Where are You Going? – Massage and the Nervous System, Part 3
by David Lauterstein I once got a greeting card, “On the Family Trip to Nirvana,” with parents sitting in the car’s front seat and two kids in the back, asking their parents, “Are we there yet?” With this next deeper level of the nervous system, we are not at Nirvana but, in a way, we…
Read MoreThe Secret of Success in Massage – Exceptional Service!
I hear stories of therapists out there. Some are doing great. Some are just making it. Some are frustrated. The times they are a’ changin’. The advent of the Massage Envy’s, etc. has provided many more job opportunities, but at a lower paying rate. Some employers are requiring too many massages without a break, or…
Read MoreWhen First We REALLY Meet – Massage and the Nervous System, Part 2
It is not the therapeutic intention that is fruitful, but it is how we really meet that is therapeutically fruitful. (paraphrase of Martin Buber) The nerve cells which sense pressure and vibration were discovered in 1831 by the Italian anatomist, Giovanni Pacini, who also discovered the cholera bacteria. Named “Pacinian corpuscles” in his honor, these…
Read MoreHelen Keller was Right about Massage (and life)
Helen Keller was right – “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” In some ways every day is an adventure; every day a hero’s journey. We don’t know what will happen. We can see the obstacles and opportunities that arise as part of the incredible journeys, short and long, we take in this life.…
Read MoreThe Most Important Muscle? – Deep Massage and the Rectus Abdominis
Forward flexion of the torso – sitting or moving in hunched over position – is the most common postural distortion. Forward flexion may give rise to serious structural and energetic problems Leaning forward makes our back and neck work harder to keep us upright. It gives us less room for breathing – compromising nourishment to…
Read MoreWhen First We Meet – Massage and the Nervous System, Part I
Meissner’s corpuscles were discovered by the anatomist Georg Meissner in the 19th century. They are located in the skin, just underneath the epidermis. These are the main receptors uniquely designed and located to detect specifically light touch*. So these are what our clients first sense with when we lay our hands on a body. When…
Read MoreDon’t learn more about massage!
Don’t learn more about massage or bodywork! Can you imagine anyone believing that? What do we get from advanced learning? Better results with our clients. The skill level needed for self-employment More client retention More alleviation of pain More effective release of physical tension More healing from past psychological stress and trauma More delight in…
Read MoreMassage – A Blessing for Everyone
In Deuteronomy it says, “Blessed be the work of thy hands.” When I was a child, I was entranced by the beautiful book, The Family of Man. This had incredible photographs from all over the world. People in families, giving birth, dying, at war, at work, playing, kissing, making music, leaping up in the air. …
Read MoreWhat Exactly is Clinical Massage?
By David Lauterstein We hear the terms “medical massage,” “clinical massage” and “orthopedic massage therapy” used in our field these days. But what is Clinical Massage really? Clinical massage therapy uniquely focuses on the treatment of soft tissue to maintain, develop, augment or rehabilitate the patient’s physical function. Clinical massage therapy can improve the functioning…
Read MoreNothing To Be Ashamed of – Massage Helping with Ancestral Chi
Yesterday I got a wonderful session of Zero Balancing from its founder, Dr. Fritz Smith. One of the biggest learnings was connected with shame. You know, most of us when we look closely have some sense of shame. We feel we’re not good enough, especially when things get challenging. We may tell ourselves inside, “You…
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