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Archive for July 2009


Posted Monday, July 20, 2009 by Cindy Glewwe

 BY Terry Clements, Massage Therapy Instructor, Eden Prairie Campus

I am sure you have seen the lists of benefits for receiving massage.  But have you ever thought about becoming a massage therapist?  And that there are very distinct benefits to this career?

I used to, somewhat jokingly, and yet very seriously, talk with the massage therapy students that I would do what I do for free.  I am passionate about massage and after many years of thinking about it, there are personal benefits as to why I still am passionate about massage and about being a massage therapist.

1).  Breathing.  Every minute of massage demands that I breathe.  I know this may sound ridiculous to some, but in order to provide my own body with what it needs to do massage (and it is a physically demanding job!), I must breathe.  Deeply, slowly, refreshingly.  I become stiff and contracted when I don’t breath and this is not the way to deliver a wonderful and relaxing massage.  Breathing ranks at the top of the list of benefits!

2).  Remaining relaxed.  If I am relaxed, you will be relaxed.  If my touch is relaxing (even through the deep tissue work), you will relax in response to this.  It is that simple – and it is true – when I am relaxed, you, too, will relax.  What other career has as a job responsibility that you must be relaxed? (and sometimes easier said than done!).

3).  Meditation-like.  Spending five to six hours a day in a quiet, beautiful room with another human being, just being quiet, breathing, and relaxing.  It’s like being able to meditate for most of the day!  The pace is slow, the music is soothing, the aromas are wonderful, and the work, rewarding.  It’s not a cubicle, a car, an office, in front of a computer screen, or on the phone.  It’s quiet, still, and peaceful.

4).  Physical work.  Massage also requires attention to my body.  If done well, I am balanced, somewhat like a dancer as I do my massage.  Paying attention to how my feet are planted, where my body’s center is, and how my arms, hands, neck, and head are gives me grace – and exercises my body.  I also stretch before and after a day of massage, trying to prevent repetitive motion type injuries.  It requires I care for my self.

5).  Being in the present moment.  All of the above provide me with the present moment, with my own presence in the moment and to be fully here.  I breathe, relax, quiet my mind, and bring my body – my whole self - into the session.  For me, doing massage has taught me about my whole self, the mind, spirit and body, of who I am and how I can be of service in this world.

Seem a bit outlandish or overblown – even a bit selfish?  Well, yes, if selfish means I get to express myself as fully myself.  Perhaps a better word is self-like.  Being a massage therapist has opened myself up to me, given me a way to express my whole self, and allowed others to open to their own breath, relaxation, quietude, and being - bringing about their own healing in their own way

Oh, the other great benefit is that I get paid to do this.  So if this job (or service) calls to you, go get a massage.  Breathe, relax, and consider the benefits of becoming a massage therapist.  As a way to becomming your self.
Posted Monday, July 06, 2009 by Cindy Glewwe

BY Janice Smith, CMT, NCTMB, St. Cloud Campus, Massage Therapy Instructor/ Program Director

 Since Massage Therapy is something that some are just now giving greater credit to as a profession, I thought that this would be a great way to introduce others to the profession and give a brief overview of a few different modalities that are available in the industry.

 

"BUZZWORDS"

 Massage Therapy - The practice of therapeutic massage in the United States dates back to the 1890s, when massages were routinely available at the YMCA and YWCA.

 Swedish Massage - Is the most commonly taught and well-known massage technique, and mainly relaxes the muscles, easing aches and pains. A Swedish doctor invented this style of massage in 1813. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Pressure upon the body may be light or firm, depending on the preference of the client.

 Medical Massage - Sometimes Swedish is referred to as Medical Massage, since the massage strokes are performed in the direction of blood flow through the circulatory system. Usually this term is used when the practice of medical documentation and record keeping is involved.

 Masseuse/Masseur - This is an outdated term for the profession. Practitioners prefer to be called Massage Therapist, Muscular Therapist, or Bodyworker.

 Deep Tissue - Any massage technique that involves working into the body and insertion points of the muscle, rather than just gliding on the surface of the skin. Sometimes called Neuromuscular Massage.

 Therapeutic Massage - At many spas and professional offices this term is used to distinguish between a deep tissue massage and one that is performed superficially.

 Sports Massage - Can be any muscular treatment specific to common sports injuries. The therapist strives to alleviate inflammation, provide muscular warm-up, stretches and other techniques for the amateur and professional athlete.

 Shiatsu - Is a Japanese acupressure massage that is done by applying pressure along the meridians. The therapist focuses on the ancient meridian pathways on the body, rather than the muscular system. The client may be fully clothed. This treatment can be performed either on a massage table or on a floor mat.

 Reflexology - This is Shiatsu of the hands and feet. Often, this is given whenever a fully clothed, short treatment is called for.

 Chair Massage - Sometimes called corporate massage, or seated massage. This is most commonly practiced on-site at businesses which will allow a client to receive a short treatment at their desk. The therapist will bring a padded chair, or the client will lean over their desk on a table top face rest. This is done fully-clothed, without oil.

 Hydrotherapy - Refers to the therapeutic use of water at any temperature or form, including ice packs, vaporizers, and hot baths.