tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46523186069904153702024-02-20T11:54:05.266-08:00Healing CircleHealing Circle Massage is a Santa Barbara based therapeutic massage and holistic center. Kathy Gruver, owner has been involved in healing since 1990.Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-19134500004304479772009-10-17T16:07:00.000-07:002009-10-17T16:11:58.251-07:00Helping and a decisionA big decision.<br /><br />I decided to put my PhD on hold and start working on my first book. I realized that more education is important but I need to have something published to help on the road to public speaking.<br /><br />In the mean time I work diligently to assist my clients with their healing. My last health consultation was with a man who had such severe food allergies, he was down to about 7 foods he could eat without reaction. What a horrible situation. I suggested hair analysis and it showed that he was high in mercury and other heavy metals. After a heavy metal cleanse and removing a few old fillings he was slowly able to reintroduce some foods. He actually asked his wife last week if they could go for Thai food. Good for him. And I'm glad I could help. Is there anything that you need help with? Let me know and I'll do my best!<br /><br />Yours in health!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-9328420994823650322009-08-16T09:50:00.000-07:002009-08-16T09:56:00.103-07:00Watching life endI'm currently working with a terminal cancer patient. She's in her late 40s and is leaving behind a 20 year old daughter. This journey with her has been life-changing for me. I lost my mom to cancer at 18 and I can see now, as an adult, this transition through both the eyes of a 18 year old and an adult. I've watched this woman's body change, lose weight, swell up, the vomiting begin and I feel helpless that I can't make it all stop. If I could wave a magic wand and make the tumors go away and the pain stop...I can't.<br />But what I can do, is listen and love, massage and be there. I've made her laugh and smile, gotten her used to hugging and have been told that I'm making a difference in her life. And I realize that really all we can do with anyone is just be there. And let them know that we WILL be there.<br />Anyone who reads this post, I ask you to pray...chant, meditate, whatever you do for anyone that is suffering. And for those who help the suffering. It's not always the easiest of tasks, but the rewards are well worth the struggle.<br /><br />In health!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-8216832335034305612009-06-15T18:26:00.000-07:002009-06-15T18:35:11.405-07:00Be your own advocateMy father was recently involved in an accident. Someone not paying attention took him out in a crosswalk. He was taken to the ER where his head was stitched up and he was then released. No MRI, no CT Scan, no tests whatsoever. 24 hours later after "falling asleep" in his own driveway and vomiting he was admitted to the hospital with pretty severe brain trauma.<br /><br />What's the lesson here? Ask for things! Raise a stink! Demand attention! My father ended up being in the hospital for almost a month. He was given medication that was inappropriate and though I was told that someone was making him eat, shower, etc. I found out that some days that didn't happen. Long gone are the days when a nurse is going to take time to rub your shoulders, feed you your dinner and give you a hug.<br /><br />We have to be our own advocates. Which can be very difficult when we are sick, unconscious or delusional. Have a family member or friend there with you. Ask questions such as "What are those medications you're giving me?" and "What's going into that IV?" Nurses are overworked and doctors are little more than drug dispensories. Health care has become sick care and unless we watch our own backs, it's going to get worse. I hate to say it folks, but it's scary out there! What little faith I had in the medical establishment has been deleted. Take control of your own health. Do things that are preventative and if you end up in the hospital with something that is out of your control....make sure you get the attention you need. It could save your life!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-48474216849098455712009-04-06T16:10:00.000-07:002009-04-06T16:15:01.311-07:00Holistic health on-lineWanted to share a website with you all called The Holistic Option. <a href="http://www.theholisticoption.com/">www.theholisticoption.com</a>. It's THE best resource for alternative medicine, and health and wellness options. I've just joined the advisory board and am so excited to be involved with such a great and ethical organization. Look at the site for stimulating articles, podcasts and product recommendations. They will even be offering "ensurance" for people searching for holistic practitioners. Check it out and I'll keep you posted on the latest news from The Holistic Option. Have a healthy day!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-59922129485169652832009-04-02T08:12:00.000-07:002009-04-02T08:19:31.421-07:00One more pushI feel like I'm about to birth a child, doing this DVD. I had challenges yesterday with dupilicating vs. reproducing. Who knew there was a difference?<br />But yesterday was my wedding anniversary and it was nice to relax with my husband and have a nice meal, reconnect. He's also about to give birth, to his first book. Generous Fiction will come out in a few weeks and it's the anti-poetry, poetry book, more on that later.<br /><br />I was speaking with a yoga friend the other day about awkward massage experiences and bodily functions, etc. I have to tell anyone that gets a massage, <em>passing gas is normal</em>. It happens and we're used to it. We also don't judge you on how your body looks. If you've been holding off getting a massage because you think you are too big, too lumpy, too hairy. You know what? We don't look at people in that way. Get your massage! Relax those muscles and treat yourselves to some healing! And do something to help get more comfortable in your body. Love yourself!!!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-38902617355896895832009-03-18T09:42:00.000-07:002009-03-18T09:47:19.318-07:00In StudioI've been working like mad to get my massage DVD done for Mother's Day, editors, graphic artists and composers. I'm so excited to share this massage information with everyone and am pleased to say I've already had two pre-sale orders.<br />Even with this ecomony, my massage business is thriving and I am still as busy as ever. I had a client yesterday who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When I asked what the doctors were doing for her, she answered that she had denied all conventional treatment and at 87 after living a full and wonderful life she was ready to go. I marveled at her strength and wondering if I could make that choice to give in to nature and death and not fight like mad to survive. I send her all the healing energy I can muster and wish for her to live the rest of her time without pain and bask in the healing that she has chosen for herself!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-48091538148544550602009-02-07T22:44:00.000-08:002009-02-07T22:48:28.032-08:00Point and shootI just got done finishing my first instructional massage video. I started at 8 am this morning and am finally winding down at after 10 PM. It reminds me of why I am not pursuing an acting career any longer. The crew was fabulous as was were my models Peter and Laura and my husband who not only modeled but stood by for support. I couldn't ask to be surrounded by better people!<br />Next we edit, not an easy task and then off to market. The first DVD is a basic back and neck version which will teach people to do at home, what I do in my office every day. The next will be the advanced version. I'm very excited to share my knowledge with a broader audience. Check the DVDs out, for sale soon. <a href="http://www.healingcirclemassage.com/">www.healingcirclemassage.com</a>Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-52390341082693541862009-01-19T23:15:00.000-08:002009-01-19T23:18:15.438-08:00I did it!Well folks, it's 2009 already. I can't believe how fast it's gotten here. It looks like this year is going to be a fabulous one and am very proud and excited to announce that I finished my Masters degree today. I now have my Masters in Natural Health. I was going to jump straight into my PhD, but realize it's time to publish. So look for my first book in November and my first instructional massage video in March or April. I'm also appearing on several radio shows the first part of this year, so check here or on my website <a href="http://www.healingcirclemassage.com/">www.healingcirclemassage.com</a> for updates and links to listen in. Happy New Year!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-45502596585068345482008-08-06T22:30:00.000-07:002008-08-06T22:38:13.557-07:00Opportunity knocksI was massaging a gal today that is about to start her Freshman year at MIT. I could hear both her excitement and trepidation as she breathlessly told me about choosing dorm rooms and how after the first week you move so you can't really unpack anything. I asked her if she knew anyone else attending and she answered "Only the 4 or 5 people she met when she was there for the tour."<br />I remembered how that all felt. The fierce desire to leave home, explore new things and meet new people and that terror of who will do my laundry and what if I need a hug from my dad? And I thought about how she has the rest of her life poised in front of her. And then I realized...we all do. I might not be moving across country (as I did already once) and I'm not starting a new school (as I did already once) but with every choice we make in life there is both fear and excitement.<br />A new business, a new investment, a relationship. Everything we do is like that first day of Freshman year, scary and invigorating all at the same time. And now I know that with change comes growth. And though I know the laundry will get done and I still don't get enough hugs from my dad in Pittsburgh that my life is constantly unfolding before me. And thank god I'm not a Freshman in college anymore!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-44796412305189362232008-07-31T20:20:00.000-07:002008-07-31T20:24:23.308-07:00Amazing ExperiencesI was thinking today how amazing it is the amount of people I come in contact with. I have the privilege of working on some wonderful people and learning and growing through them. I've massaged mothers, fathers, grandparents, a 102 year old, a dying woman, pregnant women, a priest, an ex-con, gay, lesbian, Scientologists, Mormons, Jehovah's Witness, poor, rich, handicapped, celebrity. The list is never ending. How many people get such exposure to that kind of diversity? I feel so lucky that I get to share healing with so many people, it really is awesome, in the true sense of the word. So, learn what you can from everyone. Every person you come in contact with is a teacher. Take it!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-70073306771977486542008-07-30T22:26:00.000-07:002008-07-30T22:33:41.405-07:00the reluctant workoutIt was one of those morning when the last thing I wanted to do was haul my butt out of bed and workout. But I did. And you know what? It was well worth it.<br />I have a personal trainer, never thought I'd have one of those, but I do. I almost cancelled. I had the phone in my hand, but thought, ya know, just do it Gruver, don't be a puss. So, I went. I was cranky, I told her so. And 5o minutes later after stretchy bands and push up and jumping back and forth on a box...I didn't feel as tired and I didn't feel as cranky. It sort of perked me up a bit.<br />And after the workout, her saying, "I know you didn't really want to do this, and you did great. Good job!" was just what I needed to hear. Definately PERSONAL training. Mikki's awesome, check her out. <a href="http://www.fitnesstransform.com/">http://www.fitnesstransform.com/</a>Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-22410009244235352722008-07-29T22:26:00.001-07:002008-07-29T22:29:16.561-07:00It never endsIt seems that the work never ends. I massage all day and then come home and answer emails, send receipts, balance the check book and deal with my other businesses. (and squeeze in husband time) I wonder sometimes what it's like to be someone that isn't this driven. I wonder what it must be like to work, eat dinner and then sit on the couch and watch tv or play video games and then get up and do it again. I'm not sure that I'd like it. I'm in the middle of an Anatomy and Physiology final. I should get that done. And then sleep. That'd be nice....Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-83396543013395875452008-07-26T18:10:00.000-07:002008-07-26T18:18:40.624-07:00What happens in Vegas...Here I am in balmy 106 degree Vegas. I'm here for my third Naturopath conference and this is the first one where I can officially call myself Doctor. But not in CA, a whole 'nother story! It's interesting to me that Vegas; the land of obesity, gambling and beer at 8am would be the site for a natural health conference. I wonder if it's so we have a bunch of case studies at our disposal.<br /><br />I've been to numerous lectures and about to enjoy a fabulous dinner at Le Cirque at the Bellagio. My husband is at home in Santa Barbara and I really miss having him around. Especially during a nice meal where we would discuss flavors and textures.<br /><br />Tomorrow I brush up on my CPR and get recertified. Since I haven't studied that since I was in 9th grade I thought I should brush up on those skills. Never know when something like that will come in handy. So, that's been my weekend. Lectures, food and CPR. I did a guest interview on <a href="http://www.naturalsolutionsradio.com/">www.naturalsolutionsradio.com</a> this afternoon. That was very fun and I hope you'll all check it out. Dr. Ben-Joseph, whose show it is has thousands of medical studies referenced on his website. You can check out anything!<br /><br />I'm glad to be back writing again and will keep you all posted on my profession and what is happening in the world of natural health. Good things on the horizon. Keep checking back!Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-11311549386693707802007-03-09T11:32:00.000-08:002007-03-09T11:37:39.525-08:00IntroductionI suppose the first thing I should do is tell you about myself. I've been studying massage for over 15 years. I started with an apprenticeship in Pgh, PA (my home town) and have studied in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and at various conventions/workshops. I specialize in medical and therapeutic massage and work primarily with people who have pain or injuries. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone get off the table with more range of motion and less pain!<br /><br />I'm very interested in teaching and lecturing and I see both those things in my future. Right now, I'm studying for my Doctorate of Naturopathy and my MS and PhD in Natural Health. So, between a busy practice and school, my plate is comfortably full. For more general massage info, I'll direct you to my website at <a href="http://www.healingcirclemassage.com">www.healingcirclemassage.com</a><br /><br />I guess that's it for now, stay tuned for success stories and school updates.Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4652318606990415370.post-8973546889852513772007-03-05T20:35:00.000-08:002007-03-05T20:36:22.945-08:00My first entryWelcome everyone to the first entry of the Healing Circle Blog. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on healing and life! More to come...Healing Circlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04423604350364687768noreply@blogger.com0