Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

Oxytocin: The Hormone of Peace and Trust

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:52:10 -0500

We live in a stressful world. In our culture, high levels of stress tend to be the norm and even thought beneficial by some. In other parts of the world, inner peace and calm have been valued for centuries, and only recently have the practices of tai chi, yoga and meditation been explored in Western culture. As massage therapists, one of our objectives could be seen as the promotion of increasing calm and reducing stress in our clients. Read on to find out how massage, the hormone oxytocin and the reduction of stress are intertwined.

What Massage Therapists Should Know About the Q Angle

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:15:18 -0500

Although massage therapists typically don't measure the Q angle, it's important to understand its definition, normal range and potential implications.

A Refresher on Pernicious Anemia for Bodyworkers

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:49:33 -0500

People can live with anemia for years before being diagnosed and consequently receiving treatment. If bodyworkers can recognize a potential case of pernicious anemia, a swift referral can prompt an evaluation - and potentially get clients the help they need.

Medicine for the Heart: Massage and Music

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:19:06 -0500

February is American Heart Month. After finding out one has to have surgery, anxiety about postoperative pain ranks high among the stressors. Indeed, the anxiety itself is believed to increase pain levels and may be a contributor to postoperative distress. Heart surgery ranks high in patient apprehension, but massage and music therapies have been shown to lessen anxiety and reduce the need for pain medication.

Using Massage Therapy to Help Psoriatic Arthritis

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:51:40 -0500

Before a client with psoriatic arthritis comes to you seeking relief, make sure you know about this condition and understand when massage might aggravate it.

Would You Know If Your Client Is About to Stroke?

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:07:07 -0500

Since there are no guarantees that a client won't have a stroke while in your care, make sure you can quickly identify the earliest stages of a stroke.

Scholarly Chair Massage Opportunity

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:51:47 -0500

Find out the many reasons for a massage therapist to consider those striving for a collegiate degree to be their potential clientele.

At-Home Spa Parties Can Increase Winter Business

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:20:43 -0500

Winter can be a slow time for massage therapists. Find out how offering at-home spa parties can liven up your business.

Back Shu Points Can Escalate a Back Massage

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:08:18 -0500

By learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine's back shu points, massage therapists can enhance their diagnostic and therapeutic capacity.

Nudity and Esalen Massage

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:06:09 -0500

Pioneered at Esalen Institute in California, Esalen massage is a well-respected integration of bodywork and psychology. While nudity is often associated with Esalen, its purpose and requirements are often misunderstood.

Relieving Ulnar Nerve Tension in Guyon's Canal

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:46:22 -0500

Due to the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome, it may be mistakenly implicated in cases of neurological hand symptoms that worsen with wrist pressure. If Guyon's canal syndrome is responsible, this structure's unique anatomy requires a drastically different massage approach than that employed for problems of the carpal tunnel.

H1N1 Flu Facts: When to Be Concerned

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:48:39 -0500

The H1N1 flu (formerly Swine flu) is on the minds of many. Even with the myriad of information available, there are those who still have questions - and the data coming out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changes almost daily.

Is Massage Helpful or Detrimental to Clients With Cellulitis?

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:32:09 -0500

Even though it has an innocuous name, cellulitis is a skin infection that should be taken very seriously. Avoid any confusion by knowing if and when massage therapy is safe to administer to a client with cellulitis.

When the Holiday Season Delivers Hung-Over Clients

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:40:48 -0500

Because many people overindulge in alcohol during the holidays, massage therapists are best prepared when they know how to handle clients who show up with a hangover.

Hand Sanitizers in a Massage Practice

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:42 -0500

Hand sanitizer dispensers can be found everywhere, from elementary school cafeterias to cruise ships. Despite its dominance of many infection control programs, massage therapists are still advised to clean their hands the old-fashioned way.