imassage featured in NCBTMB InfoLine

Greetings friends. We were excited to see our interview with the NCBTMB manifest into a printed article. It reinforces our mission and keeps us excited about our massage profession. The InfoLine is distributed to members, but is available for everyone. Click HERE to read the Fall, 2008 edition.

Fascia...Is it mere filler in the body?

I was surprised to hear from a fellow colleague that while having dinner with a third year medical student, the future doctor referred to fascia as just filler within the body. I was astonished by the comment and believe it goes to the very heart of a disconnect between traditional allopathic medicine and complementary/alternative approaches.

The connective tissue framework binds, supports and protects almost every inch of the human body. In addition, it is the medium through which blood; lymphatic, cerebrospinal, intracellular and extracellular fluids must pass. Where there is restriction in the fascia, stagnation of the fluids will follow.

The late Ida Rolf believed that the fascial system was of the utmost importance, becoming the focus of what we now refer to as Rolfing. The purpose of Rolfing is to bring the body back into natural alignment within the field of gravity. Her opinion was after the systematic manipulation of the myofascia, the body’s systems would function optimally.

In all fairness, I have no idea what medical students are taught about fascia and its part in the health of the body. What I do know is that each year, more clients are showing up at my practice looking for an alternative to prescription medicine when it comes to musculoskeletal pain. The prevalence of this condition within society is widespread.

The time has come for complementary practitioners to work with physicians, facilitating an approach that will bring more vitality and a greater sense of well being for those we serve.Moreover, may we continue to learn more about the role of fascia within the human body.

Massage Magazine: Eric's article, "The Five Pillars of Self-Care" publishes

June, 2008 Issue

Eric's passion for self-care and therapist longevity reaches a broader audience as his article publishes in Massage Magazine. We are proud of this accomplishment and encourage all to read this and all the great articles the magazine features. To read more about the Magazine, you can visit their website.

Massage Therapy Session: Using the face cradle to ensure client comfort

I want to discuss two important factors often overlooked in our day-to-day practices involving the face cradle.

Just yesterday, I received a massage and found that as I lay prone ready to relax, the cradle cushion was moving. Trying to adjust it, the Velcro strip was completely missing and I spent the rest of the session moving the padding every few minutes. The first thought that ran through my head was, “How many massages have been given here with this broken face cradle?”, and then it turned to, “What is the status of my face cradle at my practice?” It is a good idea to view your practice from the eyes of a client every couple of weeks. While there are numerous angles that you can come at this from, take a minute to lay on your table and ask yourself the following questions about your face cradle.

1. Is it comfortable?
2. Is it adjustable?
3. Are there any pieces or parts that need repair or replacement?

Tying to relax in a broken face cradle is never comfortable for our clients and the truth is, many of them will never complain. Even more reason to run a quality check from time to time.

The second point involves the angle of the face cradle when the client is lying prone.

Surprisingly, improper adjustment is one of the most common mistakes I see therapists making during our classes. Ideally, the angle of the client’s head should not force the cervicals into compression, thus jamming the facet joints closed. Instead, look for length through the cervicals with the face cradle angled slightly toward the floor. This will call the neck into slight forward flexion, elongating the spine. A bolster is recommended underneath the chest in situations where the cradle is not adjustable.

Take a moment to observe the following photos for optimal cradle placement.

Angle uncomfortable & Angle more optimal

Looking past the obvious to discover exciting change

I was afraid the little bird was going to break its neck. Aggressively pursuing its reflection in the window, this little cardinal was hell-bent on achieving a mission, at the cost of its body when it repeatedly would fly into the glass. None of us knew whether it was looking to defend against a possible intruder, or trying to mate with its own image.

This sequence of events played out repeatedly at The Body Therapy Institute during a recent Magic of Hot Stone training. The campus is a magical 150 acre sanctuary where learning and healing parallel the cycles of nature. Spring had just announced itself and the air was abuzz with new life. I learned that for about a week or so, this little bird had been relentless in its pursuit and in the process, had been a constant annoyance for the classroom-learning environment. Each sound from the female cardinal’s impact was loud enough to hear over any discussion or music that filled the space. It brought back memories of childhood friends hurling small pebbles at my window, beckoning me to leave the house. Secretly, I would often disappear through my window and join the adventure that was in store for me below.

Somewhere around the middle of day two, I realized the “petit oiseau” had a message for us and specifically, for me.

In no subtle manner, I was once again asked to examine the areas of my life where banging my head up against the wall was not only impeding my progress, but also annoying others in the process. Now, I began to observe the events in a different light and all at once, the solution for our feathered friend became blatantly clear.

Surprisingly, it had not occurred to me or the other people in the room that by opening all of the southern facing windows, there would no longer be any reflection for our small messenger to see. By taking away the illusion, the upsetting sound of head banging was replaced with the bird’s sweet song.

With the passing of each season, it is tempting to draw analogies to some of the more obvious metaphors for change. As surely as springtime gives rise to new life and possibility, there is always the temptation to hold on to the lifeless patterns that we have worn into our systems. Stubbornly we plow ahead, convinced that our way will ultimately get us what we want.

However, a subtle invitation to see beyond our own reflection invites us to the adventure that waits for us through the open window and down below.

Massage Continuing Education - 2008 Calendar

Our calendar is updated with our massage continuing ed courses for the first half of 2008. We are bringing more classes, more topics and more fun your way! We will be posting workshop highlights, pictures of students and great stories from the road, so check in regularly to keep up to date.

"NEW" Classes for 2008

Unlocking Computer Shoulder
"Top Ten" Trigger Points for Erasing Pain
21 Myofascial Techniques to Enliven your Practice

We will continue to offer the following favorites

The Magic of Hot Stone Massage
Core Body Mechanics: Strength from Within
Massage Ethics: Navigating the Waters


To see where the classes are being held and when, click HERE.

We hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays

Just a quick note to let everyone know we will be on vacation through the end of the year. Our postings will continue after that. We send peace and warm regards to all.
Eric and Debra

To the Community of Omaha, Nebraska

All our thoughts and prayers go out to the community of Omaha, Nebraska during this time of mourning. Sense will never come out of mindless tragedies. Our close affiliation with the massage community in Omaha makes this loss hit close to our hearts.

When multiple lives are taken, it directly affects thousands of family and friends and in turn, all of us. We are reminded of how connected we all are.

Fortunately, the healing arts community in Omaha is a strong presence, prepared to play a vital role in the recovery process. May your hearts and hands grace the community.

Peace and Love,

Eric and Debra

imassage, Inc.

Thanksgiving Wishes from imassage

“If the only prayer you ever say is thank-you, it will be enough.”

---Meister Ekhardt

Traditionally, at this time of year our thoughts reflect on things that we are thankful for. It is my belief that one of the most powerful mind/body states is that of thanks-giving. In a world (and a profession) that often focuses on what is wrong, sometimes it can be challenging to remember to give thanks for all that is right.

Whenever I turn my attention to thanks-giving, I immediately focus on health and well being. It is all too easy to take our health for granted each day. Yet, without our health, we immediately turn all of our attention to restoring it. A big part of maintaining homeostasis might be in a daily attitude of appreciation.

How can we appreciate our bodies each day? The famous African hand drummer Babatunde Olatunji, practiced a morning ritual in which he gave thanks for each part of his body by placing his hands upon it and sending it gratitude. He believed that the first task before rising each day was to celebrate the continued optimal functioning of his body.

I invite you to try this. Take just two minutes to move from your feet to the crown of your head. Begin by taking a few deep breaths and putting yourself into a state of mindfulness.

Start down at your ankles and move to each major joint, sending it appreciation through your touch. Imagine radiating a warm “peaceful easy feeling” to each area of contact. Try putting on some relaxing music to heighten the experience. May thanks-giving be more than a holiday. Let it be a daily ritual encompassing the body, mind and spirit through appreciation. In turn, your body will thank you.

Maya Angelou speaks at the International Spa Association Conference

We've just returned from the International Spa Association’s (ISPA) annual conference in Kissimmee, Florida. Our intent was to increase our knowledge on the relationship between the spa and the massage therapist, which we did. Both the AMTA and the NCBTMB were present at the show. The conference was fabulous and the ISPA staff did an incredible job in pulling together this large event. One of my best memories will be of the closing speaker, Maya Angelou. She has a presence that cannot be replicated. As she told her stories, the crowd, almost 3000, was resting quietly in the palm of her hand. Her message focused on how we have the ability to weave portions of ourselves into the fabric of other’s lives, even in unobvious ways. Every action we take, regardless how small, has the ability to affect those we interact with. She cited examples of actions her Uncle had taken that impacted several generations of families. His courage instilled in others the desire to achieve. In honor of her, I am posting the below poem for your enjoyment.

Touched by an Angel

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Maya Angelou

AMTA National Convention Update

imassage participated in the 2007 AMTA convention as an exhibitor. We spent three days meeting with AMTA volunteers, school personnel and therapists from all over the world (Australia being the farthest). It was a great time and we enjoyed the sense of community offered. The 2008 event is in Phoenix, September 17 – 20. Click Here for Details.

Here are some pictures of our booth neighbors
F.A. Davis Publishers & Pine Island Publishers

Staying Current with the Massage Therapy Profession

A handy tip for those interested in staying current on certain topics. With google you can set up alerts which will send to your email all current news and articles relating to your chosen topic. For example, I receive weekly alerts on "Massage Therapy" and "Spa Industry". Click HERE for more details on how to set up your own.

An interesting article here. I was particularly interested in the writer's comments on her experience around noise, appearance and first impression of the different visits. All important to determining a client's overall satisfaction.

Welcome to your new MASSAGE community!

“Confusion is bred in silence--if we can begin to talk more frankly, we will learn from one another rather than each of us learning alone through painful experience.”

Nina McIntosh—The Educated Heart

We all want to be a part of something, to go somewhere where we can be seen for the unique person we are. We long for a place where our thoughts and concerns can be heard. This blog is such a place. It is our belief that people blossom in a community that has purpose, order and meaning.

Today, community has become harder and harder to sustain. Work schedules, family commitments and suburban living often leave us feeling isolated. As a massage therapist, a meaningful career is nurtured by connecting with other practitioners in the healing arts. Often, we do this through referrals to chiropractors, acupuncturists, yoga instructors and others enabling us to build our own “healing alliance” for our clients. In addition, what we may benefit from is the power of technology and the internet to build our own community to share our successes and challenges with each other.

Support is empowering. In his book, Love and Survival, Dr. Dean Ornish concludes that the single most important element in reversing heart disease is: support groups in community. Surprisingly, it superseded a vegetarian diet, eliminating smoking, exercise and regular meditation. From this, I have concluded that when the heart is open to sharing with others, the physical heart heals.

Let us set an intention to open a dialogue with each other; a forum to support the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of ourselves, clients and our profession of massage therapy. May this vehicle help to pollinate the seeds of a long and fruitful career.