September 2011
I've GOT to share this... I have been in Raleigh, NC this past weekend studying with one of the most intelligent and wise Teachers I've met in a super long time.. the one, the only, Deane Juhan, Author of Job's Body  A handbook for Bodywork and protege to Dr. Milton Trager during the Esalen days...
Deane was sharing a particular stimulating, activation technique that he witnessed Dr. Trager practice and in which Deane himself is continuously developing and expanding upon. He calls this off shoot, Resistance Release Work.  It appears to re-coordinate and reeducate muscle movement through building an awareness of muscle employment, stabilizing the foundation of muscle recruitment and vastly improves efficiency of motion.
The very basics of this work was presented over three days and I'll have to admit I felt a sense of information overload, even with careful temperance given. Deane is a very grounded and supportive Instructor who cares about the humanness of his students and clients just as much as their development and improvement. I look forward to playing with the principals of this technique and the exploration of what is possible...

give this explanation a look and give this interview some attention when time permits... you'll see why I am SO INSPIRED!!
Resistance Release Introduction: http://www.abundanthealth.com/DeaneJuhan/resistancereleaseintro
Interview: http://www.abundanthealth.com/DeaneJuhan/deanejuhaninterview


August 2011
Goodness, I apologize for taking most of the year to update this page.. alot has transpired this year.
I am no longer working in Bartlett yet I am continuing to practice in my Cooper Young studio in Midtown. This seems to be my most supportive, nurturing space I have found to receive clients in a calm, relaxing environment that is purely individual and professional. I continue to develop and grow in the Trager Approach to psychophysical integration.

I was invited to join a group of councilors, nutritionist, and therapists in a trauma recovery group that Cindy Westcott, LCSW has written for an eating disorder recovery center in Cordova, TN called the Transformation Center. http://www.transformationmemphis.com/c_trauma_ptsd_treatment.html
Cindy saw the benefits of Trager fitting into this program as she was creating it and now that we have spent the past few months working together, everyone seems to be delighted in the results that have evolved from our collective energies.

Most importantly, the participants that have been focusing so intently on healing themselves that they have seemed to grow and blossom into themselves beautifully. They have been facing their traumas, their fears, and many many tears throughout this program. They have made connections with who they truly are individually, and also with each other and with us, their support team. Through bravely sharing their experiences they are discovering a strength and integrity within themselves that has helped them move forward into a life more to their choosing.

The Trager Approach has assisted them with it's many principals of focusing on their present state of feeling, connecting with  perceptions of how they would rather choose to feel. The ladies are learning how to identify their patterns of holding, subconscious guarding and limited movement through the posture awareness and Mentastics. The tablework seems to be very intrical in learning what safe touch can be like..  It is serving as a key that unlocks the damaging pain and allow the positive lessons in the mind to unfold naturally in a non-aggressive, non-threatening manner.
NOTHING is forced on anyone, session are private or with the door open. Clients are fully clothed and sometimes seated instead of laying on a massage table. Everyone is allowed to move at their own pace and taught that they are actually capable of being their own best friend with their body and mind.

And that's not all...

I am all so beside myself with excitement to be studying with the one and only Deane Juhan this next month in Raleigh, NC. He is presenting his recent work which he calls Resistance Release.  Please take time to listen to this wonderful interview with Deane when you have the time. He is QUITE an Intense and Intelligent person with a passion in the field of understanding the human body and continues to  share his discoveries and insights not only with his clients, but with fellow associates and students. I've been excited ever since I learned he would be offering this training.
After listening to this interview, I'm about to jump out of my skin with excitement!
http://www.abundanthealth.com/DeaneJuhan/deanejuhaninterview

I promise to let you know how it goes for me once I return..



December 2010
I have been invited to practice with Carol Risher, LPC out in Bartlett. She is in conjunction with the Psychological Trauma & Wellness Center under the care of Dr. Ken Tullis. Though I am still in private practice, I am conveniently located in the same office building and the fellow clinicians like to refer their clients to me for bodywork to help assist them in their healing and growth.
*find current blog on MEET TAMMY JO page


August, 2010
great article. Remember, I have a wonderful water filter if you're interested in Alkaline water.. but first, read this!
http://www.divinecaroline.com/22177/100366-liquid-love-ten-reasons-drink


July, 2010
This is the founding year for the Cooper Young Community Farmer's Market!! http://www.cycfarmersmarket.org
How INCREDIBLE it is to have locally grown food and artisan crafts available in my neighborhood once again! I simply LOVE being able to walk down the street and purchase healthy, local and naturally grown food and plants from an individual!! Learning and expanding, both in my heart and my head from these interactions help me feel alive and part of my culture. Like the bumper sticker I've recently seen advises "live where you live"...

Not only do I have access to locally produced foods, I have been asked to be a part of a Health & Wellness committee! There are three of us, Denise Cox, Glenda Watts and myself, and we have taken on this honor to bring the healing arts community to the market. We are still in the planning stages with the intent of offering the most recent and informed healthy lifestyle choices available here in the Memphis region.
Starting with businesses, organizations and Individuals in our Cooper Young neighborhood, we will be organizing weekly presentations from interested parties who wish to present their knowledge and services to the patrons of our Saturday market throughout the summer and fall this year. If you or someone you know would be interested in sharing yourselves with the  market, please contact me at the website or by phone @ (901) 337-2867

June, 2010
one two words, KINESIO TAPE!! and MEMPHIS ROLLERDERBY!!!


May, 2010
Ah, Spring! How WONDERFUL the feeling...
We've endured torrential downpours and flooding mixed with glorious sunshine and cool breezes that seem to give us hope and assurance that Mother Nature is ever renewing the cycle of life! And as the weather warms, we are drawn outside to enjoy the freshness and shake out our cobwebs in search of fresh energy and aliveness.

Our most diligent athlete's have been going strong all winter and most recently, participating in marathons and fund raising race/walks about town, plus we're seeing more and more cyclists hitting the roads again. Local health clubs and sport complexes are a boost in membership and next weekend is Memorial Day!~ Time to open the POOL!! Inspiration is everywhere..

So as you're settling into your favorite work out schedule and getting into tip top shape, be sure to take your time, connect with your breath and be mindful of how you are using your body so that it continues to respond and function at it's optimal best.
Don't forget to DRINK your WATER, too!!

here's a nice guide line Roger Tolle, an amazing Trager Instructor and Practitioner, put together to help make a difference while we build our strength and endurance  ~ check this out...it makes sense!

Workout Principles for Fluid Strength
1. Begin every movement with the breath.
The exhale gives power to the movement, the inhale gives power to the form.
A strong, integrated diaphram action is key to fluid movement, and reduces
the need for effort elsewhere.
2. Every movement should feel good. If it doesn't, slow down and make
adjustments until it does. Work until the movement feels pleasurable and
fluid. Stop before you feel tired.
3. Focus on the feeling, not the doing. Stay present in the sensation while
you workout. Keep returning the attention to the feeling in the body (not the
doing of the exercise, or the way it looks, or how many you've done, or on
unrelated conversations or thoughts.) The body's natural intelligence will
emerge if you listen to your body sensations and let them guide your
workout.
4. Relaxing the outside while you workout helps the body focus its effort on
the intrinsic muscle system. As the inner muscle layers get stronger, longer
and more coordinated, movement flows more smoothly.
5. Find the feeling of balance from your feet. Pressure receptors on the
bottoms of your feet are designed to inform you of your internal weight
distribution. Drop in to the sensation at the bottoms of the feet to ballast
you.
6. Make it feel beautiful. Beauty is inherent in fluid, functional movement.
Practicing beautiful movement increases function.
7. Let any machines you use help you lengthen and open. Release fully into
the pull of the machines with each movement, especially on the inhale.
8. Natural movement in the body happens in arcs, spirals and waves.
Practicing these directions increases naturalness and gracefulness in your
functional habit patterns. Short linear movements increase bulk and
choppyness.
9. Practice integration not isolation. Support every movement from the whole
body and the depth of your breath.
10. Release tension, increase attention. Tension is a parasite that robs you of
your life energy. Attention on what you are doing while you are doing it
brings unity of body and mind, and allows for more conscious choice.
11. Success helps your body. The body likes to feel successful in the face of
challenging exercises. Do only as many, as big, as heavy, or as fast as you can
feel successful. Work deeply but without struggling and without
compensation patterns kicking in. (Practicing exercises that you have to
struggle with only teaches your body to struggle.)
12. Pause frequently during your workout time, and for at least 5 minutes at
the end, to return to sensing your body at rest. Cultivate the ability to
remain still in an energized, aware, transparent, and fully embodied state.

Copyright Roger Tolle, 2006
For additional information, go to www.RogerTolle.net


April, 2010
As  of Februrary, I have been receiving clients at the newly re-established Massage Institute of Memphis in it's new location inside the DaVita Dialysis office building. I am very interested in the possibilities of making my services available to patients who receive care from DaVita. Therefor, I found supporting information reporting the positive effects of Massage Therapy as it is incorporated in the treatment of Diabetes. There are quite a few websites out there sharing this information, so first, let me list the basic benefits taken from this particular website
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/96/Diabetes

The Benefits of Massage for People with Diabetes
As with any population, massage is a beneficial complementary therapy -- diabetics, however, can find the results especially helpful.

Circulation -- There is no getting around the fact that massage can increase circulation, thereby encouraging the efficient transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Improved circulation, in turn, improves the cells' insulin uptake.

Relaxation -- The benefits of relaxation should not be underestimated, especially within the diabetic community. Consider the physical and psychological stresses of living with a debilitating disease and the need to self-medicate and monitor on a daily basis, as well as the burden diabetes puts on the body and its systems. That said, it's easy to see the therapeutic correlation between massage and diabetes. With the release of endorphins, the nervous system calms, there is a reduction of stress hormones and the diabetic client can find a homeostasis with their blood sugar levels.

Myofascial Effects -- For the client with diabetes, you may likely find a thickening of their connective tissue caused by increased blood sugars. Massage will help to increase mobility and tissue elasticity that has been hindered by that thickening effect. Of course, a good exercise program -- with an efficient stretching regimen -- will also benefit your client.


Advice to Diabetics
Tell the therapist what you need, and do not be afraid to give them honest feedback about your experience. This is an opportunity for both therapist and client to learn from each other, enjoying the experience of giving and receiving massage. No matter what specific type of therapy is used, it is the communication and rapport between therapist and client that is most important.

If you have particular needs and concerns, share those with the therapist. Let them know what is most helpful to you. Know it is okay to stop and drink some juice during a massage if you need to, and let them know if a shorter session is more in order for you.

I hope this information is helpful to you or someone you know who would benefit from receiving a massage therapy or Trager session. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Enjoy this lovely spring weather!


February, 2010
Whoa, long time since I've checked in! There's been lots of changes in my world since last fall. I trust that everyone is well and enjoying the new year you have manifested..
Like I said, lots of changes. First, I have moved locations and now presently receive clients at the Massage Institute of Memphis, my alma mater! The new owners of the school, Dan & Julie Wood, have invited me to utilize their warm and convenient therapy room. The founder of MIM, Karen Craig, (my original massage teacher) is Senior Instructer on staff there. I thank Karen quite often for giving me a chance to follow my childhood dream. She is a very patient and outstanding teacher! and I am so grateful she continues to share her knowledge and guidance with us. It's wonderful being around the school again and hope to become more active in sharing the Trager Approach with everyone.

The school is located at 2076 Union ave. upstairs in suite 202 in office building at Union and Florence.  There's an elevator, no worries. You can schedule an appointment with me or call the office there at 901-726-4665.
I set appointments Monday thru Friday 8:30 -8:30 and Saturdays 9-6.

I look forward to showing you the space and working with you soon..
I'll check back once I return from Austin in early March!
be well~

p.s.
don't miss the next double header Roller Derby bout in Collierville at the FunQuest Saturday Feb. 13th. Doors @5pm
See you there!

August, 2009
I am proud to announce that I am officially a sponsor for the Memphis Roller Derby league!! ~Oh yeah! Roller Derby
I have been a dedicated fan since it's inception back in 2007, attending every bout possible and supporting the women skating with all the energy I can muster from outside the track! 
And now, members of the league are seeing me for Trager practice sessions! They seem to enjoy getting in touch with how their bodies move and question the potential of it working more efficiently with less effort.. "what could be easier?" ..sounds like a paradox in derby world.
But skaters are believing it's possible and seeing results.
If for some odd reason you have not seen them in action, there's no time like the present! Come to a bout,  see what it's all about!
Like the girls say..."it's NOT your Mom's roller derby"
check their website for more info and inspiration
www.MemphisRollerDerby.com

July, 2009

Summer is here! I trust everyone enjoyed their 4th of July and was able to reflect on what independence means to you.

Personally, I am grateful the weather has been giving us the occasional break from the humidity! I cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated especially this time of year. With this being said, if you live here in Memphis, TN. I'd like to share with you an opportunity to try Alkaline Ionized water from a top-grade Ionization Water filtration system by Ionways. www.ionways.com/watersong

My good friend Kristin Myers left me with one of these wonderful filters, The Athena, so that I could began to share this healing water with our communities here in Memphis.

Why??

 Drinking  Alkaline Ionized Water is excellent for it's...

1. Antioxidants: neutralizing free-radicals with negative OH ions

2. Alkalinity/pH: disease cannot thrive in an alkaline environment

3. Oxygen:  delivers twice a much oxygen to your cells as tap or bottled water

4. Hydration: smaller cluster size make this water more absorbable

5. Superior water filtration options: including the level used for kidney dialysis

      filtering produces acid water for external use: sterilizes wounds, burns, skin unlcers, kitchen cutting boards, etc.

I have started up a "water club" so that people can try the alkalinzed water and begin to purchase it by the gallon. The money that we raise will go to the purchase of the filtering system. The water is best stored in glass. You are encouraged to bring your own jugs at this time, and I am looking into distributors of new glass jugs and jars with handles for you. I realize glass is much heavier than plastic, but all the information I am reading consistently recommends the water be stored in glass.

At the moment, the Athenia is in my home. As the club grows in numbers, I will most likely move the system to my practice at the Midtown Acupuncture & Natural Apothecary. In the mean time, feel free to give me a call and I'll give you a sample of the water or sign you up for the club! You'll be glad you decided to hydrate!!

Please visit this site to learn the health benefits of drinking Alkaline Ionized Water 

http://www.trygoodwater.com/alkaline_water_videos.htm

want to learn a few scary things about drinking bottled water?
check this out http://www.care2.com/greenliving/scary-things-about-bottled-water.html

 

 

March, 2009

At the invitation of the Lewis Center for Senior Citizens Tammy Jo  attended their Annual Health Fair and gave free table work sessions.  Irene Elliot pictured on table.

 

 

February, 2009

 It is still pretty much winter out there, even though we seem to find ourselves caught in the midst of ever fluctuating temps, you can feel that spring is just around the corner! With the "rainy" season upon us, it is of upmost importance we take care of ourselves, get enough rest, support our immune systems and remember to "play" and exercise on a regular basis.

I've been drawn to the wisdom of maintaining a more alkaline blood level and would like to share some of my findings with you to see if this speaks as clearly to you as it seems to me. Reading from the Prescription for Nutritional Healing 3rd ed. Balch and Balch.

Our bodies are naturally mildly acidic. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 6.8. Values below pH6.3 are considered on the acidic side. Above 6.8 is on the alkaline side. You can perform a test to determine whether your body fluids are either too aacidic or too alkaline. Purchase litmus paper, and apply saliva or urine to the paper. The paper will change colors to indicate if your sysem is overly acidic or alkaline. Red litmus paper turns blue in an alkaline medium and blue litmus paper turns red in an acid medium. Always make sure you test either before eating or at least one hour after eating.

To list just a few symptoms of an overly acidic body system, called acidosis, can include insomnia, water retention, recessed eyes, arthritis, migraine headaches, dry hard stools, alternating constipation and diarrhea, difficulty swallowing. Respiratory acidosis can be a result of asthma or bronchitis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when chemical changes disturb the body's acid-base balance (commonly from high consumption of prescription drug useage) Other contributing factors can include liver and adrenal disorders, stomach ulcers, improper diet, malnutrition, obesity, anger, stress, fear, anorexia, fever or toxemia.

Less common is a presence of too much alkaline in the body known as Alkalosis. This produces over-excitability of the nervous system, effecting first the peripheral nerves. A highly nervous condition, that can include hyperventilation, seizures, drowsiness, hypertension, sore muscles, creaking joints, bursitis, night cramps, chronic indigestion, vomiting, thick blood, menstrual problems, and may cause calcium to build up in the body, producing bone and heel spurs.

On the brighter side, in most cases a healthy balance can be maintained simpley by staying hydrated and eating 80% alkaline-forming foods and 20% acid-forming foods each day. check out this website for a list of both food categories and enjoy your newly energized and optimal good health!
http://www.essense-of-life.com/moreinfo/foodcharts.htm
 for more info:
 http://acidalkalinediet.com/articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-an-alkaline-ash-diet/

 

 

November, 2008
In deed, the weather is changing, with drastic extremes - sometimes from day to day. Fluxing temperatures and exposure to wind can lead to some miserable symptoms that might really ruin your day. There are lots of natural common sense things we can follow that supports a healthy recovery from a simple cold. I've found some wonderful and inexpensive "cures" that you might find helpful.
First, check out this website for some common natural remedies @http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-cures-winter-47101305 and here's a good one too! http://www.quickandsimple.com/diet-weight-loss/health/colds-flu

good luck and stay healthy..or at least get to feeling better soon!
~tj