Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Reducing Anxiety and Worrying - my top three tips

How a Meditation Teacher Combats Anxiety and Worrying





I remember the night I found out my life was changing. I had finished my workday in a career I loved with a supportive family of coworkers and was watching an episode of Longmire on Netflix. My husband received the phone call he had been waiting for and, after hanging up, walked downstairs to tell me the news:

"I got the job"

We would be moving, away from my friends and 15 year career in public service, away from snowy winters and trips to New York City and visiting family in Boston. We were moving to San Diego, and a new career for me as a massage therapist. 

I absolutely love the beaches and warm winters, but for me they came with an almost daily anxiety about succeeding in my new career and life. Can I start over and make a difference in only a few decades?

I combat my tendency to worry in three ways: meditation, listmaking and relying on friends.


For me, worrying starts as soon as I wake up. I sometimes feel this jolt of adrenaline in my body shortly after opening my eyes. I used to immediately pick up my smartphone and check my emails and Facebook to see if I had to take care of any emergencies, which would fan the flames of my worrying. Now I reset myself before I look out into the world. I have found that lying or sitting for a few minutes and watching myself breathe helps to clear the adrenaline and helps me face the tasks in my day in a calmer mood. 

I also have a master to-do list that helps calm my worries. If I need to do something, I immediately write it on the list next to my bed. If I am away from home, I text myself a note and jot the task down when I return home. Getting all my tasks on paper makes me more productive and I'm using less energy trying to remember everything on my schedule in my head. I also have a long term monthly task list so I can keep on track with long term projects.

The third trick I use to reduce worrying is to share my worries with my husband or a friend. I find that saying my worries out loud lets me recognize if they are overblown. I focus on sharing my emotions rather than brainstorming ways to solve my issues. Taking time to feel my emotions and receive compassion from others helps calm me down.

How do you reduce worrying?

Monday, February 20, 2017

IPSB-trained Massage Therapists in San Diego

IPSB-trained Massage Therapists in San Diego


by Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT


I learned massage and also had the pleasure of teaching meditation at IPSB college in San Diego, which was one of the oldest massage colleges in the United States. If you have ever had an IPSB massage, you knew it. The touch was deeper and more connected to both your body and your soul.


Unfortunately, IPSB closed in 2016, but there are a few practicing massage therapists who still use the old ways to massage their clients. Here are a list of IPSB-trained massage therapists practicing in San Diego. IPSB grads, please consider referring to your fellow classmates to ensure they get the 'Enter, Center and Connect' IPSB experience from their massage!


Wendy Bennett - Therapeutic Massage by Wendy 619-772-2202 tmbywendy.com

Jasmine Cherry - 442-242-5851 cherry.jasmine16@gmail.com

Sandy Cole - 858-750-0041 http://www.essentialbodytherapy.com/


Carly Delso-Saavedra - http://www.carlymassage.com/


Debbie Derr - dsquaredbodywork.com


Kristi Douglas, CMT, BCSI Certified Massage Therapist & Board Certified Structural Integrator - Kdmassagetherapy.com


Vika Golovanova 858-692-3994 vika.golovanova@gmail.com  julianmountainspa.com


Rhonda Grace Everyday Grace Massage - 888-774-7887 www.myeverydaygrace.com


Shari Grayson, HHP, CMT, MBA. Healthy Touch Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork -  858-384-1141, HealthyTouchSD@gmail.com, www.healthytouchsd.com


Bill Herr - 760-310-7469 www.Live-Dreams.com

Cara Holland- 858-999-7389 caraholland.cmt@gmail.com www.nbwcenter.org


Elizabeth Jacobowitz - Embodiment Arts 619-417-2373 EmbodimentArts.com

Carly Janine at Nautilus Bodywork - 619-630-8447 nautilusbodywork@gmail.com




Nathan LeBlanc - Rolf Structural Integration GraceWithinGravity@gmail.com


Joannie Lee - Two Hands Mobile Massage https://www.facebook.com/TwoHandsMobileMassageSD/

Kristie Lara - kristie.lara@yahoo.com (Mexico City, Mexico)

Melissa Lee - http://www.purezenbodywork.com/


Beverly McDonald - 619-772-3306 www.justbreiki.com


Samantha Mecklenburg - 619-363-1569
 journeytojoyhealing@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/journeytojoyhealing


Alice Nelson - Massage Green Spa Scripps Ranch 858-689-1700


Kiley Shepherd Ring - Massage by Kiley 619-246-0988 Bohemianhabits.com

Suzanne Runo - 619-772-0456

Michelle Ruppert - 619-890-0111 MicheleRuppert.LMT@gmail.com,


Rebecca Larisa Schulman - www.evolutionwithrebecca.com

Valentine Songeur and Michael Rypins practice Thai Massage as well as other modalities. Find them at: www.songez-zen.com and contact them at songez.zen@gmail.com or (661)727-3497


Rosa Valdez, A.S.,HHP, CMT 619-322-1720 www.sunrisingbodywork.abmp.com


And last but not least, Me!

Kathleen Lisson - As a Board Certified massage therapist, with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction including liposuction for lipedema and other plastic surgery operations. To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com or call 619-880-6538



Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Posted on Medium: Supplements and Teas: What is 'safe' and 'healthy' to take before plastic surgery

Supplements and teas: What is ‘safe’ and ‘healthy’ to take before Plastic Surgery





I recently posted an article offering tips from several Board Certified plastic surgeons on what NOT to take before plastic and cosmetic surgery. Read the article here: 

If I have one book recommendation for pre-surgery nutrition, it is Eat, Drink, Heal: The Art and Science of Surgical Nutrition by Dr. Gregory Buford. Dr. Buford offers comprehensive advice on what supplements to take and which ones to quit, as well as dietary advice. 

About Kathleen Lisson
As a Board Certified massage therapist with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and other plastic surgery operations. I make housecalls! To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com

Monday, February 13, 2017

Plastic Surgery Research Tip - Book Review of 'The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion' by Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

Plastic Surgery Book Review: 'The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion' by Robert Kotler, MD, FACS


by Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT



Board Certified Massage Therapist Kathleen Lisson reviews the book 'The Essential Cosmetic Surgery Companion: Don't Consult a Cosmetic Surgeon Without This Book!' by Robert Kotler, MD, FACS. The biggest value in this book is the extensive lists of questions Dr. Kolter recommends that potential plastic surgery clients ask cosmetic surgeons during the initial consultation.

See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozawHVO3W1U





As a Board Certified massage therapist, with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and other plastic surgery operations. To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com

Friday, February 10, 2017

Best Tips on How to Recover from Plastic Surgery


By Kathleen Lisson CMT, CLT


Here are links to my top advice on healing and recovering after plastic surgery in San Diego.


Research on using Essential Oils for Surgery Recovery

There's a lot of advice on the Internet about using essential oils. Let's look at what scientific research has found.


Plastic Surgery Recovery Shopping List

Read advice from ladies who have had plastic surgery on what should be on your shopping list to ensure a quick and comfortable recovery.


Should You Take Probiotics after Plastic Surgery?

There is a lot of advice on probiotics on the internet. Let's look at what scientific research has found.


Should You Try Meditation for Post-surgical Recovery?

There is some interesting scientific research showing that meditation has an effect on recovery after surgery. Learn more here:


What do Board Certified Plastic Surgeons think of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage after Plastic Surgery?

The swelling does eventually go down, but is there anything you can do to be more comfortable during your recovery from plastic surgery? Read what Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have to say about using Manual Lmyphatic Drainage to reduce swelling and that heavy, tight feeling after surgery.


Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage help reduce swelling after a facelift?



Will having Manual Lymphatic Drainage after orthopedic surgery help swelling?

http://solacesandiego.blogspot.com/2016/11/will-having-manual-lymphatic-drainage.html



About Kathleen Lisson


As a Board Certified massage therapist, with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and other plastic surgery operations. To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Information on Diastasis Recti

Information on Diastasis Recti

diastasis recti information

by Kathleen Lisson CMT, CLT
RealSelf has a forum with Q&A, photos, videos, a forum and reviews from patients with Diastasis Recti. Check it out here:
California Plastic Surgeon Dr Kamakshi Zeidler explains more about rectus muscle diastasis in this video:
https://youtu.be/OUK4imT3yVw





About Kathleen Lisson

As a Board Certified massage therapist, with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and other plastic surgery operations. To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Research on using Essential Oils for Surgery Recovery


Should You use Essential Oils for Surgery Recovery?


Using Essential Oils after Plastic Surgery

by Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT


I first became interested in the power of essential oils for recovery from surgery when a tummy tuck and liposuction client from the San Diego area was infusing Lavender essential oil in her bedroom while I gave her a manual lymphatic drainage treatment. She told me that she felt the essential oils made her feel calm and her pain was decreased.


The 2014 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal article ‘Essential Oils for Complementary Treatment of Surgical Patients: State of the Art’ by Susanna Stea provides an overview of research on the effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula intermedia), orange (Citrus sinensis) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oils to reduce anxiety and pain and offers mixed evidence:


Caution: Essential oils are not considered drugs in America, so companies cannot claim to treat or cure any disease and they are not regulated for quality or purity by the government, so buyer beware.

If you have used essential oils to recover from plastic surgery, please let me know in the comments!




About Kathleen Lisson

As a Board Certified massage therapist, with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and other plastic surgery operations. To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Plastic Surgery Recovery Shopping List

What to Buy for Plastic Surgery Recovery

How to Recover from Plastic Surgery

by Kathleen Lisson, CMT, CLT

I had reconstructive surgery on my cheekbone after a skiing accident 8 years ago and I remember how completely unprepared I was to care for myself after I was discharged from the hospital. I did all the right things with my going-to-the-hospital bag, but I didn’t realize how completely out of it I would be in the days after the surgery. I was recovering alone in my apartment and ended up surviving on several bottles of Ensure. To this day I still won’t drink the stuff.

You can do better than I did! Here are some links to cosmetic surgery patients’ guides to preparing to recover after plastic surgery:

Supplies You Need After Tummy Tuck Surgery - https://www.realself.com/forum/supplies-after-tummy-tuck-surgery

Pre/post op stuff to buy and tips to prepare for your surgery/recovery! - https://www.realself.com/forum/pre-post-op-stuff-buy-and-tips-prepare-for-your-surgery-recovery-hope-helps

La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre’s Plastic Surgery Recovery Tips:

Dr. Tarick Smiley offers a shopping list for abdominoplasty / tummy tuck clients:
http://californiasurgicalinstituteblog.com/after-surgery/tummy-tuck-supplies-for-a-convenient-recovery.html


About Kathleen Lisson

As a Board Certified massage therapist, with advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, I help women and men in the San Diego area reduce the tight, full, heavy feeling that comes with swelling after facelifts, tummy tucks, liposuction and other plastic surgery operations. To schedule a treatment, please visit http://www.solacesandiego.com

Ditch the Itch! B Vitamins and Nerves after Plastic Surgery Liposuction

Itchiness is a complaint I hear frequently from my clients recovering from plastic surgery, especially liposuction. This is due to nerve reg...