Top Stories


6/30/2009
According to massage industry leaders, the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is launching a membership organization that will offer members insurance with the intention to "strengthen the value of NCBTMB." … Full Story

  • Hospital Massage Profiled

  • Tax on Massage Proposed in North Carolina

  • Meet NCCAM’s New Members

  • Health Positive!, MASSAGE Magazine Launch Continuing Education Resource Center

  • Green Economics: Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Help the Environment
  • Visit the Green Living Resource Center for more on saving our planet
  • MASSAGE Magazine

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    Features
    • Ayurvedic Massage Therapy
    • Body & Spa: Body Wraps Relax, Rejuvenate and Detoxify
    • Clinical Thai Bodywork
    • Touch Meets Talk: The Rubenfeld Synergy Technique
    • Body in Balance: Thai Massage
    • Practice Building: Advance Your Career with Online Business Education
    • Living in Balance: Yoga for Self-Care
    This Month's Online Exclusives
     
    1. Acupressure + Montessori Decreases Agitation in People with Dementia - 6/25/2009
      As America’s senior population continues to expand, an increasing number of research studies are identifying means of assisting people along the path through old age. … Read More

    2. Technique Classes to Benefit Foundation - 6/24/2009
      Enrollment in specialized massage-technique classes to be held throughout the Unites States will help support the Massage Therapy Foundation. … Read More

    3. Students Awarded for Case Reports - 6/23/2009
      The Massage Therapy Foundation recently announced recipients of its annual Student Case Report contest. … Read More

    4. Abdominal Massage Alleviates Constipation - 6/21/2009
      Abdominal massage significantly decreased the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and increased bowel movements among people with constipation, according to recent research. … Read More

    5. FSMTA to Offer Members Group Health Insurance - 6/19/2009
      The Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) recently announced it will offer its members access to group health insurance at reduced rates. … Read More

    6. Massage Association Collaborates with National Institutes of Health - 6/17/2009
      As one of the largest professional massage associations in North America, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has long been an advocate for massage therapy. … Read More

    7. Research: Touch Therapy Improves Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis - 6/16/2009
      Massage, in combination with musculoskeletal physiotherapy techniques, led to an immediate alleviation of pain and greater ease of breathing among adults with cystic fibrosis, according to recent research. … Read More

    8. Spa Scholarship Awarded - 6/13/2009
      Hotel-administration student Alison Harrigan was awarded the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship by the International SPA Association Foundation, the foundation announced in mid June. … Read More

    9. June 15=Early Registration Deadline for Fascia Research Congress  - 6/12/2009
      Monday, June 15, is the early registration deadline for the Second Annual International Fascia Research Congress, to be held Oct. 27-30 at Vrije Universiteit, in Amsterdam. … Read More

    10. MASSAGE Magazine Digital Subscription Now Available - 6/12/2009
      Readers of MASSAGE Magazine may now choose to read the publication in electronic format, and current print subscribers will soon also have access to the digital edition as well as their print editions. The printed version of MASSAGE Magazine will still be mailed to subscribers every month. … Read More

    11. Massage Use Up, Along with Stress? - 6/9/2009
      It's no secret massage therapy helps clients relax, feel better and heal on many levels. One national massage-franchise company announced today its revenues are up 25 percent over this time last year, and cited consumer stress as the main reason for this increase. … Read More

    12. Kinesiology Conference Nears - 6/5/2009
      Washington, DC will be the setting of a conference co-sponsored by three leading kinesiology associations. … Read More

    13. Client Relations Article Tops List of 15 Most-Read Articles on MASSAGEmag.com - 6/3/2009
      The following articles are the top 15 most-read news stories for May on MASSAGEmag.com. … Read More

    14. FSMTA Conference Approaches - 6/1/2009
      The Florida State Massage Therapy Association 70th Annual Convention will take place July 8-12 in Orlando, Florida. … Read More

    15. Massage School Celebrates 30 Years - 5/28/2009
      It's 1979. Margaret Thatcher is elected prime minister of Great Britain, Skylab re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, and The National Holistic Institute opens its doors in Oakland, California. … Read More

    1. D’Acqua Ristorante Offers Tips On Foods That Improve Your Mood - 7/2/2009
      Looking for a way to improve your mood? Surprisingly, the answer may lie in what is on your plate. According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), what we eat can have an impact on how we feel.

    2. Dietary Fat Linked to Pancreatic Cancer - 6/30/2009
      High intake of dietary fats from red meat and dairy products was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study published online June 26 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

    3. Study Stresses Importance of Exercise on Bone Health - Jumping and Running Identified as Best Physical Activity for Bone Development - 6/24/2009
      New Research revealed in the July/August issue of Sports Health shows that running and jumping can prevent future diseases such as osteoporosis and fractures as well enhancing bone health in general.

    4. People Think Bottled Water is Healthy ... Sort of - 6/19/2009
      A small study has shown that people tend to believe that bottled water is somehow healthier than water from the tap. However, the research, published in the open access journal BMC Public Health, also shows that people are unsure exactly what these benefits might be and that they are rarely the main reason for choosing bottled.

    5. Green Tea May Affect Prostate Cancer Progression - 6/19/2009
      According to results of a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, men with prostate cancer who consumed the active compounds in green tea demonstrated a significant reduction in serum markers predictive of prostate cancer progression.

    6. Rights, Access to Health Care Providers of Choice at Risk - 6/17/2009
      Today the Coalition for Patients' Rights announced that it has sent a letter to President Obama urging him to support the utilization of a broad spectrum of health professions as the Administration works to reform the nation's health care system.

    7. Successful Weight Loss With Dieting is Linked to Vitamin D Levels - 6/17/2009
      Vitamin D levels in the body at the start of a low-calorie diet predict weight loss success, a new study found. The results, which suggest a possible role for vitamin D in weight loss, were presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

    8. Moderately Reduced Carbohydrate Diet Keeps People Feeling Full Longer - 6/17/2009
      A modest reduction in the amount of carbohydrates eaten, without calorie restriction and weight loss, appears to increase a sense of fullness, which may help people eat less, a preliminary study found. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

    9. Study Reveals Publics' Ignorance of Anatomy - 6/17/2009
      A study of patients and members of the public has shown that most lack even basic knowledge of human anatomy. The research, featured in the open access journal BMC Family Practice, found that people were generally incapable of identifying the location of major organs, even if they were currently receiving relevant treatment.

    10. Study Shows a Bidirectional Relationship Between Chronic Stress and Sleep Problems - 6/10/2009
      According to a research abstract that will be presented on Wednesday, June 10, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, people with chronic stress report shorter sleep duration, worse sleep quality, and more daytime functioning impairments.

    The latest news from wires and the Web...
    1. Composer and Instrumentalist Marshall Styler Releases Seventh Album, SEVEN FALLS - 7/2/2009
      Popular piano and keyboard player Marshall Styler recently launched his seventh solo album, SEVEN FALLS, with a romantic evening at upscale resort, The Crossings, in Austin, TX.

    2. BestMassage.com Celebrates 10th Anniversary as a Leading Massage Table Supplier - 7/2/2009
      BestMassage.com, also known as TAO Trading, first started its incorporated business offline in 2000, selling only massage tables locally in Chicago. However, due to the high demand from customers, owner Jeffrey Tippman then turned a brick and mortar store into an online massage warehouse.

    3. Massage Industry Leaders Partner at Milestone - 7/2/2009
      Massage-Exam.com boasts almost 3,000 massage therapy questions, answers, and rationales covering all topics found on national exams. This includes body systems, anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, pathology, therapeutic massage assessment, therapeutic massage application, professional standards and ethics, business and legal practices as well as complementary alternative medicine for those students taking the NCETMB exam.

    4. Even in Tough Times, Teach Yourself to be Happy, Says Massage Envy - 7/2/2009
      If the gloomy economic climate is dragging your morale lower than the Dow Jones Industrial Average, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips on how to get more pleasure out of life, regardless of your circumstances.

    5. New Mexico, the World's Top Healing Destination - 7/2/2009
      Healers have, since ancient times, played a vital, mystical role in human societies. Today, while westernized physicians get much of the attention, many time-honored healing methods have sadly fallen by the wayside in many parts of the world–but not in New Mexico. "The Land of Enchantment," as it is known, has never stopped being a premiere global destination for natural healing. Something about this magical state has kept drawing an abundance of talented healers who are experts at preserving age-old methods of creating mental and physical peace.

    6. Zero Balancing Health Association Congratulates Donna Cerio for Completing Studies in Integrated Health Sciences  - 7/1/2009
      The Zero Balancing Health Association congratulates Zero Balancing (ZB) faculty member Donna Cerio on completing her doctoral studies in Integrated Health Sciences through the International University of Professional Studies.

    7. Massage Heights' New 'Mojito' Services offer Consumers a Taste of Paradise without the Hangover  - 7/1/2009
      Inspired by the popular and refreshing summer drink that combines sugar, lime, and mint, Massage Heights' exclusive Mojito Foot Scrub and Coco Mojito Glow services help consumers across the country escape, relax and reenergize this summer.

    8. Brook Seminars Bodywork Education and Wild Rose Emu Ranch Form Partnership - 7/1/2009
      Brook Seminars and Wild Rose Emu Ranch today announced an exclusive, strategic partnership. The goal of the partnership is to promote the benefits of Scar Tissue Release Therapy and Emu Oil.

    9. Young Living Unveils Plan for Minneapolis Grand Convention - 6/29/2009
      ONE is the theme of Young Living's 2009 Grand Convention, set to take place September 16-19 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota. The theme emphasizes how one moment or experience can inspire individuals to make a difference in the world, one person at a time. Some of the highlights of this year's convention will include...

    10. Get Ready to Glow with Summer Skin Care Tips from Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics - 6/29/2009
      In this article, Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics, the leading skin-care school in Georgia, offers tips to keep your skin safe and radiant for the sunshine season.

    1. Attract Clients with Sports Massage Taping
      by Jeremy Maready
      As a sports massage therapist, you know weekly sessions with your clients aren’t always enough to soothe the aches and pains of the high school athlete or weekend warrior. But by adding a cost-effective component, such as sports massage taping, to your practice, you can simulate your healing methods to span the intervals between scheduled appointments. Read More

    2. Sound Therapy Complements Massage
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      In most cases, the biological rhythm of life is set to external beats, or cues. A circadian rhythm, for instance, typically corresponds to the cue of light, as it comes and goes with the sun. In pace with the daylight, we set our sleep cycles and define our days. Read More

    3. Boost Client Comfort with Heat and Cold Therapy
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      In the healing realm of massage therapy, client comfort is a top priority. Massage therapists should take time to consider every detail that could boost—or potentially inhibit—a client’s comfort level. Oftentimes, it’s the seemingly small touches that make the difference between a good massage and a great one. Read More

    4. A Healthy Burn: Use Caution with Candles
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      Just like fluffy linens and soothing music, candles can add to the healing, relaxing nature of massage. However, not all candles are created equal. Some of those soft lights may actually be harming you and your clients, rather than helping. ... Read More

    5. A Potent Blend - AROMATHERAPY AND MASSAGE
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      Using plant extracts to foster wellness has, like healthy touch, been practiced for thousands of years. In a manner both natural and noninvasive, aromatherapy promotes relaxation, improves circulation and boosts one’s sense of wellbeing. The combination of ... Read More

    6. Integrative Reflexology: Beyond the Feet
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      Seventy years ago, Eunice Ingham’s Stories the Feet Can Tell was first published. This thrust the practice of reflexology into the spotlight, as Ingham began touring North America, presenting seminars on reflexology. Ingham was a pioneer of reflexology ... Read More

    7. The Web Propels Education's Evolution
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      From baby shoes and banking to diets and dating, the Internet has a prominent place in nearly every aspect of modern life. Even massage therapy, with human contact at its core, is being swept up in the wave of the World Wide Web. As technology advances ... Read More

    8. Stay Fresh with Continuing Education
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      One key to a vibrant life is to continue on the quest for new knowledge. When we stop pushing ourselves to learn, grow and adopt fresh information,our daily routines can become stagnant and perhaps even a little bit boring. Fortunately, in the field of ... Read More

    9. Be Ready for Risks
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      Imagine this: Last night, temperatures in your town dipped below zero, and unbeknownst to you, a slick coat of ice formed on the stairs leading up to your massage practice. Your first client of the day should arrive any minute. You check your watch and ... Read More

    10. The Benefits of Belonging
      by Amanda Cuda
      You've received the proper training, the necessary licensing, a good location and the right equipment. You might think you have everything you need to be a successful massage therapist—but have you considered ... Read More

    11. Separate All-Natural Concern for Your Well-Being from All-Hype
      by Brandi Schlossberg
      Whether you’re shopping for laundry detergent or strawberry preserves, if the label says "natural," you may be more inclined to pick that product. The word natural seems to imply a commodity is free of synthetic ingredients. Unfortunately, it's not that ... Read More

    12. Light Touch, Big Impact
      What's on your wish list? Expanding your customer base to reach more clients? Broadening your skill set to enhance your services and increase revenue? Increasing the perceived value of your services to support higher prices for what you offer? Extending your career by ... Read More



    Eileen Ryan
    Lesson Learned in Swan Valley: Marketing your massage practice on your clients' terms
    7/03/2009
    My mother-in-law turned 70 this week. In the Swan Valley, you put an "events notice" in the weekly paper when you are going to have a ... Read More
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    Julie Onofrio
    Massage Therapists Getting Younger
    7/02/2009
    I just read that AMTA Massage Industry Research Report says: Nearly sixty percent (57.8 percent) of school administrators responded that the average age of students has declined ... Read More
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    Kelly Robbins



    Erik Dalton
    Why do women hurt more than men?
    6/25/2009
    Some new developments concerning structural differences may also add fuel to the gender phenomena fire. Several biomedical journals have published ... Read More
    comments(5)



    Laura Allen
    Exciting News About Pizza Discounts!
    6/25/2009
    Yes, it's true! Soon the certificants of the NCBTMB will be entitled to a discount on everything from a pizza pie to an oil change at ... Read More
    comments(1)



    Leon Chaitow
    Fascia - the new frontier in bodywork
    6/23/2009
    I've been traveling, teaching and reading (and writing) - a lot  lately - hence the lack of blog posts. It's about the reading and writing bits that ... Read More
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    John Barnes
    Effective Weight Loss
    6/19/2009
    Many struggle with losing weight or when they do lose weight, too many times it just comes back.  There may be some hidden factors to consider to ... Read More
    Be the first to comment on this entry



    Ann Catlin
    End-of-Life Care Legislation Proposed
    6/18/2009
    Hello all, I'm not one to pour my energy into politics but there are times when something catches my attention.  Here is one such thing that I ... Read More
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    Suzanne Scurlock-Durana
    Gifts From Our Fathers
    6/17/2009
      The issue of resilience is in the air since the publishing of Elizabeth Edward’s new book. It is a timely and valuable subject ... Read More
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    Tad Wanveer
    Optimizing Venous Sinus System Out-Flow
    6/16/2009
    Abbreviations: CoS = Confluence of Sinuses CST = CranioSacral Therapy DMM = Dura Mater Membrane EOP = External Occipital Protuberance VSS = Venous Sinus System A toxic and harmful brain environment can ... Read More
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    Cliff Smith
    Your Health Food Choices Play an Important Role in Health Care Reform
    6/16/2009
    Do you realize how important your health food choices are in the health care reform battle shaping up in Washington?  You probably understand that whatever the ... Read More
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    Maria G. Turchi
    Scientifically Speaking.....
    6/14/2009
    Aromatherapy is an age old practice.  The research we see now coming out about aromatherapy is to verify what users of Aromatherapy already know - it ... Read More
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    Mary Kathleen Rose




    Model 800
    Comfort Craft, Inc.

    Model 800

    This table is ergonomically designed to reduce workload. The midsplit allows the body to be neutral in the supine/prone position with the touch of a button. Ergonomics are obtained by using the contoured top to step in close to the body. This helps reduce work effort while increasing energy levels.

    Product Features

  • Has an electric high/low and electric 40-degree midsplit
  • Custom built to massage therapists needs: shape, color, width and length
  • Has a sliding headrest
  • Has contoured table tops
  • Qualifies for ADA tax credit
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Model 800 costs $5,300.

    Comfort Craft, Inc.
    P.O. Box 520638, Longwood, FL 32752
    (800) 858-2838
    http://www.comfortcraft.com

    View more MASSAGE products

    Warming Up vs. Stretching

    Warming Up vs. Stretching, MASSAGE Magazine Self-Care TipThere is often confusion about the difference between warming up prior to massage work or sports participation and stretching exercises. The purpose of warming up is to put your muscles and joints through their range of motion before you stress them in your work activities. This reduces your risk for injury.

    Stretching, on the other hand, is designed to maintain and/or increase the length of your muscles, and is most effective when you have recently used your muscles to do an activity. Both warming up and stretching increase blood flow to your muscles.

    Because your muscle tissue is not as pliable first thing in the morning due to lack of adequate circulation, it is better to do specific stretching exercises later in the day to get a more effective stretch.

    Reproduced with permission from Save Your Hands! The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists, 2nd Edition by Lauriann Greene, C.E.A.S., and Richard W. Goggins, C.P.E., L.M.P., © 2008 Gilded Age Press, www.saveyourhands.com.

    See past Self-care Tips

    Effective Use of Marketing Via E-mail

    Effective Use of Marketing Via E-mail, by Ariana Vincent, MASSAGE Magazine Business TipE-mail is an ecological and efficient way to market and stay in touch.

    You can utilize e-mail to:

    • Send newsletters
    • Deliver notices about special offers
    • Confirm appointments
    • Stay in contact with your clients and colleagues
    • Send articles to prospective publishers
    • Forward copies of your published articles to your colleagues and clientele, with a note inviting clients to schedule an appointment

    It is important to remember to respond to e-mails within hours, or at least the same day it was received. Effective use of e-mail can be one of your least expensive and most effective forms of marketing.

    Ariana Vincent, Effective Use of Marketing Via E-mail, MASSAGE Magazine Business TipAriana Vincent, L.M.T., M.T.I., N.C.T.M.B., is a Nationally Certified Massage Therapy Instructor and workshop leader based in Austin, Texas. Learn more about her at www.arianavincent.com.

    View More Business Tips

    Poll of the Week Quick Poll


    Poll of the Week Previous Poll
    What type of educational tool(s) do you use most?
    Books
     42.3%
    Online courses
     10.3%
    Live seminars
     26.9%
    Webinars
     1.3%
    CDs and DVDs
     19.2%

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