Spa Therapiestag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-12504802011-07-01T09:25:32-07:00New, tips and products for the spa.TypePadWater, Water, Not Everywheretag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-144392011-06-01T12:00:32-07:002011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00A few years ago, I bought a book that dramatically changed my view of water – "You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty," by F. Batmangheldj, M.D. He has written several books related to water and human health. As a massage therapist, his work changed how I talk to clients about proper hydration and changed how I view the origin of pain and suffering within the human body.By Rita Woods, LMTA few years ago, I bought a book that dramatically changed my view of water – "You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty," by F. Batmangheldj, M.D. He has written several books related to water and human health. As a massage therapist, his work changed how I talk to clients about proper hydration and changed how I view the origin of pain and suffering within the human body.By the Sweat of the Browtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-143532011-01-01T12:00:32-07:002011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00The stresses of daily life often show up in a very public way: posted right on our faces for all to see. In particular, "frowning furrows" in the area between the brows (vertical glabellar folds) may become a permanent fixture as time records our mimetic habits, etching our emotions into the dreaded lines and deep creases that we often associate with aging.By Judith DeLany, LMTThe stresses of daily life often show up in a very public way: posted right on our faces for all to see. In particular, "frowning furrows" in the area between the brows (vertical glabellar folds) may become a permanent fixture as time records our mimetic habits, etching our emotions into the dreaded lines and deep creases that we often associate with aging.Pompeian Massage Cream Historytag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-142482010-07-01T12:00:32-07:002010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00From 1990 to 2009, Judi and Robert Calvert, founders of the World of Massage Museum, scoured hundreds of antique stores looking for objects related to the history of massage. They were delighted to discover several well-preserved Pompeian ads and products, complete with cream inside the jars. They added all the items they found to their extensive collection so that Pompeian Massage Cream could live on in massage history. Judi Calvert brings her wealth of knowledge of the history of massage in this first article of her Massage Today column, Massage History Ambassador.By Judi Calvert, LMPFrom 1990 to 2009, Judi and Robert Calvert, founders of the World of Massage Museum, scoured hundreds of antique stores looking for objects related to the history of massage. They were delighted to discover several well-preserved Pompeian ads and products, complete with cream inside the jars. They added all the items they found to their extensive collection so that Pompeian Massage Cream could live on in massage history. Judi Calvert brings her wealth of knowledge of the history of massage in this first article of her Massage Today column, Massage History Ambassador.Heating Up Your Practice Safely: Feedback From Readerstag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-142352010-06-01T12:00:32-07:002010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00After receiving many compelling comments to the two-part series, "Heating Up Your Practice Safely," I was inspired to publish some of the common questions and insightful comments I received. As always, I appreciate your questions and comments and am always open to being educated by my readers.By Dixie Wall, Contributing EditorAfter receiving many compelling comments to the two-part series, "Heating Up Your Practice Safely," I was inspired to publish some of the common questions and insightful comments I received. As always, I appreciate your questions and comments and am always open to being educated by my readers.Heating Up Your Practice Safely, Part 2tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-141592010-01-01T12:00:32-07:002010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00In December's issue we discussed heat therapies and their positive effects in the treatment room. We covered treatment procedures such as skin typing, which will help us give an effective heat therapy treatment while minimizing the risks of burns. We mentioned the use of an informed consent document during the preliminary consultation and reviewed the most common mistakes that can lead to accidental burns. This month, we will discuss the gathering and assessment of subjective and objective information to formulate the best treatment plan for our clients.By Dixie Wall, Contributing EditorIn December's issue we discussed heat therapies and their positive effects in the treatment room. We covered treatment procedures such as skin typing, which will help us give an effective heat therapy treatment while minimizing the risks of burns. We mentioned the use of an informed consent document during the preliminary consultation and reviewed the most common mistakes that can lead to accidental burns. This month, we will discuss the gathering and assessment of subjective and objective information to formulate the best treatment plan for our clients.Heating Up Your Practice Safely, Part 1tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-141452009-12-01T12:00:32-07:002009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00Over the last decade, many bodyworkers have begun using stones, not to replace human touch but as an additional relaxing and leveraging technique. Traditionally used by Egyptians, Shamans and American Indians, stones have a long history of therapeutic use and spiritual healing. Today, incorporating stones in one's practice offers this ancient tool, to not only relax clients but also give our hands a rest. Hot stones are a form of thermal and magnetic therapy, requiring a unique trust between the client and practitioner. A respect for the trust bestowed in us by our clients need to be developed by a safe and meticulous protocol to perform this primal technique.By Dixie Wall, Contributing EditorOver the last decade, many bodyworkers have begun using stones, not to replace human touch but as an additional relaxing and leveraging technique. Traditionally used by Egyptians, Shamans and American Indians, stones have a long history of therapeutic use and spiritual healing. Today, incorporating stones in one's practice offers this ancient tool, to not only relax clients but also give our hands a rest. Hot stones are a form of thermal and magnetic therapy, requiring a unique trust between the client and practitioner. A respect for the trust bestowed in us by our clients need to be developed by a safe and meticulous protocol to perform this primal technique.The Importance of Scar Tissue Release Therapytag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-140202009-06-01T12:00:32-07:002009-06-01T12:00:07-07:00Scar tissue therapy is generally overlooked by health professionals because the extent of physiological effects scars can have on the body have never really been acknowledged. As massage therapists, we know that the slightest restriction in the elaborate matrix of fascia can have major repercussions from one end of the body to the other.By Marjorie Brook, LMT, CIMIScar tissue therapy is generally overlooked by health professionals because the extent of physiological effects scars can have on the body have never really been acknowledged. As massage therapists, we know that the slightest restriction in the elaborate matrix of fascia can have major repercussions from one end of the body to the other.Incorporating Lymphatic Drainage in Facelift Massagetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-139772009-04-01T12:00:32-07:002009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00More and more therapists are performing facial massage as a stand alone session such as a facelift massage. Women in their 60s, the typical age group treated in my practice, present with specific issues that should be taken into consideration. First, if they do not receive regular massage and do not have an active lifestyle, they may have sluggish circulatory/lymphatic systems. Second, they may have health and medication issues that impact how, and if, you can proceed with the session. In this column, I'll discuss what you need to know and how to approach the facial lymphatic system in a basic and uncomplicated session.By Rita Woods, LMTMore and more therapists are performing facial massage as a stand alone session such as a facelift massage. Women in their 60s, the typical age group treated in my practice, present with specific issues that should be taken into consideration. First, if they do not receive regular massage and do not have an active lifestyle, they may have sluggish circulatory/lymphatic systems. Second, they may have health and medication issues that impact how, and if, you can proceed with the session. In this column, I'll discuss what you need to know and how to approach the facial lymphatic system in a basic and uncomplicated session.Acne Rosaceatag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-139752009-04-01T12:00:32-07:002009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00Acne rosacea is a skin condition that affects mostly middle-aged, fair-skinned adults. It is most common among 30 to 60-year-olds. Although it is diagnosed in women slightly more often than in men, men tend to have it in a more severe form. Rosacea is very common; estimations suggest that about 14 million Americans may have it, although not always so severely that treatment is required.By Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMBAcne rosacea is a skin condition that affects mostly middle-aged, fair-skinned adults. It is most common among 30 to 60-year-olds. Although it is diagnosed in women slightly more often than in men, men tend to have it in a more severe form. Rosacea is very common; estimations suggest that about 14 million Americans may have it, although not always so severely that treatment is required.