Get a Job As a Massage Therapist: Learn Massage Therapy

If you are like many people who have been to a massage therapy spa, you're probably wondering what it's like to be a masseuse (massage therapist). Most likely, you're also receiving treatment from a massage therapist who enrolled in college to be just that - a massage therapist.

That's too bad for us, right? We don't have the money, time, or whatever else to dedicate to getting a degree in massage therapy or something similar. Thankfully, there seems to be a new way to fulfill your dream of becoming a massage therapist after all - learning from home!

With this new program to learn massage therapy from home, you can -

• Go to "school" in your pajamas


• Learn how to be a real massage therapist


• Learn marketing techniques that can make you money


• Learn how to open your own parlor


• Discover how to get certified with the knowledge you now possess!

Sounds too good to be true, right? I know it. And that's precisely why a lot of people don't go down this route - they feel it's "scammy" and so they go the more traditional (and expensive) route of going back to college. Or, even worse, they give up on their dreams of becoming a masseuse all together!

So what can you gain from becoming a massage therapist?

• Satisfaction


• A nice salary


• Being your own boss if you open your own parlor


• Happy customers


• An expanding client base


• Experience


• Recommendations


• A track record that could get you into the massage therapy "big league"


• Strength

Seems worth it, doesn't it? It is. Massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular in America, most likely due to the rise in economic crisis and other political and social factors that make people feel tense and uneasy. We all know that a good massage can get rid of tension!

Regardless of why it is that you choose to be a masseuse, you'll find a good home in a parlor where people are relying on you to make their day. It's a very interactive job, and it can really make you feel good to talk to a stranger and, by the end of the appointment, feel like they're a friend. Then again, there are some parlors where you don't talk at all - the choice is yours!

Now that you know you really do want to be a massage therapist, check out the resource box for more information on how to do it from home!

Be Sure to Take All Your Health Savings Account Write-Offs

Having a Health Savings Account (HSA) essentially makes all of your qualified medical expenses tax-deductible, so read this article carefully to make sure you aren't over paying your taxes. Remember, there is no virtue in paying more taxes than you really owe.

Qualified Medical Expenses

The main purpose of your HSA is to enable you to pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-free dollars. Qualified medical expenses are defined under Section 213 of the IRS Code (See IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses). Most people remember to pay for doctor visits and prescription drugs from their HSA (or save the receipts and reimburse themselves later), but there are many medical expenses that people simply pay for, without realizing that because they own an HSA the expense is tax deductible. These are the most common:

Over-the-counter medications. Remember, your medicine does not necessarily have to be prescribed to be considered a qualified medical expense. Any time you buy a bottle of aspirin, cough syrup, bandages, or zit medicine for your teenager - save the receipt, so you can reimburse yourself from your HSA.

Dental expenses. Dental fees are typically the most expensive item that people forget to pay for from their HSA. From cleanings, to crowns, to dentures, all of your medically necessary dental work is eligible to be paid from your HSA.

Eye glasses and contacts. Annual eye exams along with prescription glasses, contact lenses, and other prescription eye glass expenses can be paid from your HSA tax-free. Also, remember that prescription sunglasses are considered to be a qualified medical expense.

Physical therapy. Most individual and family health insurance plans have very limited coverage for physical therapy. So you can pay for those expenses out of out of your available HSA funds.

Medical massage therapy. Yes, you can use funds from your HSA to pay for a massage, as long as your health care practitioner recommends it as treatment for a particular health condition.

Chiropractor visits. Remember that your HSA can be used for medically necessary expenses. If you go to your chiropractor due to a particular injury or functional problem, it is a qualified expense. The chiropractor's charges would NOT be considered eligible if you are getting adjustments for general health maintenance.

Mental Therapy

In some circles, seeing a therapist is reason for embarrassment, whereas in other parts of the country people brag about seeing their therapists. The reality is that mental therapy should be neither a symbol of shame nor a status symbol - it is simply another mode of treatment that can help people live healthier and happier lives.

Psychiatry, psychology, psychoanalysis, and psychotherapy - all of these modes of treatment can be paid for from your HSA. Keep in mind that qualified expenses are those that pay for treatment or prevention of a medical condition. If you are seeing a therapist strictly in order to save your marriage or improve your business skills, these would not be qualifying expenses.

Alternative Medicine

More and more people are disillusioned with the way conventional medicine is practiced. The focus often seems to be on treating symptoms rather than reaching the root cause. Many physicians are very quick to prescribe the latest drug, when less expensive, safer, and often more effective natural remedies may work better.

However, the people who do rely on alternative medical treatments rarely receive reimbursement from their health insurance for these expenses. This is one of the reasons that HSA plans have become so popular among people who do favor natural and/or alternative medical treatments. Here is just a very small sampling of the types of treatment that would be an HSA-qualified expense:

Acupuncture. Some think the beneficial results of acupuncture are strictly due to the placebo effect. My veterinarian wife would tell you differently. Though she mostly practices conventional veterinary medicine, she does do a good bit of acupuncture on dogs and cats, and gets some amazing results.

Homeopathy. Though controversial, approximately one out of 50 Americans currently uses homeopathy. Whether using the services of a professional, or simply buying homeopathic remedies from the natural food store, remember that these expenses can be paid for from your HSA.

Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, and is becoming ever more popular in the United States. Of course, treatment modalities that originated in other countries, such as Ayurveda (from India), would also be considered a qualified expense.

Faith healing, shamanism, energy medicine, and other (perhaps) far out stuff. Yep, almost any type of treatment could be considered an eligible expense. Keep in mind that the procedure must be related to the treatment or prevention of a specific health condition. Services designed to raise your chi, balance your chakras, or strengthen your aura might be more than the IRS will allow.

Every Dollar Counts

Every medical expense you incurred counts, so don't forget to save your receipts. If you don't, it's like paying an extra 25% each time. Even some retailers like Target are starting to mark on your receipts which items are health related. That should make it even easier to get every tax break you deserve.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been known to have special healing properties, although no one is quite sure why. A massage treatment can be a very therapeutic experience, and one of the fastest growing and most popular treatments is hot stone massage therapy.

The magical healing properties of hot stone therapy have been known by many cultures for hundreds of years. But it has just been over the last few years that this deeply relaxing form of massage is beginning to become popular once again. It is in popular demand among many of the spas found across the globe.

Healing stone massage therapy was inspired by the healing practices of Lake Kokonar, in Tibet. It uses hot stones in combination with herbs and oils to restore the body's vitality and to balance stress. The treatment involves using smooth, basalt stones that are found in volcanic regions in Europe. Chi Spa manager Mary Yip says, "Basalt has been found to have the best heat retention capabilities, therefore, the best for therapeutic purpose." The stones can hold heat for a long time and thus don't need to be reheated during the procedure. Their smooth texture is also optimal for the soothing, gliding, massage movements.

During a hot stone massage therapy session, the therapist starts out by combining the therapeutic effects of essential oils with a Swedish massage. The therapist glides her fingers across your shoulders and down your arms to your fingertips, and also strokes from your neck down your spine to the lower back.

Next the therapist uses the heated basalt stones to massage across your back and down your legs. The smoothness of the stone glides easily over the body and promotes the deepest state of relaxation.

Finally the therapist places various sizes of Himalayan stones on the chakra points of the body. This serves to warm the body, encourage lymph flow, and thereby removing waste materials from the body. According to ancient Chinese and Himalayan rituals, the chakra points are the body's energy centers. When stimulated, the chakras encourage balanced energy flow throughout the body, which helps to reduce any muscle pain, promote healing, releases stress, and provides deep relaxation.

Hot stone massage therapy is great for office workers who spend most of their days seated in front of the computer. It relieves a great amount of stress, helps with depression, and even reduces back pain. If you have never had a hot stone treatment before, than you definitely owe yourself the pleasure!

Are you in the mood for a massage yet? Hot stone therapy is definitely an amazing experience.

What Are Some Benefits of Massage Therapy?

Feel better naturally, immediately!

If you've ever had a massage, you know that you can start to feel better within minutes. We are biologically wired to respond to welcome human touch. The massage therapist begins to spread oil over your back. Skilled hands begin to massage tight muscles. Right away, you feel better and begin to slip into a state of relaxation. That alone is worth the price of admission. But there's more!

People come to massage for a variety of reasons. Many come primarily for relaxation and wellness. Experts estimate that at least 80% of doctor office visits are for health problems that are caused or aggravated by stress. Headaches, backaches, and many other of life's most common complaints are aggravated by stress. Anything we can do to counteract and alleviate the effect of stress is going to have a beneficial effect on our health. In The End of Stress As We Know It, author Bruce McEwen describes the effects that chronic exposure to stress hormones have on the body. Among other things, continued elevated levels of these hormones lead to higher cholesterol, a higher incidence of Type II diabetes, and increased accumulation of belly fat.

Sore muscles from overexertion respond quickly to the right kind of massage. Chronic muscle aches can often be alleviated by the right kind of massage. Athletes find that regular massage can help to naturally improve their performance and minimize injuries by eliminating unnecessary tightness in muscles.

Touch Research Institute

The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School has conducted over a hundred studies documenting the beneficial effects of massage. TRI has found that massage therapy improves weight gain in premature infants, enhances attentiveness, alleviates depressive symptoms, reduces pain, reduces stress hormones, and improves immune system function. In fact, Dr. Tiffany Field of TRI has said that in every study they've undertaken, massage has been shown to be beneficial. That's amazing.

We don't need to wait for scientists to confirm what we already know from our own experience. Massage feels good and it's good for you.

How Tens Machines Help Heal Faster - Electrotherapy Used Post Operatively

What's the big deal you ask? Back in the late 70's, early 80's there was a movement in the U.S. to use tens machines post operatively for pain control. The most noticeable effect was on patients who had abdominal surgeries, thoractomies, and any procedure where there was a loss of muscle tone in the abdominal area. The mantra was the use of a tens machine immediately after surgery and, the incision was sewn, would help:

1. reduce pain,

2. decrease need for pain meds,

3. decrease time before rehabilitation exercises like range of motions could resume,

4. reduce pain from bloating, gas.

There were several problems in trying to get a program started in hospitals.

The one big obvious is there was not a billing code to reimburse the facility for time, materials and use of the tens machine. Obstetric use of tens machine for labor and delivery was being used in Europe extensively, but not so in the U.S. other than by physical therapist Moms with access to a tens machine. In the U.S. without a billing code the use of the machine, cost of labor and expertise, and the sterile electrodes cost were being undergone as a "loss leader". Unfortunately the thinking at the time was tens was indicated only for "chronic pain" and an operation was not classified as "chronic" so there was no coverage. In the U.S. the use of tens therapy post operatively died and was overlooked for almost 30+ years.

What was not known then was the tens therapy could not only be effective for pain as previously thought, but the use of positive and negative charges of electricity ( what tens machine delivers) could accelerate tissue repairs. As a few clinicians and researchers developed the knowledge and did the studies it became obvious that if one wanted to reduce the time of incapacity and loss of function, the use of tens electrotherapy would help. Electrotherapy became main stream in using units to heal non-fractures. The book, "The Body Electric" by Dr. Robert Becker moved the application of tens type machine to heal fractures to main stream orthopedic use. To heal bones faster, and in many situations to heal bones rather than amputate, became the main reason for using tens type "bone healing machines" with bone fractures.

Electrotherapy machines were being used and had been shown to also heal bedsores, decubitus ulcers in the 70's. The form of electrotherapy was called "high voltage", later becoming "pulsed galvanic stimulation". In all the machines whether for pain, for bones, or for soft tissues the commonality of electrotherapy was using the positive and negative charges to accelerate repair for tissue and for sensory input for pain. Today the standard form of electrotherapy that was exclusively reserved for the clinic is interferential therapy. Today a patient can do, as with a tens machine, and take an interferential unit home for personal use whether pain or tissue healing. The most useful form of take home electrotherapy machine is a unit with both tens and interferential functions.

Using tens machines post-operatively languished form the early 80's to present day.

Today I'm encouraged to see that many post operative orthopedic procedures involve the application of tens machines to patients for pain control. The physician ( or the manufacture's rep.) is applying the unit while the patient is sedated, well before the pain cycle begins. The patients are being stimulated 24/7 and pain is reduced. That is good.

My personal opinion though is the main benefit being gained is still not being acknowledged. It is the tissues are regenerating faster than they normally would and the patient is healing faster than ever. As read about and shown repeatedly, positive and negative charges are what excites our body to repair itself, whether bone tissue, soft tissue or heaven forbid the discussion, but the mating of sperm and egg cells. The process of rejuvenation is one of basic physics and the charges are the excitator to start or accelerate cellular growth and division. Greater rate of growth means shorter rehab. and faster healing over time.

Finally electrotherapy is gaining the recognition for healing and that is good.

What is bad though is always only if someone is paying for gain, when the best would be for just plain helping patients heal faster with less pain and for the benefit of good health care. The knowledge is there, results are there, but the reimbursement processes are hampering full use of electrotherapy for better human health.

The Career Opportunities for the Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical therapy or its abbreviation PT is a health care profession concerned with maximizing the movement potential for patients needing rehabilitation after being immobilized due to an accident or a stroke. The aim of the physical therapist is to recover the full mobility of the patient in order to allow them to lead a normal life. Physical therapy is provided by a physical therapist or the physio therapy assistant under their guidance and direction. These healthcare professionals work with all age groups from the elderly to those in the infant stage who have health related physical problems that limit their movements to function normally.

Physical therapy is a demanding job and the physio therapy assistant needs to be in the prime of health with a good level of strength and vigor. Predominantly, this profession involves a great deal of communication skills and ingenuity since most patients would more likely be uncooperative when faced with difficulty and discomfort. It is up to the professional skills of the physio therapy assistant to encourage and motivate the patient to undergo the treatment. When the physio therapy assistant gains the trust of the patient, the rapport and relationship will improve, hence providing an ideal situation where the patient will respond to the treatment and care provided.

The physio therapy job is a responsible job that needs a license before it can be practiced to patients. In order to acquire a license for this job, the individual needs to undertake 2-year associate degree program which can be undertaken through the online programs or educational establishments. Following the completion of the program, a licensure examination needs to be passed in order to get the license required prior to practice. The license needs to be updated that it is often necessary to keep abreast with the prevailing medical and healthcare procedures and policies. Career advancement in physio therapy can also be availed of through the 4-year bachelor's course in order to become a full-pledged physical therapist.

Career opportunities in physical therapy are very vast and even employed persons can provide physical therapy to patients on a part time basis. The hours are flexible and will not interfere with the other normal functions. The physio therapy assistant salary is a rewarding return for the skills and experience provided for people needing this kind of treatment. This is especially rewarding for people who want a part-time job to earn a physical therapy assistant salary to augment the earnings gained from another career.

Many Physical Therapy Practice Owners Make This Mistake

Did you know that...

• 5 to 10% of your clients could probably do more business with you almost immediately?


• If you don't ask for referrals, you won't get them?


• To generate new clients and retain your existing ones, you need to make strong personal connections with your clients?

Attracting new clients is the lifeblood of all successful businesses. And I want to tell you that this is only half of the story. Strategizing on how to retain existing clients is the other half of the equation in building a successful business.

I recently read a business article that stated: the critical mistake 95% of business owners make is they spend virtually all of their energy on attracting new clients.

Let me give you an example of a physical therapy practice.

I recently worked with a physical therapy practice which was struggling with increasing their client numbers; their focus was entirely on getting new clients.

I asked this practice owner these questions about her existing clients:

• How many of her clients complete their treatment plans?


• How many of her existing clients refer to their families and friends, that is, have given her more clients?


• How many of her clients use the other services provided by her clinic?


• What is the average length of time her clients work with them?

What we uncovered was that she was putting very little time, energy, and attention on client retention. By focusing on retention, it would be much easier for her to maintain a full and lucrative client load.

By this example, I mean to show you where the potential lies in client retention. I would like you to answer these very same questions and see what is revealed to you about your practice and client retention.

It's a very good business move to shift some of your energy to thinking about retaining clients. In addition, focusing on retention is much easier (and profitable) than focusing only on getting new clients.

Here are the reasons why...

A 1% increase in client retention enhances your business value by 5%.

Businesses can boost profits by almost 100% by retaining just 5% more of their customers.

3 Tips to Follow For Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy Exercises

- Don't raise your arm over your head in a painful range of motion unless you absolutely have to.

Elevating your arm over 90 degrees compresses the rotator cuff and as a result this often makes the symptoms worse. This can be difficult with putting on clothes, your seat belt, or trying to put carry-on luggage away in your airplane compartment. Any aching associated with movement is an unpleasant event and you must reduce or stop it.

- Don't do any type of lifting with your injured arm while you are experiencing swelling in your shoulder.

Lifting weight prolongs your aching and as a result slows your recovery process.

It's typical for persons to unintentionally abuse their shoulder through every day actions including raising objects over your head, carrying a briefcase, or even carrying a laptop. Your best solution to avoid accidental shoulder abuse is to use your good arm or use both of your arms to perform raising motions when possible. Consider this, small loads and motions can significantly increase aching and swelling. Reducing these actions is essential to give your damaged tissue a chance to improve.

Use aching as your indicator with every day household tasks, however be careful to stay away from pushing, pulling or lifting large items with your affected arm. Use both of your arms and hold them as close to your body as possible. Doing this will speed up healing and as a result reduce your aching.

- Perform rotator cuff physical therapy exercises that strengthen the shoulder using a range of motion that is free of pain.

The blood supply to your rotator cuff is poor and as a result heals slowly. Many people suffer from muscular imbalances, a problem with their posture, and reduced flexibility. Doing proven and successful exercise workouts will play a significant role for healing and getting rid of these imbalances, bring back strength, enhance the body's flexibility and help in healing. How does it help to rehabilitate? Physical exercises increase the blood flow in addition to strengthening the muscular tissues. As a result, the muscle tissues are then able to withstand the stresses that are placed on them and not become injured like before.

Doing just any ordinary exercise isn't good enough to help the rotator cuff. The exercises need to be specific to the rotator cuff muscle and your muscle groups in the region of the shoulder blade. The exercises need to be done at certain amount of times, with a specific intensity and volume to alleviate your pain. Doing higher repetition exercises with lower intensity targeting the rotator cuff muscle group are vital to encourage healing, alleviate inflammation and return to pre-injury movement levels again. However, the most important thing is that doing effective, proven rotator cuff physical therapy exercises will stop future accidental injuries and prevent further damage to the shoulder.

Learn at Home Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a wonderful art that uses both hand works and scientific methods in improving the condition of the human body to achieve a healthy mind and body. This method of natural healing is done by licensed massage therapists who are trained and skilled in performing various massage strokes and techniques without injuring the patient.

There are many ways on how to become a licensed massage therapist although learning the art is the first thing to consider if you are planning on becoming one. There are many options when it comes to learning the trade. Studying at a massage school is probably the best thing to do if you want a complete and updated course on massage therapy. Interaction is also a great addition to the wonderful experience and knowledge you will attain from having your lessons at school. However, if you don't have the time to go to school or you just don't want to learn it at school, you can search for online accredited massage schools that offers such course in the internet. Make sure that the online school you are enrolling is accredited and has good standards in massage therapy.

It is also a good idea to contact your state's board of massage and bodywork therapy for you to have information regarding what are the requirements and needed to be learned in order to be a licensed massage therapist. You can either see them personally at their office or drop a call for your inquiries. Make sure that you ask all of the necessary questions and information you need as you will be studying and practicing massage therapy for a long time that is why it is important to know that what you are getting into is the real deal.

When you have your online school, check out which massage therapy methods you would like to take and specialize. Always remember that this course takes about two to four years time before you can actually complete it, which is why choosing what you really want is important. It is also vital that the massage therapy program you have chosen includes kinesiology, anatomy and physiology in its course as these are basically covered in the licensure exam of massage therapists.

You can also purchase books regarding your chosen massage therapy method as these materials have contents that are not available online. These can also be handy as they can be used as quick reference and can be taken with you anywhere you want to go.

Practice is the key to success in learning massage therapy at homes. Unlike when taking the course in school where the school provides an instructor and a test subject, home school requires you to do it on your own which means you will have to pay for a test subject. However, you don't need to do that as you can always practice with your family or friends. Before you can take the licensure exam, a minimum of 1,000 hours should be completed in order to pass the requirements and become a certified massage therapist.

What Are the Benefits of Mechanical Link?

Mechanical link is a medical treatment used not only by massage therapists but also by health care professionals as a rehabilitation process for those who have trouble on their physical condition. It is a natural remedy that uses hand techniques to perform various strokes and techniques for manual manipulation on the fascia or also known as the connective tissues of our bodies. It is common knowledge among average individuals that most of the painful conditions are caused on the musculoskeletal system of a patient which includes the human fascial system.

The goal of the mechanical link therapy is to free any tension, straining, tightness, and discomfort on the connective tissues through gentle touches and strokes that are conducted during the therapy session. Aside from relieving the painful condition, the therapist also allows the energy within to flow properly without interruption or restrain from any blockage as the massage strokes are designed to free any clogging on the pathways of the energy. This process of aligning the life force of the client is a popular idea in many healing modalities practiced all over the world, especially on Asian countries.

Anyone who is having a therapy session in mechanical link can notice great results after each visits at the massage spa or hospitals offering the natural healing art. Basically, this type of therapy works and provides improvement on all the systems of the human body as a part of the overall rehabilitation program of the client. The technique used on a patient during the therapy session is known as recoil. The therapist uses gentle hand movements that were designed to break blockages throughout the affected area. A significant improvement on the circulation of blood and oxygen is one of the many health benefits you can get from the treatment. It helps the whole body to function properly as the nutrients required by it are sufficiently supplied through the blood that is flowing freely without blockage throughout the body.

The massage strokes are also essential in stimulating the nerves and fascia in order to send good messages to the brain which is responsible for treating emotional problems and in setting a better mood. Manual manipulation on the connective tissues is effective in providing relief not only from pain but to many other problems that may arise due to improper setting of the various tissues including the musculature system. Improved sleep, relief from headaches and migraines, enhancement on the movement and flexibility of the body by removing restrictions are also health care benefits from the mechanical link therapy.

Top 8 Most Wanted Careers in 2011

Whether you are just going into the job market or you would like to jump-start your existing line of work, you have to explore the 8 most wanted careers for 2011. The choice taps into a range of interests, expertise, experience obligations as well as employment levels. Wages, which mostly rely on experience as well as geographical position, vary from as low as $20s to more than $100,000 per annum.

Here is a list of the top 8 rapidly budding professions in the United States, as defined in the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professions are likely to be the preferred jobs during 2016. One of them might be your profession key to achievement.

1. Accountant

The BLS anticipates over 30 % raise in job opportunities for accountants. The emerging prospects for the employment are an outcome of the rising intricacy of financial operations in addition to the comparatively lesser turnover in the job. Salary relies on the kind of firm plus the area of expertise. Those in in-house auditing and tax accounting are normally paid more as compared to their counterparts in public, general and cost accounting. In addition, petroleum producers give higher initial wages as compared to public accounting firms or the government. Key development regions take account of;

• Management consulting


• International business


• Internal auditing


• Investigative


• Environmental and cost accounting


• Estate planning

2. Relationship Manager

The development of the banking business has initiated the materialization of the relationship manager. These experts now recommend customers on savings, cash handling, indemnity selection, security acquisitions as well as credit issues. As a result of deregulation of the financial services business during the 1980s, the products presented by banks, insurance companies as well as brokerage firms are related. Today's banks present an extensive range of services that were customarily confined to other financial institutions.

3. Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers are the educators who plan and revise lessons to meet the requirements of disabled students. Job opportunities for special education teachers are likely to rise considerably, as specified by the BLS.

4. Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical therapist assistants assist physical therapists both in real and managerial Physical therapist job. It is as well a fine method of obtaining something if you had a accredited Physical therapist.

5. Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists concerns with keeping your teeth as well as gums healthy by means of regular cleaning and protection. They as well come with innovative techniques in encouraging oral health.

6. Health and Aerobics Trainers

Health and aerobics trainers go on to be a requirement in different health centers, particularly at the present because people are so passionate about keeping their body in shape.

7. Veterinary Technicians

Veterinary technicians are considered necessary to offer quality health care for the animals to carry out medical examinations for the diagnosis and cure.

8. Database Administrators

They are in charge for the supervision of database management systems, to maintain and pull out significant information in a comprehensible method. This job is likely to increase by almost 50% during 2016.

Sports and Remedial Massage: Rehabilitation Through Massage

Sports and Remedial Massage Soft Tissue Techniques

Muscles ache, bruise, tear and cramp even with preventive maintenance of sports and remedial massage. During the rehabilitation process, discomfort can be reduced and healing accelerated by massage. Chronic as well as acute injuries can be effectively managed by the following sports and remedial massage soft tissue techniques:

Lymphatic Massage
Control of secondary injury resulting from insufficient delivery of oxygen to the tissues and removal of swelling can be improved by lymphatic massage in the acute stage of injury. Massage also helps remove oedema during the entire healing cycle by strengthening the uptake of fluids.

Trigger Point Massage
Pain and spasms in both in the injured and compensatory muscles are reduced by trigger point massage.

Cross Fibre Friction Massage
To maintain full pain-free range of motion during rehabilitation it is vital, during the maturation as well as sub-acute healing phases, to apply cross fibre friction as the formation of flexible, strong repair tissue is improved by this massage technique.

Conditions Treated by Sports and Remedial massage

Overuse Injuries
Most injuries are due to overuse created by repetitive motion such as in typing, computer work, gardening, playing the violin or swimming. These can be treated or avoided by massage. In an overuse injury, say of the rotator cuff, the rotator cuff and deltoid muscles would have a stringy texture on initial palpation. However, the stringy texture would not be as prominent after massage. The smoother texture is usually noticeable to the client as well. Further, by increasing elasticity and circulation, massage helps prevent injuries.

Strains and Sprains
The most common athletic injuries are probably strains and sprains. Sports and remedial massage treatments are not only well-suited for the rehabilitation of these injuries but also essential. Tendinitis, potentially a much more difficult problem to treat, can result from even first degree strains if left untreated. With regular massage, injuries will be treated and rehabilitated before they can develop into more serious complications and many injuries may be prevented altogether.

Oedema and Scar Tissue

Besides strains and sprains, oedema and scar tissue can also be treated using sports and remedial massage.

Oedema
Massage works both mechanically and reflexively to help reduce oedema.

Bleeding occurs whenever the body is injured, such as in a tendon or ligament or being torn. Vasodilation then occurs in the region of the injury as the result of a number of chemicals being released in response to the injury. Oedema follows as fluid builds up in the interstitial spaces around the injury due to more blood flowing into this area through the augmented vasodilation. Healing will be longer if the oedema is not reduced by massage treatment. Massage given as soon as possible after the injury can effectively minimize the build up of oedema and quickly eliminate it.

Scar tissue
Several problems occur in any muscle injury which has happened as a result of a tear. Swelling is the first important issue that must be dealt with through massage. Once massage has assisted the removal of swelling and pain, the focus of massage therapy switches to the treatment of scar tissue as if the patient is not treated properly from the start with massage, scar tissue will develop in a random fashion forming adhesions which will limit mobility.

It is not possible through massage therapy to break up or reconstruct already formed scar tissue. However, the muscle can function more efficiently if the scar is made pliable by increasing its elasticity through massage. Thus, to maintain the pliability of the scar once injury has caused the development of thick scars or adhesions, massage therapy is necessary every fortnight.

How to Give a Sensual Massage - 3 Tips That Will Blow Your Partner's Mind

When you are giving your partner a sensual massage it is important that you use the right sorts of hand strokes. What is important is that these strokes should be long and slow. Also in the beginning don't apply too much pressure as you are carrying out the strokes. Only as time passes can you start to increase this.

However there are other things that you can do which can further heighten the sensual feelings that your partner will have as you carry out this type of massage. Below are just a few things worth considering doing when you are performing a sensual massage on someone you really care for.

Tip 1 - Rather than using your hands to start the massage instead use some fur or feathers. This will allow you to very gently and softly touch the body so in fact only the hairs are coming into contact with them.

Tip 2 - Another that you can try as you are giving your partner a sensual massage is to blow on them as your hands move across the body. Not only will this further help them to relax but will create feelings within them that they find very sexual.

Tip 3 - One more thing that you can do which will heighten your partner's feelings as you carry out a sensual massage is to suck their fingers and toes. Many couples find this very erotic and could lead to your partner enjoying much more than a massage. Plus you may find that this is something that is erotic to you and heightens the pleasure you are getting from giving your partner a sensual massage.

Physical Therapy for Preventative Care

There are many different fields of physical therapy which can assist with preventative care and health and wellness. Physical therapists specialize in different areas such as orthopedic, geriatric, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, pediatric, health and wellness and other types of rehab therapy. A physical therapist does more than treat injuries and disabilities that result from illness. Physical therapy also involves research, patient education, counseling of patients, and developing new ways of using physical therapy, as well as developing treatment plans which are personalized for each patient.

Physical injury and pain is common in all types of people which is the main reason physical therapy profession exists. However, physical therapists also take a sincere interest in the overall health and wellness of their patients which means they are capable of providing preventative care. So, if you are wondering how physical therapy can help you with preventative care here are a few reasons why you should seek physical therapy as early on as possible.

See a Physical Therapist Regularly

Just like you schedule a regular check-up with your physician as a preventative measure against illness, the same rule applies to physical therapy. You should schedule a regular check-up with a physical therapist to prevent pain and injury from becoming a chronic problem.

A physical therapist can evaluate the status of your health through a detailed evaluation of muscular, skeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and other parts of your body. If the physical therapist finds a weakness they will recommend a personalized treatment plan. This prevents the problem from getting worse and requiring further treatment. Many people do not think about the option of seeing a physical therapist regularly because they think this type of rehab therapy is only for disability and injury.

Prevent Surgical Treatment

If a physical therapist detects a problem early on it can be treated with the proper rehabilitation plan and prevent you from having surgery as a result of allowing the problem to get worse. This is another reason why physical therapy is important for preventative care. Not only can it keep you mobile and healthy, it can also save you the expense of surgery and medications down the road. Additionally, it can bypass further health problems that can transpire as the result of having surgery. If the procedure is not performed properly the probability of having bigger complications following the surgery are quite good.

Maintain Physical Strength

As you age you lose muscle mass and if you do not engage in a maintenance program you can end up with a host of mobility problems. A physical therapist can design a treatment plan to help keep you moving and to strengthen your muscles and bones to help you live a high quality of life well into the later years of your life. If you start the maintenance program before you begin to experience problems you can head anything off before it has a chance to take hold of you.

Prevent High Costs of Medical Care

Most people do not seek help until the problem has become serious and then they require medical care and treatment. Medical care costs have skyrocketed with more insurance companies making the patient pay more out of their pocket. If you head off the health issue before it requires serious attention such as surgery, you can save a lot of money while enjoying good physical health.

Health and Wellness

Physical therapy can help you to stick with a health and wellness program which will allow you to enjoy a higher quality of life. Overall health and wellness is a preventative measure against further health issues down the road however most people do not follow it due to a fast paced lifestyle. If you are having trouble staying with a regimen a physical therapist can help provide a personalized plan for maintaining you health and diet. Healthy choices and regular exercise prevent a lot of health problems regardless of your age.

Although you may not have considered physical therapy as preventative care perhaps you should begin. As you can see, there is a lot that physical therapy can do for you and your health and at a much lower cost.

Chiropractic Massage Therapy for Repetitive Injuries

Are you having recurring injuries that keep troubling you? Then you may consider chiropractic massage therapy for quick relief of your boring condition. The good news is that massage therapy is not only safe for your health condition, the treatment is comforting and soothing as well.

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are "injuries of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression (pressing against hard surfaces), or sustained or awkward positions." Chiropractic massage therapy focuses, essentially, on the causes of musculoskeletal dysfunction rather than just narrowing down on relieving the pain. This is because chiropractic treatment is a holistic approach that uses various techniques and procedures to locate the root cause of the pain and repair it while at the same time supporting and speeding up the body's own repair mechanism.

What is Massage therapy?

Basically, "massage therapy is the specific manipulation of soft tissue (muscle, ligament, tendon and fascia) that can help restore function by treating and preventing specific health issues, musculoskeletal dysfunction and injuries". Chiropractors apply massage to the body with the use of fingers, knuckles, palm, forearm and elbow 'by working from the most superficial to deep layers of tissue within the body.'

Chiropractic massage therapy is very effective in the treatment of repetitive injuries which are commonly associated with people engaging in sporting or work-related activities. Conditions such as muscle spasm or contraction, whiplash, stress anxiety, back pain, tension headaches, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, poor circulation, postural restrictions etcetera can be treated using massage chiropractic therapy.

A technique such as deep-tissue massage is applied. It helps in correcting inappropriate pattern of movement by returning deep, chronically tense muscles to a relaxed state. Deep tissue massage helps in increasing joint mobility and circulation. Also, myofascial release massage is another form of therapy that chiropractors applied in repetitive injury cases. Myofascial Release is a non-oil technique involving the application of stretches and pressure to the fascia and muscles which helps to relieve tension and pain by lengthening the fascia allowing the muscles to return to their correct position, length and function. Acupressure is also used. A firm digital pressure is applied to specific points that cause pain and limit movement. Acupressure therapy is very effective in the treatment of repetitive injuries or for conditions associated with trauma or poor posture.

Chiropractic massage therapy is very effective in treating the treatment of repetitive injuries, focusing principally on the causes of musculoskeletal disorder associated with repetitive chore which is commonly reported by athletes. Chiropractic massage therapy is safe and effective, and it provides quick heal for all your boring injuries.

How to Get All the Massage Clients You Want - And Keep Them!

Dear Massage therapist...

Are you a new massage therapist full of enthusiasm, just starting out in your career and looking for your first clients? Are you wanting to build your massage business and make a name for yourself? Or are you an established massage therapist looking to enhance your client list, bringing those massage clients back time and time again? If this sounds like you read on.

Dreaming of enriching people's lives with your newly acquired skills is most inspiring. Massage is truly rewarding for both you and your customer. To be able to make someone feel better without drugs or medicine is a wonderful feeling.

When you started out in this fantastic business of massage therapy I bet you had dreams of endless satisfied massage clients flocking to your door time and time again. You could be forgiven for thinking your massage clients would be queuing out of the door and your appointment books would be overflowing for someone as skilled as you.

If this is happening to you already then you have my congratulations and do not need to read on.

However, for the rest of you I'm guessing, while you were at college learning your unique massage skills, you also thought your tutors would be there to guide and support you with developing your business. Did you think that they would steer you through those difficult business issues that your were so unsure of? You probably thought that it would all fall into place because you were so skilled.

Do you remember hearing that little voice in your head asking so many questions, "Where am I going to get my massage clients from, how will I actually find them? How long will it take me to build my client list? How will I advertise my business and where? What will I need to do to keep my clients interested in coming back?"

I guess you asked around, friends and family, possibly even other therapists! I bet you never got any useful answers though did you?

I am sure you were told by many well meaning people it would take you years and years to build up a successful practice? Well I've got some good news for you. Being told that a massage therapy practise takes "years and years" to build up is absolute rubbish. I know that for a fact, because it's been proved wrong.

Oh, of course you can take years to build your massage business, especially if you like to take your time researching how to do this yourself, (the hard way) but let's face it, if you are anything like me and want to have a thriving massage practice with more clients and prosperity than you can handle then you would be looking for the easy way, avoiding the pitfalls of the trial and error approach.

Using a clear cut proven way to get more clients and keeping them coming back is all you need to create the successful, busy massage therapy practice you could ever want.
Discovering the one thing that all your clients urgently need from you will keep your appointment book full and with a waiting list!

Have you ever asked yourself, "What do my clients think about me?" Do you know the first thing that clients notice about you? Being aware of this may be the answer to you securing repeat business!

A key issue in building your massage business is having a clear understanding of your client's fears and frustrations. Learning to address these, is a key issue in expanding your business.

Understanding how the most successful massage therapists in the world think and learning the secret techniques that are compelling to new clients on the phone will grow your list beyond belief.

Don't destroy potential client's interest? Learn what to never do when advertising your practice.

Discover how to market your massage business like an expert-even though you may just have graduated!

Physical Therapy Programs - The Considerations

In order to work as a physical therapist, it is important to get a physical therapy degree. There are several physical therapy programs to choose from and the application process if often time consuming. However, it is of utmost importance and there are a couple of things you need to take into consideration in order to determine what works for you.

• The first thing you need to do is determine the type of degree you want. In this case, it can either be a doctorate or masters.

• Next, you have to determine the geographical region. This is important as it makes it possible to determine whether there are schools within the locality that offer what you are looking for. In essence, this is the only way to narrow down your search.

• The size of the physical therapy programs is another important consideration that needs to come into play. Look at the curriculum been offered and the timeline provided to complete it. In the long run, this goes a long way to increase the possibility of making the most appropriate decision.

• You also have to consider whether you ought to settle with programs offered at state or in private institutions. Keep in mind that your finances play an important role in determining whether you can afford the program and as such, this is an aspect that should not be overlooked.

• You must ensure that the programs selected are accredited. Therefore, it is important to review the school in this aspect. This should be accompanied by a description of the program in question and while at it, it is also important to select something that matters the most to you.

• Always take time to carry out thorough research in order to compare what different schools have to offer on the backdrop of what you intend to achieve once through with the course.

There are several schools that offer physical therapy programs and it is for this reason that it is advisable to tread carefully when choosing one. Make sure that you consider all the factors mentioned above and what is more, take time to review each program independently before making your choice. This is the only way to ensure that the school you choose meets your individual needs. One of the most reliable ways of meeting this end is looking at the curriculum offered in the school and taking a short tour of the school. This goes a long way to determine whether you make a choice based on individual needs.

Ten Benefits of Grapeseed Massage Oil

Did you know that grapeseed massage oil is a highly prized carrier oil in aromatherapy and massage therapy? It has almost no aroma and is wonderfully light in texture. It is a great non-greasy oil to use, but could be enriched by blending it with another carrier massage oils such as almond or wheat germ oil.

Some of the advantages of grapeseed massage oil:

• Grapeseed oil is almost odorless and has a fine texture.



• The fine texture make it easily absorbed by the skin and non-greasy.



• Grapeseed massage oil has mildly astringent qualities which help to tighten and tone the skin. This makes it useful for acne and other skin complaints when having a cleansing massage.



• Grapeseed oil extract is rich in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for the skin and the cell membranes.



• Grapeseed oil has regenerative and restructuring properties and has excellent skin moisturizing properties.



• The smooth, silky texture makes it excellent for a relaxing massage without being greasy.



• It contains vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA, and a small amount of vitamin E.



• It penetrates the skin easily bringing it moisturizing, regenerating and protecting effects.



• It is said to be good for repairing skin around the eyes.



• If you've run out of shaving cream, it's supposed to be great for keeping the skin lubricated.

Body Detox Massage

Many body massage oils are used to assist body detox by stimulating the lymphatic system. This encourages fluid circulation and cell regeneration in the body.

A simple oil massage at regular intervals can do wonders to your overall health and can make you feel younger and more beautiful. Massage oils promote skin health, provides relief from stress and assist healing of the skin.

Grapeseed massage oil is also perfect for those who need a nut-free oil option in the case of allergies.

Medicinal Benefits of Grape Seed Oil

Food-grade Grape Seed Oil is extremely healthy to add to your diet. Some Medicinal Health Benefits Include:

• Grape seed oil can also help protect the arteries by keeping them free of plaque that can cause heart attacks and stroke.



• Grape seed oil is able to slow down and reverse free radical damage and reduce the risk of disease. (good for slowing skin aging.)



• Studies also show that certain substances in grape seed oil can help protect the body from sun damage.



• Grapeseed oil can improves the function of small blood vessels in the eyes thereby improving and maintaining good vision.

Importance of Attending Massage Therapy School

These days many people are interested in massage therapy; but, they're not sure as to whether it's a promising career or not. However, one thing's for sure - massage centres are all set to grow with the increasing demand by people. Therefore, if you're a masseur and are good at it you would certainly have plenty of clients to tend to.

There are plenty of reasons as to why you would need to attend massage therapy school if you plan on becoming a professional masseur. Of course you would be able to learn a lot just by watching a masseur do his or her job. But, that wouldn't help you a bit.

Why attending massage therapy school is a priority

As already mentioned, it's not going to be of any help to you if you just watch others massaging people rather than going to a school. There are plenty of reasons as to why this is said:

You've got no certification!

If you plan on becoming a professional masseur you're going to need a certificate to prove your qualifications. More importantly if you intend on beginning a private services you're going to need to showcase your certificates in order to get your clients to trust you.

You learn about the human body

If you're going to be a good masseur you're certainly going to have to know a lot about the human body and how it functions. Physiology is one of the subjects that you would be taught in your massage centre.

You need to know this because the positioning of major organs, tissues and muscles is of utmost importance if you're going to help relieve stress from anyone's body.

Management skills

As already mentioned, if you're going to become a professional masseur, there's a high probability that you may want to be a private masseur and not work under anyone. If that's the case you're going to need management skills in order to manage not just your time, but also finances.

You need to be able to keep current clients and at the same time gain the trust of new clients; you don't just need communication skills for this task, but also management skills as you would need to cater to the needs of various clients at the same time - keeping them all happy.

You have to touch people

There are plenty of people who hate touching other people, but if you're going to be a masseur you certainly can't be one of these people. Therefore, at massage school they see to it that you actually massage people.

So, whilst you're getting training on massage you would also be getting over the fear of touching others. Due to these reasons and the many others it's really important that you attend massage school.

Massage Chairs, Your Personal Massage Therapist

Your back pain is increasing day after day and you missed your appointment with the massage therapist because of the work pressure or family matters. Does this sound familiar? What if you could relieve all your pain and stress without having to travel to the medical center, and without wasting a lot of money? A massage chair can be the solution.

It gives you with a special sense of relaxation and if you try it once, you'll never want to sit again on a normal chair. The efficient massage provided by the robotic chair covers all the areas of your body, starting with your neck, to shoulders, back, and spinal cord reaching to the feet.

The massage chair usually plots your shape and regulates the massage session, pointing on special acupressure places in the body. It can execute rolling, tapping and kneading tasks all at once. Some chairs include heat, which aids in softening muscles, and allows massage to go deeper into muscles. Music is also available on some models it allows you to have your massage session while listening to your favorite song.

Chairs for massage come in different types, shapes, and styles. Usually they are made of either leather or vinyl. Vinyl is preferred for chairs equipped with heating option.

Massage has been known to be one of the best solutions for pain relief. It helps curing the body, treats illness or continual ailments, and gives a general feeling of well-being.

Massage chairs can be suitable as an office chair. It can be useful for employees who sit behind a desk the whole day or for man or woman who remains in front of a computer all day long. Adding one to your living room can also be a good option. The only problem is that all family members will probably fight to sit on it!

Types of Massage Therapy Techniques

There are many different types of massage therapy techniques used by massage therapists across the world. Since ancient times, massage therapy was used in many cultures as a way of medicine and was viewed as very important for the spirit's connection to the body. In different cultures and geographical locations there were and still are very different approaches to massage.

There are Eastern methods of massage that include yoga poses, use of scented oils, or the focus of pressure points that trigger nerves in the body. There are Western methods that focus on the various ways to massage muscles with kneading, tapping, rubbing, and effleurage (or gliding over muscle groups).

In today's American modern society, we have incorporated a fusion of Western and Eastern methods that are used in many spas. We do, however, have a primary basis of focusing on the Swedish massage. There are also specialty massages such as deep tissue massage, which targets a chronic issue in the body and focuses on getting deep into the muscle to work it out; barefoot deep tissue massage, which highlights the foot's muscles and all the pressure points that are affected by common, everyday usage of the feet; and even prenatal massage, which pays special attention to the changing body of a pregnant woman and appreciates both the delicate state of her muscles as well as the little one within.

In the United States, it is not extremely difficult to pursue a career in massage techniques. There are many schools that offer a variety of programs, so it is best to research different schools and make sure you get the best education for the price. Many schools are very expensive, and it is possible to find scholarships or even a local community college that offers a certificate in massage therapy. It is also wise to make sure the school you choose meets all the requirements of your jurisdiction, because every jurisdiction has different requirements when it comes to earning a certificate or even license in massage therapy.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Top 10 Tips For a Successful Client Interaction

Physical Therapists and Rehabilitation providers are often the first professional a client sees and who is expected to make them feel better. This level of expectation is seen in the client's eyes each time they arrive in pain, bring in their child due to a developmental delay, or say "I just want to sleep better tonight!" That first patient interaction and the ongoing relationships built with clients, and their families, is the foundation to successful care planning and treatment. By using these opportunities for a successful interaction with clients each and every time they are seen, you are building the groundwork for success.

1. Greet your child/family/client by being friendly and smile: A smile is contagious! If the client knows you are excited to meet them and work with them, they will reflect the same! All clients, in any situation, will be able to appreciate a light attitude and will feel less stressed about the therapy visit. Feeling less stress will directly affect the ability to relax, learn and participate in the goal planning and success of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation treatment.

2. Make each child/family/client feel welcome and important: Each of us needs to feel important. Clients and therapists together have important roles and responsibilities in the rehabilitation process. If the therapist acts as the individual with all the answers and takes full responsibility of the success of treatment, power is taken away from the client. Without power, the client becomes a passive participant and an observant in their Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation process, which lessens their opportunity for success.

3. Make connections with child/family/client: Often times therapists may see clients for extended periods of time such as with long term disabling conditions or when treating children with developmental delays. This provides us with unique opportunities to participate in the events in our clients' lives. By sharing these events, therapists are able to offer suggestions for their continued success and integration back into their community and into their lives as they rehabilitate.

4. Always provide opportunity for the child/family/client to talk and ask questions: Getting the client and/or family to openly discuss their goals and care plan provides the therapist an opportunity to assure the goals are reasonable and important to the client. This continues to reinforce the idea of the client being an active participant in their therapy and increasing their responsibility for success. By asking questions, clients are able to demonstrate they understand material that has been taught to them and further reinforce their opportunity for successful Physical Therapy intervention.

5. Listen to your child/family/client: Client's will discuss what is important to them. It is vital they are listened to and to the clues they tell us. The Physical Therapist's goals may indicate it is important for a 16-year-old soccer player to be able to run and play soccer again, but it may be more important to the soccer player to be able to walk in high heel shoes for her prom next month. By careful listening, chances for successful care plan implementation is achieved.

6. Discuss treatment schedule with family/client and communicate any changes: One of the simplest rules to implement! If the client can't make it to therapy, they can't get better! By working around the client's availability, their percentage of attendance increases. Better attendance equals great chances for success.

7. Let child/family/client know you are looking forward to the next visit: Therapists must show our investment in and enthusiasm for a clients' recovery. Expectations are established with our clients during each visit. They expect the Physical Therapist is knowledgeable in the therapy provided and the recommendations made. Physical Therapists expect clients to be honest, learn how to participate in their recovery, and to continue what has been taught to them at home now and in the future. By letting the client know we expect them to attend their next visit and look foreword to the client's participation, there is an established opportunity to confirm the next appointment time as well as what the expectations are for the visit.

8. If family/client calls to cancel, communicate concern: Responsibility and accountability. If the therapist is unable to impress upon the client the extreme importance of active, regular participation in the therapy process, the expectations of the therapist and the expectations of the client are set too low. By communicating concern, the client is brought back to an increased level of responsibility and accountability for their active participation in the rehabilitation process.

9. Communicate events and new programs offered to child/family/client: As Physical Therapists, ultimate goals are to restore function, decrease pain and help the client re-integrate into their life. As educators, it is the therapist's responsibility to communicate events and new programs available to clients, which could compliment their recovery process. By adding community supports and programs, the client and their family learn they can rely on their community and themselves to support their continued community integration.

10. Periodically ask "Is there anything else we can do for you? How can we help you?" Open-ended questions provide the Physical Therapist an opportunity to listen to clients. Many times time is spent talking and teaching, forgetting to leave time to listen. These questions again establish an opportunity to re-adjust expectations as well as re-establish an agreed upon level of accountability and participation in the therapeutic and rehabilitation process.

Establishing an ongoing successful client interaction takes effort and forethought. By engaging the client into an active role, the power and responsibility of rehabilitation is shared. By following these 10 suggestions to establish a successful client interaction, the Physical Therapist is able to engage the client in the rehabilitation process for life-long learning and success and help the client re-integrate into their community by achieving the goals important to them and their families.

The Science of Healing and the Art of Caring

As far back as 460 B.C., Hippocrates, considered the "father of medicine," described what could be considered an early form of physical therapy with his use of massage and hydrotherapy. It is also reported as a form of manual therapy in China around 2500 B.C. However, even before the need for the physical handling of patients was well understood, the ancient medical system of "Ayurevda" was developed in India which addresses healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony.

Modern physical therapy has its roots in England, where it was developed in London in 1896, on the belief that hospital patients needed to receive mobility on a regular basis in order to maintain muscle function and mobility. Events such as the World Wars and the polio epidemic also spurred the development of physical therapy, especially in the United States. Marguerite Sanderson and Mary McMillan were leaders in the field of physical therapy, offering training to "reconstruction aides" who were responsible for caring for soldiers injured in World War I. In the 1920 and 1930s, polio raged through the United States and its primary modes of treatment involved isolation, immobilization, splinting, bed rest, and surgery. In 1940, Sister Elizabeth Kenny, an Australian bush nurse who was well known for her innovative treatment of polio, brought her treatment techniques for the management of patients with polio to the United States.

Despite its development and successful use, physical therapy has still come under criticism for the lack of research to back up its anecdotal findings. In response, organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) have called on the profession to implement and adhere to practices based on the best scientific sources. The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) postbaccalaureate degree indicates an increase in training in the sciences, research, and interventions.

According to the APTA, physical therapists are experts in "the science of healing and the art of caring." As patients and physicians are demanding the talents of physical therapists, the PT is becoming more widely consulted for help with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries; neurologic conditions; connective tissue injuries; and circulatory conditions, to name a few. Therapists may choose to seek advanced certification in a clinical specialty, such as orthopedic, neurologic, cardiovascular, pediatric, geriatric, or sports physical therapy. Today's PT can be found in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, and work settings.

In today's environment of patient service within health care, the individualized "hands on" approach that characterizes physical therapists is highly valued by patients. When a patient sees a physical therapist for the first time, they can expect a thorough examination, followed by a plan of care that the physical therapist develops to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. As physical therapist and patient work side by side, the goals of the treatment plan are met, and the patient receives therapy to restore good health.

At the cornerstone of everything the physical therapist does is exercise and functional training. Depending on the needs of the patient, the physical therapist may perform certain passive movements at the end of the patient's range of motion, and/or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Other therapies such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, and ice may also be used during therapy sessions to bring about pain relief. In order to prevent loss of mobility within a patient, therapists may also develop fitness and wellness-oriented programs to bring about healthier and more active lifestyles.

Benefits of Massage Chairs

Massage therapy is one of the oldest healing arts. It is a natural process of pushing, pulling and extending muscles and joints. It helps to revitalize the body and relax the mind. Receiving regular massage treatments is very beneficial to the body and mind. Massage chairs offer you a way to get regular massage treatments.

Blood Flow: The circulation of blood is important for supplying the cells with nutrients and also removing toxins. Sometimes the build up of stress in the body can impair the flow of blood throughout the body. Massage treatments has been applied to help enhance the blood flow. The pushing, pulling and stretching of muscles and soft tissues help to improve circulation.

Lymphatic System Flow: The lymphatic system is responsible for closing out toxins from your body. The proper removal of toxins from the muscles and tissues and other waste products is important for maintaining your health. A number of different massage therapies are geared to assisting stimulating the lymphatic system.

Release Of Toxins: The removal of toxins and other waste products from the body is vital to maintaining your health. There are many different methods of detoxing the body. Massage therapy is used to help remove waste products from the cells and with the lymphatic system.

Reduces Tension: Massage treatments are a great way to help reduce tension. When your body is under tension, it will lead to the muscles becoming stiff and eventually fatigued. The regular use of massage therapy is a great way to relieve tension in its early stages.

Body & Mind: There needs to be a healthy balance between your body and mind. Many times we can get caught up in our lives and neglect this balance. Relaxation with massage treatments is a perfect way to bring your body and mind back into balance. Massage therapy helps to soothe the mind and to relieve the body.

Reduces Stress: The reduction of stress is an important aspect of any health program. Stress can build up in the body given certain circumstances. If stress continues unchecked, then it'll lead to stiffness and eventually muscle fatigue. Massage treatments is a great way to relieve and release stress in its early stages.

Increases Energy: Massage therapy helps to invigorate and revitalize the body. It helps to improve the circulatory flow and relieve muscle aches and pains. It leads to greater awareness and a greater sense of energy. Regular massage treatments helps to enhance your energy flow in the body.

Improved Awareness: One of the good byproducts of massage therapy is enhanced awareness. Massage treatments is great for improving the circulatory systems of the body. With more circulatory flow comes more energy. This makes your body more efficient which enhances your awareness.

Improves Flexibility: Regular massage therapy is good for keeping your body flexible. Massaging helps to manipulate the soft tissues of using a variety of movements and actions. This pushing and pulling on different muscles helps to improve flexibility and breakdown scar tissue.

Improves Range Of Motion: Massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissue areas. Many massage techniques are geared add elongating the ligaments, muscles and tendons. This stretching helps to improve the flexibility of these areas. This is particularly beneficial to your joints.

Regular massage chair treatments can provide you with a number of positive health benefits. There are certain conditions like back problems that you should check with your physician before getting a massage chair. Regular massage therapy can be a great way to relieve your tension and enhance your relaxation.

Keys to Choosing the Right Massage Therapist

Let's face it, there are a lot of massage therapist in our community. With two prominent massage schools and several other corporately run schools this area is saturated with many massage professionals. But how do you choose the right own, is it by business name, credentials, or price? Even though cost may inevitably be the factor it is important is not the sole reason behind picking a single therapist from the bunch.

Number one is the bodyworker that you have selected gone to school? As trivial as this may seem this should be an important determining factor in selection of therapist. Even more important how many hours of education does he or she have and how long ago was your practitioners last training. If your practitioner has been a therapist five years and has not cracked a book since their nine month course are they truly qualified to treat your sciatica pain? A skilled and serious practitioner continues their education striving even past massage therapy to achieve greater knowledge of the body and how it functions.

Number two is the practitioner certified by the National Certification Board? This is a requirement to practice in the state of Virginia and also a barometer for the comprehension of core fundamentals of bodywork. If your practitioner is right out of school there is a grace period of 60 days before the requirement is mandated. This is due to the lengthy application process that can take 4 - 6 weeks. Additionally, once the practitioner is certified they must further credentials by becoming certified through the Board of Nursing. Proper credentialing is mandatory when selecting a qualified therapist.

Number three does your therapist listen? Massage is a very intimate engagement. Few therapists take the time to ask about your concerns, review complete health histories, and advise accordingly based on your health as it exists. Many diseases are not advisable to receive massage and it is vital that your therapist can easily spot any condition that could put the patient or the practitioner at risk. Even simple Swedish relaxation strokes can prove hazardous for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. Practitioners must complete a full health history to determine which, if any massage techniques could do more harm than intended.

Number four does your therapist respect your privacy? Often patients reveal a wealth of information about themselves from why their knee hurts to why they feel inadequate in life. It is the responsibility of the therapist to withhold from sharing the idiosyncrasy of their patients. Often it is necessary to share a certain amount of information with other healthcare professionals especially when it pertains to the patient's wellbeing, but only if the patient gives permission. It is ghastly inappropriate and unethical to divulge any information about a patient to anyone not deemed appropriate. Even though you may not know if the therapist has divulged personal information you can evaluate the persons ethics by their professionalism. Does your therapist speak about others in the session, or can you overhear them discussing other patients in the lobby? If you can answer yes to either of those questions assume the worst.

Number five; can you trust your therapist? Spring boarding off the last point of privacy, the therapist and patient relationship is one that is built. It is important that a therapist respects your space; allows you to drift off when you would like or gives you the space to talk continuously. The therapist should be an excellent delegate in the relationship, knowing when to give and minimally taking from you as the patient. After all, you are coming to them for healing. Therapist must be selfless in each session. The therapy is about the patient and the patient is guiding the treatment. It is important to never feel lead but instead feel facilitated.

Number six; does your therapist respect your boundaries? This is an important yet often neglected stipulation for treatment. So often due to the intimacy of the therapeutic relationship therapist may feel vulnerable. However, it is never acceptable for a therapist to speak about himself or herself continuously. As you are coming in for treatment the therapist should not be on autopilot during a monologue. A solid therapeutic massage requires brainpower and it is necessary to maintain focus during the session to ensure all of your needs are met. Also, after awhile of personal banter it becomes less about the patient and more about the therapist. Alternately, therapists are not allowed ethically to pry beyond their scope of practice. Even if you break down hysterically in a crying sob it is not appropriate for the therapist to probe into the reasons. As a professional we understand and empathize with emotional release as your bodies muscular system holds on to various stagnant emotion. Subsequently therapists should acknowledge the release and allow you to process uninterrupted.

Number seven, does your therapist respect his or her scope of practice. Sure massage therapists know a lot about the body, at least the good ones, but so does a nurse, a surg tech, and/or a nutritionist, but does that make them qualified to diagnose a condition. Absolutely not, in fact you should be weary if a massage therapist is quick to give you reasons for your aches and pains. Truthfully, it is difficult to assess the root cause of most muscular dysfunctions unless there has been a trauma or accident at which point you will know more than us. Having a therapist evaluate in terms of their opinions on visual assessments is more in line with their scope, not root causes. For instance, I see your shoulder is higher on your right side, do you operate the mouse with that hand. The therapist should be guiding you through the process of self-discovery assisting you in uncovering the secret to your muscular mishap.

Number eight; does your therapist speak the language? Let's pretend for a moment that you saw a massage therapist for a rare condition that you were being treated by a specialty physician, who recommended that you seek a massage therapists expertise. It would be important for the massage therapist to contact the physician and to take any advisement that he or she would have in their therapeutic practice. But, let's say for a moment the therapist could not adequately communicate with the doctor in medical terms that is easily understood. It can be frustrating for the other healthcare professional and leaves the patient in limbo when proper communication cannot be achieved. We all have our areas of expertise, but it is important to communicate in the same language. Proper usage of medical terms is crucial in patient discussion and provides clarity to ensure understanding.

Number nine; does your therapist have an open mind? There are many modes of care out there and what works for one practitioner may not work for another. However, it is imperative for a therapist to be versatile and adapt to the patient. If you love reflexology and your therapist detests this modality, this probably is not a good match. Also, if you are a proactive patient who likes to research and find a technique that you are interested in and your practitioner is capable shouldn't they at least try to work with you, after all this is your body.

Number ten; does your therapist meet your needs? It is not uncommon to have different specialties and not all therapist care to perform all types of massage. It is healthy to have a few different practitioners to accommodate your needs. Having one therapist for Swedish massage (relaxation), one corrective or deep tissue therapist, and one for a specialty like lymphatic or reflexology will help balance your therapeutic team. Sometimes it is nice to relax and sleep during a massage while other times you awake with a kink in your neck needing some relief. Having a handful of different types of practitioners at your disposal is imperative and will help you decipher which styles of bodywork work best for you.

Massage is an emerging profession with many newly certified therapists daily. As an instructor and bodywork professional for many years I have strived to educate the public on the many medical benefits of massage. Massage can be an amazing preventative and restorative experience when administered from an educated, well-rounded therapist. We shop around for many things in life from appliances to automobiles but do we shop around for our bodies. Do not just settle for the cheapest act in town because it may cost you more than just money. Searching for your optimal therapist takes time and is no easy task. I have worked with amazing therapists, growing therapists, and seasoned therapist. If you are working with a therapist whom needs some evolution even though it is not your responsibility please share your thoughts of where they need improvement. Send an anonymous letter or tell the receptionist, manager, or owner; whichever you believe is most appropriate. This will not only assist the therapist but the profession as a whole to move forward.

Massage Therapist: How to Become One

Have you ever wondered what a massage therapist does? Massage therapists use body manipulation to give relaxation to the body and even the mind. These therapists target the muscles, joints, connective tissues and even the skin through the use of pressure. The massage can help stimulate healthy functioning of the body. At present, there are a lot of massage styles available and offered to the public. The therapists usually use their hands or elbows but some other styles necessitate the use of foot. Techniques of massage therapy include reflexology, trigger point therapy, Thai and Swedish massage.

So, now you really want to become a massage therapist? You need to know that there are several requirements to become a massage therapist. First, you need a high school diploma. If you already have the first requirement, you can look for a massage therapy school. You need to make sure that your massage school is accredited by Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. More than 100 massage therapy schools are already accredited by the said organization. Once you have chosen an appropriate school, you need to prepare for the coursework. The school will provide specialized training. You will study anatomy and physiology so will have an extensive knowledge of the human body. You need to know each organ system and tissue plus all their functions. Kinesiology or the science of human movements will also be tackled. This subject will give you the needed knowledge about human motion and the physics of the human body. Pathology, the study and diagnosis of disease, will also be studied. Of course, history and professional ethics will be included in the coursework. Generally, you should be able to get your certificate in less than a year. If you already have a certificate, you can also attend continuing education classes. Associate of Occupational Studies is an example of a degree program that serves as continuing education for massage therapists.

Where will you work? Massage therapists work in different settings. You may choose to work for health clinics, sports centers, nursing homes, spas or hotel. You can also work for Chiropractors or Physical Therapists. One interesting to note is that most massage therapists work in private practice. That means that they are self-employed or independent contractors. If you are interested in becoming self-employed, you need a strong foundation in business. You need to study accounting, finance and even tax laws if you want to start your own business.

Your next question would probably be: Would there be work for me? Yes, of course! This career is forecasted to grow faster in the upcoming years.

Career Paths for a Qualified Massage Therapist

Completing your training in massage therapy can open quite a few doors. In fact, there are plenty of different career opportunities for people who attend and graduate from accredited physical therapy schools. Those opportunities range from setting up your own private practice to working for a big league sports team.

Work for Yourself

One option is to set up your own practice. Start by promoting yourself as a traveling masseuse. Provide your own table and supplies and set up appointments to provide massages in the homes of your clients. This type of arrangement allows you to build a steady clientele and create a revenue stream that is quite impressive.

Health Spa Opportunities

You can also become an employee at a local health spa. Assuming the spa has a steady flow of clients who like to work out and take classes at the facility, there's a good chance you will be in demand. One of the benefits of this arrangement is that you get to work at the same facility every day and have the chance to meet a lot of people. Assuming you do great work, word of mouth will help you build a loyal group of clients in very little time.

Sports Therapy

Working for a sports club is also a great career option. In this setting, you would provide therapeutic massage to team players as part of their ongoing training. You would also work with the medical team to provide various types of physical therapy for injuries sustained on the job. Keep in mind that sports clubs will want therapists who completed coursework at accredited physical schools and are well versed in many different massage techniques.

Pregnancy Massage

Another way to specialize your services is to offer pregnancy massage. This particular type of massage therapy focuses on reducing the severity of the aches and pains that women experience while carrying a child to term. You will utilize different techniques to help minimize muscle pain and promote blood circulation to the extremities. Depending on the techniques used, you can also help women achieve a more balanced mood as the body continues to undergo more changes during the progression of the pregnancy.

Rehabilitation Work

Your talents can also be of use in rehabilitation centers. Massage can help to stimulate muscles and promote blood flow, two important elements in recovering the ability to walk and move after a traumatic accident, stroke or other debilitating issue. The therapy can also help to soothe tired muscles after long periods of therapy. In addition, the relaxing effect of massage on the nervous system can come in very handy when the patient is feeling discouraged with the progress of the rehabilitation effort.

Certification in massage therapy does not mean you will work in a massage parlor the rest of your life. The skills you've developed can be utilized in a number of settings. Explore all your options and find the career that will provide the right type of financial and personal satisfaction.

Massage Therapy School Internship Programs

Massage therapy school internship programs may sound tedious, considering that you don't technically get paid for them in most cases, but the fact is that you can't break into this profession without spending some time working for free. When you consider this as just another part of your schooling and training, though, it might not seem so bad. Internships provide hands-on knowledge that you just can't get in school, and that is your compensation rather than salary-it is a truly valuable experience. ??????

There are many instances during your career when you will appreciate the experience you got during your intern hours. If you get a special needs client, for example, you will more likely know how to provide the services they require rather than panicking when you don't know what to do because they only brushed over this matter in school. You will know the subtle signs when your client has had enough or when they are exhibiting signs of over-exertion or stress that are leading to their specific conditions. You will develop an intuition that will guide you during all your interactions with clients.

Getting a massage therapy degree does not necessarily provide all the tools to begin a successful career. The degree is only the base to build on. You will need to have the experience from massage therapy school internship programs to augment your training and build the skills that relate to the real world. This will also provide you with the practice hours to become certified if your state requires it and make you a better candidate for jobs.

There are many options for internships. You can apply at massage therapy offices, spas, resorts, fitness centers and other places where people get massages. Your school may offer internship programs directly, or you may find an experienced massage therapist to act as your mentor as you complete your training. Taking the time to increase your experience with an internship or by working under a mentor can transform your career. You will be prepared to comfortably work with all sorts of clients and able to hit the ground running.?

Ayurvedic Massage Therapy in India - Part 2

The doctor tells me to go vegetarian for the course of the treatment and this proves to be no hardship as the vegetable dishes in India are absolutely luscious. In particular, the Kerala people cook everything in coconut oil and throw in a huge blob of coconut to boot. Vegetables cooked in a delicious cashew paste are also irresistible. I am wondering about the calorific value of all these dishes. Servings are huge so I compromise by eating half (or mostly three-quarters!). Two vegetable dishes that I find totally yummy are Thoran and Avial. However, Dr. Jayahari has already said not to have any coconut oil as I had an oily condition. This presents a problem. The hotel does not serve an Ayurvedic menu. I notice an advertisement for a restaurant nearby that claims to be the only restaurant at Kovalam Beach that serves Ayurvedic food, though I never visit it. This might be a problem - surely a hotel which has an Ayurvedic clinic attached to it should offer the appropriate food? So I can hardly feel guilty if I eat the coconutty dishes on offer. I am supposed to drink banana stem juice after each treatment. I never did find out what that was like as they never had any available. Apparently cucumber juice is a good substitute.

When you are brought up on sliced bread, it is easy to go crazy about the Indian breads. They are the best. Garlic naan, roti, fluffy parotta, stuffed breads, etc, the variety is endless. The breads are crunchy, fluffy, garlicky and spicy and absolutely luscious.

One of the best aspects of Kerala for a recovering sugar addict like myself, is that there is absolutely nowhere to get a pastry sugar fix. Overall I saw only one cake shop in the whole state. Generally, most meals end in fruit. Some of their favourite desserts are dishes made of vermicelli or red rice (Payasam) or carrot (Carrot Kheer). I think that pineapple is not a bad way to end a meal here.

I quickly become addicted to their wonderful spicy teas. Cardamon tea and masala tea are wonderful if you love spices. Masala tea is thick with spices including a liberal sprinkling of black pepper.

While I relish foreign food, my mother has a big problem. She is allergic to chilli so she suffers terribly. Even after intensive questioning and the waiters denial that there is any chilli in a dish, she would take a mouthful and have to spit it out. India is not the country for people with chilli allergies!

The next day I am given my treatment program for the next fourteen days plus an assortment of herbal pills and herbal liquid to be taken on either side of each meal.

The program comprises the foot massage, hand massage, Shirodhara, steam baths, oil and steam baths, massages with herbal powders, enemas, herbal purges, medicated ghee treatments and ear, nose and eye cleansing.

After four days of treatment my blood pressure has dropped to its best level in ten years - 120/80 and I am feeling very good. I am feeling supple, and can easily run my hands along the floor with unbent legs.

The doctor weighs me and I have only lost one third of a kilo! Not to worry, I must not go out on Sunday because that will be the big day when I have a purgative herbal medicine. I must not have breakfast and must stay in with heaps of toilet paper.

Day four introduces an interesting treatment. As per usual, I have an all over body (foot) massage, a head massage and a manual massage. Then a portable cooker and wok is brought bedside. The wok is heated and the masseuse places a tied up bulging bag in the wok until steam rises from it. Before I can argue, she pounds my back vigorously with the hot bag. As she bashes away she tells me that the contents are green leaves which 'are good for losing weight'. She reheats the bag and sometimes it is a little too hot but what to do? It is after all, for my own good!

Afterwards, I decide to go down to Kovalam Beach and see what is happening down there. I have hitherto avoided it as I have to walk down about five flights of very steep stairs and then negotiate a narrow path that winds through the back of all the holiday resorts. Kovalam Beach is the most famous beach in Kerala, having been discovered by hippies years ago, but now it attracts travellers from all over the world. The water looks very inviting - but not so the unattractive black sand. I have been told that many overseas beaches have dark sand and here is a case in point. The surf looks very inviting but I notice no one sitting on the sand. The beach is littered with beach beds and umbrellas which are obviously for hire. Yes, a fellow sidles up to me and offers me use of a bed for 150 rupees. This would be open to negotiation but I just nod. Not today.

Immediately I am accosted by a host of beach vendors. Bongos are banged in my face - would I like to buy drums? No? But for my children? For a friend? No? But these are the best drums in India! Bang! Bang!

How about a pineapple? How much? 100 rupees.

"One hundred rupees!" I shriek. "That would be $2.50 in Australia and I just can't believe that they would cost that much here!"

"But they are very sweet, very juicy, Indian pineapples!"

"Well I don't want them at that price." I'm now thinking that a nice juice pineapple would be a yummy lunch. Maybe they've been sun ripened rather than gassed in the Woolies warehouse.

"Then 90 rupees?" she asks.

"No, I'll pay 50 rupees, and that's too much anyway," I say curtly.

She looks insulted and brings down the price to 80 rupees.

"No, don't want it," I bark and then turn on my heels.

I've walked a few metres when she runs after me. "Seventy rupees?" she begs.

"OK, I'll pay 60 rupees but that's my final offer!"

She smiles a toothless smile and happily hands me the pineapple.

It was indeed very juicy but I later discover that the locals pay twenty rupees for their pineapples!

Next I am accosted by a man selling kaftans/ shifts/ wrap arounds.

"No, I don't want to buy anything."

"When are you leaving?" he asks.

"In two weeks' time."

Pointing to himself he says confidentially, "My name is Johnny Be Good. You must remember my name. Don't go to anyone else. You are my customer now."

I promise not to succumb to any other kaftan/shift/wrap around salesperson. Johnny Be Good will be watching.

The amazing thing is that another day I see the same salesman and he reminds me of our conversation. He actually remembers when I said I was leaving. A German lady walks by and I mutter under my breath to her. She laughs and says that the beach hawkers look at tourists in a different way to us. "They scan us in just like a computer," she says. "Even if you come back in two years' time they remember you." I believe her as time and time again I am amazed by their phenomenal memory of every critical detail - firstly my appearance, then the exact day I will be leaving and also the items on which my greedy eyes alighted. They are human computers.

I am accosted by another kaftan/shift/wrap around salesperson.

"My name is Shridda? Can you remember that name? Repeat it for me!"

"Shridda."

"Well, you want to buy a lovely dress?"

"No thanks."

"When are you leaving?"

"Two weeks' time."

"Then you come back and only buy a dress from me - Shridda. OK? Promise?"

"OK."

We shake hands on it but I'm now beginning to worry about my easy promises. What will happen if I reneg and buy off Johnny Be Good or someone else?

Another tourist tells me what happens. She bought a wrap around off someone and another salesperson to whom she'd given her promise, ran over and the two vendors almost come to fisticuffs. How stressful was all this!!!

And so it goes on. Drum sellers, kaftan sellers, fruit, bead and ring sellers, card, puppet and CD vendors, all vie with one another to win customers and create goodwill. Even looking in a shop window is torture. I do not know how they do it but the exact instant you peer in at the window display, a head pops out the door. "You want to see inside? I have very nice things inside."

Of course we all know that once inside there will be no easy escape.

It is looking like a trip to the beach is not as pleasant as one would hope. The thought of having to dodge all those anxious faces on a regular basis is too horrible to contemplate.

And beware the hand that comes out to greet you. I make the mistake of shaking hands with a proffered hand and suddenly I encounter a vice-like grip that hauls me in! I have to struggle to escape the trap.

Taking a walk out the front of the resort is not much better. There is a long winding road that winds down a very narrow street lined by little shops. Unfortunately, one of those shops happens to be a tailor who, having once dragged me into his shop to inspect all his materials, has now well and truly 'scanned me into his database' and races into the street to accost me every time he sees me in the vicinity. I made the mistake of idly enquiring as to the price of a pair of trousers for myself. Well of course I would have to select a piece of material for a quote. Already I was feeling the pressure. I casually pointed to a piece at the top of the pile. Oh, that was a very expensive cotton so it would cost more than the other pieces! Why hadn't I picked the piece below it? Drat. The tailors critically eye my fat legs, all the while jabbering away, until finally they say it will require two and a half metres due to my size and it will cost 1200 rupees ($30). I shrug. I didn't want trousers anyway - it was only an idle enquiry. I guess $30 is a pretty good price for a pair of slacks but then I would rather have a piece of material that I really like rather than one from a pile in their shop. But it does make me think that next time I will go back with a suitcase full of all those scraps of material that have been sitting in my cupboard for years. Then maybe I could shop around for the best price. Probably the best price is not to be found in a tourist resort!

Maybe I will just stay indoors and watch cable television.

Sunday arrives. I do not have breakfast and dutifully arrive for my purging. I am given a hand massage, followed by a steam bath. The steam bath is a large wooden box sitting alone it a little room. The room is already full of steam and a eucalyptus scent. I climb inside and the box is closed up on me so that only my head pokes out the top. I wallow in the steam, feeling uncannily like an actor in a scene from Thunderball.

Talking about Thunderball, I have just remembered something that I was told by my neighbour in the plane at our Singapore embarkation. She was the last person on the plane and was visibly disturbed. She told me that she had been delayed due to the fact that she had had a problem at customs due to a snowball, of all things. As you know, you can only take the most minuscule amount of liquids on board an aircraft these days. She was terribly upset as a snowball her son had given to her was confiscated due to the liquid therein! And while I am on the topic, take care because if you buy duty free alcohol and you have a connecting flight, you will almost certainly lose the alcohol as it is now too late to put it in checked in luggage and you cannot carry it on the plane. Apparently a man bought a number of bottles of expensive cognac at the duty free shop and when he changed planes, they were taken off him. He nearly had a nervous breakdown over the issue.

Anyway, back to Ayurveda. Every pore cleansed, the doctor takes me to my room where he watches me drink a bitter herbal concoction. He tells me that the herbs are so strong they can dissolve bone. Hence, all the nasties that have been lurking in the twisted depths of my colon will be dissolved and flushed away. It will take three quarters of an hour to take effect and sure enough, at the appointed time I find myself gagging. I am simultaneously stricken with a desire to vomit and to go to the toilet. However, the next day the scales give a very good result. I have lost four kilos! And of course, I have thoroughly cleansed my large intestine. All those nasty bits and pieces that have been sitting half digested for years are now floating in the Ganges.