blog

Massage Away Stress

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:56:51 -0600

Stress is a fact of life. Sometimes we can see it coming. Other times, it sneaks up and gets us when we're not looking. Unfortunately, stress is something that none of us can avoid. Whether we lose a job, go through a career change, lose a loved one, have a baby, can't sleep, move, get a parking ticket, or spill a pot of coffee all over the kitchen floor it's there. Stress will get the best of each of us every now and then. Although there is nothing we can do to stop stress from catching up to us, we can do something to make some of the effects of stress go away.

Let's first look at what stress can do to our bodies. It can cause problems like heart disease, memory loss, increased anxiety, decreased immune functions, stiffness, and fatigue. Stress can make you less patient, unable to engage with loved ones, and make it hard to enjoy your favorite leisure activities.

But we're in luck! The effects of stress can be eliminated or cut down simply by getting massaged. Receiving a massage or two can calm your aches, pains, tension, and anxiety. Massage can help your immune system by encouraging circulation and the arrival of nutrients throughout your body. Massage gives your body a well deserved and much needed rest. As a result, you will see an increase in your energy levels.

Treat yourself to massage. You deserve it!

Super Bowl Madness

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:10:07 -0600

It is no secret that the Super Bowl creates a dramatic amount of hype not just at the end of the football season but throughout the entire year. I don't doubt that it is among the largest regularly scheduled events in the United States. Football fan or not, there is no escaping the conversation. After all, you don't have to like football to enjoy the commercials. You've got to figure, that with an event as overwhelmingly huge as the Super Bowl, there must be some portion of it that somehow appeals to just about everybody. Massage therapists are not exempt from that.

I imagine sports massage therapy plays an important behind-the-scenes role in the Super Bowl. Imagine how many sports massage therapy sessions each Super Bowl athlete undergoes during the season and during the preseason. Add all the other football players and each of the sports massage sessions they get during the year. Don't leave out NBA, MLS, and MLB off the list of professional athletes who more than likely engage in sports massage therapy sessions. And, let's face it, you don't have to be a professional athlete to stay in shape.

As an athlete, sports massage therapy sessions can:

Increase your flexibility
Decrease your chance on injury
Decrease your muscle tension
Increase your blood flow
Increase your range of motion
Decrease your recovery time between workouts
Increase your performance
Decrease your fatigue
Increase your response time

And the list doesn't end there! As an athlete, it is important to engage in sports massage therapist sessions. As an athlete, imagine the pride you will have knowing you are able to help athletes so much.

Let it Snow. Let it Snow. Lift Your Spirits.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:06:44 -0600

Sure, Chicagoland has received the occasional snow flurry this chilly season, but I've found it hard to believe that the last month or so has been anything other than an early spring. Today, however, marked the first significant snow fall of the year. What this tells me is that winter is officially here. My high hopes of skipping over the treacherous cold have withered.

For many, this cold, dark season brings on what some refer to as the "Winter Blues." Gray skies, snow, sleet, and ice don't typical bring on the same happy thoughts as warm beaches, tropical paradises, and bunches of bananas might. I try to stay positive, though, and remind myself to have some fun and enjoy the seasonal opportunity.

But how do you have fun when the outdoors are so miserable? Take yourself back to childhood. Make the snow fun again. Create a snow angel. Throw a snow ball at your buddy. Put the snow shovel down for a bit and spontaneously take a running leap into a pile of snow. Sure, you might face plant into it, but it will be fun. Trust me.

Winter, however, isn't all fun and games. And I realize this. It brings on its own set of aches, pains, long commutes, and the reality of actually having to finish that shoveling project... eventually. Consider taking some time to get a massage. After all, they relieve aches and pains in the body and give you that well needed mental boost.

A New Year for Change

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:58:30 -0600

2012 is right around the corner. For many, a new year signifies a time for change. It is a fresh start, a chance to turn everything around and head in a new, fresh direction. More often than not, a new year is a time to get healthy. But health isn't just about losing weight or gaining muscle. Becoming healthy involves giving yourself that chance to relax and to take it easy. Stress a bit less and just breathe a bit more. As you look to the new year ahead and lay out your new schedule and goals, consider working regular massage into the mix.

Massage is not just a luxury. It is a significant part of true health. Stress is not good for the body nor is it good for the mind. Receiving a massage is a key way to reduce stress for both the body and the mind. It will work the kinks and knots out of the body caused from exercise and your job. Even sitting at a desk or working on a computer for any length of time can cause muscles to tighten and lock into unhealthy positions. Mentally, receiving a massage encourages the rest and relaxation that your mind not only needs but that it deserves. Massage can even help with the pain and anxiety caused by cancer. With each passing year, more and more studies and research have been done to demonstrate the positive health effects of massage.

The fact of the matter is this. With each passing new year, we all have high hopes and set goals that are often out of our reach. Even those attainable become lost and unfulfilled as our days and routines shift back to our old schedules. I, however, like to think that receiving a massage every so often throughout the year is a bit easier than trying to stick to a rigid workout schedule. But if you have the will power to stick with both, do it! I wish you all the best with a healthy new year.

Holiday Massage Marketing Ideas

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:33:30 -0600

The holidays are a wonderful time for massage therapists. Whether your customers are out of school or home from work, they need to relax. Even in January, when your customers are run down and tired from fighting lines during their holiday shopping, they need time for themselves. So what are the best ways to market your massage business during the holiday season? How do you remind your customers you are there to help them wind down? Most of all, how do you keep them coming back as they return to their everyday lives once the holidays are over?

Offer Gift Certificates: People love giving gifts that are easy to buy and easy to give. Everybody has that one person on their holiday shopping list that they have no idea what to buy for. Why not get them a gift certificate for a massage therapy session. Wrap the gift certificate up in a cute package so it is ready for your customer to give to that special person.

Holiday Discount Packages: Offer a discount or a free massage to those who purchase multiple massage therapy sessions upfront. Reward your current customers this holiday season and attract new customers to your business!

Local Companies: Connect with local companies. Set up at time at local business where you can offer chair massages to the employees. Perhaps you can offer each employee a coupon for a discounted massage if they schedule it before the end of the month. They could use this massage for themselves or to give as a gift. Some companies like to give massage certificates as holiday gifts to their employees. Consider contacting local business owners and offer them a package deal.

Most of all enjoy the season and enjoy what you do. Your customers will respond positively to your passion!

Make it Happen

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:04 -0500

I recently read a story about a young woman who, while in high school, was involved in just about everything (cheerleading, drill team, sports, the honor society, you name it...). She continued with the dance team in college. But then life happened and things began to change. Back injuries (from years of dance and sports) became so painful she wasn't able to continue to fulfill her dreams of dancing. She eventually withdrew from school and her life spiraled out of control.

A few years later, she hit a major turning point. She realized she had to get her life back on track. She stumbled upon a massage therapy program and she felt drawn to it. Although the staff at the school warned her that, due to her injuries, massage therapy may be a hard career path for her. She pursued it anyway as that challenge made it even more appealing. After all, she had always been a hard worker. She completed the program with flying colors and found a massage therapy job shortly after. She quickly realized that working in massage therapy was her dream job.

A massage education offers many benefits. Schooling doesn't typically take too long to complete. Get licensed and into a new career fast! And there's always something new to learn. Massage therapy is a wonderful career choice for those who have the drive to help people. Why not help others to get rid of their day-to-day aches and pains. It can make a world of difference!

Hands for Heroes

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:15:31 -0500

There is no doubt that soldiers undergo quite a bit of physical activity. Even years later, as veterans, many of these soldiers have to endure a lot of pain. Sometimes, they never completely recover from battle. Luckily, there are organizations that strive to help veterans and aid in their recovery.

One of these organizations is called Hands for Heroes. They are a nationwide organization of volunteers who provide therapeutic bodywork to our veterans. They volunteer their time to help those who have fought for our country heal at no additional cost.

Our veterans face not just physical but mental injuries as well. As any massage therapists will tell you, massage works wonders for both the body and the mind. Massage can help heal physical pains and aid us in becoming stronger. Human touch is incomparable to the mind. Receiving a massage can brighten a day from that standpoint alone. That's what is so wonderful about Hands for Heroes. These volunteers help our veteran's recovery on both ends of the spectrum.

Check out Hands for Heroes for more details about the organization or to find out how you can get involved.

Dog Therapy

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:22:15 -0500

Any dog owner will tell you there is no doubt in the amount of love our dogs have for us. The moment we walk through the door we get a greeting more joyous than most others. Often times this grand hello comes after leaving our adorable pet alone for all of 3 minutes as we walk to the mailbox to grab the daily delivery. At the end of a long day, we come home, kick our feet up on the couch, and pet the dog. Perhaps we go for a relaxing stroll together through the neighborhood on a nice night. When we are having a rough day, our dogs are the first to put their heads on our laps and give us a paw as if to say, "I'm here. Give me a hug. It will all be okay." Our dogs give us so much. Why not give them the love and attention they deserve in return.

Pet the Puppy: It's good for you and it's good for them. It's the power of touch. Take a moment a few times a day to sit with your dog and give him or her a good pet. It is as relaxing for them as it is for you.

Go for a W-A-L-K: Most dog owners know you can't say that word too loud when the dog is around. Although you may have been referring to the popular Pantera song when you mentioned the word walk, your dog will probably take it out of context. Beethoven will be running into the room at any moment and dropping his leash at your feet. Not only is it healthy for you to get out for a bit, it's good for your dog's body and mental health as well. Taking a moment to smell the roses (or, you know, anything else that sticks out of the ground) helps stimulate a dogs brain activity. Give your dog the gift of the great outdoors.

Get a Massage: ... for your dog. Like with humans, receiving a massage on a regular basis is good for relaxation and to rid the body of toxins. Dog massage therapists are becoming more and more popular. They, however, can be a bit expensive. Often times, getting a massage for your dog can be more costly than getting a massage for yourself. So learn the basics. Give your dog the love he deserves by giving him or her a good rub down. Curious how to massage your dog? There are a lot of great resources available to you.

Remember, your dog has stressful days, too. Help him live longer by providing him with the proper therapies.

Quick Steps to Rejuvenation

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:51:52 -0500

Whether or not you work in an office, I'm sure many of us are familiar with what it is like to sit at a computer for hours on end. Sitting at a desk can cause problems with in the back, shoulders, and neck. Staring at a computer screen can do a number on your eyes. With that, come headaches, blurred vision, and even toothaches. But let's face it, we're busy. We don't always have the time to do much about it.

Below are a few problems that frequently occur from looking at a computer screen for too long. Try out a few of the following techniques. They only take a few seconds yet they can leave you feeling completely rejuvenated.

Sinus Headaches and Allergies: Use your index and middle fingers on both hands to push on, above, and below your check bones.

Frontal and Sinus Headaches: Use three fingers from each hand and place them right above your eyebrows. Don't glide, put press your fingers from left to right up to your hairline

Tension Headaches, Third Eye Headaches, and Sinuses: Put your thumbs in your eye socket area just below your eyebrow bone and push up.

Stress and Tension Throughout Body: Using one hand, make a triangle with your three middle fingers. Place those finger tips just above the bridge of your nose and apply pressure.

Temporal Headaches: Move four fingers in a circular motion all around your temporal muscle.

Let your fingers work some magic and get feeling better fast! These suggestions were taken from the Chicago Tribune.

Massage Oils

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:59:30 -0500

There is no doubt that massage therapists have been using massage oils for an extraordinarily long time. The primary purpose of massage oils is to allow the massage therapists hands to move smoothly over the patient's skin. They typically contain elements that promote well-being and nourish the skin. Today, there are quite a few different types of massage oils. Before a massage, you may want to talk with your massage therapist (or with your client) as which oil is the best one to use for that massage.

Here are a few different types of massage oils and what they do.

Almond Oil: This oil has a slightly sweet and nutty scent. It spreads easily and is not too greasy. It is good for softening and hydrating skin.

Sunflower oil: Sunflower oil comes from, you guessed it, sunflowers! It contains many fatty acids and is used in many cosmetic formulas. It is light and non-greasy.

Grapeseed Oil: The scent is sweet with a hint of nut. Grapeseed oil is very rejuvenating and moisturizing. It has a very smooth finish. It never hurts to blend a bit of grapeseed oil with other types of massage oils. A neat fact is that it is a byproduct of winemaking!

Coconut Oil: Who doesn't love the smell of coconut! Some great benefits of this type of oil is its low cost and improbability to stain sheets.

Jojoba Oil: This oil does not irritate the skin and, thus, is good for just about any skin type. It is good to use of people who have back acne. The scent is not sweet like many of the other oils. The downside is that it is generally a bit of the expensive side.

Wheat Germ Oil: This is a great oil for aromatherapy treatments and to establish younger-looking skin. It is also good for eliminating stretch marks and scar tissue.

Sesame Oil: Since it is so oily, it is generally a good to blend it with other oils for massage use. It is a good oil to use to treat excessive dryness, bloating, anxiety and poor circulation.

Which Type of Massage?

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:14:07 -0500

Massage therapy has been practiced for an extraordinarily long time. In recent years, massage has become more and more popular both as a career and as a therapy. I have read that there are well over 150 different types of massage therapies available to learn or to receive. So let's take a look at a few different types.

Swedish Massage. This type of massage therapy is the most common. A Swedish Massage focuses on the topmost layer of muscles, making it a relaxing and rejuvenating type of massage.

Deep Tissue Massage. If you have troublesome parts in your body that require extra attention, you may want to consider receiving a Deep Tissue Massage. It is a great type of massage to treat muscle injuries and chronic tension patterns. The technique itself focuses on muscles, tendons, and tissues under the skin.

Chair Massage. This is the type of massage often offered in malls or at fairs. Done in is chair, hence the name, this type of massage is typically shorter in length (usually between 5 and 20 minutes in length). A chair massage typically consists of a brief massage of your arms, back, neck, and shoulders.

Sports Massage. Sports Massages are great for promoting flexibility and, in turn, prevent injury. This type of massage features approaches features to help athletes before, during, and after sporting events.

Perhaps you are looking to receive a massage, but you have no idea which type of therapy will provide the best massage for you. Talk with your local massage therapist. They can customize a massage treatment for you or maybe refer you to a massage therapist more familiar with the technique you would need.

Or maybe you want to become a massage therapist but you don't know which massage method is the best to learn. Find a massage school that will teach you a few basic varieties and grow from there. Just because you have become a licensed massage therapist, it doesn't mean you can't continue to learn. The beauty of massage therapy is that you can spend a lifetime of learning. Perhaps you heard about a particularly cool massage therapy while in school that you didn't have the chance to master. Find somebody who knows it and learn from them or take a specialized class. Master new skills while spending time with other massage therapists.

Learn about the about techniques and more through our massage therapy program.

6 Top Reasons for Massage

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:32:54 -0500

There is no reason to doubt the benefits of touch. Touch is the reason massages feel as good as they do. Recently, more and more hospitals have been making massage a standard therapy because of the multiple other health benefits they provide.

Deep Sleep. Massages multiply the delta waves in your brain. Delta waves help you relax, sleep, and dream.

Less Colds. By receiving a massage, you will increase the amount of immunity cells in your body. This means you will get sick less.

Less Pain. Get rid of your back pain (or just about any pain) with a massage. Massages even seem to help with the pain associated with migraines, labor, and cancer.

Improve Brain Power. A 15 minute chair massage can increase alertness and improve attention.

Be Happy. Massages decreases the amount of cortisol and increases the amounts of serotonin and dopamine in your system. That combination causes less stress, depression, and anxiety.

Go Away, PMS. That's right. Some studies have shown that massages can ease PMS symptoms. A massage can help with water retention, pain, and mood swings.

Get a massage (or two) and see what it helps you with. Our student massage clinic offers 75 minute massages for just $25. On a budget? Like us on Facebook for a discount at our massage clinic.

Grand Opening

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:25:09 -0500

We want to give a big shout out to SOLEX grad Adam. On Saturday, September 3rd, Adam will be opening his very own massage practice and hair salon!

Come visit the grand opening on Saturday at 4:30pm. Fun and festivities will surely ensue. It is located at 759 W. Main Street in Lake Zurich, IL. If you need more info, please feel free to call us!

Congrats and best of luck Adam.

Gossip on the Massage Table

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:54:45 -0500

Within the massage world, there exists certain ethics and practices that one must adhere to. Not unlike a salon, the massage table is a place ripe for stories, chit chat, and gossip. But where is the line drawn?

A positive relationship between the practitioner and the client is very important. Conversation can build trust and break down barriers of awkwardness. But one must tread that line very carefully. Being an open ear can really positively impact your practice, but a therapist must approach this technique with fervor and grace. Spreading gossip, or letting a conversation seep from the table teeters on an unethical line. Losing this trust with your clients isnt' only unethical, but can ruin your practice.

In specific regard to the potential unprofessional ism of gossip, the NCBTMB's code of ethics includes the following three statements:

Clause VII - Massage therapists shall conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and respect the inherent worth of all persons.
Clause VIII - Massage therapists shall refuse to unjustly discriminate against clients or health professionals.
Clause IX - Massage therapists shall safeguard the confidentiality of all client information, unless disclosure is requested by the client in writing, is medically necessary, required by law or necessary for the protection of the public.

Under Standard I - Professionalism, the NCBTMB's Standards of Practice include the following sub-articles that could be forgotten when gossiping:

Do not falsely impugn the reputation of any colleague.

Seems simple enough. But avoiding gossip can be difficult sometimes. So approach each situation carefully. One misstep can jeopardize your entire career. The golden rule is still the standard, esepcially in any situation involving gossip. Would you want people repeating stuff about you? Being a good massage therapist may seem to be isolated to the table, but many clients look for respect and trust.

Turning Massage Dreams into Reality

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:29:21 -0500

Learning massage is an essential feat in becoming a helpful member of the 'health and wellness' family. But simply learning the how to knead, press, squeeze, and rub doesn't make one a massage therapist. Adding the necessary skills and knowledge can help one be better rounded in the field of health and wellness. That alone is not enough. Mixing passion into what drives you is what is needed to succeed in massage therapy.

As the economy continues to go through woes, certain careers are growing with unlimited potential. However, this creates a riff, as when jobs become more abundant, there tends to be an influx of people pursuing said jobs. Massage therapists are needed and wanted more than ever. But in light of this, making yourself more marketable as a massage therapist is paramount. After completing a certificate program, many therapists move on to practice massage in a variety of different fashions.

Spas, medical centers, sport's teams, and hospitals all look for massage therapists. But those who really want to turn their dream into a reality turn their sites to the business world. While opening a spa isn't feasible for everyone, many massage therapists are finding happiness and success by mixing their love for massage with their passions in the health world. Whether combining a massage clinic with a skin center, workout facility, or day spa, the possibilities are endless for creating a unique business opportunity.

The more creative a massage therapist can get, the more marketable they become as therapists. The world of massage therapy is growing on continual news of the practical and beneficial nature of massage. But, by combining massage practices with other health and wellness areas, therapists are finding new ways to service the world through massage!

Stress in the Workplace Meets its Nemesis

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:27:54 -0500

Stress and depression are two symptoms ailing the professional community in modern times. Both these ailments are very taxing on corporations and individuals. According to the American Institute of Stress, workplace stress costs the nation more than $300 billion each year in health care, missed work and stress reduction efforts. These figures are staggering from a professional standpoint, but what about for the individual?

A new report shows depression is a global problem, affecting 121 million people worldwide. Depression can affect a person's ability to work and form relationships, and can simply destroy one's quality of life. These results are attributed at a greater rate to those living in higher income areas. Whether you feel empathy or sympathy for someone in being depressed while living in a higher social stratosphere, one can't ignore that depression leads to 850,000 suicides each year. According to a University of Rochester study, job stress and a lack of social support in the workplace were associated with major episodes of depression in men.

A clear distinction can be drawn between the hazards work has on the stress level of an individual. Unfortunately, there isn't a clear solution to work being a drag on a person's mental health. There has to be something that ease the impact of 21st century. A study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Florida, found that massage eases anxiety and depression.

Many companies are heeding these stats and inviting massage therapists into the workplace to offer employee's a much needed break. By implementing a simple chair massage, workers will be able to unwind and relax. According to research published in a 1996 edition of The International Journal of Neuroscience, chair massage recipients experienced enhanced alertness, lower anxiety levels, less depression and lower levels of job stress.

Massage is growing in favor among many health practitioners around the world. But as times continue to be tough, the advantages of massage therapy can be seen in almost every aspect of our daily routine. By implementing a chair massage into your employee's day, companies can decrease the amount of stress building, help to create greater employer/employee relationships, and improve morale.

If you aren't sure how a massage therapist could help your company out, give one a call. Massage schools are continually teaching and preparing students to enhance the health and well-being of the rest of the world. There is nothing to lose from promoting a healthy environment of encouragement and empowerment.

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week is in October

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:40:23 -0500

October 23-29, 2011 marks the 15th anniversary of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. A big congrats to everyone for their years of hard work. For the 15th anniversary this year, chapters, individual members, schools and students are encouraged to share the benefits of massage with their community. As always, the massage community is only as progressive as our need to learn from one another. To celebrate, AMTA suggests these 15 ways to prepare for and celebrate massage therapy:

Display the NMTAW poster in public places;
Give chair massages to your area's fire department, post office or police force;
Run special promotions for your clients during the week of NMTAW;
Contact local news rooms (print, radio, TV) and offer chair massages to reporters and on-air personalities;
Tell a friend about AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist® locator service;
Host an education session on the benefits of massage for a local business or organization;
Give a portion of your massage income that week to a charity (see page 5 of the Planning, Coordination and Publicity Guide);
Obtain a mayoral or gubernatorial declaration in honor of NMTAW (see page 35 of the Planning, Coordination and Publicity Guide);
Participate in an AMTA Volunteer Connections event;
Encourage clients to sign up for AMTA’s e-touch consumer newsletter;
Update your social media status in honor of NMTAW;
Host an open house at your massage therapy practice;
Invite other health care professionals to a NMTAW activity (see page 7 of the Planning, Coordination and Publicity Guide for a sample letter);
Visit a retirement home and share how massage can benefit senior citizens, especially those with arthritis or other ailments;
In areas with massage therapy legislative opportunities, offer chair massage to public officials and employees.

So what are you waiting for? Massage therapy is in high demand, and it is up to us to further the fine art!

Unusual Relaxation

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:40:20 -0500

In this busy world, it can be challenging to find the time to do something healthy for yourself, let alone fine the time to kick back and relax. But when you are able to find an hour or so, you know that receiving a massage is an excellent way to spend the time. It is good for both the body and the mind. Massage, however, is not the only way to relax. CNN released an article early last year listing 20 very unusual relaxation techniques. Here are a few I found most fascinating.

Don't just drink wine, but swim in it too. Yunessun is a resort located near Mount Fuji. It offers the opportunity to bath (or splash) in a pool of red wine, coffee or green tea. A sign near the pool reads "Do Not Drink." Good suggestion.

Not into swimming? No worries. Another great way to get pampered is to be eaten alive by fish. Kick back, soak your feet in a stream of water, and let the little Doctor Fish eat away at your dead skin. Weird? Yeah, maybe. But I hear it works.

Perhaps you dream of having clear skin. Consider Nightingale poop. Spread it on your face for just under $20 a bottle.

Check out more unusual relaxation techniques in CNN's article.

Get to Know your Massage: Lomi Lomi

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:15:31 -0500

There are hundreds of different massage modalities circulating the massage community. As a student, it is important to expose yourself to as many as possible. Learning the different modalities expands a massage therapists practice better than specializing in just one style. That means it is important to get to know your modalities, and become familiar with the different types of massage available.

Lomilomi, meaning "massage" in the Hawaiian language, is the word used today to describe Hawaiian massage, traditionally called lomi meaning "to rub, press, squeeze, massage; to work in and out, as the claws of a contented cat". Lomilomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage.

Lomi Lomi is gaining traction in mainstream massage communities, and adds a unique flavor and spice to any therapists practice. Often times, dance moves or hula will be combined with the massage.

Traditionally in ancient Hawaii lomilomi was practiced in four contexts:

As a healing practice of native healers -- kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau (healers) and kahuna hāhā (diagnosticians)
As a luxury and an aid to digestion, especially by the ruling chiefs (aliʻi)
As restorative massage within the family
By ʻōlohe lua (masters of the Hawaiian martial arts)

Learn more on our Facebook page.

Leaders to Gather to Discuss Massage Profession

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:25:23 -0500

The massage world has a planned event of epic proportions. The meeting will consist of the leading representative’s from a myriad of massage organizations, and hold a conversation about major structural issues and impediments to profession progress. The meeting will take place Sept. 13–14 in St. Louis, Missouri, and is closed to the press and public.

Many high level parties are expected to be in attendance, including members of: Alliance for Massage Therapy Education, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, among others.

Stay tuned, as more info will be available after the event. The desire is to have candid exchange about core challenges, quality concerns, consumer expectations and organizational roles. More to come!