In the aftermath of disaster - flood, fire, terrorist attack, hurricane, earthquake - emergency-response personnel work around the clock to assist victims and shore up the affected area. Behind the scenes are other skilled personnel: massage therapists. Find out what it's really like to work as part of an emergency-response massage team, what the training entails; the challengees and dangers inherent in the work, and the fulfillment that can be found by relieving modern-day heroes of pain, stress and fatigue.

Deep, Complex and Mysterious: The iliopsoas Muscle, Part One: A Bio-Reverent Approach
by Liz Koch and David Berceli

The multidimensional qualities of the psoas set it apart from all other muscles. In part one of two parts, the authors outline a bio-reverent approach to the psoas, a view that shifts the understanding of a problem from "What is working or not working?" to "What is impeding the client from fully expressing his or her vital life force?"

Practice Building
The SBA's Guaranteed Loan Program
by J. Tol Broome Jr.

Pages From History
The Greek Gymnasium
by Robert Noah Calvert

Around the world, Thai yoga massage is gaining in popularity at spas, and training for practitioners in private practice is increasingly popular. Thai yoga massage is a type of bodywork that combines gentle, assisted yoga stretches with deep-tissue manipulation and marma stimulation. It is believed that this technique opens up the body's energy channels and creates enhanced self-awareness to take one to a deeper level of consciousness.

Trager Work Reduces Headache Frequency

Balneotherapy Eases Osteoarthritis

SpaMassage News
Spa Chicks on the Go

Richard Gordon and Our Healing Hands
by Robert Noah Calvert

Author, teacher and developer of Quantum Touch, Richard Gordon is an unfailing proponent of hands-on healing. His technique, which is rooted in energy work, is taught around the world and practiced with clients including burn victims, cancer patients, the abused and tortured of all ages, the elderly and infants.

There are two locations where the ulnar nerve is likely to be compressed in the upper extremity. The first is at the elbow in a region called the cubital tunnel.The second is at the wrist as the nerve enters Guyon's canal.

Nervous exhaustion and physical fatique are common among the healing professions, leading to burnout. It's time to give yourself a break. Find out ways to use nature to recharge and reinvigorate yourself.

Student Advisor
by Charlotte Michael Versagi

Charlotte Michael Versagi answers your questions on education-related topics. This issue she addresses options for areas of specialty once you are a massage therapist. Find out where to find training for different specialties and how to determine what is best for you.

The Evolving Face of AIDS
by Chris Cunningham

With advances in treatment, AIDS has evolved from a death sentence to a somewhat-manageable disease. One thing hasn't changed; massage's ability to bring comfort and connection to patients.