Archives for June 2016

Jun 29 2016

Safety First

I know I’m guilty of sometimes using the terms infectious, communicable and contagious without thought to accuracy. So, I decided to verify my understanding of these terms by checking in with an expert, especially as they pertain to the skin I touch when providing bodywork.

I consulted with Annie Morien, PhD, dermatology PA, researcher, educator, massage therapist and recipient of the AMTA 2015 Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year award.

In Dr. Annie’s very informative book (that’s how her students address her), Infectious and Communicable Skin Diseases – A Pocket Guide for Massage Therapists, she defines the differences this way:

“Infectious Disease. A pathogen (bacteria, virus, fungus) produces an infection on or within a susceptible host by overtaking immune defenses, overgrowth, etc. Although all infectious diseases are capable of causing infection, not all are communicable. Example: cellulitis”

My additional examples: skin boils; infected wounds; candida rashes

“Communicable Disease. A pathogen is transmitted from a source to a susceptible host through direct or indirect contact with the source, resulting in infection. Example: impetigo.”

My additional examples: athlete’s foot; toe and finger fungus; plantar warts; MRSA

“Contagious Disease is a subset of communicable diseases, in that the disease spreads quickly and easily from a source to susceptible host by direct or indirect contact. Example: measles.

My added example: conjunctivitis

Dr. Annie went on to state, “I find that making the distinction between the terms helps put ‘diseases’ on a continuum of ‘least likely to be transmitted’ to ‘most likely to be transmitted.’ I believe this helps massage therapists and reflexologists distinguish how much risk they have when encountering a client with certain diseases.”

I’m glad I decided to purchase this little gem of a book. I’ve learned a lot from its clearly written content and sharp photos. I wish I had had this book years ago, instead of having to research everything that came my way. It’s ending up being a great resource for me as someone who touches human bodies pretty well everyday and instructs others on the safety factors and skills needed to do that in a professional environment.

If you want to know more, check out Dr. Annie’s website.

Jun 22 2016

Scrub Your Way to Better Health

Cold mitten friction is a simple washing with cold water accompanied with friction from mitts, towels and/or a loofah.

You may be surprised to discover how much value (and very little cost) this simple addition to a reflexology session offers.

What It Does:

The application of cold initially sets vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels) into play, quickly followed by vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels), which together increase the circulation and elimination of excess heat in the superficial tissues and blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in visceral (organ) congestion.

Rapid movement of stagnant blood allows fresh blood to flood the area, bringing along with it much-needed oxygen and red and white blood cells. Tissue tone is enhanced and metabolism is stimulated.

Application:

I like to add cold mitten friction therapy to my hand reflexology sessions.

Following a reflexology session, I will quickly submerge one hand in a basin of cold water and remove immediately. Holding the hand over the basin I will then briskly and quickly scrub the hand with a “scrubbie glove”. They can be purchased at dollar stores, drug stores, big box stores and of course, Amazon. I will have submerged my gloved hands into the water first to soften the glove fibers and get the glove wet. (Added bonus to these gloves, they can be re-used. Throw in the washing machine; air-dry. Simple.)

You may choose to add in an exfoliation agent such as an essential oil-infused salt or sugar scrub. Just put a little on your wet, gloved hand and scrub away. Remember, that you are not doing massage. The action is quick and vigorous, not slow.

Once done (it only takes a couple of minutes), quickly submerge the hand in water again, to cleanse off any scrub agent you may have used. Dry thoroughly with a thick, dry towel.

Repeat with the other hand and then massage some soothing lotion into the now baby-soft exfoliated hands. Your client will love the feel of their new skin and soon afterwards experience warmth in their body as enlivened blood is coursing through their arteries and veins.

When to Consider Adding:

as a way to finish a hot stone treatment or when the client exhibits and/or complains of feeling hot
client complains of low energy
poor circulation in the extremities, indicated by cold hands and/or feet
diagnosis of anemia
depression
nervous exhaustion

Points to Consider First:

warm the feet or hands first; this is easily accomplished by giving a hot foot soak and a reflexology session
watch for signs of chilling, such as shivering
skin lesions; do not offer cold (or heat)
contraindication for cold, such as Raynaud’s Disease
aversion/intolerance to cold; never force a client to endure a cold or cool application if they don’t want it!

We will be adding in a few hydrotherapy applications in the upcoming Reflexology for the Hands workshops. I hope you will join us and learn how to give one of the most relaxing and healing sessions available.

As one of our previous attendees stated, “If you don’t mind turning into Jello, and learning how to do that for others – this workshop is for you! Learn how to massage the body from the palm of your hand. I’m amazed actually that I feel completely ready to do a session fully after just a weekend.”

Jun 15 2016

Building a Powerful Practice

Are you struggling to build a viable practice? Don’t know where or how to start? You might find some applicable direction from a book I just read.

The book is called Building a Powerful Practice and it’s written by celebrated reflexologist, Deborah H. Flanagan. Deborah has been a guest speaker on reflexology on the Dr. Oz Show and has been featured in O, the Oprah Magazine. She has built a successful business on her own terms, utilizing both the heart and brains of smart marketing. She shares generously and in simple terms how you too can build a successful practice.

Here’s what I like about this book (in no particular order):

1. It’s short. Only 130 pages. It won’t take you forever to read!

2. Written with candor, transparency and compassion. Deborah does not present herself or her strategy as the only path to success; she shares her experience – her successes and failures – and offers what she’s learned as a guide that you can tweak for your situation.

3. There are 22 chapters breaking down all the various components of creating a successful business. Short concise chapters with no-nonsense advice on such subjects as:
– finding clients in person and online
– defining and reaching your niche
– heart-centered marketing
– staying organized – the necessary administrative end of things
– budgeting
– avoiding burnout
– building confidence
– being true to yourself

4. Suggested action steps for each subject area.

The book includes the perspectives of a number of other wellness practitioners on each of the subjects addressed. I really thought this was a very valuable addition to the book; most business or marketing trainings present only the opinion of one person – the author.

As a bonus, Deborah gives you access to a Business Starter Kit, which includes templates for building an email list, keeping track of income and expenses (including taxes), sample intake forms and gift certificates.

Available on Amazon if you’re interested. (FYI, I received nothing for writing this review; in fact, it will come as a surprise to Deborah should she read it!)

Jun 10 2016

Hypertension

We’re playing Russian roulette if we don’t pay attention to the statistics that inform us that hypertension is a significant precursor to four of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States.

To make matters worse, even dangerously high blood pressure can have no symptoms. I can attest to that; one of my closest friends discovered at a regular check–up that her blood pressure was 210/130! She felt fine.

Hypertension is generally defined as blood pressure that is 140/90 or higher. Uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney diseases, vision problems and even dementia.

About 7% of Americans ages 18 to 39 have hypertension. That incidence climbs to 32% among people aged 40 to 59, and 65% for Americans 60 and over. There are a number of factors that contribute to that rise, including genetics and the tendency of arteries to stiffen with age.

I just finished reading an article published by AARP in a June 2016 publication about hypertension. Here are some of the points they outlined that stood out to me:

Hypertension is not inevitable. Your habits and decisions play a bigger role in whether or not you will develop hypertension than you may have been led to believe.

The “top” number, the systolic pressure is the one to watch. It measures the peak force your arteries and vital organs experience at the moment the heart beats. When that pressure gets too high, damage to the kidneys, eyes, brain and lining of the blood vessels can result.

Healthy habits can make the difference between taking medications or not. Smart choices, like reducing common table salt in your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables, losing weight, and exercising can shave anywhere between four and 11 points off your blood pressure.

Squeezing a hand-gripper six or seven times for two minutes each rep, three times a week can reduce blood pressure by about 10%. Seems to me like a small investment of money, time and effort to support my life.

I like this one. Slowing your breath down to six breaths in 30 seconds temporarily brings systolic blood pressure down by three points. This is a great argument for practicing intentional deep breathing on a regular basis – something we can practice ourselves and teach our clients.