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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Politics Of Massage: Alternative or Mainstream Therapy?

The Politics Of Massage: Alternative or Mainstream Therapy?

Massage therapists are in great demand and enrollment in massage schools is up. Are these individuals entering the field of alternative health or the mainstream healthcare community? Or neither?
I tend to view massage therapy independently of broader categories of therapy, healing or other restorative practices or systems. I am inclined to do this because I am cautious about allowing massage to be classified as a traditional therapy versus an alternative therapy.

There are many practitioners who cringe when they see massage therapy lumped in with "alternative" practices such as acupuncture, chiropractic or naturopathic health. To some these smack of quackery, fakery or, in some cases, lunacy. I believe that this aversion to association with alternative medical practices is extreme but I concede that a massage therapy purist could develop such a phobia.

On the other hand, more open-minded massage therapists abhor associating massage exclusively with clinical practices such as physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation. There is some resentment towards the incorporation of massage therapy into traditional medicine only because they feel that massage may be viewed as simply a procedure. This view strikes me as a bit vindictive but given the historical view of the mainstream medical industry towards the alternative medical community, some bitterness can be expected.

I would hate to see massage go the way of today’s politics which attempt to label every political view as either liberal or conservative. Massage therapy is neither traditional nor alternative. Frankly, traditional medicine is, in actuality, an "alternative" to massage when viewed in an historical context.

The first documented description of massage as a technique or therapy dates back to 3,000 B.C. in China. The Chinese believed that all illness was due to an imbalance of "Qi" within the body. The inequitable distribution of this "life force" or "life energy" was blamed for all ailments and this philosophy was absorbed and incorporated by Japanese Buddhist monks into Japanese massage techniques. This eventually evolved into the unique Japanese massage therapy called Shiatsu or "finger pressure."

At the same time, similar approaches were evolving in India, eventually becoming the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, or the "arts of life," which also utilized massage as an instrumental healing methodology. Greeks, Romans and even Native Americans highly valued not just the therapeutic, but also the actual healing value of massage. Hippocrates himself is quoted as stating that "anyone wishing to study medicine must master the art of massage."

But with the advent of the industrial age and the development of modern scientific inquiry, massage was relegated to the list of unenlightened, unsophisticated medical practices. In my opinion, however, to dismiss the medicinal and restorative benefits of massage was to dismiss the wisdom of the Ancients. The lack of modern scientific diagnostic techniques and the inability to examine the physical being at the cellular level, forced the earliest physicians to take a macro view of the person since a micro view was unavailable. That macro view and the knowledge garnered through the ages is still the essence of the practice of the ancient art of massage.

That is not to say that the more clinical modern approach to massage is without merit. On the contrary, contemporary research has validated many of the formerly unsubstantiated claims of alternative practitioners. Scientific studies have confirmed the effectiveness of massage in alleviating some depressive symptoms, altering the immune system, controlling pain and reducing stress. As stress is identified as the precipitator of so many medical problems, physicians are less reluctant to recommend massage as part of an overall regime to address certain conditions.

So I echo the plea of Rodney King when he asked, "Can’t we all just get along?" Massage does not need the blessing of the medical establishment to claim its place among the healing arts, thank you. Nor is it the exclusive therapeutic domain of the alternative community. I am comfortable with claims that massage can benefit the whole person and I welcome the recognition of the scientific examiners who methodically study the benefits of touch for healing. But I intend to plant myself firmly in the middle and surrender to no particular ideology of massage therapy.

So I say to prospective massage therapists who are thinking about enrolling in massage school, or who are already enrolled, learn your trade well, apply your skills diligently and claim your position at whatever end of the medical community spectrum you feel is most appropriate. Your work will speak for itself.

Massage Therapy Basics

Massage Therapy Basics

Whether you have magic fingers or a sore back, learn more about massage therapy.
What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a manipulation of muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin, fascia, and joints in the body. It is a practice that has been around since the beginning of peopledom. In fact, ancient techniques are still employed in today’s modern world.

The benefits of massage are extensive. Not only can it help alleviate pain and aid in physical maladies and day-to-day functioning, but it impacts mental and emotional wellbeing. Relaxation, awareness, anxiety, and depression can all be aided and eased with massage therapy.

Massage boosts the immune system, relaxes and reduces anxiety, alleviates pain, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates lesser used muscles, increases endorphins, aids physical rehabilitation, and improves circulation (blood and lymph).

There are many different techniques and therapies in the field of massage. Some of these may be familiar to you already, even if you do not know specifically what they entail.

Swedish: Probably the most well known technique, and for good reason; it’s quite popular.

Acupressure is like acupuncture without the needles. Specific points are targeted and pressure applied to create a therapeutic effect.

Aroma Therapy is often used in tandem with other techniques. It consists of using fragrant oils for healing benefits. These oils can be applied to the skin or simply allowed to perfume the air thus allowing those nearby to receive benefits nasally.

Canadian Deep Tissue Massage: A technique that focuses on a muscle group working with the fibers of the muscle tissue to rejuvenate each level of muscle including deep tissue.

Deep Tissue Massage works to invigorate and stimulate the muscle issue on a deep level. It involves more intense manipulation and can provide tremendous benefits on many levels. Not only does it help release toxins from the body, it helps.

Hot Stone Massage: Warm stones are used on the body with gentle pressure to provide a soothing, therapeutic sensation.

Infant Massage: Becoming more popular everyday, infant massage has been proven to help infants gain weight and speed development. It is taught to mothers as a way to bond with their new children.

Other techniques include Chi Nei Tsang, Reflexology, Shiatsu,Thai Massage, Amma Therapy, Alexander Technique, Aston Patterning, Bioenergetics, Bowen Technique, and Craniosacral Therapy.

Massage therapists are required to pass standardized tests in order to receive a license and become a registered massage therapist. Training is often completed at a trade, vocational, or career college and is usually completed in 2 years or less depending on the school and the program.

Massage therapy is considered a health field and massage therapy is often covered under many health plans because of its proven healing and beneficial results.

Massage is private and safe. Depending on the type of massage you receive, partial body, full body, 30 minute or longer, you may have to undress completely or not at all. The room should be warm and comfortable and there may be light music playing. If the environment makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to inform your therapist; a massage should be a relaxing and pleasant experience. This is true if you feel pain during any part of your massage experience. Some techniques are more intensive and may be a bit uncomfortable at times, but if you feel anything that makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to speak up.

Whether you are considering a career in massage therapy or if you are just interested in finding out more information about what it is and how it can benefit you cannot deny the value of a good massage.

Massage Therapy and the Entrepreneur

Massage Therapy and the Entrepreneur

The demand for massage therapists is growing. Does this translate into real opportunities for serious financial gain and career growth?
Some people enter massage school to help others through the power of healing touch. Some attend massage school to work in a particular field such as sports medicine or in a spa environment. Others receive massage training to satisfy a different ambition. They want to:

¨ Own their own business
¨ Be their own boss
¨ Make a lot of money

The massage industry is not immune to capitalistic instincts. Nor should it be.

Many massage schools tout the income potential of a career as a massage therapist. Income projections for a good massage therapist range from $50-$75 per hour. That translates to about $65,000-$100,000 a year depending on the number of clients served each day. This also requires that you are working independently and managing your own client base.

As attractive as a six-figure salary for providing massage therapy may be, the reality is that the median income for a massage therapist is $35,000. Many massage therapists only work part-time and quite a few are working in spas or health clubs as an employee or sub-contractor. So apparently, the big money in massage therapy goes to those that own their own business and practice full time.

So can you make big bucks as a massage therapist?

It is definitely possible to make a quite decent living as a massage therapist. But don’t expect to strike it rich right out of massage school. You will have to build up a fairly substantial client base and that doesn’t happen overnight. Many new massage therapists go to work in a spa or health club to gain experience and build a reputation. Others perform massages for a very low fee or even for free just to get some buzz going about their capabilities. It can be a slow go once a therapist is out on their own and quite a few massage therapists call it quits as a full time enterprise early on.

As in any business it is usually the person that works the hardest and provides the best service that becomes successful. It takes patience and perseverance to build a business from scratch. It also takes some decent business skills. A self-employed massage therapist should be prepared to spend time managing financial records, keeping licenses current, filing taxes appropriately and treating their massage therapy practice like the business enterprise it is.

If starting at square one and taking the slow road to success is not appealing you may want to consider jump-starting your massage business by making an investment in a massage franchise. For a mere $39,000 you can become the proud owner of a Massage Envy franchise. Massage Envy is a hot new franchise that currently boasts 101 units in operation with a total of 274 franchise units awarded. The company offers a recognized brand, training program and ongoing support for franchisees. Each Massage Envy clinic offers a variety of massage modalities and is open 7 days a week. As an owner you would employ multiple massage therapists. Heck, you don’t even have to be a massage therapist to own a massage business like this one.

There is no doubt that the demand for massage is growing rapidly and the need for massage therapists will grow right along with it. Those therapists with excellent massage skills, good business sense and a dedication to service can expect to make a comfortable living. Others can take satisfaction in helping others to deal with pain and stress while making some decent part-time income.

Massage Therapy School: Why Shorter Is Better

Massage Therapy School: Why Shorter Is Better

Learn why I believe a shorter education period followed by practical experience is the best way to becoming an expert massage therapist.
Theoretical or practical massage therapy education? It is a question that is often debated among practicing massage therapists. Each education offers its advantages, but my preference is to establish a strong foundation of information and then obtain some practical experience. This allows you to learn what works and what doesn't while still having enough training to properly work on individuals.

Regulations by States, Counties, and Cities vary as to the amount of training required before being licensed. Our area, Sacramento County California, happens to require 125 hours at the present time and Healing Arts Institute offers a qualifying program to match that. There are other schools that offer 500 hour and even 1000 hour programs. At first glance it may appear that a longer program would be better, but there are several reasons why that may not be so.

One advantage to a shorter training is cost. Initial training is around $1375 for registration, tuition, and books on a 130 hour program. 500 hour programs typically start at $8000 or more. It is a large investment of time and money for entering a field that you may not be sure about pursuing. In a 126 hour training, the basics of massage are taught along with how to help people without causing harm. The real training happens when you begin work on paying clients. This is true whether your initial training is 126 hours or 1000 hours. There are some things that can only be learned in actual practice in the real world.

When you come back for more training you have the option of choosing which advanced classes you want to pursue. There are many different directions to go with massage therapy, and you will excel best pursuing your own area of interest. When you take advanced classes after working in the field you know what questions to ask so the training is more relevant to your needs. As you learn new techniques you think of clients you can use those techniques on. In this way your learning is much more complete than for someone who took 500 hours of classes before doing their first professional massage.

There are also tax advantages to taking a shorter training first. Most people cannot take a deduction on their income tax for the cost of their initial training in a new field. The exceptions would be for people working in related fields such as: a manicurist or cosmetologist who is taking this training so they can expand the services they offer to their existing clients, a chiropractic assistant who will be doing massage in the same clinic after graduating, or a nurse who is taking the training and receiving continuing education credits. If you take a shorter initial training and then start working in the field, you may be able to deduct the cost of any future classes as continuing education expenses. This can result in significant tax savings. Please note that I am not an accountant or tax advisor, and that tax laws change, so please check with an accountant or tax advisor before making any decisions based upon the tax advantages.

There are some states that require 500 hours of training to practice massage professionally. If you live or plan on working in one of those states you may wish to check with the state to see which schools would meet the requirement for that state. Also, not all states recognize training from schools in other states.

If you are in one of the following states you may wish to check with your state about licensing requirements:
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. In other states, like California, licensing occurs at the city or county level where the business resides. You can check with your city or county clerk about licensing requirements. A listing of massage laws in the states that license massage therapists can be found in the book "Massage, A Career at Your Fingertips" by Martin Ashley, or on his website at: www.CareerAtYourFingertips.com

So whatever the requirements are in your area, I believe the best way to start out is with enough education to learn the fundamentals but then go out and get some practical experience. Then you can return and take individual specialty classes to build your knowledge and integrate it immediately into your daily practice.

Dr. James Mally runs the Healing Arts Institute, a that offers a Massage Certification Program and Acupressure Certification Program plus continuing education classes in subjects such as Deep Tissue Massage, and Sports Massage. The website offers massage continuing education training videos or DVDs for sale in Swedish massage, sport massage techniques, and a musculoskeletal anatomy audio CD.

Setting up the Environment for Aromatherapy Massage

Setting up the Environment for Aromatherapy Massage

Massage is a highly therapeutic tool in its own right. When massage is used in combination with the healing qualities of essential oils it constitutes a powerful therapy affecting the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. During an aromatherapy massage emotions are often released alongside the accumulated knots and nodules. The tissues and the nervous system are able to 'remember' both physical and emotional trauma.
It is extremely important to pay particular attention to the environment in which the aromamassage is to be performed to derive maximum benefit from the treatment. Careful preparation and the right setting will make a good massage even better. Both the giver and the receiver should feel immediately relaxed. Always ensure that towels, cushions and oils are on hand so that you do not lose contact and thus break the flow of massage. An aromamassage should never be hurried.

Solitude and quiet

These are vital. Ensure that you choose a time when you will not be disturbed. Intrusions and distractions are extremely disconcerting, breaking your concentration and destroying the flow of your massage movements. Take the telephone off the hook and tell your friends and family not to enter the treatment room. You may decide to choose some soothing background music although this is a matter of personal preference.

Cleanliness

This is essential. Always wash your hands before the treatment, as any stickiness will be instantly obvious to the receiver. Make sure that your fingernails are short - trim them as far down as possible. Do not wear any jewellery on your hands. Rings, bracelets and watches can all scratch the receiver.

Warmth

The room should be draught-free and warm yet well ventilated. Nothing will destroy an aromamassage more quickly than physical coldness: it is impossible to relax when you feel cold. The room in which you give the aroma massage should be heated prior to treatment and, as the receiver's body temperature will drop, ensure that spare towels are at your disposal. Keep all areas of the receiver's body covered, other than the part on which you are working. Warm your hands if they feel cold.

Lighting

Soft and subdued lighting will create the ideal atmosphere. Bright lights falling on the receiver's face will hardly induce relaxation and will cause tension around his or her eyes. Candlelight provides the perfect setting or you may wish to use a tinted bulb. Choose from pale pink, blue, green, peach or lavender.

Colour

The most therapeutic colours to have in the room are pastel shades - pale pink, blue, green or peach decor and towels are perfect for the occasion. Colours such as red will tend to create unwanted emotions like anger and restlessness.

Clothes

Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes as you need to move around easily and the room in which you will be working will be warm. White is the best colour to wear when giving an aromamassage since it will reflect any negativity which is released from the individual being treated.

Wear flat shoes or, even better, go barefoot. The receiver should undress down to whatever level he or she feels comfortable with. Suggest undressing down to the underwear. Point out that areas which are not being worked on will be covered up as this will create a sense of security and trust.

Finishing touches

Fresh flowers add a pleasant aroma to the atmosphere, or you can burn incense or essential oils prior to the treatment. Crystals may also enhance the environment. Rose quartz relaxes and soothes and amethyst is useful for absorbing negativity. You may put a drop of essential oil on to your crystals.

EQUIPMENT

Aromamassage surface

Work on the floor using a firm yet well-padded surface. This will allow you to give an aromamassage whenever you desire. Place a large, thick piece of foam, two or three blankets or a thick duvet on the floor. Use plenty of cushions or pillows during the treatment. When the receiver is lying on his or her back, place one pillow under the head and one under the knees to take the pressure off the back. When the receiver is lying on his or her front, place a pillow under the feet, one under the head and shoulders and perhaps one under the abdomen, if desired.

Ensure that you have something to kneel on to avoid sore knees. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from back or knee problems it may be a good idea to invest in a portable couch. It is far less tiring and makes the receiver's body readily accessible. You could try improvising by using a kitchen table if the height is comfortable for you. Do not use a bed as most are far too soft and wide for massage purposes and any pressure applied is absorbed by the mattress.

Vaginal Dryness. Lack of vaginal secretion can make intercourse difficult, uncomfortable or even impossible. Some of the factors affecting secretion include hormone imbalance such as experienced at the menopause, the contraceptive pill or negative emotions....

Aromatherapy Massage

Setting up the Environment for Aromatherapy Massage

Massage is a highly therapeutic tool in its own right. When massage is used in combination with the healing qualities of essential oils it constitutes a powerful therapy affecting the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. During an aromatherapy massage emotions are often released alongside the accumulated knots and nodules. The tissues and the nervous system are able to 'remember' both physical and emotional trauma.
It is extremely important to pay particular attention to the environment in which the aromamassage is to be performed to derive maximum benefit from the treatment. Careful preparation and the right setting will make a good massage even better. Both the giver and the receiver should feel immediately relaxed. Always ensure that towels, cushions and oils are on hand so that you do not lose contact and thus break the flow of massage. An aromamassage should never be hurried.

Solitude and quiet

These are vital. Ensure that you choose a time when you will not be disturbed. Intrusions and distractions are extremely disconcerting, breaking your concentration and destroying the flow of your massage movements. Take the telephone off the hook and tell your friends and family not to enter the treatment room. You may decide to choose some soothing background music although this is a matter of personal preference.

Cleanliness

This is essential. Always wash your hands before the treatment, as any stickiness will be instantly obvious to the receiver. Make sure that your fingernails are short - trim them as far down as possible. Do not wear any jewellery on your hands. Rings, bracelets and watches can all scratch the receiver.

Warmth

The room should be draught-free and warm yet well ventilated. Nothing will destroy an aromamassage more quickly than physical coldness: it is impossible to relax when you feel cold. The room in which you give the aroma massage should be heated prior to treatment and, as the receiver's body temperature will drop, ensure that spare towels are at your disposal. Keep all areas of the receiver's body covered, other than the part on which you are working. Warm your hands if they feel cold.

Lighting

Soft and subdued lighting will create the ideal atmosphere. Bright lights falling on the receiver's face will hardly induce relaxation and will cause tension around his or her eyes. Candlelight provides the perfect setting or you may wish to use a tinted bulb. Choose from pale pink, blue, green, peach or lavender.

Colour

The most therapeutic colours to have in the room are pastel shades - pale pink, blue, green or peach decor and towels are perfect for the occasion. Colours such as red will tend to create unwanted emotions like anger and restlessness.

Clothes

Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes as you need to move around easily and the room in which you will be working will be warm. White is the best colour to wear when giving an aromamassage since it will reflect any negativity which is released from the individual being treated.

Wear flat shoes or, even better, go barefoot. The receiver should undress down to whatever level he or she feels comfortable with. Suggest undressing down to the underwear. Point out that areas which are not being worked on will be covered up as this will create a sense of security and trust.

Finishing touches

Fresh flowers add a pleasant aroma to the atmosphere, or you can burn incense or essential oils prior to the treatment. Crystals may also enhance the environment. Rose quartz relaxes and soothes and amethyst is useful for absorbing negativity. You may put a drop of essential oil on to your crystals.

EQUIPMENT

Aromamassage surface

Work on the floor using a firm yet well-padded surface. This will allow you to give an aromamassage whenever you desire. Place a large, thick piece of foam, two or three blankets or a thick duvet on the floor. Use plenty of cushions or pillows during the treatment. When the receiver is lying on his or her back, place one pillow under the head and one under the knees to take the pressure off the back. When the receiver is lying on his or her front, place a pillow under the feet, one under the head and shoulders and perhaps one under the abdomen, if desired.

Ensure that you have something to kneel on to avoid sore knees. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from back or knee problems it may be a good idea to invest in a portable couch. It is far less tiring and makes the receiver's body readily accessible. You could try improvising by using a kitchen table if the height is comfortable for you. Do not use a bed as most are far too soft and wide for massage purposes and any pressure applied is absorbed by the mattress.

Vaginal Dryness. Lack of vaginal secretion can make intercourse difficult, uncomfortable or even impossible. Some of the factors affecting secretion include hormone imbalance such as experienced at the menopause, the contraceptive pill or negative emotions....