In May, we think of motherhood and nurturing others as well as ourselves. Take this opportunity to appreciate those in your life who support you - be it your mother, your wife, your grandmother, or a special friend or family member. Take stock of your own wellness schedule - are you taking time out to nurture yourself? Do you allow space in your schedule and your finances to prioritize the wellness of your body, mind and spirit? This month's articles and specials are specially designed to help you celebrate and rejuvenate your natural rhythms to grow, heal and enjoy a wonderful, well life!

Pregnancy is a most intimate time between mother and child yet, for whatever reason, oftentimes that intimacy is interrupted by the outside world. The focus is taken away from you, the mother, as strangers invite themselves to touch your belly and friends and family shower you with unsolicited suggestions for names and childrearing advice. Your OB/GYN directs your attention to an image on a black and white monitor. "That's your baby," she says.

Take a moment and close your eyes. Place your hand over your womb and breathe deeply. This is your baby. This is your own creation growing and stirring inside you. Make no mistake about it, you have already begun the bonding process. This child knows who you are.

Although historically regarded as a mere luxury, more and more people are starting to view massage therapy as an integral part of their health care routine. This consideration should not change when a woman becomes pregnant. Your Massage Therapist understands the chemical shifts that are occurring in your body. Pre-Natal Massage benefits may include everything from increased circulation and muscle lengthening, to decreased edema and the prevention of stretch marks.

It is time for you to take a step back from nine months of hectic preparation and commune with your unborn child. At Sea Change, your Massage Therapist will work with you to create a session tailored to your specific needs and medical history in a safe and peaceful environment. Still think massage is a luxury? That's okay. You deserve it.

By Rachel Beam, LMT

Warmer weather makes everything come alive. New life and abundance is everywhere.

For some families new life comes easily. It is a natural progression and blossoms from their committed, loving relationship. For other families seeking to bring a child into their midst, conception can be a frustrating and dis-empowering experience.

In many situations, concerns such as nutrition and lifestyle have been overlooked. Some relationships could be experiencing communication challenges, and there may be fear or doubt about supporting a child or being a parent. These limiting practices and beliefs may be slowing or inhibiting the body's natural reproductive processes.

Are you:

• Stressed?
• Worn down from a hectic lifestyle?
• Working long hours at a job that offers you little satisfaction?
• Eating fast food or take out most days?
• Consuming more than just a drink or two each week?

If you are treating yourself poorly, how can you expect to be fertile in any aspect of your life? Fertility extends far beyond having a child. It's called abundance. You can be fertile financially. You can have a fertile business. You may be very fertile in your activities or movement. But if you are not balanced, how can you enjoy the abundance and fertility in any aspect of your life?

I challenge you to become aware of fertility in your life. Where is there abundance? Where are you challenged? Is your interest piqued? This month, SCNY hosts "Diversify Your Fertility", a discussion in awareness and balance of abundance, held May 17th at 7pm. SCNY also has a comprehensive Fertility Program, including consultations with our experienced and compassionate Wellness Team.

We can all use support around balancing the different aspects of life. Let Sea Change New York support you. As a Holistic Health Counselor, I partner with people who want a greater experience of empowerment, focus and awareness. I specialize in helping you identify and free yourself from nutritional and lifestyle ruts that have been blocking you from having a joyous life full of zest and passion. We meet one-on-one and discuss your goals, then plan step-by-step, individualized recommendations for you to follow. So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment today.

By Megan Franzen Carlos, Holistic Health Counselor

Is Your Mom "The Bee's Knees"?

Treat your mom to the relaxing and rejuvenating combination of a Lavender Honey Mint Sea Bliss Massage and Honey Sea Glow Facial. This two-and-a-half hour session includes the exfoliating and hydrating Sea Bliss, using aromatherapy and a salt scrub to compliment a relaxing and therapeutic Swedish Massage. Our signature facial is sweetened with a honey mask treatment to moisturize and rejuvenate.

Bee's Knees Package: $275.00

For Mothers "To Be"

A pre-natal massage is the perfect way to nurture and support the woman in your life who is expecting. Whether she is in her first trimester, or days away from the estimated delivery date, our therapists will help relax and rejuvenate in just the right way.

60-minute treatment: $95.00
90-minute treatment: $135.00

Inhale...Exhale Package

Are you looking for a great way to celebrate with your mom? The “Inhale...Exhale” package includes a one hour Swedish massage and a one hour signature facial. Why not make a date with your mom to enjoy the package together? Call today to schedule for you both or just for the special woman in your life.

Two-Hour Special Price: $175 per person

Acupuncture Facial

Need a lift? You will experience rejuvenation naturally by balancing the body's basic constitutional needs through the ancient technique of acupuncture during the Acu-Facial. Fine lines may be entirely erased, deeper lines reduced, and sagging eye and neck areas firmed and toned. Used for centuries throughout the Far East, fine needles are placed at various pressure points on the face, neck and eye areas to stimulate chi energy. Facial muscles tighten and lift, stimulating blood and circulation and facial tone and color is enhanced for a healthy more vibrant appearance.

60-minute treatment: $195.00