What Does "Deep Tissue" Mean?

The American Massage Therapy Association defines the term "Deep Tissue" as: "releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue".

Deep tissue is extremely helpful in managing chronic pain issues, and my ability to do deep tissue work is one of the things many of my clients like about my work.

But I don't believe Deep Tissue has to hurt to be effective. To me, "deep" means listening intently to what is happening in the body and paying attention to what is happening to the different layers of tissue during the massage--going deeper as the tissue allows you to rather than forcing your way through. It's like knocking on a door rather than barging in. I feel that it is less violating and is more of a collaborative experience with my client than a Deep Tissue massage that is done primarily with the elbows.

I Am Seeking New Office Space in the South Beach Area of San Francisco

I'm currently working at 300 Brannan Street, but since I share that space with another professional, my hours there are limited. I really like the person who I am sharing with, and the space too, but I am actively looking for commerical office space to work out of in the South Beach area of San Francisco--preferably near 2nd & Brannan. I only need about 150-300 square feet. The only absolute musts are security, electricity of course, and access to a bathroom. Any leads on space are welcome.

Some Notes and Articles on Nutrition

This is an article from the San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday, August 13, 2006. Though not directly related to back health, it seems important, nonetheless. Counter to conventional nutrition wisdom, it highlights the dangers of soy consumption. My Dr. has been telling me this for months.

From what I understand, Soy consumption should be avoided in infants and women who are prone to either breast cancer and low thyroid function.

On another note, I am currently reading The Omnivore's Dilemma by Micheal Pollan, which I think will be known as one of the most significant nutrition books to come out in our lifetime. He discusses the politics and history of the American diet. If you eat any food produced in the US, you should read it, if for anything, to know what you're really feeding yourself--and why.