Although I am quite aware of the reality in the world today, I do pride myself on being an optimist and for my true belief in the inherent good within each of us.  It’s simple, I was raised this way, for me, I have known no other method for working through life.  As an adult I now see how all the twists and turns in life have taken to where I am today.  Always focused on furthering the search for my true purpose I continue to follow my path with trust as well as caution.

A piece of this life purpose was revealed to me in the fall of 2009 when I traveled to Dharamsala, India on behalf of BCMT’s Massage for Peace service effort.   This trip was nothing less than life changing for myself, my travel mates and the incredible friends that we met along the way.  The intent of the group was to teach massage therapy to Tibetan refugees allowing them access to education, a new skill and increased hope for prosperity in their lives.  What I  found was that in many cases, I was the student.  Learning about deep compassion and forgiveness, sincere dedication to truth and enlightened thought.  Learning about their spiritual leader, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and their undying allegiance to him as children of his words.  This experience opened my world to this culture, their leader and a beautiful new mindset.

A client of mine recently told me about an interview on the Today Show, I wanted to share that today.  I hope that you are as captivated as I was when watching this and I hope you are as optimistic as I am about the future of our world.

Trying to navigate your way through the various examinations required to become a licensed massage therapist can feel like wading through alphabet soup. Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage (NCETM) or the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

Although each exam contains questions designed to test minimal competency of the practice of a massage therapist, there are some differences between them. Here is a breakdown of each examination and some helpful information to ensure you pass the exam your state requires.

Full article here. (Source: Massage Magazine, Erika Irby, March 19, 2009).

During an official work visit to the college last week I had the pleasure of spending time with my colleague and fellow BCMT blogger, Rebecca.  Our casual conversation led to my discovery of what I am calling, a massage therapist’s best friend.  You see, Rebecca introduced me to Itunes Genius playlists and mixes.  I know I may be preaching to an already formed choir but I have to think there are a few of you that have not yet discovered this career easing application.

If you read my previously posted, Hidden Talents of a Massage Therapist article then you know that doubling as a DJ is required by our profession.   Switching up songs to keep the musical vibes fresh are a common pastime for any massage therapist but with Itunes Genius disc jockey duties are now officially delegated.  At this point, you’re either shaking your head and wondering how I’m surviving in such a sheltered life or like me, excited to learn more.

I found this quick tutorial online, click on the image below to view the video.  The great thing about Genius – it’s easy!  I do recommend a quick screening of the songs to make sure they are right for your clients.  I’ve been switching up my music each day for a week now and Genius has yet to steer me in the wrong direction.  Happy mixing!

Last summer, the college held a beautiful event at Rembrandt Yard to benefit our Massage for Peace service efforts.  Vibrant Brazilian rhythms, savory ethnic cuisine and a breathtaking sunset complemented the evening’s celebration.  But the abundant and exquisite gift baskets that made up the silent auction were nothing less than the main attraction.

Aspen, an integral member of the BCMT community, was subtle but fervent and committed to holding the top bid on her basket of choice.   At the close of the night, much to her delight she walked away with her culinary arts themed basket.  Recently, Aspen checked back in with us after using one of her prize winnings, a gift certificate to the Culinary School of the Rockies.

Thank you Aspen, for being a part of this special celebration and for sharing your experience with us.

I wanted to let you know Dave and I used our gift certificate at the Rocky Mountain Culinary school in Boulder that we won at the silent auction for the school last July.  I also wanted to let you know how much fun we had.

I remember debating about going to the fundraiser because it was held so shortly after my mom passed away and I was just not feeling up for being social.  I went and now I couldn’t be happier that I did.  Dave has a passion for cooking and it brought me so much joy to see him in a professional kitchen with a Chef.  He was able to ask her so many questions.  I, of course, will benefit in the years to come from that one little gift certificate we won the bid on.  Thank you again for the efforts put forth to make the fundraiser come together.

Take care-
Aspen

provided by

I came across the above article on Yahoo yesterday.

I will confirm this by relating a personal story.  In late January I went to Australia for 3 months to help my daughter in a new business.  I worked 5 days a week for free in a foreign country, in a city office building with freezing air-conditioning, made an hour commute each way on the bus, irritated my mountain lungs with air-pollution and humidity, and for the first month I was sick.  I never get sick.  I was stressed-out.  I was stressed-out that I was sick and I was living a stress filled lifestyle I wasn’t used too.  When I was finally feeling well enough to give some massage sessions on the weekends my physical and emotional state improved immensely.  I was back in my zone.  The comfort zone of being on my own schedule, in a quiet relaxing room, nice music playing, the perfect temperature, and the satisfaction of making someone else feel comfortable, less stressed, and cared for. 

I had never noticed or appreciated my work environment as much as I did then.  Those weekend massage sessions improved the quality of the rest of my time abroad.

It is an amazing profession.  Not only are you helping someone else, you are helping yourself.

(AP) – 20 hours ago

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Growing numbers of experts are challenging the assumption that a four-year degree is essential for real success.

Many economists and academics say more Americans should consider technical training or two-year schools, which have been embraced in Europe for decades.

The experts cite evidence such as increasing student debt, stagnant graduation rates and a struggling job market flooded with overqualified degree-holders.

Federal statistics show that just 36 percent of full-time students starting college in 2001 earned a four-year degree within that time. Even with two more years to finish, the rate increased only to 57 percent.

President Barack Obama wants to restore the country’s status as the world leader in the proportion of citizens with college degrees. The U.S. now ranks 10th among industrial nations.

Read full article here.

When I graduated BCMT I thought I had all the tools needed to run a successful business and maintain loyal clientele.  I was wrong.  In my almost half a decade in the biz I have developed talents to fulfill job requirements that simply cannot be taught in a classroom.

Keep in mind that although some of these talents have been growing inside since my first day in business there are others that I have mastered within a moment’s notice.  There are many more but I can’t share them all or else they wouldn’t be hidden talents.  Here are a few of my favorites.

DJ Master Mix
Hey Mr. DJ put a record on….. Oh Madonna, you sing it so harmonically that it seems the job of a DJ, is a job easily done.  Well let me tell you something Evita, it’s not as easy as it looks.  There is only so much ‘check out’ music that I can handle in a given workweek.   So as I discern which playlist is most appropriate for each client, I must also take stock in how many more Oms I can handle without losing my mind.  Variety is everything and therefore perfecting this skill will be a career long endeavor.

Silent Yawner
Massage therapists are human, I am human.  I get fatigued, sometimes I don’t sleep well the night before and yes, sometimes I need to get a big ole’yawn out in the middle of a session.  There was no time to learn this talent; I had to conquer the silent yawn on the first try.  If I didn’t, I would have risked my client thinking that I was unprofessional and bored with their well being.

My advice on this one; go big with the facial movements (see photo) to make up for the lack of noise.  Take it slow, don’t rush it and keep that voice box on the down low.

Super Athlete
I’ve heard it time and time again from my clients, they massage other people and their hands get sore after a few minutes.  So how can I continue for hours at a time?  It’s because I quickly moved from massage therapist to massage therapist super athlete.  Occupational hazard?  Maybe.   But I once read that the sustained muscular contraction a massage therapist withstands is comparable to that of an endurance athlete.  So, move over Lance, there is a new breed of athlete in town – the healer.

The Juggler
Life happens, I know this.  Many times when one person in a couple starts getting massage the other will follow.  Unfortunately sometimes the relationship with massage outlasts the couple.  In these cases, I want to avoid all possible run-ins and in order to do this I must find appointments where they don’t exist, bump my free loading husband to another time slot or just take a longer break in between for the sake of serenity.  I am an ambassador of peace and I will uphold my commitment at all cost.

The Sneeze Avoider
I know my clients care about me but I also know when they’re forking over $70/hour they don’t need to be sneezed on.  This special talent is my favorite and by far, the most difficult.  My trick is to exhale through the nose for what seems like hours, avoid looking at any light and conjure the peace within the send that sneeze away. (see image on the left for what not to do)

Chamber Maid Extraordinaire
Who can rip down the table and whip up an inviting cocoon of yummy smells, warmth and comfort like a massage therapist?  Folding fitted sheets?  Please, that’s child’s play.  Move over J’Lo, I make your Maid in Manhattan look like a ravaged campsite.

As I mentioned before, there are many more hidden talents and I’m sure more that I will master in the future.  For now, I will rest my laurels on being a Super Talented DJ Athlete, Silent Yawning, Juggling Sneeze Avoiding, Chamber Maid Extraordinaire.

Boulder writer and runner, Rich Poley, has created a blog, Feel Better Fast, which is intended to help active people do just that.  Rich started working on ideas for Feel Better Fast  in 2001 while training for an ironman distance triathlon. Last year, many of the ideas were massaged into a book called Self-Massage for Athletes.  Rich is asking for other therapists for their ideas about how to feel better fast, too.  In his words, “Many more ideas will come flying out right here in the blogosphere. I’ll tell you what I find that works and what doesn’t. I’d like you to do the same. Tell me what you’ve found that makes you feel better.  Email me with your suggestions.”

Rich’s latest post is “self-massage for runners”. Let him know if it works for you.

Every runner has a different reason for needing a massage. Maybe yours is your feet or your calf muscles? Or maybe it’s your knees and hips that need attention? Perhaps your quads or hamstrings are too tight? One thing is certain though, if you run often, or you run hard, your legs and possibly your whole body needs frequent massage. But are you getting it regularly?

While sports massage therapy has grown rapidly during the last twenty years, it can’t meet the needs of millions of runners. Full article here.

As seen on PellaChronicle.com in January of this year.

Kaylee Assibey brought her healing touch to Pella in December when Dr. Ryle Smith welcomed Kneaded Relief Massage to the Red Rock Chiropractic Center, P.C. Assibey specializes in several techniques, including prenatal and postpartum massage, hot stone massage, sports and clinical massage, Swedish massage, and shiatsu.

Experience in such a wide range of techniques allows Assibey to individualize treatment for each client. Assibey says in most cases, a combination of the five modalities is appropriate. “I’ll ask questions about places on the body you may be feeling pain and find out how much pressure you prefer. Every body is different, and I want to find the techniques that meet your needs.”

Assibey is excited to be part of the Pella community and is welcoming new clients. “I believe massage therapy has the potential to affect lives in a big way,” she said. “Massage can relieve stress and assist in pain relief. I have had clients trying massage as an alternative to surgery. The combination of the right massage techniques was so successful that surgery was not needed!”

According to Assibey, regular massage can even help prepare pregnant women for delivery by loosening the muscles used during the process.

Care for women during pregnancy is just one example of a situation in which a person receiving massage therapy may also benefit from chiropractic care. According to Dr. Smith, the two therapies are complementary. “A combination of both massage and chiropractic care may result in more thorough healing in a shorter period of time. Patients of Red Rock Chiropractic Center and Kneaded Relief Massage have the benefit of two experienced and caring professionals working together to develop a treatment for their unique needs.”

Assibey is a graduate of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado, one of the more extensive training schools in the country for the discipline. She practiced at Elements Massage in Denver, Colorado, before relocating to Iowa with her husband.

Both Kneaded Relief Massage and Red Rock Chiropractic operate out of the chiropractic clinic’s building at 1400 Fifeild Road. Assibey is available Monday through Saturday for sessions of up to 90 minutes. Appointments can be made by calling 641-628-9991.