All Things Gwen

Sometimes, I’ll be sitting in the same position at my desk for hours. Usually, I’m pounding away at the keyboard with my heart racing because of deadlines. I’ll look at the clock and realize I didn’t stop to drink water, eat a snack or go to the bathroom — and it’s noon! Ugh, there goes my diet plan of eating small meals throughout the day, and my goal of staying hydrated. On top of that, my back and shoulders are tense and achy. This is all bad!

Well, besides getting a manicure or pedicure, one of my favorite “treats” for myself is massage! Yeah, it’s $59 (plus a tip), but it’s well worth every penny, especially with my lifestyle. I have long days, teach fitness classes and workout a lot and tend to over-commit to everything. I’m beat up. I’m constantly running around trying to save the world and inspire others that I just need an hour dedicated to me.  

So how else do I justify getting a massage? The health benefits! My masseuse and friend, Mandy Urena from The English Touch, in Mount Laurel, NJ, explains how massage is good for you and your body:

Massage …

• Calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxaion and well being.
• Reduces tension and anxiety.
• Improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutirients to the cells.
• Stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
• Prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms.
• Can help with pain management in conditions such as a arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.

About Mandy Urena
Many moons ago, Mandy was on vacation in Thailand getting a massage under a tree on a beach and thought, “This is the best thing in the world. This is how I want to make people feel.” 
 
About her training: “I was living in Japan as my husband is in the US Air Force. I found a massage school and did a basic shiatsu course first and then went on to do a full program (which was in Japanese). When we got transferred to Germany, I took some time to train in England, my home country. I took reflexology for the feet at The Central London School of Reflexology and I also got my license in anatomy, physiology and swedish massage. Since then, I have taken courses in many different massage modalities including deep tissue, hot stone, skincare and pregnancy massage. Now, after 14 years in the business, I teach at NMTI (National Massage Therapy Institute) in Philadelphia and take care of my clients in my Marlton, NJ office.”
 
What’s so special about The English Touch? Hear it right from Mandy:
* I work in a professional, medial setting with a spa-like atmosphere.
* I offer free upgrades including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, hot stones, heated table, hot towels…
* I trained all over the world in Tokyo, London and New York.
* I have 14 years experience and have been doing massage full time ever since I graduated.
* I have great economy-friendly rates and love to donate gift certificates to support my local community.
* My gift certificates are the best and most fun gift to give and receive. The certificates are called massage-in-a-bottle and the actual certificate is rolled up and presented in a bottle. The gift comes wrapped and ribboned and ready to go! They sell like hot cakes during the holidays!

 Now what? Call Mandy at 609.354.8474 and make an appointment. Photo by dMap Travel Guide.