kristina's corner

So, this morning I hopped on-line to finish some work before going in to the office and I ended up following a rabbit trail of controversy. Controversy about my beloved field of massage!

Some of you sent me copies of last week's article about massage and inflammation (thanks!) and today I found a blistering article basically tearing the original study apart. (Click around on the site and see what you think.)  

I have to admit being a little sad and defensive that someone would have such passionate vehemence against my career and colleagues. I suppose it was a bit of an eye-opener to see that some people in the medical community still see massage therapists as "quacks" and would actually mention "happy endings." But, also, a little controversy is good to get the wheels turning.

Most of us who choose to commit to therapeutic massage as a career genuinely want to help people; and we rely on our training and ever-better research to continually hone our skills so that we may do so most effectively.  I have been ridiculed for saying this, but I would love some sort of Masters track for massage (and maybe even a PhD program) (it doesn't have to be "traditional"). I see great value in quality education.


Furthermore, I look forward to more research about the best ways massage benefits us and, conversely, genuinely want to know when massage will be ineffective. We all know that massage can't fix everything so let's keep exploring and get great at what it can do.

Ok, though, I have to admit, if a valid research study concluded that "massage is the answer! it cures all ills!," I would be thrilled!

news

Last month I let you know about our Licensure Bill. To update, the bill successfully passed the House and crossed-over to the Senate for review.

quick tip - self massage

If you have stubborn problems areas acting up between sessions, you can do a little self care at home. A quick solution is to use a ball, like a tennis ball or racquet ball, and use it to put pressure on your tight muscles. You can lean on it against a wall or lie on it on the floor for more pressure.

Or you can purchase a Theracane which has knobs on a long handle for more precise pressure. (I have a Theracane and can help you get one, if you like.)
Or you can always enlist someone to press on it for you!

news

This year Certified Massage Therapists in Virginia have a bill in the State Legislature to require anyone practicing massage in Virginia to become a licensed professional. 

Massage Therapy feels great, but moreover it has real health benefits and conversely real health implications.  In order to work safely and effectively as a therapist, one must undergo hundreds of hours of training to understand not only massage techniques, but anatomy, physiology, and pathology as well.  It is, unfortunately, possible to hurt someone by improperly applying massage techniques.

Currently, anyone wishing to call themselves a Certified Massage Therapist in Virginia must go through the appropriate training, testing, and registration with the Board of Nursing (here's mine).  Licensed Therapists would have to undergo the same process. The difference would come in disallowing anyone who is not licensed from legally practicing massage. (Currently an untrained individual may legally provide and charge for massage as long as they don't advertise themselves as a Certified Massage Therapist.)

I will keep you updated on the outcome and if you would like to support this bill, by all means, contact your representatives.

kristina's corner

Enjoy these final days of the year, with the days of celebration and the changing of the seasons.

I hope you feel profound gratitude, share lots of love, and know boundless joy!

news + promos

The wish list is open! Don't forget to let me know if there's a special "wish" you'd like me to steer your Santa to for the holidays. This is a great opportunity to try something new out, or get started on a membership if you don't already have one.

I can make gift cards in any denomination, I can take credit card payments by phone,  and I can accommodate it if you have more than one person "going-in" together.  If you send them to my by e-mail, have them put "Gift Certificate" in the Subject line.

Cheers!

quick tip - movement

I shared a quote on my Facebook feed that I thought worthy of a repeat as a gentle reminder.

We get so involved in our tasks, or so focused on completing them as quickly as possible, that sometimes we abuse our muscles by keeping them still for too long. 

Figure out a method that works for you to take occasional breaks (one-two per hour) from sitting in one place. Stand up to talk on the phone, walk down the hall to your co-worker, stop frequently on a long car trip. Set a little alarm if you need to.

Your muscles (and other parts of you) will thank you!