There’s little doubt that the health care industry is one to watch in an economy rife with lay-off. In fact, it is looking to buck the trend. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the health care industry should generate 3 million new jobs through 2016–that’s more than any other industry. Massage therapy, in particular, should represent a substantial part of that growth.

So What’s the Rub? Career Profile
Perhaps the biggest benefit to this medical-based career is the diversity. As opposed to being funneled into a common role, message therapy professionals often shape their career over time. Personal choices with respect to work hours, independence, and choice of practice locations and types open up the career to endless possibilities.

Potential earnings for massage therapists are also an attraction. The BLS lists the 2007 median annual salary of massage therapy specialists at $34,870. The top ten percent earned $70,840 and the bottom earned $16,000. Geographic location and years of experience also may play a substantial role in determining salary level.

Beyond the Technique: Educational Requirements
Another benefit is the sensible preparation periods, particularly for those candidates reluctant to spend several years and several tens of thousands of dollars on a traditional healthcare degree program. Many programs can be completed within two years of part-time study at a fraction of the bachelor-degree price tag.

The BLS also reports that there are roughly 1,500 massage therapy postsecondary schools, college programs and training programs throughout the country. So just who becomes a massage therapist? The American Massage Therapy Association reveals that of its membership, 85 percent of AMTA members are female and 15 percent are male. Over half of AMTA members are ages 35 to 54, with the median age at 44.

Bring on the Masseur! Industry Future
The demand for massage therapists is projected to grow by 20 percent over the coming decade, which is faster than the national average for all occupations through 2016. The natural population growth, an aging society, and the interest in holistic healthcare are all factors that should drive career opportunities.

Time Saving Tips
The following to-do list represents a collection of suggestions for the AMTA on earning certification and finding work in the massage therapy career:
• Complete a Program. Earn certification from a school that’s accredited in your area. Call a program representative from any program you’re considering to confirm accreditation.
• Pass the NCETMB. That’s the exam that earns you national certification in the practice of massage therapy. Complete it and you can earn instant nationwide recognition.
• Meet Locality Requirements. Again, every state and municipality has its own additional certification requirements. Know them and meet them.

Imagine getting paid to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and increase flexibility. Today’s massage therapists are doing it every day.

Kelli Smith is the senior editor for http://www.Edu411.org Edu411.org lists massage therapy schools and training programs for those interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelli_D_Smith

If you don’t believe in psychic power and the power of the mind and will, then you’ve never witnessed a master of Qigong. The masters can do amazing feats. Many scientists have recorded then and attempt to explain how they occur. Masters of the art of Qigong harness their energy and make it stronger. Some believe that it encourages neural pathways to develop between the right and left side of the brain. Scientists already know that one side controls the logical, the planning, the thinking side and the other controls the creative. It makes sense that creating the bridge would allow an increase in their energy force.

In the case of Qigong, practice does make perfect. It increases as the student learns to focus intently, build concentration and will. It uses body movements and meditation to do this. Depending on the area the master chooses to develop his skill, he may develop the ability to move objects, start fires, heal at close proximity or at a distance or develop other psychic powers. Many of these feats are recorded both in writing and on video. The practitioners didn’t demonstrate the abilities before they started their training. The training brought their abilities to the foreground and allowed them to use them. It allowed them to tap into what they already possessed.

Studies on meditation show a change in brain patterns. As the person practicing meditation progresses and becomes more accomplished eventually all the brain pattern is the alpha wave. The alpha wave is the one that occurs when people learn the best and perform psychic acts.

Studies into quantum physics confirm the potential for psychic phenomena. The smallest particles are no longer the atom. They are smaller than the electron. These particles are moved throughout the atom with energy. They make a quantum leap from one shell to another and change the very structure of the matter where they exist. Consider someone that has the ability to focus energy and the desire to change a substance. Let us take a look at the Qigong master that heals. He focuses on the virus or diseased cells and uses his energy to change the matter into healthy cells. It is logical and feasible that this feat is possible.

In many of the Eastern practices like Qigong, a form of Tai Chi, the self needs to be quieted. Pride has no place in Qigong. The reason is twofold. First, it elevates the role of the practitioner to creator. He is not, he only directs the energy already in place and provided to him. The second is that it changes the focus of the practitioner from the outcome to himself. This blocks the energy. This takes a great deal of training and self will to do. It is normal for people to crave the attention when they accomplish a major feat.

Anyone can learn these abilities. It takes dedication to advance to the great levels that the masters posses. Some that study the art of Qigong may start into the study to make themselves healthier or even for the hope of psychic ability and perhaps a quick trip to Las Vegas, but find that the more they develop, the less they choose to use the power for self advancement and the more they choose to improve humanity.

By: conradraw

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

“Conrad Raw is an expert on practical techniques for personal and spiritual development. He is a bestselling co-author with Wayne Dyer and Brian Tracy and is the author of “The Zensation Manual: Forbidden Secrets of Personal and Spiritual Development”. How To Develop Psychic Powers Visit his website to get your free video course on how to activate your true potential. Psychic Power”

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Thiomersal fact sheet

Summary

Thiomersal (also known as thimerosal) is a mercury-based preservative used in some vaccines. The level of mercury in vaccines is very low and there is no evidence that thiomersal in vaccines has caused any health problems except minor reactions, such as redness at the injection site. However, because of the potential risk of harm from mercury, thiomersal was removed from most childhood vaccines as a precautionary measure. Follow up studies in children and adults have not shown any harmful effects from thiomersal in vaccines.

The following commonly asked questions are answered in this fact sheet:

• What is thiomersal?
• What is mercury?
• How much mercury is harmful?
• How much mercury exposure results from vaccines?
• What studies have been done to look at the health effects of thiomersal in vaccines?
• Why was thiomersal removed from childhood vaccines if there is no danger?
• What about vaccines for adults?
• Which vaccines contain thiomersal?
• Table 1:Thiomersal-free vaccines available for use in infants and children in Australia
• Table 2: Vaccines available in Australia that contain thiomersal
• Further reading
• Online resources - updated

What is thiomersal?

Thiomersal, also known as thimerosal, is an organic compound containing 49.6% ethylmercury by weight. It has been used in very small amounts in some vaccines since the 1930s to prevent bacterial and fungal contamination, particularly in multidose vials where withdrawing repeated doses from the same vial was more likely to result in contamination.

In 1999 concerns were raised in the United States that the total amount of mercury, from thiomersal in vaccines given in the infant immunisation schedule, would potentially exceed the recommended level set by a US government agency. There were no studies indicating that the ethylmercury in thiomersal had caused harmful effects in children (except for occasional redness at the injection site), however it was recommended that thiomersal be removed from many childhood vaccines to eliminate any potential risk. Since that time much more information has been gathered regarding thiomersal (ethylmercury).

What is mercury?

Mercury is a metal occurring naturally in the environment. Mercury is found in three main forms: metallic mercury which gives rise to mercury vapour, inorganic mercury (a form in the environment and in animal tissues) and organic mercury (the two main forms of which are methylmercury and ethylmercury). These various forms of mercury are found in the air, earth, aquatic sediment, in fish (particularly in long lived fish such as sharks), and are used in industrial processes, dental fillings, thermometers, and vaccines.

The two organic forms of mercury, methylmercury and ethylmercury (in thiomersal), are closely related but they have important differences. Methylmercury is more potent; it accumulates in the body because the time taken for the body to eliminate it (know as the half life) is about 50 days. Ethylmercury (in thiomersal) does not accumulate in the body to such an extent, because its half life is only about 7-10 days. Ethylmercury is rapidly converted in the body to inorganic mercury, which is excreted in the stool. Mercury can have harmful effects on the central nervous system, skin and kidneys, but most cases of the toxic effects of mercury have been from methylmercury, not ethylmercury.

How much mercury is harmful?

Mercury is harmful only after it reaches a certain level in the body. The toxicity depends on the amount of mercury consumed in relation to body weight, over a period of time. Therefore, because of their size, infants are at greater risk than adults. Different expert bodies have determined that safe levels of mercury consumption lie somewhere between 0.7 µg/kg body weight/week (Environmental Protection Agency, USA) to 3.3 µg/kg of body weight/week (World Health Organization). These values indicate levels of exposure that can be tolerated, and have been deliberately calculated to be much lower than the level at which harm might occur. For example the EPA level is ten times below the lowest level calculated as causing harm, so there is a large built-in safety margin. In addition, these levels refer to methylmercury, whereas thiomersal is converted to ethylmercury, which is broken down and excreted more rapidly and does not accumulate in the body like methylmercury.

How much mercury exposure results from vaccines?

In Australia, thiomersal has been removed from all routine childhood vaccines since 2000.The exception is one type of Hepatitis B vaccine which contains a greatly reduced amount of thiomersal (see Table 1 below). When thiomersal-containing vaccines were being used before 2000, the maximum number of doses of thiomersal-containing vaccines a 6 month old child might have received was as follows: 3 doses each of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine, and 3 doses of Hib vaccine. This would have resulted in a total intake of 175 µg of ethylmercury, which is equivalent to about 1.9 µg/kg body weight per week, for an average-sized baby. This level is well below the World Health Organization (WHO) limit for methylmercury discussed above. Two studies measuring mercury levels in the blood in infants given thiomersal-containing vaccines have indicated that their blood concentrations of mercury did not rise above designated levels, except possibly transiently in a premature infant less than 1kg in weight.

In many countries thiomersal continues to be used in vaccines. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GAVSC) of the WHO has concluded that “there is currently no evidence of mercury toxicity in infants, children or adults exposed to thiomersal-containing vaccines” and that “there is no reason to change current immunisation practices with thiomersal-containing vaccines on the grounds of safety”.

What studies have been done to look at the health effects of thiomersal in vaccines?

Many studies in Denmark, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom have now shown that there is no evidence of developmental or neurologic abnormalities resulting from the use of vaccines containing thiomersal. In 2004 a report by the Institutes of Medicine, an independent expert body in the United States, concluded that there is no association between autism and vaccines that contain thiomersal. Also in 2004 an extensive review of all the studies on thiomersal-containing vaccines and autism and neurodevelopmental disorders was published in the journal Pediatrics. Studies looking at autism, mental retardation, speech disorders, and attention deficit disorder, as well as other conditions were reviewed. Overall, the evidence indicated that autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are not associated with thiomersal in vaccines. The reviewers noted that the epidemiologic studies done that suggest a link (notably only by one pair of authors) “have significant design flaws that invalidate their conclusions.”

Why was thiomersal removed from childhood vaccines if there is no danger?

Although there has been a lack of evidence that thiomersal in vaccines is harmful, the recommendations to remove it from vaccines were made for two main reasons. Firstly, it was to reduce exposure in very small premature babies with low body weight in whom there was a theoretical risk that the intake of mercury from repeated doses of thiomersal-containing vaccines could have been high. Secondly, the intent has been to reduce total exposure to mercury in babies and young children in a world where other environmental sources (particularly in food such as fish) may be more difficult to eliminate. Along with these recommendations, guidelines have been developed on limiting the consumption of certain types of fish, particularly in the diet of pregnant women and young children. This advice is available at http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/whatsinfood/.

In the place of thiomersal, preservatives have either been eliminated from single dose vaccine vials or alternative preservatives have been used. Multidose vaccine vials for are no longer used for routine immunisation in Australia, so the risk of bacterial contamination from withdrawing repeated doses of vaccine is minimal.

What about vaccines for adults?

The levels of mercury in adults resulting from thiomersal-containing vaccines are so low that experts do not recommend removal of thiomersal from vaccines for adolescents or adults. The vaccines available in Australia that currently contain thiomersal are listed below in Table 2.

Which vaccines contain thiomersal?

All vaccines on the current Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule (ASVS) for infants and children under the age of 8 years are now free of thiomersal. The exception is the one of the infant hepatitis B vaccines, Engerix-B paediatric formulation, which contains a greatly reduced amount of thiomersal (2 µg per dose). The following tables list the vaccines used in Australia that are thiomersal free and vaccines that contain thiomersal.

Table 1: Thiomersal-free vaccines available for use in infants and children in Australia

Vaccine Trade Name
Manufacturer

Hepatitis B
H-B-VaxII* preservative-free paediatric formulation
CSL/Merck Sharpe & Dohme

DTPa
Infanrix and Tripacel
GlaxoSmithKline, CSL

DTPa-hepatitis B
Infanrix-Hep B
GlaxoSmithKline

DTPa-IPV
Infanrix-IPV
GlaxoSmithKline

DTPa-hepatitis B-IPV
Infanrix-Penta
GlaxoSmithKline

DTPa-hepatitis B-IPV-Hib B PRPT
Infanrix-Hexa
GlaxoSmithKline

Hepatitis B - Hib B PRP-OMP
Comvax
CSL

Haemophilus influenza B OMP
Liquid PedVaxHIB
Merck Sharpe & Dohme

Haemophilus influenzae B PRPT
ActHib)
Pasteur Mérieux

Haemophilus influenzae B HbOC
HibTITER
Lederle

Measles, mumps, rubella
MMR II, Priorix
CSL, GlaxoSmithKline

Meningococcal group C conjugate vaccines
Meningitec, Menjugate, NeisVac-C
Wyeth, CSL, Baxter

Oral polio vaccine
OPV
CSL

Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)
IPOL
Aventis Pasteur

Polysaccharide pueumococcal vaccine
Pneumovax 23
Merck Sharpe & Dohme

7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Prevenar
Lederle

Varicella vaccine
Varilrix
GlaxoSmithKline

Varicella vaccine
Varivax
CSL/Merck Sharpe & Dohme

Influenza vaccine
Vaxigrip, Fluvax
Aventis Pasteur,
CSL

Table 2: Vaccines available in Australia that contain thiomersal

Vaccine
Trade Name
Manufacturer
Dose of thiomersal

Combined diphtheria and tetanus vaccine
CDT
CSL
50 micrograms

Adult diphtheria and tetanus vaccine
ADT
CSL
50 micrograms

Diphtheria vaccine

CSL
50 micrograms

Hepatitis B
Engerix B Adult
GlaxoSmithKline
<2 micrograms

*Influenza vaccines
Fluarix, Influvac, Fluvax
GlaxoSmithKline, Solvay, CSL
50 micrograms

Japanese encephalitis vaccine
JE Vax
CSL
35 micrograms

Q fever vaccine
Q vax
CSL
50 micrograms

*Thiomersal-free influenza vaccines are listed in Table 1

Further reading

1. Mercury and vaccines (Thimerosal). Centers for Disease Control. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

2. American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), United States Public Health Service (PHS). Joint Statement concerning removal of thimerosal from vaccines. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

3. Centers for Disease Control. Mercury and vaccines Fact Sheet. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

4. Recommendations regarding the use of vaccines that contain thimerosal as a preservative. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1999. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

5. Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review Committee, Stratton K, Gable A, McCormick MC, editors. 2001. Thimerosal-containing vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

6. Institute of Medicine Immunization Safety Review Committee. Vaccines and Autism. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2004, in press Prepublication review available at http://books.nap.edu/catalog/10997.html (accessed November 23, 2004)

7. Institute of Medicine Press Release. MMR Vaccine and Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines Are Not Associated With Autism. May 18, 2004. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

8. European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA). Statement on thiomersal in vaccines. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

9. Thiomersal and vaccines:questions and answers. World Health Organisation. Scientific papers. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

10. Parker SK, Schwartz B, Todd J and Pickering LK. Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Critical Review of Published Original Data. Pediatrics 2004;114(3):793-804

11. Heron J, Golding J, and ALSPAC Study Team. Thimerosal Exposure in Infants and Developmental Disorders: A Prospective Cohort Study in the United Kingdom Does Not Support a Causal Association. Pediatrics 2004;114(3):577-583

12. Study Fails to Show a Connection Between Thimerosal and Autism. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, May 16, 2003. Link. (accessed November 23, 2004)

13. Clements CJ. The evidence for the safety of thiomersal in newborn and infant vaccines.Vaccine. 2004 May 7;22(15-16):1854-61

14. Offit, P.A. and Jew R.K. Addressing Parent’s Concerns: Do Vaccines Contain Harmful Preservatives, Adjuvants, Additives, or Residuals? Pediatrics. 2003 112 (6):1854-1861

15. Madsen KM, Lauritsen MB, Pedersen CB, et al. Thimerosal and the occurrence of autism: negative ecological evidence from Danish population-based data. Pediatrics 2003;112:604-606.

16. Verstraeten T, Davis RL, DeStefano F, Lieu TA, Rhodes PH, Black SB, Shinefield H, and Chen RT. Safety of Thimerosal-Containing Vaccines: A Two-Phased Study of Computerized Health Maintenance Organization Databases. Pediatrics 2003;112(5): 1039-48.

17. Stehr-Green P, Tull P, Stellfeld M, Mortenson PB, and Simpson D. Autism and thimerosal-containing vaccines: Lack of consistent evidence for an association. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2003; 25(2): 101-6.

18. Nelson, KB, and Bauman, M.L. Thiomersal and autism? Pediatrics 2003;111:674-679

19. Henderson DC. Mercury in vaccines - reassuring news. Lancet 2002 (Nov 30);360:1711-12.

20. Pichichero ME, Cernichiari E, Lopreiato J, Treanor J. Mercury concentrations and metabolism in infants receiving vaccines containing thiomersal: a descriptive study. Lancet 2002 (Nov 30);360;1737-41.

21. Clements CJ, Ball LK, Ball R, Pratt D. Thiomersal in vaccines. Lancet 2000; 355:1279-1280.

22. Halsey NA. Limiting infant exposure to thimerosal in vaccines and other sources of mercury [editorial]. Journal of the American Medical Association 1999;282:1763-6.

Online resources

* “Sticking Up for Thimerosal: Read the studies–it’s safe.”
To access “Sticking Up for Thimerosal,” go to: http://slate.msn.com/id/2123647

* Information about mercury and vaccines can be found at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/thimerosal/default.htm#facts

* Information about autism can be found at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/aic/about/default.htm

* Synopses of articles from the scientific, peer-reviewed
literature related to vaccines and immunization can be found at
http://www.immunizationinfo.org/immunization_science.cfm?cat=1

* Thimerosal-related resources for parents/patients can be found at
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/thimerosal.asp

* Journal abstracts related to thimerosal can be found at
http://www.immunize.org/safety/thimerosal.htm#journalarticles

* A transcript from the HHS Media Briefing on Vaccines and Child Health (held July 19, 2005) is at
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/transcripts/t050719.htm

* FREE DOWNLOAD OF IOM REPORT: The IOM report “Immunization Safety Review: Vaccines and Autism,” released May 2004, is now available
to download free as a ready-to-print (PDF) document. To access it,
go to: http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10997.html Click on “sign in to
download,” and follow the instructions.

This document was prepared by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases. Updated November, 2004

This document was written by Associate Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor Margaret Burgess, Associate Professor Peter McIntyre and Dr Kristine Macartney of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases.

Updated 9 August 2005

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What i find as massage therapist is that many Headaches seem to start from 2 points and many practitioners and clients do not realise this.

Point 1.

Whenever a client has a sore neck and wants to massage this area or at the base of the skull or side of the head where the pain seems to be. Yes this helps in soothing the pain but it really does not stop the headache. From my experience when doing seated massage the best place that i have found to work is by massaging down the muscle between the scapular and the spine and gently edging my thumb up behind the scapular on the effected side of the headache. This is one point that seems to stop the headache in it tract.

Point 2

It is often missed by many because most of the focus is mostly on the back and lower back and neck.
what i find is that when doing the arms this realises tension to the head more so than when your doing the back. If you where to think about this then it would make sense as you have a lot of nerves going from the neck down in to your arms and when you are on the computer for may hours of the day muscles start to become more tense and so blood flow slow down this creates pressure on the nerves and in turn this can send messages to the brain resulting in stiffness and i some cases headaches.

By combining these two strategies of massage techniques my clients have been able to get on with their work and then carry on for the rest of the day rather than thinking they cant wait to get home or indeed going home. Ether way the benefit to the client is one of relief and to the company over the long tern this saves them money and a back log of work.

Seated massage is truly one of the fastest ways to be able to do this when in an office environment and as many people work in offices it seems like the best place to go and saves clients from having to go to your clinic.

Article by Ross Brouard

http://www.therapy4u.biz

Massage therapy for the therapist is not just about making money - though the money that can be made from this profession can be a very lucrative living indeed, for the therapist it must be more of a love for human beings, their wellness, an understanding of how the body works on all levels and a knowledge of natural and alternative remedies. You will not get much repeat business if you concentrate on the money rather than on the person in front of you.

It is also a fantastic way to make a living, imagine offering that secure, peaceful, relaxing place to those that crave it but can never seem to find it. Imagine being able to give the relief of the tension and stress to those that really need it, have always lived with it and don’t know what it is like to live with out it - imagine being able to show them the way, help to make them feel really good and be a major part of the changing of their lives for the better. Imagine doing all that good and being paid for it…

With so many different types of massage therapy to choose from it would be a good idea, if you’re thinking of going into this profession, not to limit yourself to just one type and area of massage. Offer as many different types or areas of massage as you feel you can to your client base and bring the best to them. In this way you can hone your skills to meet your client’s needs and recommend different treatments that may be beneficial to them without your customers leaving your client base.

Also it is a good idea to be insured as this gives clients more confidence in you, your business, shows that you are professional and taking your role as a massage therapist seriously. Most if not all insurance companies like you, the therapist, to continue in your studies whilst you are actively working, so your learning is continuous. You will need to provide proof that you’ve attended extra courses or gained new information to help your business grow and maintain that you are up to date with new therapies or treatments to offer your clients.

Dress code and appearance is very important to a massage therapists business - as first impressions last and I can’t imagine anyone wanting a massage from a therapist who has a cigarette hanging from the corner of the mouth, looking unwashed, with crusty food down the front of his/her top! No - the dress code we are taught is college is very different:

Hair should be clean and neat, if long (shoulder length or longer) should be tied back.

Clean and ironed uniform should be worn (usually white top and long black trousers).

Enclosed flat shoes, in a dark colour (though shoes and uniform may differ depending on where you work and what their dress code is).

Hands and nails should be clean and free from nail varnish (as some people are allergic to nail varnish - it also hides dirty nails).

Finger nails should be short - so there isn’t a chance of injury to your client.

Make up should be kept to a minimum.

Be aware of personal hygiene, garlic or cigarette breath is not nice for anyone, cigarettes along with some other things make your hands smell and isn’t pleasant for your client being massaged.

The consultation should be offered with every appointment (even to a recurring customer), is as important as the massage itself. This is the time when you build trust with your client and the relationship between you and your client grows, it is important that your client trusts you and he/she will not do this unless you spend time talking to one another.

Make sure that you take enough time for this before and after the massage treatment, ask the client how they are feeling, which area they feel they would like to have more attention. Check past information they have given you on other appointments to make sure that nothing has changed or needs to be added. Find out how the client felt after the last massage and the time in between. Make the client aware that all information given to you is confidential and make sure that you keep it that way.

Let your client know and feel that they are important, make sure they feel it - it will help to keep them coming back, they will also recommend you to their friends and family which will help to grow your business. When you get new customers ask how they heard about you - it is always interesting to know where your business is coming from, thank relevant clients for recommending your services - you don’t have to say names as it’s very probable that your client will know who he/she has recommended to you and when their appointment was! (On this point - never be drawn into a conversation with a client concerning another client this is a breach of confidence, and should be avoided, try to steer any conversations away from the subject).

Give your client every opportunity you can and actively encourage them to impart information about themselves, their health and lifestyle. The most important information tends to be given in conversation rather than in a questions and answers scenario (however this does not mean don’t ask questions, just let your client talk).

Your client will enjoy feeling like that they are the center of the universe for an hour or so, in today’s busy life style it could be the only time your client feels this way, so when booking appointments keep this in mind and give yourself enough time.

Make sure that you answer all your client’s questions as fully as you can and leave no hesitancy in your clients minds to your knowledge and/or expertise - if you don’t know the answer to the question let your client know that it is a very interesting question and that you will look into the answer for when the client returns on her next appointment - and make sure that you do it as the client will want to know what you’ve found out and more importantly that you’ve taken time for her.

Enjoy the massage, keep your mind as clear as possible, concentrate on your client’s well being and send good caring thoughts her way.

Vici Lawrence is a qualified Ladies Hair Stylist & Massage Therapist from the UK who is currently developing a range of ‘Wellness’ products, including many forms of Massage, Pilates and some ground breaking workout and weight-loss (NOT Diet) packages to come later this year.
http://www.onlinewealthwizard.com/massage.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vici_Lawrence

Venturing out on your own with a new massage business, or hoping to breathe new life into your established massage business? Whether you have a faithful client base or are still waiting for your first client, these tips will help you form a solid massage marketing plan for your business.

Of all the massage marketing ideas you may hear about, word of mouth is by far a massage therapist’s strongest asset. Clients who have personally benefited from your healing touch are a natural advocate for your massage therapy practice.

People tend to accept opinions based on personal experience, particularly when those opinions are offered freely, with no underlying motives. Personal referrals from friends or family members—or even casual acquaintances—are more likely to generate a response than traditional advertising venues such as newspaper ads or fliers.

Loyal clients raving about your massage skills to their friends and family, resulting in an endless chain of referrals and new clients, is an inspiring vision, but in the meantime, what can you do to light the spark?

One way to spark referrals is to offer a special deal for clients who refer your massage services to a friend or family member. How does this work? Here’s an example. If a new client books (and keeps) an appointment as the result of a referral, the client who made the referral receives a free massage session. If the new client rebooks at the end of their first appointment, your regular client gets another incentive, such as hot stone massage.

Other rewards for referrals could include free add-on treatments such as foot massage, spa treatments, or aromatherapy. These add-ons encourage the client to sample other services you have to offer. If they enjoy it, they may even consider adding it to their regular massage sessions.

Another source of potential referrals is community involvement. Network with community members and local business owners, especially those who work with clients and customers that would benefit from therapeutic massage. Individuals who are prominent in the community can effectively market your business through word of mouth.

Chiropractors, fitness trainers, and physical therapists are key individuals to include in your network, but don’t limit yourself to the obvious. Be creative. Include health food stores, specialty gift shops, bridal shops, and counseling centers. Focus on the type of clients you hope to attract. Do you specialize in pregnancy massage? Network with family planning centers and local health clinics. Sports massage? Partner with local gyms, yoga centers, and sports chiropractors. Massage for the elderly? Connect with home health care workers, senior centers, and nursing homes.

On the flip side, word of mouth can also work against you if your massage practice offers less than clients expect. The foundation of any massage business plan must include a professional atmosphere and relaxing environment. If you try to scrape by with threadbare sheets and oil-dotted walls or neglect to clean the restrooms, your clients will notice and tell their friends. Clients are more likely to become regulars if they perceive that you care about their health, their time, and their comfort.

While word of mouth is your core strategy for long-term clients, there are plenty of other massage marketing ideas that can give your appointment schedule a boost. Chair massage is one of the most effective. It’s also an excellent introduction to massage therapy for potential clients. Chair massage allows clients to sample the power of healing touch before experimenting with the deeper benefits of full body massage.

Offer chair massage sessions at community and social events, health fairs, business expos, farmers markets, athletic events, country clubs, coffee houses, bookstores, or universities. Bring your appointment book to schedule office sessions on the spot for interested clients.

Some therapists offer chair massage for free as a marketing promotion, but clients looking for a handout are less likely to become regular clients. Most massage therapists charge one dollar per minute for seated massage. Individuals who are willing to pay for seated massage will be more willing to invest in your services for full body massage.

Business cards should also be an important part of your massage therapy business plan. Give extra business cards to friends and family members who are willing to refer your services. Keep a stack of business cards at the appointment desk, where clients can pick up a few on their way out if they know of people who may be interested in your services. Don’t hesitate to pass out business cards on your own as well.

Building up your massage business takes planning and hard work, but the results are worth the effort. Your business and your clients will benefit from your efforts to reach individuals who can find hope and healing through massage therapy.

By: Jesse K. Taylor

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Copyright 2009 OneTouch Massage. For professional portable massage tables and massage supplies at wholesale prices, visit OneTouch Massage at www.1massagestore.com. Learn more about marketing your massage therapy business at the http://www.1massagestore.com/blog

Z meditation offering its meditation courses with the name of meditation_retreats, meditation India, retreats India, retreats in India etc. meditation retreats is the process of silencing mental agitations. When the mind is stilled, there occurs an experience of Identity Shift. One realizes that one’s true identity is not a body-mind complex. It is rather an eternally blissful awareness. One experiences that one’s real self is a divine light. One was all along living in a state of ignorance of this truth. The Self is the core of one’s being. The mind is waved out of it and it also dissolves in it. Mental formations – including perspectives, ego, decisions etc. – are just transient formations arising and dissolving in the eternal expanse of the Self.

WHY SHOULD ONE MEDITATE?

To realize who one is. This is the main goal of meditation. But, as there is extreme turbulence and suffering in most of the minds, the first motivating factor can be the cessation of agitation and pain. It is only when one understands that happiness and fulfilment are a state of being independent of external factors that one can learn to outgrow suffering and turmoil. When the mind is able to remain unconditionally peaceful vis a vis the external situations, there occurs the possibility of meditation. So the first reason that one should learn and practice meditation is the cessation of turbulence.

The Solution: Detachment from one’s own mind

It is not only the suffering, but even the apparently harmless agitations of mind have their roots in illusory conditionings. If one wants to experience true peace and happiness, one will have to understand and detach from these unconscious stories. The best deConditioning happens through deep contemplation. The best way of doing deep contemplation is in a peaceful and solitary place. Doing a retreat is always helpful, but it might not be feasible for one and all. There can be exigencies, beyond one’s control, which don’t allow one to live in a retreat environment.
Five Principles of Z Meditation:
It is very important that the principles of any mind work are clear and rational. These are the principles of Z Meditation that have been used to device Deep Inquiry, Radiant Mantras and the entire retreat structure:
No proof, No Belief
All belief should be scientifically substantiated. One should be able to experience one’s beliefs.
No Concepts, No Peace
There is zero possibility of suppressing the turbulence of the mind by mechanical means. For lasting peace, the concepts must be understood clearly.
No Mother-tongue, No Understanding
One thinks best in one’s own language. Without deep thinking, one cannot integrate the knowledge with one’s life.
No Tuning, No Music
Meditation does not mean torturing the body or the mind. It is an enjoyable and radiant way to clear the mind of turmoil and see things in the Truth-Light. The middle path is the best path. If you are into self affliction, you cannot think clearly. Without clear thinking, you cannot detach from your age-old conditionings.
No Integration, No Dance
Meditation is a way of life and not just a routine. If the rest of the day is not lived in conformity with what one practices in one’s meditation, one cannot make progress just by doing some monotonous motorized exercises.

These are revolutionary principles of meditation. Integrating them with one’s practice, one can make speedy and enduring progress in this beautiful mind-elevation game.

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17th August 2005Author: Richard Lane
Views: 387
Sports Massage - An Introduction
Copyright 2005 Richard Lane

Many therapists offer Sports Massage on their “Massage
Menu” yet few understand what Sports Massage is about.
When a client comes in requesting a Sports Massage, some
therapists merely react by going in deep. Sports Massage
is so much more.

Whilst Sports Massage does have some aims in common with
other forms of massage therapy, the usual experience in
conventional massage is to aim to restore the normal
function when someone is injured. But in sport there is no
‘normal’ and athletes are always looking to improve and
gain a competitive edge. Most athletes aim to reach a
level of performance they can never achieve.

A Sports Massage therapist has great potential to assist
the athlete to become better, rather than merely normal.
In striving to be better, the athlete attempts to
systematically increase the level of training and thereby
subjecting the body to gradual and controlled overuse.
This overuse can often create imbalances and problems in
the soft tissues, which if ignored may become chronic.
Clearly this may hinder the athlete’s performance and/or
rate of improvement. Sports Massage can become a key
ingredient in an athlete’s success and this is why top
competitors incorporate it as an integral part of their
training regime.

So what is Sports Massage? McGillicuddy(1) defines Sports
Massage as “the specific application of massage techniques,
hydrotherapy protocols, range of motion/flexibility
protocol and strength-training principles utilized to
achieve a specific goal when treating athletes”. He
considers that there are three principles that are vital to
understanding what type of Sports Massage to apply to an
athlete at any given time. These principles are:
 Timing
 Technique and
 Intent

The timing of Sports Massage is related to when the massage
is applied, is it pre-event or post-event, during a
maintenance period or possibly post-injury when
rehabilitation is required. The technique refers to what
massage/stretching/strengthening methods the therapists
employs to attempt to achieve the intent, the desired
outcome.

The intent of pre-event massage is to warm up the muscles
and to get blood flowing through the muscles. The massage
techniques generally used are petrissage, vibration,
percussion, compression, muscle broadening strokes, etc.
With post-event massage, the intent is assist in the
recovery process by increasing venous and lymphatic
circulation to assist with removal of metabolic by-products
and thereby decreasing muscle soreness so that the athlete
can return to full training faster. The massage techniques
would include effleurage, compression, petrissage, passive
movements and light stretching. The intent of maintenance
massage is to keep the athletes muscles and tissue in
optimum condition and is generally scheduled at a regular
frequency (be it weekly or fortnightly), closely married to
the athlete’s training program.

Thus Sports Massage is not about going deep nor it is
learning one technique. The requirement for the therapist
is to apply the appropriate treatment at the appropriate
time, which takes education, skill and experience.

(1) M. McGillicuddy. “Three Key Principles of Sports
Massage”. MassageToday.com May 2003, Volume03 Issue 05.

—————————————————-
Richard Lane is a qualified remedial and sports massage
therapist, with a mobile massage practice in Sydney’s Inner
West (www.innerwestmassage.com.au or
info@innerwestmassage.com.au). Health fund rebates. ATMS
13020

Tags: aims, protocols, protocol, competitive edge, flexibility, great potential, athlete, strength training, regime, massage therapy, sports massage, massage techniques, soft tissues, massage therapist
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19th March 2008Author: peterhutch
Views: 12
An athlete, before a performance, is under immense stress emotionally and physically and the body is also prone to injuries. Practices before the event lead to constant build-up of tension in the muscles and cause stress on joints, ligaments, tendons, as well as the muscles themselves. Apart from muscle tension, the athlete is also bogged down with fatigue and injuries which may hamper the main performance. Sports massage is the answer to emotional and physical well being for an athlete before, after and during a performance.

Massage has become an integral part of the new athletic regimen from sports medicine clinics, to college training rooms, to professional locker rooms to Olympic training. Growing number of trainers believe that massage can provide an extra edge to the athletes who participate in high performance sports. Massage has become a necessary ingredient for a complete workout. More and more people are realizing that a complete workout routine includes not only the exercise itself, but also caring for the wear-and-tear and minor injuries that naturally occur with strenuous movement. The physiological and psychological benefits of massage make it an ideal complement to a total conditioning program.

These muscle imbalances may develop and often go undiagnosed until they are serious enough to cause the athlete discomfort or impede performance. The skilled massage therapist will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and by using the correct techniques, help the sports person maintain a much healthier physical state.
Sports Massage helps atheletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, and function better during training. But you don’t have to be in the Olympics to benefit. Find out what happens during a sports massage at the spa and when you should get one.

Pre-event massage is best done up to two days before your event. A quick pre-event chair massage can stimulate the flow of nutrients and blood to muscles and produce a mental confidence caused by physiological relaxation. A pre-event massage can significantly improve an athlete’s warm up as well. Besides reducing mental tension before competition or training, massage increases circulation reducing the chance of injury. Muscle tension is relaxed and tissue pliability also benefits hugely from pre-performance massage.

Sports massage has many benefits. In addition to FEELING GOOD, sports massage reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and relieves pain. Each sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way.

Sports Massage maintaining and increasing flexibility. Improves alignment of the body to optimize performance and eliminate wear and tear speeds recovery of muscle and tendons after hard workouts and competitions.

The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels. By increasing the pressure in front of the stroke, a vacuum is created behind. This is especially important in tight or damaged muscle tissue as a tight muscle will squeeze blood out like a sponge, depriving the tissues of vital nutrients and energy to repair.

The plantar fascia is the arch ligament that runs underneath the foot from under the heel to the front of the foot. A strain of the plantar fascia is a very common event and can result from one traumatic event or from repeated strains over time.

Read about Home Remedies and Shilajit. Also Read about Breast Enlargement Cosmetics

Tags: muscle imbalances, muscle tension, benefits of massage, sports massage, soft tissues, high performance sports, workout routine, sports medicine, psychological benefits, chair massage, necessary ingredient, ligaments tendons, sports person, cause stress
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There are not many people in this world who would say no to an offer of a massage. In actual fact, these days a gift voucher for a massage treatment is a highly appreciated present.

Massage has been around for a long time. Basically, as long as there have been living creatures on this planet, there has been massage in one form or another.

It is an instinct. It is a well-known fact that newborn animals need touch/massage by the mother to be viable for survival. This is the crudest form of massage: The mother animal licks the young. Either on television, or in real life, you have all, hopefully, witnessed the tender licks of the mother sheep licking its lamb, or the cat with its litter of kittens.

Humans don’t quite go about massage in this way, which is a fortunate thing, don’t you think! These days massage is used for many different purposes: By the sportsman after his game, by the stressed housewife for some well-deserved relaxation, and in palliative care to facilitate a sense of peace. Even the corporate world has found the benefit of massages for their employees. A twenty minute massage in a purpose-built portable chair is gradually replacing the Friday afternoon drink at the office.

In countries like Japan, these types of corporate massages, which do not require undressing, are very common, as the managers know that happy and fit employees are more productive. This trend is slowly catching on in Europe, probably because more and more Eastern companies are opening offices here, bringing with them certain customs.

The first written recordings of massages date back as far as 1400 BC, in China. Surely, massage would have existed before that date, but nobody wrote about it so we will stick with that timeframe. In those days, massage in China was purely used for therapeutic purposes, in other words, to heal pains and ailments. The Chinese diverted a bit form the original technique of rubbing and kneading by the practice of “Moxa”, whereby herbs were burned on areas of disease. Acupuncture was another form of massage as viewed by the Chinese, and needles were inserted in specific spots to “break the line of pain”.

In India, at around the same time, initially massage had a lot less to do with therapeutics. The Indians used their massage in a much more emotional way, and often used scented oils to create sensual relaxation. Sculptures at a place called Khajuraho are evidence of that, and numerous pictures in the Kama Sutra, the Book of Love, can attest to this as well.

But massage also became one of the principal aspects of Ayurvedic Medicine, the oldest form of Indian medicine.

More oils were used, this time therapeutically, such as Rose, for the liver, stomach and blood, and Chamomile, for headaches, dizziness and colds.

In ancient Greece, massage was a common part of the typical Hellenistic treatment for illnesses. Air, herbs, diet and massages were frequently used by the well- known doctors/healers of that time: Hippocrates (460 BC-377 BC) used massages for sprains, dislocations and even for constipation.

In ancient Rome, things were similar, and it is reputed that Julius Caesar himself was massaged on a daily basis.

Galen, another famous healer who lived a little later (130 AD � 201 AD) was another firm believer in massage techniques.

Originally form Greece, he went to Rome and incorporated massage into his treatments, together with herbal tonics. (Galen specialized in treating wounded gladiators, so you might wonder if massage would have been the right sort of treatment!)

In Europe, massage really took of in the eighteenth century. The English word “massage” most likely stems for a Portuguese word “amasser” which means “to knead” In those days, with the Portuguese owning many colonies on the Asian continent (e.g. Goa), it stands to reason that they would have experienced massage there and given it its own word.

The father of European relaxation massage as we know it now is undoubtedly Henrik Ling, a Swede who lived from 1776 � 1839. This doctor established a range of massage movements. These were deemed so beneficial that in 1813, under Royal Patronage, his type of massage technique became officially known as Swedish Massage.
In 1859, the first British Training School for Swedish Massage was established, and up until today, it is a widely popular topic, with numerous Colleges in the U K offering studies into various massage techniques.

Unfortunately, not everything about massage has always been equally positive and legal. At one stage, working as a massage therapist was equal to working in a brothel, and in Thailand this is often still the case.( I speak from experience here: I walked into a place advertising “Relaxation Massage” in the city of Chang Mai, after a long day traveling with a backpack. Just what I needed, I thought, a nice relaxing massage for the poor back. The girls in there laughed and laughed when I asked for a treatment, and when they explained in hand signals, “sorry no speak English”, what the massage was about, I left, very embarrassed, but an experience wiser!).

A friend of Freud, Wilhelm Reich, had equally different ideas about massage. In his doctors practice he tried to cure neuroses by a certain type of massage. He thought that by releasing muscle tension, he would be able to measure “orgons”.

The word “orgon” was his terminology for the energy released during an orgasm. By measuring the levels of “orgons” in his patients during massage, he could prescribe the right cure for their neuroses. Obviously, this practice was regarded as illegal, he was arrested, and died as a convict in jail.

Massage can have numerous benefits, as you no doubt know. It can unwind you after a hard day at the office, and often you will be so relaxed, you will sleep well after such a treatment. Especially with the use of certain oils, such as lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang or jasmine it is easy to de-stress.

When you make a booking for a massage that involves the use of aromatherapy oils, always choose a qualified therapist. It takes a trained person to know about things that may affect you, the so-called contra indications. Did you for instance know that Lavender can lower blood pressure? That means, if you already have low blood pressure, you might find that you become dizzy when you stand up from the massage table.

A qualified massage therapist will know all these important factors, and very often will therefore ask you some health related questions before the massage.

If you are lucky enough to have a friend who offers to give you a massage, use a neutral type oil such as avocado, jojoba or sweet almond. These oils are easily absorbed by the skin. If you are not able to spend BPS 10-15 on a massage oil, use olive oil. Just as effective, but not as well absorbed, and a little less sensual!

A good massage should always be given on a proper massage table, but a blanket on the floor can do the trick as well. If you are suffering from pain after sport or injury, a “deep tissue” massage can be wonderful, but is best done by someone qualified, as working deep into the muscles can do harm when not done properly.

A normal relaxation massage can be given by almost anyone with a bit of feel for it. Using your fingers, palms of hands and gentle, varying strokes can be a source of wellbeing for the recipient. Always make sure that you do not use too much pressure, and make sure you look after your own comfort too: Do not bend your back, and wear sensible footwear so you have a stable grip.

When massaging children or babies you must be extra gentle: Use a natural oil such as sweet almond, and work in small circular movements without applying any pressure. Concentrate on the back and shoulders, and with babies, make sure to roll them back off their tummy afterwards. Children with sleeping problems often respond well to a massage at bed time.

If you want to massage a friend/partner/child who is ill, always check with their doctor if it is appropriate. For instance, cancer patients might not be permitted a massage at certain periods during their illness or treatment, and you would not want to cause harm in such a case.

Massage relaxes the body, but at the same time it stimulates the flow of blood and lymph, so it can be a great addition to a detox. An Epsom Salt bath, followed by a massage, and plenty of water intake, will rejuvenate you in a wonderful way.

With winter at the doorstep, having a massage when you feel a cold coming on, can do wonders as it cleanses your body by mobilizing waste and bacteria, and it stimulates your immune system.

Finding a professional massage therapist that you like is best done via the official british Massage Therapist organization, or via a look in the Yellow Pages. Make sure you feel comfortable with the therapist of your choice, you are after all going to undress for this person, and you may feel vulnerable if you do not trust the person who will massage you. Ask friends, or your doctor, or at a sportschool if they can recommend someone. Or if you are lucky, ask your partner , but promise one in return.

So, what are you waiting for: bring out the oils, blanket and soft music (Or the phonebook!) and induldge youself in a massage.

Enjoy!!

College of Naturopathic Medicine | info@naturopathy-uk.com

Tags: relaxation, timeframe, lecturer, instinct, friday afternoon, ailments, housewife, massages, naturopath, lamb, sportsman, kittens, gift voucher, therapeutic purposes, massage treatment
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