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- Florida Massage Therapist Honored by Chiropractors - 8/28/2008
A Florida massage therapist has been honored by a statewide chiropractic association. … Read More - COMTA Moves to Washington, D.C. - 8/27/2008
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), which accredits educational institutions and programs offering instruction in massage therapy and bodywork, has moved its headquarters to Washington, D.C., leaving its longtime location in suburban Chicago. … Read More - Movement Training Prevents Low-Back Pain - 8/25/2008
Low-back pain is lessened by practicing a movement-education technique, according to new research. … Read More - Olympians' Families Get Massage - 8/23/2008
Sports massage for Olympic athletes is nothing new, but complimentary seated massage for the athletes' families is. … Read More - Big Plans for D.C.-Area Massage Envy - 8/23/2008
According to an article in the Aug. 15 Business Journal, the regional developer for Massage Envy, the nation's largest massage franchise, plans to have 40 of the clinics operating in the Washington D.C. area with three years. … Read More - Runner Blogs on Massage - 8/22/2008
A new posting on OregonLive.com's "Run Oregon" blog features an interview with massage therapist Carlee Gehrke. … Read More - CAM Groups Band Together - 8/22/2008
A new program's goal is to unite complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) organizations to fundamentally change the American health care system. … Read More - Journalists at Olympics Receive Chinese Medical Massage - 8/22/2008
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine offered demonstrations of Chinese medical massage to journalists from around the world in Beijing, China, this week. … Read More - New Officers Elected at COMTA - 8/18/2008
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) today announced the officers newly elected to its 10-member board of commissioners. … Read More - Massage Event Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research - 8/15/2008
More than $170,000 has been raised so far for breast cancer research by Massage for the Cure, an event hosted in various Massage Envy locations throughout the nation. … Read More
Features
- Body & Spa: Set Sail for an Onboard Spa
- Biofeedback and Brain Training
- Cryotherapy: Harness the Power of Cold to Address Pain and Inflammation
- The Mystery of Pain
- Living in Balance: How to Develop a Healthy Relationship with Your Massage Practice
- Guest Editorial: Don't Let the Economy Bring You Down
- List of Mind-Body Resources
- Research on Cryotherapy
- 4 Key Reasons to Record All Income
- 10 Steps to Creating a Fulfilling and Satisfying Life and Practice
- Research Exclusive: Massage Therapy Increases Body Temperature In Preterm Infants
Java gives caffeine-naive a boost, too
New research from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, shows that—for women—the caffeine advantage is indeed everything it's cracked up to be.JAMA Study Shows AHPA Members’ Commitment to Quality
A study in the Aug. 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concludes that Ayurvedic medicine products made by American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) members are significantly “less likely to contain metals.”Researchers find high levels of toxic metals in herbal medicine products sold online
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that one fifth of both U.S.-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the Internet contain lead, mercury or arsenic.Alexander technique offers long-term relief for back pain
Alexander technique lessons in combination with an exercise programme offer long-term effective treatment for chronic back pain, according to a study published on BMJ.com today.Study: Massaging muscles facilitates recovery after exercise
Researchers testing the long-held theory that therapeutic massage can speed recovery after a sports injury have found early scientific evidence of the healing effects of massage.Stress, anxiety can make allergy attacks even more miserable and last longer
A new study here shows that even slight stress and anxiety can substantially worsen a person's allergic reaction to some routine allergens.Eat oily fish at least once a week to protect your eyesight in old age
Eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries and the third cause of global blindness, according to a study published today in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.TORC at UH turns to virtual world of Second Life for new study
The University of Houston department of health and human performance is launching an international effort to recruit 500 participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity. The study will take place entirely in the virtual world of Second Life (SL).Recreation and park agencies play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles
When community leaders brainstorm ways to improve the health and well-being of youth and families, a team usually brings together doctors and health care professionals, hospitals, public health organizations and schools. But recreation and park agencies are another key player in the fight against childhood obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic diseases says a new report.American Cancer Society study finds high use of complementary methods among cancer survivors
A new study from researchers at the American Cancer Society finds many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage.
6 New and invigorating Spa Treatments
These six new spa treatments can be found in resorts across North AmericaSinuCleanse Nasal Washing System Now Available in Canada
The SinuCleanse® nasal washing system, now available throughout Canada, is an effective, all-natural way to cleanse the nose and help promote sino-nasal health.VTouchMassage Expands Offices to Wilton Manors
VTouchMassage is committed to providing a consistent and exceptional massage experienceAlternative Health Journal Unveils Online Destination for Natural Health Solutions
World's First Web 2.0 Natural Health Community Offers Alternative to WebMDU.S. Adults Using Online Health Resources more than ever
Adults in the U.S. are using the internet and other sources more than ever now when it comes to medical information.All Female Roster of Successful Women Entrepreneurs Share Their Online Marketing Secrets
Women Entrepreneurs and female online marketing experts will be coming together for the first Online Marketing conference designed by women entrepreneurs - for women entrepreneurs. It will bring together the best in the business to educate and share best practices in the fields of online marketing, social marketing, blogs, email marketing and other online marketing strategies.Complementary and Alternative Medicines in the United States 2008
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Complementary and Alternative Medicines in the United States 2008" report to their offering.Positive Findings Published on Emergent Technology for Treating Chronic Pain
Peer-reviewed safety and efficacy data on Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (eToims(R)), successfully applied to patients suffering from treatment-resistant chronic pain appeared in the August/September issue of Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology.Free Online Medical Dictionaries on the Net
The "Free Medical Dictionary" is a new website that goes into the art and science of healing (Medicine).Woman Sues for right to practice Massage on Horses
Lawsuit in progress for womens right to massage both horses and humans
- 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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
John Barnes
8/25/2008
The concept of tissue memory has come up often in my Myofascial Release Seminars. It seems that during extreme trauma, excessive pain and/or fear becomes imbedded ... Read More
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Irene Smith
8/25/2008
. This August 24th marked the 4th anniversary of the passing of my dear friend and teacher the late pioneering thanatologist, ... Read More
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Benny Vaughn
8/23/2008
It is Saturday afternoon, 23 August 2008 in Beijing China. Tonight is the last night of competition in National Stadium, home to the Olympic flame, which ... Read More
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Laura Allen
8/22/2008
Today was one of those days when I failed to finish all the tasks I had on my list. I just got back to the office ... Read More
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Amy Mitchell
8/07/2008
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine provides many fact sheets -- short introductions and facts-at-a-glance -- on CAM treatments. This one was recently updated: ... Read More
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Suzanne Scurlock-Durana
8/04/2008
When Claire Laplante interviewed me recently for an article on working through injury, I was struck by how many injuries could be averted if we listened ... Read More
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Maria G. Turchi
8/04/2008
I have a son with Down syndrome. Respiratory and sinus issues create a huge challenge in the day to day health of someone with ... Read More
comments(5)
Karen Menehan
8/04/2008
We in the massage field are so often confused or at odds with what to call legitimate therapies. (What, for example, is medical massage? It depends ... Read More
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Tad Wanveer
7/21/2008
Optimal sinus function appears to ... Read More
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Ann Catlin
7/18/2008
Hello all, I discovered a New York Times blog called The New Old Age by Jane Gross where she explores the challenges baby boomers face ... Read More
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Bob McAtee
7/05/2008
In challenging economic times, retaining current clients is easier, and probably more important, than recruiting new ones. It's easy to become complacent and forget to treat ... Read More
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Joe McCue
7/03/2008
We set goals all the time; every week, every day and sometimes hourly. In fact, we set goals so often, they almost don’t even register on ... Read More
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Nut Free Lite Unscented Oil
Soothing Touch
This nut-free oil blend is meant to moisturize and allows for different types of bodywork without using nut oils. It is ideal for therapists and clients who suffer from nut sensitivities and prefer an oil. It has high oleic expeller-pressed sunflower oil, rice bran oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E.
Product Features
Nut Free Lite Unscented Oil costs $29.25 half gallon, $46.50 a gallon, $197.50 for 5 gallons, $2,170 for 55 gallons.
Soothing Touch
35 Bisbee Court, Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505) 820-1054
www.soothingtouch.com
Centering Techniques
Centering yourself is the most important part of creating a peaceful energy where your clients can relax and feel at ease. Centering brings awareness and mindfulness to the session. Centering is a process that is reflected and shared when you live a life in balance-–personally and professionally. It involves breathing, caring, grounding, focus, awareness and mindfulness. When you are centered, you can dwell totally in the present moment, releasing all thoughts and concerns about the past as well as releasing projections into the future.
Centering Exercises
Here are some simple exercises you can do anywhere at anytime to help center yourself.
1. Sit in a chair with your feet on the ground. Close your eyes, and breathe slowly in your nose and out your mouth. Begin with your face, clenching your facial muscles for 5 seconds and then releasing them for 20 seconds. Continue down with your shoulders, arms, hands, stomach, thighs, buttocks, legs and feet, tightening the entire body and then releasing with an exhale. This act of tightening and releasing will relieve tension in muscles you may not have realized were tense.
2. Sit in a comfortable position and inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds. Then exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds, letting go of your tension and relaxing your chest, shoulders and stomach as you exhale. Hang out in the bottom of your breath. Repeat this process for a few minutes and you will feel your body relax.
3. Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor and hands on your legs. Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth. Pay attention to your breathing, the way your lungs and chest feel as they fill with air. Pay attention to the way your body feels, the back of the chair supporting you, the seat underneath you supporting you. Relax your shoulders, but do not slump. Keep your head up with your chin slightly lowered, a comfortable, relaxed, but awake and aware position. As thoughts come in to your mind, acknowledge them and let them go; don’t try to solve any problems or follow your thoughts, but just let them come in and go out. Let your mind come back to focusing on your breathing, without altering the pace or length of your breaths. Rest in the silence and release your worries and concerns at least for this moment. Enjoy the peace and stillness of right now.
Ariana 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.
Don't Miss Calls While in Session
How does a busy therapist answer her phone and schedule appointments while in session or away from the office? This is a logistical reality that affects every massage practice. While reviewing your options, keep in mind missed appointment opportunities will cost you money.
Options:
1) Answering machine or voice mail.
Clients want a massage, and they want it now! If they get your answering machine, they either hang up without leaving a message or leave a message---and by the time you get back to them, they have scheduled an appointment with another therapist or they no longer have time for the appointment they originally wanted. Missed calls equal missed appointment opportunities.
2) Receptionist.
However, a full-time receptionist is not an affordable option for many massage practices.
3) Online scheduling system.
Internet scheduling systems are ideal. They allow clients to view appointment availability and book their own appointments. Most offer a variety of practice management features that allow you to retain customer data to use for marketing, data management, selling gift certificates online and processing credit card payments.
However, Internet scheduling alone falls short in providing clients with the opportunity to talk to a live person if they do not have access to the Internet and/or are not computer savvy.
4) Answering service.
Answering services will take messages and relay them to the therapist via voice mail, e-mail and/or text message a cell phone or PDA. Clients get a live response and feel that their initial needs are being met. The operator can help with basic information about services and prices, as well as give directions.
Answering services typically do not schedule appointments. Similar to the use of an answering machine or voice mail, you run the risk the caller has found another therapist by the time you return her call.
5) Answering service that utilizes an Internet scheduling system.
A live “receptionist’ answers the therapist’s phone and has access to the appointment calendar. A caller can schedule immediately. Therapists have round-the-clock access to their own calendar and can make adjustments to their availability on the fly.
If allowed, clients can also go online and schedule their own appointments. This makes it easy for a client to get what they want, when they want it.
If clients can easily make an appointment with you and it is a hassle to make an appointment with your competition, who do you think they will be spending their money with?
The bottom-line is: Advertise, promote and take all the massage training you want. However, if you do not have an effective method in place to turn appointment opportunities into scheduled appointments, you are wasting your time and money.
[Related article: Online Tools for Client Scheduling: How to Put an End to Phone-Tag and Boost Your Bottom Line, by Kirk Keeter, MASSAGE Magazine issue 122, June 2006]
Norm Green has been a massage client for 25 years. He is the director of business development for My Receptionist (www.myreceptionist.com). He has a background in franchise development and consults massage therapists on how to increase their revenue, cash flow and free time by utilizing the services offered by My Receptionist. He can be reached at (800) 686-0162.
Quick Poll Previous Poll - Driven less 42.9%
- Chose products with minimal packaging 9.5%
- Stopped using bottled water 28.6%
- Use solar or other alternative energy 3.6%
- Reduced consumption of consumer goods 15.5%
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