Tori Scullion McKeown, LMBT

07/04/2025

Let's talk about the Vagus nerve!

There are many nerves in the body that signal information to the brain from the body and back from the brain to the body. The largest is the Vagus nerve.

The Vagus nerve is a crucial nerve in the autonomic nervous system of the body. This system controls things like heartbeat, blinking, swallowing etc. All the functions that we need to exist without thinking. They happen automatically.

When our nervous system gets triggered far too much and we have been in chronic stress (fight, flight or flee) for an extended period of time, the Vagus nerve loses tone and functionality due to being in a chronic state of stress and in turn our body doesn't work as well to preserve energy for the main, more important systems.

This may look like, brain fog, fatigue from lack of quality sleep, bloating or constipation, picking at skin or nails, no appetite, scrolling on social media during any downtime, anxiety and panic attacks, disassociation, tense overly stuff muscles, chronic shoulder pain, chronic neck pain, TMJ and teeth grinding and so many more.

We can strengthen the nerve and in turn our calm our entire nervous system as well as sharpen our autonomic system to help bring our body back into a resting, digesting, happy, calm, well functioning body many ways listed below!

Some of my favorites that I use regularly are grounding, breath work, humming, EFT, massage, shower or baths(not cold plunges, I don't recommend them for nervous system work at all), acupuncture and chiropractics.

07/03/2025

Feeling burned out, overwhelmed or stressed out? Pick a few of these nervous system resets to help bring you back into balance 😀 🫶🏻

05/18/2025

You're not weak, you need a break!

02/13/2025

Vote for my office in the Best of Waunakee this year so we can continue to hold the title!
Find us under Style, Health and Wellness then Massage Therapy and nominate Bodywork for the Working Body 🫶🏻. I appreciate your support!

Check it out now!

02/08/2025

How do you know a massage therapist is right for you?

There are lots of factors that go into choosing a therapist to work with and it is a personal choice for everyone. Me personally I need to see a few different types of therapists depending on what's going on in my body. I have someone who is very multifaceted and who can switch gears with a new technique no matter what I tell him is going on. He's very good at energy work, fascia work, and making me feel less segmented and more balanced human being when he's done. I work with another one who is very kinesiology based and who can understand what's going on by the structural imbalances. She works backwards from what's happening and balances me using lots of different techniques.

Every therapist has their own way of navigating the issues you may bring to the session. Some may not have the tools to make head way and others may have the tools but not the bedside manor you need to feel comfortable.

Remember just because someone lists lots of modalities on their website doesn't necessarily mean they will be a good fit for you.

Start with word of mouth. Talk to friends and family about who or where they have gone in the past.

One important factor to remember is to search for someone who does therapeutic work. Otherwise you may end up getting a spa massage and not actually have your muscles worked on or your issues resolved. Nothing against or wrong with going to a spa for a massage but there is a night and day difference between therapeutic massage and spa work.

In general, most massages you find in hair salons and wellness spas are the relaxing non engaging type.

Have the conversation before you get on the table about what things you'd like them to work on and ask if they do therapeutic work.

Finding an independently contracted or self employed therapist will be your best bet as they don't have a company dictating what they do in session. (In general)

Regardless of all these factors, time on their table will be your best factor to use. Getting invested in your own health and well being by getting regular massages is worth it's weight in gold! Giving someone time to help you resolve issues will tell you if they are right for you.

Now go get a massage!

02/04/2025

I have 2 last minute openings for 60 minute massages this week at my office in Waunakee Tuesday the 4th at 3:30 and Wednesday the 5th at 10 am. Message me or text 608-515-1009.

02/03/2025

How often should you get a massage?

For pain relief:
It depends on many different factors. The primary issue you are working on with your therapist will dictate how frequent the need is in the beginning.

In general, every week to 2 weeks until the initial issue has been resolved. Then every 2 to 4 weeks as needed. Your body will tell you how often!

For relaxation and stress relief weekly or as often as your budget and schedule allows for the most benefits. Most of my clients in this category were seen fir an acute issue and are now on a "relaxation/pain management maintenance" every 2 to 3 weeks.

Be well!

03/11/2024

Welcome to my massage Therapy page for my practice at Bodywork for the Working Body in Waunakee, Wisconsin! To all my past and present clients who find me here on the Facebooks...I thank you for your business, and appreciate each and ever one of you!