Monday, December 29, 2008

Rx for Massage

More and more physicians are recommending massage! We found this exciting article about the medical benefits.

Here are a couple of other great articles we found...

On the Job Stress Tips

2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet

Happy New Year!


The New Year is always an exciting time of reflection and renewal. It's an opportunity to create new and stimulating goals.

Getting in shape and taming the bulge are among the top ten New Year's Resolutions. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 66% of American adults are overweight or obese.

Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are two important factors in sticking with a nutrition and exercise program. The key to success is having a support team to help you reach your goals.

Making simple changes like bringing healthy lunches to work, avoiding the sweets in the vending machine or participating in an on-site fitness class with co-workers are easy ways to make a long-lasting lifestyle improvement.

The Back Rub Company makes it even easier by offering a variety of nutrition workshops and healthy cooking classes, in addition to fun fitness classes right at your workplace.

Because 40+ hours per week are spent at the office, having the support of a network of co-workers will help keep you on track and build fun friendships.

To schedule an on-site workshop or fitness class call 480-330-2066 or e-mail us.

Friday, December 19, 2008

January is Personal Self Defense and Crime Stoppers Month!

I'm a huge advocate of self defense for women and I'm proud to say that my martial arts studio will be hosting a workshop here in Phoenix next month.

Don't be another evening news story:
Victim rates of violent crimes have increased throughout the valley. Without warning, a situation can turn from safe to sorry.

Women who have even the most basic self-defense skills are less likely to become a target of crime.

Your Body is More Capable Than You Think!

Staggering Statistics:
One out of every three women will be assaulted in her lifetime;
More than 2 1/2 million women in the US experience violence each year;
Only 16% of rapes are ever reported to police;
One out of seven women will be assaulted by their husbands;
One in four college women have either been assaulted or have suffered attempted rape. In a survey of college women, 38% reported sexual victimization yet only one out of every 25 reported their assault to police - 78% knew their attackers;
39% of women who have been assaulted during their lifetime had been assaulted more than once;
The United States has the highest rape rate of the countries that report such statistics - four times higher than Germany, 13 times higher than England and 20 times higher than Japan.

This no-frills workshop designed to implement basic life-saving techniques for a variety of situations. Held over a course of two days so you can retain the information, digest what you've learned and refine your skills.

For women from all walks of life. Whether you work alone in a retail store, often have to walk to a parking lot or garage unaccompanied, live by yourself or want to be assertive in a group of unfamiliar people, the tools you'll receive are practical, effective and empowering!

Learn to:
Carry yourself so you will not be a weak target;
Defend against a variety of attacks and holds;
Move and strike with great force, no matter how big your attacker is;
Defend against multiple attackers;
Gain control of any bad situation ASAP;
Escape an attack on the ground;
Use everyday items as a lethal weapon;
Get help from others as quick as possible

You will practice your skills on a live assailant, and will receive handouts of the course material.

Where & When:
Sat. Jan. 24 & Sun. Jan. 25, 2009
2 - 4:30 p.m.

Way of the Dragon Karate
15227 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
$99 for both days or $69 for one-day
To Register:
Call 602-971-9810. Visit our website for more info.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Book Your Holiday Spa Party!

Create a unique and memorable experience with an event that everyone will enjoy...

Treat your guests to soothing spa treatments and you'll be the talk of the party! Our therapists will help create a day spa experience in the comfort of your home so you can spend more time with friends and family for the Holidays. We'll also help create a custom-theme party everyone will rave about including: On-Site Catering Feng Shui Consult Psychic Readings Yoga or other Fitness Class Live Music Tea Party Aromatherapy Party (custom-design your own 'scent'ual oil blends) and More!

Need more info? Just call 480-330-2066 or send us and e-mail.

Holiday Massage Specials!

It's finally starting to cool off...okay, a little. Nevertheless, December is the perfect time to book a Hot Stone Massage...

Treat yourself to one of the most relaxing types of massage ever! Hot Stone Massage uses smooth, heated stones that absorb and retain heat. The heat warms and relaxes tired muscles, improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Stones are also placed on points that are thought to be energy centers to re-balance the body and mind.

Available at our Central Phoenix Clinic through December 31st for just $65! Call 480-330-2066 to schedule.


Massage is the perfect one-size-fits-all Holiday gift.

Through December 24th, all one-hour massage gift certificates are just $50! We have custom Holiday themed certificates that are perfect for anyone. Perfect for anyone on your list including co-workers, secret Santa, party hostess, family, friends, last-minute gifts and more. Call 480-330-2066 to order yours today!

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Gift of Massage!

It's That Time of Year Again...Gift Giving!

Forget the necktie and fruitcake. Massage is the perfect 'one-size-fits all'


Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most time-honored holistic traditions around. It's an effective way to relax, relieve an array of physical ailments and reduce mental stress. The Back Rub Company offers almost 20 different types of massage and bodywork at our three Massage and Wellness Clinics in Central Phoenix, Mesa and South Scottsdale. From a variety of massage modalities to energy work to traditional Asian techniques, our team of caring and dedicated therapists provide nurturing and customized sessions to fit each individual's needs.


Visit our website for more information, or call 480-330-2066

Save on Holiday Massages!
Receive $15 off every one-hour holiday massage gift certificate purchase.
Only $50 (regular price: $65)

Offer Expires: 12/22/08

Green Holiday Cards

Our friends from Your Guide to Green offered up suggestions on where to find eco-friendly Holidays cards this season. Check it out!

Club Card Printing - submit your own artwork and they print custom cards on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Syracuse Cultural Workers - beautiful artwork, all printed on 100% PCW paper.

Pen & Parchment - also makes holiday address lables, notecards, photo cards, gift tags, stickers and more.

Cards for Causes - made with recycled paper and donates a portion to a charity of your choice.

For more ideas, drop us an e-mail.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Pre-Thanksgiving Massage Special in Phoenix, AZ

MASSAGE SPECIAL:
Buy One Massage, Get One 1/2 Off!

Sat, November 22nd ONLY

Schedule a Pre-Thanksgiving Massage for yourself at our regular price, bring a friend or family member and their massage is 1/2 Off!

Call 480-330-2066 to schedule. Appointments are limited so schedule soon! Located at our Central Phoenix Clinic (3rd St/Earll).

Holiday Party Planning - Massage Adds a Special Treat!

Are you feeling the pressure? The holiday season is upon us and it can be a special time for employers to thank their employees for all the hard work they've done throughout the year.

For any holiday event to be successful and memorable, The Back Rub Company suggests to enlist the services of a professional event planning firm. Event planners alleviate headaches and accomplish tasks of the planning process effectively and efficiently.

We highly recommend The Event Concierge, a full-service Valley firm that can assist with anything from a company holiday celebration to a client appreciation gift basket.

Happy Holiday Planning!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Overtime = Over-Stressed Employees

A new study shows employees who work overtime are at risk for anxiety and depression.
The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that working overtime is associated with higher anxiety and depression levels. Eleven percent of women who work 41 to 100 hours per week reported depression compared to seven percent who work 40 hours or less per week.

Men who work more than 48 hours per week are at the highest risk. Twelve-and-a-half percent of men who work 41 to 100 hours per week reported depression compared to nine percent who work 40 hours or less per week.

The authors of the study note that working even moderate overtime hours seems to increase the risk of mental distress.

The solution? As more and more is expected of workers during these difficult times, maintaining good health is essential in the workplace. We often see that workplace wellness programs are one of the first employee-benefits to go away, especially during harder financial times. However, without a healthy a vibrant workforce, productivity suffers, increasing hardship on the company.

Even the smallest employee-incentives make a big difference. The American Journal of Health Promotions show for every $1 spent on wellness, employers can get up to $10 back through fewer medical claims, reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and other factors.

For more information on employee-benefits, please visit our website

Create Your Own Compost

Whether you live in a house or an apartment, composting is an effective way to reduce waste and feed your garden, lawn and houseplants.

Did you know that kitchen scraps, leaves and grass take up about one-third of the space in landfills? However, all of these can be easily composted at home - indoors or outside. In addition, you save money on fertilizers and topsoil, and enrich your plants, flowers, herbs and lawn with their natural diet of macro- and micronutrients.

Composting involves three essential elements: compost material, moisture and air. Almost any organic material is suitable for composting. Be sure to maintain a ratio of 'green' (nitrogen-rich) and 'brown' (carbon-rich) materials. Each time you add to your compost pile, turn and mix it to help materials compost more quickly. Composts take a few months or so to complete. Finished compost is deep brown, crumbly and resembles topsoil. Sprinkle the finished product on garden beds, houseplants, lawns, etc.

Green Compost Materials:
Apple cores, banana peels, watermelon rinds and any other fruit and vegetable scraps
Coffee grounds and filters
Plant trimmings
Crushed eggshells
Hair
Brown Compost Materials:
Dried grass clippings
Dried leaves
Sawdust and wood chips
Dryer lint
You can also compost beverages (to moisten the pile), bio-based plastics, cardboard, tea bags and shredded newspaper.
Don't Compost:
Any meat or bones
Fish
Dairy products
Cat litter
Fireplace ashes
Fats or oils
Sod
Weeds
Diseased plants
Create your own compost containers -

Indoors: A simple plastic container with a tight lid makes a great under-the-sink compost bin. Add scraps and blend the materials. Empty the container weekly into a larger outdoor container.

Outdoors (in-ground): Remove the handle from a five-gallon bucket with a lid. Drill several large holes all over the bucket at least six inches away from the lid. Bury the bucket in the backyard. Add scrap and mix.

Outdoors (above-ground): If you have alot of waste and room in your backyard for a larger compost, above-ground bins are highly recommended. The average cost is $50 for materials. It's a fun project to do with the kids and teach them about living green.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Healing with Lavender Oil

Essential oil of Lavender can be used for almost anything from sleeping problems to skin conditions to adding fragrance to a room. It's very safe and one of the few oils that can be used without dilution.

Start with a good quality oil that you can buy from most health food stores. Add a few drops of lavender to a warm bath and pillowcases for a restful night's sleep. Massage a few drops into temples to help relieve headaches. To prevent dandruff, sprinkle a few drops to your hairbrush or add 5-10 drops to your conditioner. Use the oil in a compress for cuts, bites, strains and bruises. Treat pimples by dabbing them morning and night with just a drop. Place a few drops on a cotton ball and store in a plastic baggie. Inhale the scents when you're in need of a post-lunch pick-me-up or to focus.

Bad Breath? Try These Natural Cures...

Do your friends do a limbo lean every time you open your mouth?

Bad breath is caused by a variety of things - poor oral hygiene habits, spicy foods, tobacco, medication and coffee, just to name a few. We've found some natural home remedies to help combat halitosis and freshen things up.

1. Drink lots of water! You can spice is up by adding a pinch of cinnamon or anise. Peppermint tea is also great!

2. Chew fennel seeds. The licorice taste will help sweeten bad breath. You can get these at most healthy grocery stores. Carry a baggie of them and chew on two to three seeds after every meal.

3. Limit your sugar, alcohol, baked good and cheese consumption. Anything that has alot of yeast is likely to ferment in the intestinal tract. Eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies that have high water contents. Be sure to see your naturopathic doctor for other holistic remedies if your bad breath lingers.

Happiness @ Work - Tips for a Well Workplace...

If the 9-to-5 grind is getting you down, try these ideas to make your day more satisfying and productive.

1 Your environment affects how you feel. Turn your tired, cold, gray office/cubicle into a personalized space that energizes you! Hang fun photos, add a plant or fresh flowers, use bright colored fabric to cover bulletin boards - anything that inspires creativity!

2 Find something in common with coworkers. Start a company softball team or bowling league, organize a Friday afternoon happy hour, bring a post-work yoga class into the office. You may end up developing friendships that would have gone untapped.

3 Take Five! Everyone needs to take a break once in a while. Stop for a few minutes to breathe deeply, get some fresh air and stretch. Create structure by knowing when to call it quits for the day.

4 Are you involved in the office 'gossip tree'? This could be dragging you down. A recent study shows that positive chatter can increase cooperation. So say anything you want, as long as you'd repeat it word fro word to the person you're talking about.

5 Maximize every second. Create a focused to-do-list for the day on a 3x5 index card. Place the top priorities at the top of the list and put the card in your line of sight on your desk.

6 Get in the habit of checking your e-mail only after the project at hand is completed. Set four to six times to check and answer e-mails throughout the day. You'd be surprised at how much you can get done by eliminating this distraction!

Massage Gift Ideas

Need to find the perfect gift? Here are some refreshing and unique ideas that are sure to inspire any gift-giving situation for massage.

October 16th - National Boss DayRobert Frost said, "By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day." Show your Boss appreciation with a much-needed massage! Quick Fact: National Boss Day originated in 1958. Patricia Haroski, a secretary from Deerfield IL, noticed that they never had a regular date set to pay tribute to bosses so she decided to establish a day in their honor.

October 19-25 - National Massage Therapy WeekJust Relax! Massage therapy has been gaining popularity in recent years, and the benefits of relieving stress and improving quality of life have been well documented. There's no better reason to give massage to a loved one or to treat yourself than this national holiday!

October 26th - Mother-in-Law's DayPut a smile on your mom-in-law's face with a nurturing massage! It's a great way to say thanks for her kindness, support and for being there whenever you need her. On another note - at least you'll get her out of the house for a couple hours. And don't forget, we also offer gift certificates for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement gifts, graduation and just about anything else you can think of! Massage touches lives and heals bodies!