Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Heartburn is a painful, burning sensation in the chest that most people will experience at some point in their lives. Heartburn typically occurs at night, while lying down after a meal. Many people aren't aware that the foods they eat or certain behaviors can cause this uncomfortable condition, and therefore experience frequent bouts of heartburn. You probably wouldn't put the two together, but massage therapy can actually be quite beneficial to someone who suffers from frequent or occasional heartburn. Inquiring about heartburn during your intake process can offer your clients valuable therapeutic support in overcoming this condition.

If your clients indicate they experience persistent heartburn, consider offering them some helpful tips on how to counteract its painful symptoms. Ask your clients to recall the types of foods they ate before the heartburn struck. Suggest to them the foods they should try to eliminate (or at least consume in moderation) from their diets, and explain how/why these foods can trigger acid reflux in the digestive system, and subsequently cause heartburn.

If you've been unlucky enough to have experienced heartburn, you're fully aware of the painful symptoms it produces: burning chest pain, acid-like taste in the mouth, and pain when lying down, among other symptoms. These symptoms are severe, and can sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions requiring a physician's immediate attention. Be sure not to "diagnose" your clients with heartburn. Instead, refer your client to their doctor immediately, in case what they're experiencing is not heartburn, but actually a heart attack, as it is often mistaken for.

So, where does massage fit in? One particular modality that can be quite therapeutic is Shiatsu Anma Therapy, which focuses specifically on applying pressure to various parts of the body to achieve the desired result of alleviating the symptoms caused by heartburn. Shiatsu Therapy can aid in digestion, reduce nausea, and decrease stomach acidity.

Learn more about how you can help your clients suffering from painful heartburn symptoms.

Aside from effective massage techniques, one of the most important aspects to giving a good massage is to understand and address your massage client's needs. By fully understanding your client's issues, problem areas, and preferred treatment methods, you can be well prepared to address a number of the unique client-specific issues that you will encounter during your career as a massage therapist and will ready you for consistently giving a good massage.

Conduct an Interview

It is always important to speak with your client prior to beginning a massage therapy session, to ensure that you are both on the same page about the expectations for change, focus, and treatment during the massage. Clients may sometimes come in for a deep tissue massage, even if they normally receive a light, relaxing Swedish massage. Techniques that you normally use might not be preferred in a new session, and some clients may want you to focus on their legs and back, even though you normally work on their neck and shoulders. By conducting a thorough interview with your client, you can be sure that you are well informed of their focus areas and expectations, which is essential to providing exceptional service and to giving a good massage.

Before a massage, the clients' interviews are the ideal time to speak about factors that may have led to the problem areas, to help you tailor your massage techniques. If a client comes in complaining about low back pain, find out the history of the pain, and possible causes of the problem. Do they drive often? Is there any past surgery or accident that may have contributed to the pain? What kind of pain is it - a shooting pain that may be linked to a pinched nerve, or general muscle soreness that they want addressed during the massage? Clients provide a wealth of information and when you speak with them, you can better prepare for giving a good massage.

Be Aware and Informed

Once you are in the massage, being totally aware and informed of your clients' expectations might mean changing the plan mid-way through the massage. Clients may communicate to you that they want to switch from deep tissue massage techniques to a Swedish massage, and giving a good massage means being able to communicate to the client any changes or focus areas that you believe would be beneficial.

For example, imagine a client who has requested a Swedish massage for relaxation, and indicates noticing some adhesions in their shoulders and back. If you want to change massage techniques to address these areas, you should always ask the client if they want you want to address the adhesions with deeper techniques before actually doing so - "never assuming" is part of giving a good massage! Just because a client mentions a problem area in the initial interview does not necessarily mean that they want you to spend time on it during the massage. Clients may just be giving you background information to be helpful. This can be understandably confusing, but it is a common break in communication between the therapist and the client, and can unfortunately lead to your client leaving unhappy, or uncomfortable if you use the wrong massage techniques.

Understand Appropriate Positioning

Giving a good massage means being ready and able to adjust your table to accommodate all clients. Not everybody will want, or be able, to lie on the table prone or supine during a massage. The clients you encounter will likely have a number of unique personal and medical needs. By understanding how to appropriately position clients and alter your massage techniques for any number of issues, you can be sure to give each of your clients the individual service and attention that they deserve. Some preparation recommendations for always giving a good massage:

• Stocking your room with at least two extra bolsters, or three pillows. These can be used to support a side-lying position, and can provide extra comfort to people with injuries or painful areas. In the event that you are performing pregnancy massage, techniques aided by bolsters are essential in giving a good massage.
  
  
• Positioning also includes ensuring that the client is enjoying a comfortable temperature during the massage. Clients should always be asked whether they are too cold or too warm. Be prepared to accommodate them with extra blankets of varying thicknesses and warmth.

Preparing for Emotional Issues: Existing or Brought on by Massage Techniques

Giving a good massage also means being ready to address clients' emotional issues. Sometimes, an emotional memory may come up during an otherwise routine massage. Clients experience muscle tension due to emotional stress, and when addressing the physical ailments of a client, thoughts and memories of the related cause of the stress may occur.

Even if your client is not emotional when they arrive for the massage, techniques used during the session may bring up feelings or memories related to an event or injury. Don't worry! This isn't necessarily a sign that you aren't giving a good massage; most people have varied reactions to touch, and some of these emotions may manifest as crying. It's important to understand that while these situations can be awkward and potentially embarrassing, they are fairly common and should be treated with respect and compassion before, during, and after a massage. Clients should not be counseled by you during these emotional situations, as this is outside of your scope of practice.

As a massage therapist, it is your job to use effective massage techniques to the best of your ability, while giving a good massage, and maintaining a professional relationship with your client. Sometimes, it may be tempting to give advice to someone experiencing an emotional trauma or problem, but a better way to support your client would be to simply provide them with focused, caring touch therapy through massage. Clients, whether dealing with emotional issues or not, deserve your open communication with them to either address, or redirect options for therapy.

Use a Closing Technique

Finally, it is best to select closing massage techniques that bring the massage to a relaxing and mindful end. Simply stopping can feel sudden, and leave the body feeling unbalanced at the end of giving a good massage. Clients each enjoy specific methods, but light tapotement, a series of light effleurage strokes, or perhaps traction of the neck and legs can leave your client feeling whole. As always, be sure to let the client know how you plan to close so that they're informed and aware of your massage techniques. Clients who have a smaller frame may not enjoy tapotement, and clients with a larger frame may not enjoy light effleurage. By utilizing a closing technique at the end of the massage, clients will feel whole and leave happy and relaxed.

Many people believe deep tissue massage is supposed to be painful in order to be beneficial. As the saying goes, "No Pain, No Gain", does not always apply to massage. In fact, many people fall into a deeper state of relaxation when they receive a deep tissue massage.

So what is a deep tissue massage? Deep tissue massage involves the manipulation of the deeper layers of muscle and soft tissues of the body. It requires the massage therapist to melt into the tissue before reaching these deep layers by warming up the superficial layers of muscle that are on top. Reaching the deep layers of muscle and soft tissue may not always be accomplished in the first session. Depending on each particular situation, the session may have to be modified in order to keep the client comfortable so they do not unknowingly or unconsciously resist the work.

Our muscles have a natural reflex reaction to resist pain. When a muscle thinks it is about to be injured, this reflex is triggered. When too much pressure is applied, for example, during a massage, the muscle or group of muscles will naturally resist the force by tightening even further. This is the opposite effect of what massage is all about. Effective massage relaxes and releases areas of tension.

Most people will naturally try to avoid painful situations. For instance, not many people look forward to going to the dentist since many people associate pain with the dentist. Receiving a massage should not be one of those instances. Everyone has a different level of comfort and tolerance for pain. Each person can perceive pain on a different level depending on their pain tolerance. When the body is experiencing pain, the body reacts through tension. During a deep tissue massage, discomfort is normal and will be felt especially if there are inconsistencies within the tissues. Discomfort is described as a "good hurt", the kind that hurts and feels good at the same time in a strange kind of way. On the other hand, pain can be described as uncomfortable and not well tolerated by the body.

There are many techniques or modalities that can fall under the category of deep tissue work. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and Myofascial Release are just two that can be described as advanced deep tissue techniques. NMT focuses on creating a balance between the central nervous system (comprised of the brain, spine, and nerves) and the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints of the body through specific methods. Myofascial Release works on stretching and lengthening the connective tissue coverings called fascia that surround every part of our internal structure including our bones, muscles, and organs. Tight fascia can cause pain and restrict joint mobility.

There are times when deep pressure is necessary and can be painful, and that is in the case of scar tissue. Scar tissue or adhesions, as they are sometimes called, are thick areas of bound up connective tissue that is created during the healing process from an injury or some form of surgery. Scar tissue work requires deep pressure in order to break up the dense nature of this tissue. However, massage therapists should work within the clients comfort level and pain tolerance at all times. If a person cannot handle a high amount of pressure, it may take several more treatments to achieve the same results as someone with a higher threshold for pain. Results will occur, only at a slower rate.

Not everyone needs or should receive a deep tissue massage. Some people simply enjoy the sensation of deeper pressure to their muscles and others prefer a more gentle touch. Someone who has never experienced a massage before may not want to request a deep tissue massage. It is the responsibility of the massage therapist to determine if a deep tissue massage is appropriate and necessary by way of a thorough health history and evaluation. A massage is only effective when the person on the table is comfortable and relaxed.

Students, who major in Physical Therapy can look forward to a bright future when they start practicing in their chosen profession since Physical therapy is considered to be one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. There has been a lot of growth in the profession since its inception during the end of World War I and with an abundance of employment opportunities along with lucrative starting salaries, a major in Physical Therapy is well worth the investment.

The main role of a physical therapist is that of rehabilitation. Therapists work with physicians and other therapists to rehabilitate people with injuries, those with impairments and those afflicted with diseases to improve motor functions, stimulate muscles and relieve pain. Many therapists focus on rehabilitation following injury although there are Board-certified specializations available in various areas like sports-related physical therapy, pediatrics and orthopedics.

Physical therapists are trained to rehabilitate people through a variety of mediums. They may use heat, electricity, cold, sound and water during treatment sessions depending on the patient's problems. After the clinic session, they prescribe exercise schedules to help condition and strengthen the problem areas to allow for continuous healing in between clinic visits.

Part of a therapist's training includes mastering and passing a national, standardized test before they can get out there and try to establish a practice. In order to practice, a therapist may also need a master's degree or an advanced degree that is beyond a bachelor's degree. Therefore, majoring in PT will definitely require you to stay longer in school.

A master's degree in PT takes at least six years to complete. The programs are split into two parts. The first part consists of a traditional undergraduate program that takes 3-4 years to complete. The second part consists of the Physical Therapy graduate program, which takes three years to complete and includes participating and completing practicum training, which is where you will receive a lot of your first-time exposure to the actual practice of PT.

The training you receive as a Physical Therapy major may take a little more longer than the other degree programs being offered today, however, the resulting career you can build can be extremely rewarding, not just compensation-wise, but also profession-wise.

The growing popularity of smart phones, tablets, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and other such gadgets has both positive and negative effects. While it makes it easier to stay in touch with the people that matter to you it can also lead to several physical pains that result from prolonged use. The American Chiropractic Association reports that tens of thousands of Americans currently suffer from a debilitating condition called Text Neck. Americans send 4.1 billion text messages everyday which is why it comes as to no surprise that this physical complaint is getting more rampant each day.

What are the body parts that are affected with Text Neck?

Studies show that constant texting and typing causes inflammation of the tendons and wrist. There are even some cases wherein teenagers and young professionals, which is the demographic that sends text messages the most, are diagnosed with arthritis in the thumb.

In addition to the tendons and wrists other injuries that could come up from prolonged use of these gadgets are neck and back pains. Doctors and chiropractors have all agreed that this stems from poor posture. Users of these gadgets especially the cellular phones and tablets often hold these between their waist and shoulders so there is a tendency for him to look down and lower his head all the time. This causes strains on the neck and the back.

If you are one of those people who experience these symptoms then you should see a doctor right away. If these go untreated and if you will not correct your posture you will eventually develop more serious conditions like tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can massage therapy help ease the symptoms of Text Neck?

A massage is highly beneficial to anyone who is feeling some aches and pains on his back or neck. Years of studies has shown that a massage can help alleviate tension build up in your body and will help reduce stress. Having a massage will result to feelings of deep relaxation because it improves the circulation of blood flow in your body.

Technology will continue to bring forth a wave of new gadgets and gizmos that will make life easier and more convenient. Smart phones and tablets appeal to every demographic. With this in mind, understanding the potential threats and injuries these devices may cause us from over use is important and should be expressed to all who use them.

Whether you are just starting to map-out your career plan or considering an occupational change, hands-on health care is a profession worthy of exploration. In a field where demand exceeds supply, it becomes a matter of personal interest and commitment.

From a broad perspective, physical therapists (PT) top the list of critical personnel shortages in comparison with other areas of patient care. Right away, it's easy to discern job security is a given. After becoming accredited, you can just about write your own ticket. Literally! Job openings are plentiful across the globe.

However, it's prudent to understand that any life-altering decision requires more than a blind leap-of-faith. Take note that a significant amount of money, time and sweat-equity is required to complete your necessary physical therapy education. Are you willing to make a promise to yourself that you will finish what you start?

First, do you qualify for this physically demanding occupation? Can you lift 50 pounds? Do you have physical challenges that would pre-empt you from repetitive motion such as: stretching, stooping over, bending and/or kneeling? Do you have the stamina to stand on your feet for prolonged periods?

If your interest has peaked by this point, you're ready to gather information. A good starting place is exploring valuable online resources using the keywords: "Physical Therapy Association".

For example, you'll find: role of physical therapist, career advice, self-check indicators, exam information, handbooks, testing dates for your state, education criteria, assistance programs and much more.

Once you've tapped-out the association's resources - STOP - and ask yourself "Why do I want to become a physical therapist?"

Most people respond, "I like helping people."

Be mindful this is your future life. Helping people is not a valid reason to embark on this career path. You could become a fire fighter and help people. You could serve soup at a homeless shelter and help people.

Take pen in hand and make a list of every reason that comes to mind. Did your list include something to the effect of "I'll make a lot of money"? Money is good and you will make a lot of money as a PT.

But, the very best reason is that you can imagine yourself doing this job because you love it.

If this is true, it's time to visit several physical therapy schools in your area. Among required classes are: chemistry, biology, anatomy and pathology. You'll receive hands-on training in various therapeutic techniques. Some schools require clinical training.

After completion, you must obtain a license if you plan to practice in the US. Then you'll have the delightful experience of determining where you prefer to practice, such as a hospital, rehab center or an alternative healthcare setting.

The majority of us all have felt some great benefits of massage for ourselves and recognize the health rewards for people. As a result one could wonder then if dogs or other mammals could get the equivalent added benefits. Amazed? For a variety of issues, dog therapeutic massage has been used for quite a while with special benefit. From physical therapy, to relaxation, to illness recuperation, canine massage has been used with good result.

1 Life Expectancy Increases

Stress in dogs is a primary cause of disease, and ailments, much like human beings. Regular massage helps dogs to recover from sickness, ward off potential disorders and also eliminate stress. By simply helping your dog to stay low stress, in good shape and flexible they are able to live longer compared to those that are not.

2. Enhances Blood and Lymph Circulation

Improved blood flow and lymph circulation are confirmed advantages of therapeutic massage. Improved blood flow facilitates in promoting oxygen intake to tissue. Boosting lymph circulation is quite necessary as well. Cleaning the contaminants in the body is the primary purpose of the lymphatic system. The body stays clean and strong by consistently stimulating the blood and lymph circulation of the body.

3. Enhances Flexibility and Arthritis

With arthritis predisposed joints become inflexible or painful to move. Arthritis in dogs is much like arthristis in humans. It feels very similar and impacts them the same way too. Some of the advantages of correct massage involve relaxing the joints, loosening tight ligaments and improved flexibility. Regular massages are beneficial and may also postpone the oncoming of discomfort which arthritis and inflexibility can bring. Endorphins, a drug free pain killer, is also released as a result of massage.

4. Calms Your Dog

There's a simple validated calming effect from massage therapy. It is ideal for canines that are hyper, have problems with separation anxiety as well as anything which produces emotional tension. The reason being massage is really a stress reliever. The relaxing results of massage therapy last between sessions since it helps to alleviate aching muscle tissue and improves the strength of their immune system.

5. Creates a Deeper Relationship

Developing a stronger feeling of trust is essential to every relationship. By understanding the way to give a proper canine massage yourself you save a lot of money as well as develop that relationship yourself. As it becomes a natural part of you and your pet's standard routine he or she will begin to look forward to them. By growing more aware of small shifts in your pup's physical shape and overall health you also will probably grow closer and more connected towards your dog.

You can study expert dog massage techniques very inexpensively instead of spend the money on expensive certification classes or frequent treatment.

There are many reasons as to why children may need physical therapy. It could be because they have cerebral palsy and they need physical therapy to help them move their bodies easier or perhaps they broke a leg, or they may have weak muscles somewhere in their body. Even those with brain injuries may need to see a physical therapist since the brain has a lot to do with the functioning of muscles and knowing how to do things such as sit, walk, and roll.

There are a number of different conditions and injuries that require physical therapy in children. There is even one such condition called Jumper's knee that becomes a problem for a lot of children and adolescents. If the child complains of tenderness and pain around the bottom of the kneecap, then this might be the problem. Kids who are involved in sports tend to have this problem during growth spurts. A physical therapist may use heat and ice as well as ultrasound to gain control over the pain and any inflammation. The physical therapist also works on strengthening the knee and creating a balance through exercises such as posture exercises.

However, children are always severely spraining ankles, breaking legs, arms, hands, and feet. They may pull something somewhere or tear a muscle during physical activity. All of these incidents call for some kind of physical therapy whether short-term or long-term. Physical therapy is important in children who have injured a part of their body because an injury can actually stunt growth, so it is important to make sure proper growth is inhibited by creating proper alignments and balances within the body.

Equipment

There are different types of equipment that may be used with children who are going through physical therapy. An example is a safety belt that prevents the child from falling down or stumbling when they are learning how to walk. Crutches may also be used and the child and parents will be instructed on how to use them when the child encounters such obstacles as stairs. Children may also be required to wear a safety belt while learning how to walk on crutches so they do not injure themselves further.

Other types of equipment include:

o Walkers made just for children that help them learn to walk.

o Toys such as balls, swings, benches, and slides. Toys are an important tool because it encourages the child to work their muscles through fun.

o Ultrasound devices that are used in controlling pain and inflammation.

o Therapy balls are kind of like exercise balls, but they are made in smaller sizes for children

o Therapy rolls are like long noodle type objects that the child can lean on, roll on, and simply have fun with.

o Steps, incline mats, and hurdles can create a great physical environment for a child because these objects encourage them to climb and jump.

Many of the different types of physical therapy equipment that is used promotes physical activity in some way. Then there are others types of equipment that is used in reducing pain and inflammation and helps restore a balance within the injured area. There seems to be a little something for every situation for every single age, whether it be devices to help a child walk or to rehabilitate a muscle that has been torn. With sports becoming so intense nowadays, sports injuries are very prevalent and a physical therapist is required for the healing process. Then again, children are born with conditions that physical therapy equipment can provide relief for. That is why it is important that the proper equipment be available to help these children.

Beating the pavement in a dead run may improve your speed, but every runner understands the need to slow down, relax and let the muscles rest. Massage therapy offers the kind of relaxation that helps muscles to relax fast, allow circulation to remove the toxins generated from exertion and improve muscle stability and growth for overall good health.

Deep muscle massage stimulates circulation and encourages an athlete to relax and allow his body to rest. While nothing feels better than a hot bath, intuitive massage increases blood flow and stimulates healing within the body to create a sense of well being that even a hot bath can't accomplish.

When your mamma told you to get the lead out, she was really talking about the toxins that slow down the body and creep into the system. These toxins become sluggish and lazy if allowed to reside in muscle tissue. A deep muscle massage by an intuitive massage therapist brings relief to strained muscles and a combination of other healthy benefits to the body.

While not everyone needs a sports massage, the concept of relaxation is important to everyone. If you have tight sore muscles, getting a massage may help. In fact, getting a massage should be your first response to achy sore muscles and exhaustion, because the massage releases tension and allows your body to relax.

Follow any massage with plenty of water to wash away the toxins and replenish your body's hydration. Get plenty of rest and enjoy a nice hot bath or shower to release any residual achiness that you may be feeling.

It means "finger pressure" in Japanese and that's exactly what shiatsu is: a Japanese type of body work, or massage, which uses the pressure of fingers to relieve aches and pains throughout the body. Some say it's helpful and others say it's hogwash, but the fact remains that any type of massage can be relaxing, calming and pleasant. So what have you got to lose?

Benefits of Shiatsu

The origins of shiatsu go back at least 5,000 years. It originated as a traditional Chinese form of healing called Anma, which came to Japan and began to develop into something more unique. In the 20th century the word shiatsu was coined, and by the mid 1950s the government in Japan officially recognized it as a legitimate type of therapy.

Like acupuncture, this type of bodywork or massage is carried out by concentrating on the body's system of Chinese meridians, or specific pressure points. When pressure is applied along these very specific meridian lines, it is thought that the body is able to realign its natural qi, or energy flows.

People who practice shiatsu use these pressure techniques combined with assisted stretching to stimulate the lymphatic system and help the blood flow circulation throughout the body. It is thought that by doing this the body will eventually release built-up toxins, and that the muscles will get rid of accumulated tension.

Proponents of this age-old technique believe this release can help the body heal itself overall through building up its hormonal and immune systems, which in turn have a positive effect on the nervous system. So shiatsu is supposed to be not only have immediate results when we feel instantly better, but also long-term ones that can help us overcome a variety of ailments. Benefits can include:

Reduced blood pressure

Reduced muscle stiffness

Increased blood circulation

Increased vitality and energy

Better stamina

Increased flow of lymphatic fluid

Better circulation

How Does Shiatsu Work?

Experiencing shiatsu is as easy as finding a qualified practitioner, and there are many. Once you find someone you like, he or she will ask you questions about your general health, carry out an examination which usually includes looking at your tongue and listening to your voice, and then perform several techniques to improve the flow of energy around your body.

Each treatment lasts usually around one hour, and will include the practitioner applying pressure to various parts of your body using his or her hands, thumbs, fingers, palms, knees, feet, elbows etc, and also carrying out some assisted-stretching techniques. There are several different schools of shiatsu and the treatment you have will be tailored to suit the school, which include:

Namikoshi Shiatsu. Uses rubbing and pressing techniques to aid in healing. Developed by one Mr Tokujiro Namikoshi, who supposedly cured his mother's rheumatism and became a known and gifted healer at the ripe old age of 10. It uses pressure to rid cells of toxins, concentrating on both deep and superficial tissues. It is thought that repeated pressing generates electrical charges which help to stimulate energy levels, and get rid of adhesions that have held the body back.

Zen Shiatsu. Most popular kind of shiatsu, which concentrates on the entire body and sometimes requires abdominal massage. Developed by Shizuto Masanuga, a psychologist and shiatsu practitioner who died in 1981. Lifestyle and dietary advice may be given. The practitioner will listen to how the body responds to certain pressing, which will dictate the steps he or she will take next. The recipient usually lies on a futon or mat on the floor, and no massage oils are used.

Tsubo Therapy. Not as popular in the States as it is in Japan, this was developed by Katsusuke Serizawa and concentrates on tsubo, or acupressure points. It is thought that the skin has an electrical resistance which changes over specific tsubo points, so a tsubo therapist will use a variety of techniques to prove this, including needles and electrical devices as well as plain old massage. Acupressure shiatsu is largely thought of as a derivative of Serizawa's techniques.

Please note that shiatsu is not for everyone. People with certain skin rashes, who have just had surgery or who are prone to blood clots should refrain from having it. Pregnant women, people with osteoporosis, and those who have just had chemotherapy or radiotherapy should consult their doctor first. And use common sense: avoid having it if you have large bruises, have just had a hernia operation or an open fracture etc.

Does it Really Work?

Proponents of shiatsu believe it can "cure" everything from constipation to insomnia to back pain, and say it also works well on depression, sports injuries, poor digestion, anxiety, stress and fatigue and other muscle pain. Others say it works primarily as a relaxation technique, and while it certainly can temporarily relieve pain - especially that associated with muscle stiffness because of its massage element - it cannot actually help the body heal itself.

"Ordinary massage and the legitimate practice of massage therapy can help people feel better. However, many practitioners falsely claim to do much more, and the agencies that oversee the educational and licensing systems display no evidence of concern about this," writes Dr Stephen Barrett on his Quackwatch website, which is advertised as "Your Guide to Quackery, Health Fraud and Intelligent Decisions."

"I've been astounded over the years at the outlandish claims made by many body workers. It's wonderful to get a great massage. It does increase circulation, gives temporary relief to pain, provides a sense of well being, and promotes relaxation, but I don't know of anything (other than the blues) that it has ever cured.

"People need to realize that just because it is a wonderful pleasure that does not make it good medicine."

If you want to try shiatsu yourself, make sure you get a trained practitioner in a safe and clean environment. But remember that this type of complementary therapy should not be intended to replace conventional medicine, and that if a shiatsu practitioner tries to diagnose a specific health problem or prescribe medicine, they are breaking the law. Apart from that, lie back and enjoy it!