.hypnobirthingutah.com/hypno-doula-services/latissa-graham

My Podcast interview on The Balancing Act about Prenatal and Postpartum Depression

I was interviewed for this awesome new podcast called The Balancing Act about my journey with prenatal and postpartum depression, and the tools I found that helped me come out of that darkness. Here is a direct link to my podcast interview. There are many other interviews from amazing members of our community on here as well. If you or your clients are suffering with this, I hope you find solidarity in knowing you are not alone, and hearing my journey may help!
Hear my interview here.

Helpful websites:
http://www.postpartum.net/
http://www.thehealinggroup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/453977574641110/
http://healyourbrainwithq96.blogspot.com/

Sarah Clark's Beautiful Birth to Baby Lucca

This is Sarah Fitzgerald Clark's birth video that I'm in assisting her as her Massage Hypnodoula! She was the most intuitive birthing mother. I was in awe, and felt so privileged to be a part of it!

Here a link to the video!