Physical Therapy Schools|Benefits Of Massage Therapy Schools

Massage therapy is an ancient art and science dating back as far as 2000 BC. The popularity of massages has endured because it is a proven method of improving one's physical health and emotional well being. Massage is the therapeutic manual manipulation of the body's soft tissues. It not only is used to relax muscles and stimulate healing of deep tissue injuries, but it can also be used to prevent injuries.

Massage therapy can help treat and prevent not only sports injuries, but also injuries received during everyday activities. This type of therapy helps to improve and maintain muscle and connective tissue health which helps to reduce the chance of injury. It focuses on such areas as muscle tone and relaxation, range of motion, and flexibility. The muscles, tissues, tendons, and ligaments are manipulated manually using specific massage techniques for the purpose of restoring elasticity to the deep tissues and strengthening muscles to allow for more elasticity. This allows for better movement and makes the body less at risk of receiving an injury.

Massage therapy provides a number of therapeutic effects that helps minimize the chance of receiving an injury. For instance, over time, muscles can tighten and shorten which increases the risk of muscle, ligament, and tendon strains. Regular massage sessions helps keep muscles and tissues loose and flexible decreasing the risk of strain and tears. A deep tissue massage will improve circulation so that blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues will be increased. This will optimize muscle and ligament health and relieve muscle stiffness and tension.

There are massage techniques that cause the body to release natural chemicals called endorphins which are natural pain killers. It has also been shown that massage therapy on a regular basis can not only help prevent injury, but it also helps extend an athlete's career by maintaining physical health. Other ways regular massage sessions helps prevents injuries includes: improving mobility, joint flexibility and range of motion, increasing circulation, strengthening the immune system, and alleviating musculoskeletal problems which will improve posture.

When given by a by an experienced and licensed massage therapist, a massage will alleviate tension all over the body, including stress tension. One will be healthier, feel good all over, and be in better shape to ward off injury from engaging in everyday tasks such as house cleaning, gardening, moving items, and much more. A massage therapist is able to identify any tender areas that need work and stimulate the muscles and tissues to strengthen and tone. It is important to use the services of a licensed massage therapist as a person unskilled in the art and science of massage can cause injury. As well a professional massage will reduce the instances of soreness, spasms, pain in specific areas such as in the neck and lower back, improves joint flexibility, and improves range of motion, decreases blood pressure which can decrease the chance of a stroke or heart attack, and ensure fluids drain properly instead of accumulating in one area. The over all result is an increase in comfort and more ability to engage in physical activities.

Massage therapy has been practiced for so many years because of its proven health benefits. It is even a part of many conventional health treatments. In fact, many health insurance companies provide coverage for therapeutic massages. It is a therapeutic and preventative technique practiced by millions of people of all ages throughout the world.

The risk of injuries and tissue damage is high in tissues and joints that are highly mobile and functional. The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint. All the major activities across this joint are promoted by rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint in all upper limb 3-dimensional movements.

Rotator cuff injury involves moderate to severe injury to the shoulder region that may be acute in the form of trauma, accidental fall or it may occur in a chronic setting as a result of overuse injury due to repetitive movements across upper limb that makes supporting tendons or ligaments weak and vulnerable to minimal trauma. Rotator cuff tear manifests as painful movements and limitation of range of motion across the shoulder joint that is also followed by weakness of shoulder and visible abnormal angulations due to swelling in some cases.

You are at likely risk of developing rotator cuff tearing if you are an athlete or sports person who has a high rate of physical activity along the shoulder joint especially swimmers, carpenters and painters. You are also at risk if you are employed in body building and weight lifting or of advancing age with degenerative bone or joint diseases

Rotator cuff tear injuries is the most common form of injuries in professional tennis and badminton players and moderate to severe damage to rotator cuff muscles can greatly limit all types of activities across the shoulder joint. Physical therapy is needed for a number of reasons. It is very important to maintain normal circulation of blood across the joint capsule without affecting the nerve supply (brachial plexus) or healing tissues of shoulder joint. This is only possible if physical activity is performed across shoulder joint under tight supervision to avoid any trauma. Physical therapy helps in early recovery and restoration of full range of movement across the shoulder joint. Physical therapy is soothing and helps in relieving inflammation related shoulder joint pain.

Rotator cuff tear involves ligamentous damage in most cases and unless the tearing is very severe, no surgical manipulation is needed. Almost 80% of the cases get resolved with conservative therapy like ice-packs, steroid injection and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and edema. Although the rotator cuff is made up of 4 different muscles, supra-spinatous is most vulnerable to injury or tearing in a rotator cuff tear. Most therapies aim at making your shoulder injury painless or numb so that the natural and innate immune system can take over the task of tissue healing and repair (or regeneration).

As discussed previously, rotator cuff tears are most commonly seen in professional players and athletes and besides improving the injury, physical therapy also helps in stabilization and strengthening of small muscles and fibers. This is because these muscle fibers are more likely to suffer injuries because of high impact motion across shoulder joint and most gym exercises aims at strengthening of large muscle groups only.

Physical therapy exercises that aims at correcting rotator cuff tear involve weight lifting and muscle strengthening via light dumbbells. To support and stabilize joint tissue, resistance banding is also performed that helps in relieving edema or swelling in the joint region and restore the compromised blood supply across the joint capsule. Medicine balls and other similar equipment help in healthy recovery and improved range of motion by passive muscle contraction.

It is strongly recommended not to lift heavy weights from the affected limb and avoid overstressing the shoulder joint by hardcore physical exercises. Never start any therapy without seeking the advice of your healthcare provider or without the supervision of your physical therapists.

"Too much of a good thing, is bad for you." People often link this expression with things that we love. It could be a favorite savory food, such as chocolate. It could be a favorite pastime, such as video games. It could even involve spending too much time with that "someone special." In the case of a hot stone massage, such as those featured on a hot stone dvd-is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Here are some tips regarding massage frequency:

1. Massages at least once a month provides physical benefits
Having a hot stone massage at least once a month is good. Having a massage more frequently is even better. I religiously get a massage every other week, which allows me to avoid any serious muscle or joint problems. Getting a regular massage can provide you with several benefits, including:

o good posture
o better blood circulation
o less pain
o suppler muscles
o increased flexibility

2. Massages at least once a month provide mental and emotional benefits
Getting a massage at least once every month can also provide several mental and emotional benefits. We can then focus more during the day. A hot stone massage can clear our minds, allowing us to concentrate better at work, at school, and even at play. Regular massages can also improve your self-esteem. The healthier you are, the more likely you are to feel positive about yourself!

3. Different massages provide different benefits
Various types of massages exist. Ones such as Swedish and Shiatsu focus on your overall health and wellbeing. Thai massage also fits in that category, though it focuses more on stretching, than on the patient's muscles per se. Other massages, such as deep tissue massages, focus on particular health problems within the body.

4. You will need multiple massages before experiencing significant benefits
How many massages do you need to start feeling the effects truly? There is no magical number. However, the process is like exercising. After enough regular massages (roughly four), your body should start experiencing some significant changes for the better.

5. Find a therapist that works well for you
As with any other service, it is important to find someone whose service fully meets your needs. You may need to switch therapists a few times until you find the right one. However, after that happens, remember, "If it is not broke then do not fix it!"

6. Determine the proper frequency of massages
Always consult with your doctor, if you intend to receive regular massages. As previously mentioned: one massage a month is good, while two per month is even better! If massages are part of some sort of rehabilitation, then once a week would be advisable.

How many massages per month are ideal? It depends. However, massages undoubtedly benefit our bodies, minds, and emotions. Take some time to determine the "magic number" of massages that you need on a regular basis. At the end of the day, THAT figure is the right number for you!

Art forms such as painting or music are powerful developmental tools, improving brain function and memory skills. Creative expression and appreciation are invaluable parts of any educational program but is especially beneficial as part of adolescent special education.

Art As Education

A number of studies have demonstrated that schools with strong art programs have higher academic performance records than schools with less or no emphasis on art classes. There are several theories as to why this is true.

Learning was once considered a logical, left-brain activity. However recent thought is that learning also involves the creative right half of our brains. As students participate in artistic endeavors, they strengthen the neural connections in the right brain. They are more open to new ideas, learn faster, and retain memories better. Art also helps thinking and problem solving, helping students to understand and relate to new subjects more easily. Finally, art engages students more than many traditional teaching methods.

These facts do not just apply to adolescent special education. Typical students in general education environments benefit from art as well.

Art As Communication

Many students in adolescent special education, particularly those with neurological disorders, have difficulty communicating through traditional means. Some of these kids don't relate to the world in the same way as traditional students and are unable to grasp the concept of spoken language despite having normal hearing. Some of these students are able to communicate through music. They easily understand song lyrics even as they struggle to understand normal speech.

Other students can use art as a non-traditional communication medium. They can better express themselves through visual imagery than they can through the limits of traditional language. After all, art is at its core a form of communication and exposing these students to media outside written and spoken language may reveal new possibilities for interaction with their peers.

Art As Therapy

It is common for parents and even other therapists to assume that the activities described above are art therapy. However simply listening to music or painting a picture is no more art therapy than walking down the street is physical therapy. Art therapy is a directed exercise that uses the art as both a motivator and a therapeutic tool.

Traditionally art therapy has been used in the psychiatric field to allow patients get in touch with inner feelings they may be unable to express through other means. Today it is growing in popularity as a development tool, helping students in childhood or adolescent special education programs grow in ways that they might not be able to through other therapeutic means.

Children who have been considered "unreachable" may suddenly blossom when exposed to painting, music, poetry or other forms of creativity. Art should always be included in an adolescent special education setting.

If you think going to a spa house for a Thai Massage will be just like any old massage therapy experience, think again. Here are several reasons you should give this form of massage a try:

- Body conscious? You don't have to take off your clothes to get a massage. Thai massage is different from the popular Western concept of massage in that the recipient of the massage remains fully clothed. Unlike in most massage types that have become prevalent in Western countries where you are asked to remove several or all of your clothes and are covered either with sheets or towels, in a Thai massage session you don't have to be unclothed. In fact, should there be a need to do so, you will merely be asked to change into loose-fitting clothing.

- No lotions and oils that stick to your body. It goes without saying that since you will not be asked to shed off your clothes, no aromatic and/or medicinal oils and/or lotions will be used in the course of the session - something that likewise sets this form of massage apart from other types. This is good news to those who only have a couple of hours to spare since their free time will be maximized, as well as to individuals who have highly sensitive skin and are wary of having any type of oil or lotion from coming in contact with their skin.

- You get to do yoga, too. In most places, Thai Massage is alternately called "Thai Yoga Massage", and with good reason. One of the six crucial points in this form of massage therapy - along with acupressure, meditation, exercise, healing, and reflexology - is yoga. If you are looking then to increase your flexibility while at the same time relieving yourself from stress caused by your busy schedule, you might want to consider getting this type of massage regularly.

- There are a lot of benefits to be had. The usual list of benefits one can enjoy in other forms of massage therapy naturally applies to Thai massage, too. This list includes the following:

o relaxation
o pain relief
o bodily tension relief
o invigorated nervous system
o improved blood circulation
o improved energy flow
o heightened awareness
o overall feeling of well-being

- It can give you so much more. Other than the above-mentioned advantages, should you decide to try out this form of massage, you are in for other, unique benefits. First, you get to increase your flexibility through the passive yogic positions that the practitioner will assist you into doing. Second, a genuine Thai massage session - that is, if it is facilitated by a knowledgeable practitioner who follows the procedure to the letter - can reward you with a sense of self-healing that can help alleviate not only physical but likewise emotional, mental, and spiritual strain. This is due to the fact that the primary purpose of Thai massage is to bring about harmony amongst the three aspects of an individual - mind, body, and spirit.

Whatever the salary is for a massage therapist, it's not enough. Seriously, you couldn't pay me enough to rub on somebody for extended periods of time... anybody. It's just not in me. And then there's the schooling involved before you can legally obtain a permit. It just seems more trouble than it's worth. Fortunately however, there are people out there that have plodded through the schooling, hands on training and are finally certified massage therapists. So what is the reward for their diligence?

Massage salary ranges in 2010

So what are the rewards? How much of the green stuff do you think a massage therapist takes home? A massage therapist earned a common standard amount of $39,780 per year or $19.13 hourly. But there are also average salary ranges from $7.00 hourly up to $35 per hour, determined by the disposition of the situation. The highest paid massage positions labor hand in hand with other industries, some of which are:

• Recreation industries ($20 per hour)
• Hospitals ($26 per hour)
• Physicians ($19 per hour),
• Other assorted health practices ($21 per hour)

The highest pay goes to therapists in hospitals ($26.49) and specialties which, sadly is the smallest division in the massage industry as well.

How is the job outlook for 2011-2012?

Massage therapy is a quickly growing and relatively new career option. Most people use it not as a main source of income but as a secondary income source. Approximately 57% were self-employed. Of that 57%, approximately 48% look upon themselves as part timers, while 19% had changeable schedules, modifying their schedules to fit the week to week needs of their clients.

What is the outlook for future massage therapists?

In the following decade, the amount of therapists is anticipated to raise about 19%-a lot quicker than the standard industry. The entire number of positions occupied by massage therapists in the year 2008 was stated to be approximately 122,400. And by 2018, that number is expected this to rise by 23,200 more positions. This is mostly because a larger number of people are discovering the importance of therapy. Counting part timers and students, an estimated 280,000 to 320,000 massage therapists are working or learning in the US. Somewhere around 16,000 of them are employed in a doctor's office or other healthcare source. In 2007, there were roughly 15,500 spas offering massage therapy in just the US alone.

How does the massage industry look for 2011?

Specific information regarding the full amount of massages aren't available as of yet, however as of 2004, a revenue of approximately $12,000,000,000 was reached by way of 140 million visits. In the year 2009, the massage therapy business more likely than not was responsible for $18,000,000,000 up to $22,000,000,000. From June 2008 to June of 2009, approximately 25% of grown Americans used a massage therapist at least one time. (That's about 50 million!)

Overall, massage therapy is quickly gaining popularity due to more consumers needing services offered by massage therapists. The biggest moneymaking careers in massage therapy are associated with other industries- particularly health services.

Students have been looking at the economic climate that they are entering and wondering what their chances are for a good job. After four years or maybe more of school, you may be facing anything upward seventy-five thousand dollars in debt from school loans without talking about needing a new car, your teeth fixed, new glasses and any other complaint that you put aside to pay for your schooling, a roof over your head, and something decent to eat. It is time to start searching for a traveling physical therapist job.

Prospects of Traveling Physical Therapy

So what are your prospects? If you have been looking at the job market, you may not have been too excited about the wages and benefits offered by full time employment. Getting paid only twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars per year or even fifty thousand is barely scraping by when supporting a family, a house, and an albatross around your neck called school loans. Traveling physical therapy has not been a standard option in the past for young grads to look at, but you might want to start considering traveling as your job.

Average wages for those who opt for physical therapy travel jobs are about forty-five dollars per hour and at forty hours per week, you are looking at eighteen hundred dollars a week after your relocation is paid for, your corporate housing is provided, full benefits, and even a 401k. So, depending on how many weeks you choose to work in the year, you are doing very nicely at an easy ninety thousand dollars. And there are many traveling physical therapy positions available.

A Traveling Physical Therapist Works, Plays, and Helps Saves Lives

When spring break is looking like a mythical past and taxes start looming, students would be advised to check into jobs for traveling physical therapy. Without your roots being sunk deep, with a thirst for the new, and a deep desire to see the world, traveling physical therapy is a fabulous opportunity to pay back your loans, set aside money for a rainy day, and vacation all while you are at work.

The companies that employ you are providing skill and expertise to institutions and service providers who are employee poor and need to provide the best service possible to their clients. That means that they need you and are happy to pay your worth. There are occasions that a traveling physical therapist can help in disaster stricken areas. The aftermath of hurricanes like Charlie, Katrina, Rita, and Ike, has rendered entire states powerless to help their people after losing many to the storms and yet thousands to heal.

It is easy to apply for a position as a traveling physical therapist. It is best to apply early because you have the opportunity to choose your assignments and when they start. Once you have graduated and are licensed, you can apply for assignments right away. If you are looking at traveling out of state, make sure that you leave enough time to gain the requirements necessary for the state licensing.

Avoid eating or drinking too much just prior to a massage session.

Be conscious of one's breathing throughout your massage session.

Advise your massage therapist of any acute or chronic pain/conditions you may be experiencing. You're encouraged to notify your massage therapist of anything you feel may help him/her give you the very best massage possible. Good communication enhances the massage session expertise.

Permit your self some free time after a massage to ensure that you may further enjoy your massage experience.

Therapeutic massage can be inappropriate in some cases, like in individuals with:

* Inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)

* Infectious diseases

* Certain types of cancer

* Some skin conditions

* Some cardiac problems

* Acute fever

If you have one of these, or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check together with your physician prior to seeking a massage.

Results & Benefits

Whether seeking relief for a medical condition, searching for a method to assist deal with the stresses of daily life or wanting to maintain great health, more and more individuals are turning to therapeutic massage.

Massage doesn't just really feel good. Research shows it reduces the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Therapeutic massage enhances medical treatment and helps individuals feel less anxious and stressed, relaxed yet more alert.

The relationship of stress and illness is of interest to anyone maintaining their health. We all have stress in our daily lives related to work, family, environment and society. Stress causes the release of hormones that create vasoconstriction -- vessel shrinking -- and reduced circulation. Affected by stress, the heart works harder, breathing becomes rapid and shallow, and digestion slows. Nearly every body process is degraded. Psychosomatic studies show how stress factors can cause migraines, hypertension, depression, some peptic ulcers, etc. Massage therapy can help by counteracting stress effects.

Massage therapy can be one of the best ways to eliminate any stress that we may get in our daily life. Stress is inevitable most especially if people will not do anything about it. It will lead for them to suffer from other types of condition like depressions. As much as possible, it should be dealt with properly. Massage therapy can do the job for them. Its benefits are amazing. They will be able to be free from stress and continue living their life to the fullest. They have to seek the best help from those experts in massage and get the best out of it.

The first time I realized I could heal myself was when I was a child. I was quite daring and a bit of a dare-devil. It was a time when Evil Kenivel was popular and so were his stunts. I would set up ramps and jump them in an abandoned lot near my grandmother's house in Queens, NY. Needless to say I fell a lot. I would get up and using my belief that it didn't hurt. I would go on. I now realize that I used the power of faith, or placebo effect as some like to call it, to minimize the pain.

I started meditating and reading about healing and the like in 1988, when I was in my early 20's and my father had recently passed. I was trying to make sense of my loss.

I began reading books like Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain and Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian Weiss.

I also began praying for guidance, something I never thought of doing in the past. I also began following the guidance I received which usually came in dreams. I started reading the tarot cards and moving my energy using color and visualization. I could put my hands on someone, visualize a color and their pain was gone. I began to start believing in my gifts.

Between 1990 and 1991, my whole world came apart, my marriage fell apart, and I got sick and needed surgery.

In 1990 I also took my first trip to Tulum Mexico and felt this incredible connection with the place. I could see all the colors and the energy emanating from the ruins. In 1991 I had Pelvic Inflammatory disease which blew out my right ovary and blocked my left tube. I was a mess. I had exploratory surgery which left me with a large scar down the midline from my navel to my pubic bone. I woke up in extreme pain physically and emotionally. This opened up my emotional wounds. I was so depressed and angry, I felt completely hopeless. I was unable to care for myself and for my two children. I was completely emotionally, spiritually and physically raw. I was also informed by my doctor that I was now sterile and could not have any more children. After a tremendous amount of self-healing, which I discussed in the first manual, I realized that I could no longer see energetically, which was traumatic. I no longer felt gifted only wounded.

In 1992, I took a trip to Florida with my children. I was finally feeling a little better and wanted to start living and enjoying my life again. While I was there I went to a psychic fair for fun. I saw an amazing psychic who told me I was a high priestess many times in many lives and that I was a healer, and that I would be going back to school for many years. At that time I was thinking of back to school but didn't really know for what. I had so many interests. She also told me that in a past life I was in Central America and I was killed because I gave too much information before the people were ready for it. She had said that was one of my challenges this time; coming off as a "know it all".

Given the information, I decided to go back to school to CW Post, LIU, that fall 1992. I took some classes in Art, music, dance and psychology, only to realize I could incorporate them all and become a Creative Arts Therapist. During this time I also began my treatment with an amazing art therapist, who I discussed in the first manual. During this time, I began uncovering many aspects of myself that I didn't realize were there. I was a talented artist, writer, and dancer. I also realized I had the potential to become a good therapist someday.

I also realized that something else was missing in my life. I was nearing the end of my 20's, I was doing well in my work, I had a boyfriend I loved very much and for the first time in my life that I could remember I was feeling somewhat happy, yet something was missing. I started longing to have another child. I knew I was sterile and really shouldn't bother. I was plagued with chronic yeast infections and bladder infections and my gynecologist had been trying to convince me to have a hysterectomy, but I refused. I really believed I could have another child.

I began to pray every night and as often as I could remember during the day. I prayed for help and for guidance. One night I had a dream of my grandfather, who had passed in 1990, holding a beautiful baby. I can remember his luminous blue eyes shining so brightly as he held this little bundle of love. When I woke up, I of course rationalized and psychoanalyzed my dream. I thought for sure it was because I was doing so much inner child work the baby part of me was coming out. Lo and behold, 3 months later I was pregnant, wow, what a surprise for me, my boyfriend and my doctor. He told me, well these things do happen sometimes. Of course I attributed it to my praying and visualizing holding a baby, my baby.

I was in my last year of school to finish my Bachelors of Science in Art Therapy with a minor in Art and Dance, when I was told by my doctor that if I didn't stop everything I was doing, I would lose this baby. For the second time in my life I stopped everything. I stopped working full time in the family pharmacy and I needed help to take care of my children. My boyfriend moved in and my new life began.

This was truly a healing crisis. According to my doctor, if I made any fast moves or walked too much the placental wall would separate and I could self abort. This was not the pregnancy I imagined. I went from being a strong and confident woman to feeling like an invalid. I wasn't able to do very much for myself and was so used to doing everything myself. This was a huge lesson for me to STOP and BE! I was so used to doing and being on the go, go, go all the time.

I was on bed rest for 6 months, so I read. I read every book I could get my hands on about energy healing, the chakras, meditation, shamanism, Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, herbs, homeopathy, and natural remedies. I even applied to The Barbara Brennan School for Healing, though the timing wasn't right.

After a tumultuous pregnancy; I was in the labor room 7 times before I was finally in labor. I gave birth to my last son. I took a semester off and began school the following semester nearby at Marymount College. I thought this was a better idea since I was still nursing. This was a huge adjustment, new school, new baby, new county, and new home. We made the move to Westchester.

Towards the end of my first internship at a nearby psychiatric hospital, there was an incident and one of the therapists had been beaten up badly, suffering brain damage. This disturbed me and my husband very much. I began to rethink the line of work I was going into.

During the same year, the dean of The Art Therapy Program was let go, and I was having a difficult time applying for my second internship, as all the Art Therapy Programs were closing in the nearby hospitals. I took these incidences as signs that I needed to make a change. During that same year, I did a research paper on emotional release and bodywork. I needed to know more about this. I did a lot of research at the New Center which had an extensive library on bodywork, the mind/ body connection and healing. I felt very comfortable there, right at home. Little did I know that would practically become my home for 4 years.

Upon finally completing my degree, not in Art Therapy but in Psychology, I took the summer off to think. I knew I didn't really want to be a Creative Arts Therapist anymore, but didn't know what I wanted. During this time, I got pregnant again. It was a little over a year after my last child and I was elated. That was until I saw my doctor. He and my husband felt this could kill me and like in the last pregnancy, the placental wall would tear if I kept the baby. Like all women who make the decision to have an abortion, it was not an easy one. I cannot blame my doctor, husband or even myself, because I know that if I didn't go through this the next step in my healing probably would have never happened.

I had the abortion and right after my heart rate would not stabilize and I realized I was not as strong as I thought. I had a severe reaction to the anesthesia. When I got back home I felt different, extremely unhappy and gained 25 pounds that month.

I also began having dreams every night about this little Asian looking girl. I would see her face when I closed my eyes. I thought I must be going crazy.

I began seeing my therapist again, doing art and energy work. I also told him about my thoughts of going to school to become a massage therapist to get my license to touch to release emotions stuck in the body. It was during this time that he went from being my therapist and started becoming my mentor. In 1997 I began the massage program at what was once the New Center soon to become the New York College for Wholistic Health Education and Research. I also began a journey in finding out who this little girl was that I kept seeing in my dreams. I had never done any type of actual bodywork before this point. I had been doing energy work since the early 90's and besides the research paper had little or no knowledge on it. When I worked on someone or they worked on me I felt sick and irritable. It was horrible, not at all what I expected and researched.

I did however absolutely love my introduction to Chinese medicine. This I knew I had to do. The massage I felt was like a stepping stone to get my license to touch, but Chinese medicine had all the answers, or so I thought. I still kept having the dreams of the little girl; she seemed to be a little older now though, which made no sense to me. I began doing a sculpture, little by little allowing this little girl to evolve out of the clay. When I finally finished the sculpture, I realized the little girl was me. I was birthing me. A new me. I me I never knew existed before.

In 1998 I began the Oriental Medicine program, along with the massage program. I was in my element; I was so happy, learning new things every day. I really didn't study, somehow I retained the information even though I was taking 8-10 classes at a time, 3 kids at home and working on the weekends. It was really a recipe for disaster. I realize this now in hindsight.

During that year my good friend Julie gave me a book called Sastun, about this healer in Belize. I looked it over, but didn't fully read it, as I had so many reading assignments. I did however remember that as a child I had a burning desire to go to Belize, but I thought it was in Africa. I actually used to search the Atlas and maps for it but could never find it. In 1999 I was finally at the tail end of the massage program and in clinic. I loved and hated clinic. I loved feeling like I was working, having regular clients coming in, but I hated the fact that I would often go home feeling, grumpy, sad, angry, and often in tears.

I felt like I was taking all the pain from my clients and feeling horrible for them. I remember one of my clinic supervisor's took me to the side and said we needed to have a talk. She explained to me all about grounding, cleaning your energy with salt. I had read about all these things years ago but forgot about them, never actually applying them. I began applying them, washing myself daily with salt scrub, grounding before each client and taking time every day to go outside and be in the sun even for a few moments. I started noticing a difference, finally. I felt happier and healthier.

As part of the Acupuncture program, Qi Gong and Tai Chi were required. I tolerated Tai Chi, but I loved Qi Gong. It felt so effortless and expansive. This practice made me feel so alive, so full of energy. I also began to see again. I hadn't been able to see for so many years that I let it go. I was able to see now but in a different way, I could also energetically feel at the same time. During my last semester of massage school I was taking a class given by a wonderful Holistic Nurse practitioner, and Amma Therapist, Cathy Lipsky. During that semester my daughter woke up from a nightmare and came to my bedroom, scared and crying. My first response was to rub her belly. I honestly didn't know what I was doing, I was half asleep, but it seemed to help and she went back to sleep.

The next day, after class I spoke with my teacher about what happened the night before and asked her what suggestions she may have if she had been in that situation. She asked me to show her what I had done so she could give me feedback.

I showed her how I rubbed my daughter's belly and she asked, "Where did you learn this technique?" I told her I was half asleep and didn't know. She then told me she had just gone to learn this ancient technique in Texas called Maya Abdominal and Uterine Massage. I was speechless. I didn't realize at the time, but she learned this from the same woman who wrote the book Sastun, my friend Julie gave me the year before. I had a prolapsed uterus since I was a child caused by a fall from a tree. I had a history of ovarian cysts and fibroids. I had developed Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in 1991 and had exploratory abdominal surgery, which caused my Uterus and Bladder to further prolapse and adhere together. I was told I would need a pessary, a plastic invasive device to hold up the uterus, if I didn't do surgery. I couldn't do the surgery because my reaction to anesthesia.

I took this as a sign to heal myself. I gave it a try and after three months of weekly sessions my uterus and bladder were no longer adhered. My hands were always cold for as long as I could remember, but after the Maya Abdominal work I had circulation. I was truly amazed at how quickly I was healing. I also knew I had to go to Belize. I still didn't know why, but I knew I would. I found out through my friend Dea that there would be a class in Belize called Spiritual Healing that March and I knew I had to go. I finished the massage program in 1999 and took my state boards January 2000. In January I started the advanced Amma Program.

In March 2000, I went to Belize with Cathy, Dea, and my good friend Cynthia, as well as 8 other amazing women for the first Spiritual Healing Class given by Dr Rosita Arvigo. I had no idea what to expect. I was in complete awe. I was finally living one of my dreams, to go to Belize. I didn't realize I was there to heal me and become a Spiritual Healer. Spiritual Healing addresses the causes and treatment of chu'lel (life force) and four major spiritual illnesses of the Maya: susto (fright), pesar (grief), tristeza (sadness), and invidia (envy), and the uses of healing techniques such as prayer, herbal bathing, and incense.

It was my first experience with spirits and spirit guides. Up until that point I had only had guidance in dreams, not intuitive guidance or with spirit guides.

During the life transforming trip, I released the baby spirit that I had aborted in 1996, along with the help of Rosita, Ms. Hortence and Ms. Beatrice and a multitude of Spirits and Guides, in what was a replica of Shaman Don Eligio's hut. I learned to heal spiritual diseases with prayer, spiritual baths, and copal. I realized from my Greek Orthodox upbringing what my grandmother did weekly was spiritual healing on the house and us. Little did I know it at the time. I also learned to release spirits from individuals, sending them to the light. I became a Ghost buster! Who Knew?

Upon my return from Belize, I was working in a spa in Larchmont, NY. Rosita had told us, not to worry; when you are ready the clients will come. Well my first client back had lots of issues that I had learned about, difficulty sleeping, bad dreams, etc. So I asked him, if he would be interested in Spiritual Healing, he said Sure. I started saying the prayers into his pulses and as I did what looked like snakes were moving under his skin. I was truly creeped out. I tried not to be scared and only focused on the task at hand. I continued the prayers and as I said them the movement stopped. He came back a few more times. He said he felt much better and that his nightmares had stopped and he was sleeping for the first time in many years. I completed the Self Care and Professional classes in 2000 and started working as a Maya Abdominal Massage Practitioner. In 2000 I met my good friend Lindsey Sass- Aurand at the Self care class. We hit it off immediately. She was my cubicle neighbor and we would take long walks together. She is an amazing clairvoyant, having been hit by lightning twice, no less.

She had been telling me about a Healer she was working with and was encouraging me to meet him. His name was Jacques Tombazian. When I met him I felt comfortable around him but also felt a very strong presence, like I didn't want to get too close. I didn't know why. He seemed very nice and helpful. Over the next few years I took a number of his classes; The Development of Clairvoyance, Esoteric Healing, Inner alchemy 1-3, Healing Sexual Issues and Healing Relationships. I learned so much from him, how to be a healer, fully using my gifts, and senses and unlocking my potential.

In 2000 I also met Mercedes and Geraldo Barrios, Maya Elders from Guatemala, Keepers of the Calendar. We performed a fire ceremony in Washington, DC, linking the Shamans of the North and the Shamans of the South, connecting the eagle and the condor. I didn't think it so profound at the time, but in hindsight it created the template for the healing of many. In 2001, I was starting to feel the wear and tear of my life, going to school, working on the weekends, 3 kids and learning to be a healer.

My back gave out in the spring. I literally couldn't move. My knees then went out. I can remember the day like it was yesterday. I was in Qi Gong class doing a warm up exercise, when I felt a pop in my left knee. My left knee had always been my weaker knee since I was a child. I had injured it numerous times in gymnastics, soccer and dancing. I went home and then within 2 weeks tore the cartilage in my other knee too. I was a mess. I tried physical therapy, acupuncture, all kinds of energy healing. I agreed with my doctor that if I didn't get better my way, holistically within 1 month, I would do surgery.

I also took this as a sign that if I didn't stop my frantic pace I would get worse. I finished the Advanced Amma Program and dropped out of the Acupuncture program. This was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. July of that month, I had surgery. Upon seeing the second MRI my doctor was astonished by how well the so called "alternative healing" worked. I still underwent the surgery. It turned out that my ligaments were also much more overstretched than we previously thought and I had unhealed hairline fractures on my femur, probably from my dare devil antics as a child. It took me 6 months to walk normally without crutches or a cane and 1 year to be able to run again. 2001 also was a turning point for so many around the world. I started working full time as a healer that year, helping spirits go home after 9/11. I also started my healing practice.

Since then I also took a Galactic Counseling Course with Jelaila Starr. She taught me discernment and not to be a love and lighter. There are many gifts that can be attained by healing ones own darkness, and I am thankful to her for it. I also apprenticed with Laura Shurts, a Native American Grandmother, Elder. She taught me about being a warrior and about the true meaning of healing, not fixing. I have learned so much from my clients in the last 8 years it's impossible for me to write even half of it down. The more experience I have working as a healer and facilitator the more I learn there is more to learn. I have recently decided to go back to school and finish my Masters in Acupuncture. This time in a way I have always wanted but didn't know existed, Classical Acupuncture, in an oral tradition. I look forward to see what the future holds.

I have realized in my journey that every day is an opportunity to heal myself. In doing so it brings me the greatest gift of becoming an alchemist, transforming my personal lead into gold.

Many people engage in massage therapy to help them not only relax, but to help relieve muscle and tissue soreness and promote healing of injured areas of the body. The techniques used by massage therapists are an important part of one's physical therapy. It not only benefits the tissues, muscles, and ligaments, but also the internal organ systems such as improving the immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. If one is to practice the art and science of massage therapy, it is essential that they use high quality massage therapy equipment.

Whether a massage therapist works from their home, travels to businesses, or works in a massage clinic, the equipment must be durable and strong enough to endure different types of clients with different types of therapeutic needs. For instance, massage chairs need to be able to withstand the broad range of body types and weights. A quality massage chair must be strong, steady, and easy to adjust. A poor quality chair could result in collapse which could result in further injury to a client. As well, massage chairs, including portable massage chairs, should be professionally designed to be ergonomically correct in order to ensure the client's body alignment is correct and there is no risk of injury.

The massage table is another important device that needs to be high quality. The vinyl that covers the foam on the table must be strong, durable, and able to withstand different types of bodies. It should be easy to clean and disinfect so that one can maintain proper health safety standards. For special massage therapy techniques such as Reiki, Shiatsu, and Reflexology, tables should be comfortable, strong, and have firm padding. No matter what type of massage table you use, there should be plenty of leg, head, and foot room. As well, one has to consider the ease of adjustability. The key features to look for with a massage table is foam density, stability, versatility, vinyl durability, and if there is a warranty that comes with the table. Quality table side extensions are needed to meet the needs of an assortment of client sizes and shapes.

In order to prevent injury, there are key parts of a client's body that need special care when giving a massage. For instance, adjustable headrests must fit the client's face and neck properly and provide the essential comfort needed during the massage. Adjustable headrests must safely and comfortably support the face, neck, and shoulders. Armrests must provide comfort to the client and allow the massage therapist easy access to specific joints and muscles. Quality foot rests with extensions are needed so that clients can rest their feet during the massage treatment. It should be adjustable to meet the height of the client. As well, quality bolsters are needed to support the client's legs, spine, ankles, and knees. It must be durable enough to prevent muscle strain and ligament and tendon tension.

When a massage therapist works on a client, they are performing specific therapeutic techniques that are designed to promote healing and relaxation. For a client to receive the full effects of a massage, quality massage equipment is essential to not only improving the massage experience, but also to protecting the client.