I’m heading out to North Carolina today. I had a few errands to run on the way to the airport, (had to pick up my Darth Vader cookie jar at the UPS center) so I got here a bit early. I had time for a quick breakfast and a chair massage. I’ve never actually done that here at the airport, I usually fly at ungodly hours when nothing is open. But today is different, and I am sore from a long, difficult few weeks.
From beginning to end the massage experience was fabulous. The therapist, Linda, greeted me with a smile, affirmed that she could accept a credit card, guided me through the sign up sheet and settled me in the chair. She asked me where I was from and when she heard I was local, she let me know the same company that she worked for at the airport had 2 local facilities. That was it. She didn’t oversell, she didn’t push. She just made me aware. I asked her where she went to school, and told her I was also an MT, she asked me where I went school, and when I told her, she was complementary of my alma mater. (I always like that, some people get so snooty about certain schools.) From then on there was silence and she gave me the best chair massage I’ve ever had. It was awesome. Perfect pressure, she backed off when she felt me flinch and sunk in exactly where I asked her to. At the end of ten minutes I felt entirely new. (This is no small feat considering how sore I’ve been lately.)
Ten minutes in an airport.
Sometimes I forget how versatile our profession is. We can work anywhere. We can treat pain and stress and depression in nearly any setting. We can affect speech issues and movement disorders and fertility. The modalities of hands on work are infinite and the indications are endless.
Oddly enough, while I was sitting at the gate starting this post, I ran into a friend of mine. He was my boss ages ago at a college job, he is a friend and client (it is with his permission that I reveal this, as he is in the seat in front of me on the plane right now). He is a minister, working in end-of-life care. It strikes me that our work is so similar in so many ways. Often people come to us looking for help, answers, healing. More often than not we are simply conduits for the healing their bodies already know how to do. We are guides on the path to equilibrium, we nudge in the right direction. He does it with words, we do it with touch. Most often, I think, we both do it by simply being there, with a person, giving undivided attention and care.
Either way, it’s a blessing to be able to do this work.
PS- Thank you Linda, I feel great.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Hawthorne-Massage.html?soid=1103172936421&aid=X7DTzuB7FIs
June Newsletter for Hawthorne Massage, including info on Healing Touch, New credit cards accepted, wi-fi, hours, and coupons
Here's the info on Healing Touch, please connect via link to see the rest:
In May I attended a class in Healing Touch, a gentle practice that complements massage and will enhance my work in Oncology Massage. For those of you unfamiliar with this work, here is an explanation from the Healing Touch International website:
Here's the info on Healing Touch, please connect via link to see the rest:
In May I attended a class in Healing Touch, a gentle practice that complements massage and will enhance my work in Oncology Massage. For those of you unfamiliar with this work, here is an explanation from the Healing Touch International website:
- Reducing stress
- Calming anxiety, depression
- Decreasing pain
- Strengthing the immune system
- Enhancing recovery from surgery
- Complementary care for neck and back problems
- Deepening spiritual connection
- Supporting cancer care
- Creating a sense of well-being
- Easing acute and chronic conditions
Healing Touch research suggests that there are many benefits. Individual experiences will vary.
WHERE IS HEALING TOUCH USED?
Healing Touch is used in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, long term care facilities, private practices, hospices, and spas. Janet Mentgen, RN, founded Healing Touch in 1989 as a continuing education program for nurses, massage therapists, other health care professionals, and lay persons. Today Healing Touch has spread internationally and is taught in universities, medical and nursing schools, and other settings internationally.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A SESSION?
The first session involves a consultation as well as the energy session itself. The provider will ask a series of questions about the individual's physical, mental, and emotional situation, and will answer any questions. Then the individual will lie fully clothed on a massage table while the provider gently places their hands slightly above or on the individual. The session generally lasts 40 to 60 minutes, and people frequently report feeling deeply relaxed and peaceful during and after the session. There is a cumulative effect of using Healing Touch over time and regular sessions are recommended.
I plan to become certified in this modality. Right now I am a student of Healing Touch, and can incorporate it in a massage session but cannot charge for it separately.
For more information on Healing Touch, I recommend the Healing Touch International website.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Hawthorne-Massage.html?soid=1103172936421&aid=X7DTzuB7FIsTuesday, March 1, 2011
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Hawthorne-Massage.html?soid=1103172936421&aid=ofo7rvbtBF4
New Newsletter from Hawthorne Massage now posted.
Includes new hours, article about improved immune system after massage, and more...
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Hawthorne-Massage.html?soid=1103172936421&aid=ofo7rvbtBF4
Includes new hours, article about improved immune system after massage, and more...
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Hawthorne-Massage.html?soid=1103172936421&aid=ofo7rvbtBF4
Saturday, January 8, 2011
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