Archive for April, 2010
Educating The Masses About Massage Therapy
27 April 2010A state License in the United States for Massage uses terms like Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), or just plain old Massage Therapists (MT). Other states have Certification using terms like, Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) or Certified Massage Practitioner (CMP). But never on these official Licenses or Certificates does it say Masseuse or Masseur. Its true that some of the Bills passed in these states may contain these words in describing a Massage Therapist, however none of these terms are used on their board websites. Why?
I found this article by Suite101.com that explains it. These french massage therapist terms have negative connotations. I was taught in my school never to use these terms for that would mean you gave extra services of a sexual nature. I like this distinction, most are aware of it and when given the opportunity will correct any misuse of the terms involved. That is if they are aware.
Most of the time, state officials and media have a hard time knowing how to use these terms correctly. “Police raid a Massage Parlor and arrest 3 Massage Therapist” or Masseuse Awarded for Volunteer Work”. This confusion leads to the majority of the citizens not understanding how to use the terms or trust a Professional Therapist. I have heard of people receiving a prescription for a massage from their physician and not using it because they don’t see why or how it could help. Some are just uncomfortable and don’t know about therapeutic touch. Either way, because of good practitioners, these hindrance’s are being broken down and understanding is occurring.
So its hard to see articles like this, from online newspapers. Now you know this was submitted by the owners of this shop. So I’m confused, is it a Parlor or a Clinic?
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I did send an email to the owner, they confirmed that the paper changed the wording of the article. A complaint has been filed.
Just Waiting
23 April 2010Some times in between massage’s there can be a big gap of time. I’ve taken napes, played apps on my phone and most of the time insurance billing. Today I wasn’t tired, I didn’t want to play any of the apps and all my insurance billing was complete.
So I picked up this awesome Acupuncture text book, it had everything, well more then I had ever seen in one book for acupuncture information. I can now see why it would be nice to learn more about the meridians in massage school. I see both sides, basic and basic advanced information that is most helpful in massage.
I also picked up the Healing with Whole Foods book for a bit, man it is great I learned about the many ways to prepare Tofu. I never thought about it before, Tofu has been around for thousands of years and can be baked, boiled, fried, steamed and even put into a shake. Who knew? Now we both do.
A Massage for Everyone
14 April 2010If all misconceptions were cleared by correct information, everyone would see that Massage is for the greater good. Of course we all have our power to choose and it is not necessary to go to a spa or clinic to receive one. Your mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend or cousin could be helping you out with a neck massage, the point is getting one.
If you work, play, walk or sit, massage is for you. Even if you where confined to your bed, it is a must to keep things moving. There is just no getting around it, you cant avoid the facts, muscles need movement and moving muscles need massage.
Because massage is so important, ways have been provided to even do it yourself. Along the lines with this train of thought would be the necessity of stretching. This is a fundamental element that our body’s cry for and if we ignore, will then turn into issues or dis-ease. So, the best remedy would be to eat right, stretch, exercise your mind/ body daily, and get a massage once or twice a month.
How can I fit this into my all ready busy schedule, you ask? The more important question is; How can you not afford do do so? If you are so very busy then this is the main reason you need to set these essentials as priority. When you do, you will find you have more energy through out the day and be able to be more productive in all your endeavors.
The good news is that all this is backed by research. You are more productive if you have less stress. You have less stress if these before mentioned essentials are done. Yes, it is easier said then done. You may have to cut out your favorite TV show or the weekly trip to the theater, or the daily fix at the fast food restaurant. However how long can a body go through this abused treatment until it manifest into a condition that makes you do all of these essentials? Priorities, what is truly important? How long will you live if you continue on the path you tread now? When will you take time for yourself, to insure you have time and energy to complete your tasks of the day with ease and pleasure? How can you find Joy if you never enjoy any task that is required of you? Take the time, you know who you are.
Hooked on K-Tape
7 April 2010I need to buy more tape. I started out in February with the Kinesio Tape LOVE IT. I have used it on low back spasms, plantar fasciitis, drop foot, hammer toe, cuboid tunnel syndrome, lower leg edema, and a sprained ankle just to name a few. In each case the initial reaction is how they cant even tell that it is on them but their pain is going away or gone.
One thing I need to make sure of is to clean the surface before application, I was asked if I used alcohol, but I said that I just used hot water. I have also tried out witch hazel and just rubbing down the skin, but the only thing that seems to work is the hot water towel and now I want to try alcohol. The witch hazel would not dry, so I can see why it is used instead. I just had it on hand for EO’s, witch hazel is the best to clean off the oils if needs be.
Check it out and let me know what you think. Good luck and pass it on 