Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Tue, Aug 03, 2010 @ 11:30
By Tara White, LMT, MTI
In preparing for my latest workshop, TLC Massage Therapist Retreat, I've been pondering my own relationship with self care. Something I have observed in myself and other massage therapists is that we are very adept at caring for others but have a tendency to ignore our own needs.
Your Instrument
One perspective that I have used to keep myself mindful of my own needs and on the straight and narrow as far as doing what I know I should is to recall what my stage movement professor at the University of Houston said. "Your body is your instrument and you must care for that instrument so that it will be there for you." This is just as true of massage therapists as it is for performers.
For performers, he meant receiving bodywork. Ironically, that is what led me to my true love, massage therapy. For massage therapists, that does mean receiving bodywork but it also involves the daily habits of caring for our bodies - diet, exercise, etc. - and specifically caring for our hands. So many careers in body work have been shortened by poor biomechanics and hand care. It can be difficult to remember to take the time to do a few simple stretches between clients or to use a different tool (fingers, supported knuckle) when your thumbs are feeling worn out but these are the things that mark the difference between a career in massage that lasts 10 years and a career that lasts a lifetime.
Retreat and Learn
In the Massage Therapist Retreat, I intend to explore simple solutions to the biomechanical problems that plague our profession. One thing I have learned in offering home programs to my clients is that if a program is too complex or takes too long, folks just won't do it. I'm no different. So I hope to send people home with some ideas for a short routine they can do between clients.
One of the benefits of being a massage therapist is that we know all sorts of wonderful tricks to relieve muscle pain like hydrotherapy and massage itself. I frequently laugh at myself when I realize I could be using these things on myself but haven't! This workshop will explore how we can use the tools of our trade for our own benefit. We will play with hydrotherapy, self massage and, of course, a massage routine for arms and hands that can be used with other therapists or on clients.
Throughout my career, each time I've sustained an injury it has been almost like gaining a new specialty. I have shared the methods that assisted my recovery with my clients with great confidence because I know how effective they are. The ergonomics of massage therapy leave us vulnerable to many of the same repetitive use injuries that people who work with computers fall prey to. Our explorations of self care offer us the opportunity to help our clients in their own search for wellness. They look to us not only as facilitators of their own healing but as examples for healthy living. So take care of yourself!
The TLC Retreat for Massage Therapists is a massage continuing education class held annually at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School. Register online now.
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Wed, Apr 07, 2010 @ 06:00
By Tara White, LMT, MTI
Yoga has been a part of my life since elementary school when I would watch the PBS show in the mornings and follow along. Since then I have had an on again off again practice spanning 30 years and have gained two certifications, one in Kundalini yoga and one in Hatha yoga.
When I became a massage therapist, as I began to understand the relationship between bad posture, destructive movement habits and pain I looked for ways to teach my clients how to move in a way that was more supportive of their health. It was a natural fit to begin teaching yoga to my clients to support the structurally oriented work we were doing together.
In October of 2000 I was to have an opportunity to experience the healing benefits of yoga in a way I had never anticipated. A car accident left me with whiplash and a herniated disc in my already vulnerable lumbar spine. I was in great pain and had lost strength in my hands and legs. Numbness and tingling accompanied by sharp, shooting pain severely limited my activity. I couldn't stand, walk, sit or even sleep for long without demoralizing pain. 
Chiropractic and massage therapy helped relieve my symptoms temporarily but it always came back. I began doing research into MacKenzie exercises that physical therapists sometimes prescribe to their patients. I was shocked to find that they were essentially yoga postures that I had been doing for much of my life. I began a daily practice of these particular postures and reached a point that when the pain and tingling became distracting, wherever I was I got down on the floor and did my yoga. Fortunately, when you work in a massage school no one thinks anything of the teacher spontaneously moving into asanas! As time went on, the pain centralized so I no longer felt it down my leg and eventually it left me completely.
This was a powerful lesson. First, to viscerally understand the psychological as well as physical impact of chronic pain really deepened my compassion for my clients who live with their pain day in and day out, in some cases for years. Second, it was exciting and humbling to discover that while bodywork was indeed helpful, the most powerful healing tool I had at my disposal was a daily practice of yoga.
I began to think of yoga as much more than a way to exercise, relax or even as a moving meditation. It dawned on me that it was also powerful medicine.
Yoga for Structurally Oriented Bodywork: Adding yoga to your massage practice can benefit both your clients and yourself!
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 06:00
By Gayl Hubatch, OMD, LMT
Don't ignore your pain!
Pain is a message from your body that something is wrong. Your body needs help! Some people may have been told when something hurts, "Don’t touch it," "Leave it alone" or "Ignore it. It’ll go away."
This way of thinking is not good for your health. Your body communicates in many ways. Pain communicates that your help is needed now and guides you to the points that will relieve the pain.
Rub and press when it feels good to do so, but stop what you are doing when it doesn’t feel good. Don’t aggravate the pain and swelling; get in touch with the place and the surrounding tissue.
If rubbing aggravates the pain then stop rubbing. Find an acupressure point and another nearby point that feels like it could release some energy. After surveying the area, find the most painful point. Then press and hold it without moving. Relax and get comfortable. Combining two acupressure points is critical to move the excess chi (pain and swelling) away from the injuried site.
Jin Shin Do is a slow hold technique that will move the excess energy away from the trauma and circulate it back into the meridians.
You may experience a tingly, glowing, flowing feeling.
You may feel currents—some warm and some cold. Pressing points will remove the stagnant energy, which helps to restore proper circulation of blood and lymph often resulting in the reduction of pain.
Interested in learning more about Jin Shin Do? Lauterstein-Conway Massage School offers a variety of massage CE workshops. Check out our upcoming massage continuing education classes.
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Mon, Mar 08, 2010 @ 04:47 PM
"Massage therapists must be aware of what medications their clients are taking before performing massage services," MTI Tara White explains to one of the 500-hour massage training classes at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School.
Tell us what you think! As a massage therapist, what are your experiences with massage and medication? What other medications should massage therapists be aware of before beginning bodywork on a new client?
Take this class: Lauterstein-Conway Massage School is
now enrolling.
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Fri, Feb 26, 2010 @ 02:00 PM
By Hjalmar Perez, January 2010 Intensive Student
Week 6 of massage school is almost wrapping up. I'm totally in awe of how much we have covered so far. Last week we had our first Swedish massage practical exam, and the experience was incredible. Cindy, our Wednesday instructor, fittingly called it a 'celebration!' I'm not necessarily sure I was ready to call it that just yet, but I could definitely sense the positive energy in the classroom - a mix between excitement, anxiety and nervousness. Fortunately, I had the chance to practice a few days earlier on the actual classmate I would be demonstrating my technique on, so there was a certain level of comfort and familiarity that definitely came in handy.
No doubt the whole experience was extremely positive.
As an engineer who has worked on developing processes for educating people of diverse backgrounds, I am impressed at how all the material and classes was organized in order to provide us with all the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed in our first practical massage. I especially found the "Guided Full Body" massage practice session we did Friday with Christopher and Christina before the practical exam to be extremely helpful, insightful and inspirational.
Beside helping us experience the pace at which we needed to go at in order to complete the routine in under 70 minutes, I found it inspirational when Christopher had us come together in a circle in the middle of the room before starting the practice session. He reminded us to have fun giving the massage and then had us touch elbows with those next to us in the circle (got to keep those hands clean!) This action made me feel part of something bigger than myself -- plus brought back the awareness of how much positive growth was happenning in that moment in time -- within me and around me.
I joined the intensive massage therapy training program looking for a new challenge and plenty of growth. No doubt I found the place.
Hjalmar Perez, Massage School Student I was born in in Panama, Central America — host to one of the wonders of the modern world, the Panama Canal. Spent the first two decades of my life there, going through elementary/secondary school and practicing HapKiDo, a Korean art of self-defense. Played some classical guitar and drew a lot. Helped run my parent's ceramic shop. Years later realized that it was at this shop where I first met Melissa, the woman who twenty years later I would marry. Moved to Austin to study Electrical and Computer Engineering at UT. Did my senior project with a (then small) company in town, National Instruments (NI) and got hired full time after graduation. Got married. Worked with many talented and passionate individuals. Had the opportunity to take on an overseas assignment which granted me the chance to experience the amazing country and people of Hungary.
Passionate about being part of the community. Member of the Committee of Managers at the NW Austin YMCA for the past 4 years. Currently chairman of the Membership Task Force at the same branch. Suffered a heart attack in April 2007 while training for first Triathlon in spite of eating well, exercising, and having no family history (genetics, we figured...). My thirst to gain a better understanding about my own body led me to become a personal trainer. Currently teaching functional strength classes at YMCA and training for my first Tri - second time is the charm?
With the support of my wife, left my full-time job early this year to pursue massage therapy school. Volunteered to contribute to the school's blog. Having a blast being back in school and getting to share and learn with lots of wonderful, compassionate people. Will look for software design consulting gigs when the rhythm of school settles in. (I promise, honey.)
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Thu, Feb 11, 2010 @ 10:00
Interview courtesy of Heartland
Randy Cummins has had a private massage therapy practice in Chicago, Illinois for over 20 years, and has taught massage continuing education workshops at Lauterstein-Conway Massage School for nearly as long.
His expertise, humor and perspective have helped thousands of massage school students and practicing massage therapists access the deepest principles of massage therapy.
Part One of this interview discusses the emergence of the massage movement in Chicago, and also Randy's story - how he came to massage therapy (3:56). Culture and history of bodywork come up, too (7:47).
In Part Two, Randy Cummins talks about the types of massage (0:41-3:05, throughout) and the importance of the individual and massage therapy treatment (3:06).
Part Three talks about how to organize a massage therapy session depending on the day, the client and the evolution of the "place" the client and therapist are in. Whether it is changing the music, actively listening or working instinctively, every massage session is different. (0:00-3:00). Catch a mention of David Lauterstein, too! (4:50).
Bliss out.
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Mon, Feb 01, 2010 @ 04:00 PM
By Dara Allen-Trainer, TLCschool Retail Manager and Customer Service Specialist
30% off Relaxation & Wellness CD’s, 30% off Biotone Aromatherapy Essential Oils, 30% off Ancient Medicine & Touch Posters
Are you a massage therapist? Do you have a friend or family member who is a massage therapist? Are you a student at TLC? Do you know someone who needs to relax and rejuvenate? Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then our massage supplies sale will benefit you!
TLCschool Store has a variety of massage supplies and relaxation gifts that promote a healthy lifestyle or a massage clinic.
WELLNESS & RELAXATION CDs...30% off!
Many physicians & healers consider sound therapy one of the most profound healing modalities. As a result, several health spas and doctor clinics, interested in extending music therapy, are providing relaxation music to help with their client's health & well-being.
The great thing about relaxation music CDs is that, regardless of your location, popping in your favorite CD will immediately bring calm. You can listen to your relaxation music in your car, calming yourself before (or after) a tough day at work, you can listen to your relaxation music at work to help keep your stress level in check, and you can listen to relaxation music while at home, dealing with the day-to-day issues life brings our way. In other words, anywhere you go, your ability to put relaxation music CDs to work for you follows!
Therapeutic Neck Pillows $12.00
When used 20 minutes each day, these pillows help to restore the natural neck curve. Pillows that support the neck maintain the proper cervical curve; providing a deep area for the head to rest and a supportive area to keep the neck in alignment. The comfort and wellness of your neck will not only allow for more proper sleep, but relieves headaches, back pain, neck tension, soreness and stress.
Neck pillows are used to help maintain the normal anterior curve of the cervical spine during rest by giving great support. They can also be used under the back or the knees. Perfect for travel and support during daily activities such as watching television or reading.
Wonderful for relaxation segments in yoga programs, especially for people with neck issues.
Herbal Silk Eye Pillows $12.00
Quiet your mind and relax your entire body with a herbal silk eye pillow. Made from 100% silk and handmade in Austin, these aromatherapy eye pillows contain: flax seed - cooling effect, rosemary - used to relieve mental fatigue, analgesic, stimulant, anti-rheumatic rose oil - relaxant, antispasmodic mint - refresher lavendar oil- anti-depressant relieves nervous tension, restorative. Perfect for relaxing eyes during massages and spa treatments. Ideal for meditation, headache relief and promoting restful deep sleep. Fantastic for travel. Soothes headaches, tired eyes and promotes restful deep sleep.
*For spa use place a tissue between the client's eyes and the eye pillow for hygienic purposes.
Hand-woven Blankets $15.00
These soft hand-woven blankets have a wonderful striped design and are intended for use in yoga and massage. The bright, beautiful blankets are made from a blend of cotton and acrylic to resist mildew, retain integrity and can safely be machine washed.
Whether you are in need of added comfort in reclining, restorative & meditative positions or extra support in seated & kneeling poses, these blankets provide additional cushioning needed in your regular Yoga practice.
Also great for use on the massage table, these blankets provide warmth, weight and coziness to massage clients. Available in an array of soothing colors!
*By their handmade nature, each will vary slightly.
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Mon, Jan 25, 2010 @ 11:26
By Belinda Mendoza, local feng shui consultant
When it comes to creating a professional massage space that promotes well-being and relaxation, most massage therapists have a good idea what it takes. Gentle music, for example, contributes to making a client feel calm and nurtured. But there are also commonly overlooked details, such as the angle of a massage table, that have a great impact on a client's experience.
According to feng shui, the ancient art and science of placement and space planning, can also have a dramatic effect on a massage therapist's feelings, not to mention his or her professional reputation and monetary success.
For the last 3,500 years, the Chinese have used feng shui - literally "wind and water" - to harmonize environments by balancing the flow of universal life energy, known as chi. Feng shui is a method for seeing life in a holistic way and trying to recreate that symbolically within one's home or healing environment.
To achieve this end, feng shui practitioners work to balance the opposing energies of yin and yang. Yin elements are receptive, cold, and soft, while yang is active, hot, and compact. Feng shui also draws on the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood in order to mindfully organize your environment so that it fully supports you in your life.
Key Feng Shui Design Tips For Success
From the moment a client gets out of the car, you want them to realize they are entering a nurturing environment. To initiate this feeling, feng shui wisdom suggests you start by making sure your name and address are clearly visible, you have a plant outside your door, and the entry is unobstructed, warmly lit, and inviting.
Next, if you have a long hallway leading to your office or perhaps to your practice rooms, it may create too much energy or "racing chi." In order to slow down that energy, consider adding rounded tables, plants, or pictures.
In a [wellness] practice, you want to have soft edges, nothing sharp or pointed because you are dealing with people who are vulnerable and need to be treated gently. This tip might translate into soft, fluffy waiting room chairs and gentle lighting. You'll want to keep the waiting room free from clutter, but be sure to adorn it with appealing artwork, a few healthy plants, and ideally the element of water, such as a bubbling fountain.
In fact, if placed in the southeast or "money" corner of your space, water is thought to bring good luck in the area of finances.
The colors you choose for your walls can make a huge impact on how clients experience your space and that, too, may ultimately contribute to the financial success of your business. For both the waiting area and practice rooms, choose colors that are soft, such as skin tones or perhaps muted shades of green, since this color is associated with healing, growth, and new energy. Be sure to keep practice rooms a comfortable temperature, warmly lit, and well laid out.
Having a client's head right near the door does not impart them with a feeling of safety. You also don't them in the 'death position' with the feet facing directly out the door. Often times putting the table at an angle and using a screen near the door can give your client a very needed sense of comfort and power.
Add shiny, metal touches to your administrative area to increase precision, and use natural candles or sparkle lights to conjure up the notion of enlightenment associated with the element of fire.
While many of these recommendations may seem fairly intuitive, it is often difficult to see one's own environment with fresh eyes. Therefore, having the help of a feng shui practitioner can make all the difference. By using their heightened intuition along with either a special compass or an energetic map known as the bagua, a practitioner can pinpoint the exact energies of a specific practice space. Paying attention to these details will ultimately help the massage therapist achieve the most enlightened intention for his or her practice - a feat that will benefit both therapist and client.
Belinda Mendoza is the Owner and Director of Operations for Design For Energy, an Austin-based feng shui consulting firm. She has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Practitioner since 1996.
Design for Energy specializes in Feng Shui for Green Design, Feng Shui for Real Estate, Feng Shui for Commercial Properties and Feng Shui for Space Clearing.
Check out Design For Energy's eNewsletter The Art of Harmonious Living and the Red Program for discounts on their consultations and more.
Posted by Jennifer Shaw on Tue, Jun 30, 2009 @ 12:16 PM
Often times, remaining mindful during multiple 90-minute massage sessions is difficult, but massage therapists who are able to apply advanced massage modality techniques will find even the most basic Swedish massage session easier and more rewarding to perform.
For example, massage therapists can utilize Chinese medicine's Four Pillars of Examination, often used in Asian Bodywork therapies, to remain mindful durning a long stretch of massage sessions.
First Things First
What is Asian Bodywork? The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia says, "Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) is the treatment of the human body, mind and spirit, including the electromagnetic or energetic field which surrounds, infuses and brings that body to life, by using pressure and/or manipulation."
Four Pillars of Examination
The Chinese Four Pillars of examination are often used as a method of assessment and evaluation in Asian Bodywork modalities, but they can also be applied in a massage therapist's everyday Swedish massage or deep tissue practice as a way to remain mindful during a session.
- Observation: See what is in front of you and understand the implications of it.
- Listening: Take in and process information with an open mind and without judgment.
- Asking: Ask questions to clarify your observations and interpretations as well as help you design your session to meet the needs of each individual.
- Touching: Mindfully approach you session and apply compassionate technique.
The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia says, "In Asian Bodywork, assessments are based primarily on Chinese Medicine parameters relating to the balance and circulation of the Five Essential Substances: Qi, Jing, Shen, Xue, Jin-ye."
What other advanced modality techniques can you use in your daily practice to make you a more effective massage therapist?