InTouch

"As a student, do you believe you can learn a hands on technique online?" This question was asked last week in an online blog I was reading. I can't say that I was surprised to find that the answer from the discussion participants was an overwhelmingly large "NO"! I can, however say, I disagree...

You can imagine how proud we were when Team Type 1 - a remarkable group of cyclists who ride to create awareness for diabetes fitness -- approached us to be one of their sponsors last year. We were more than happy to meet their request for donations of Dual-Purpose Massage Creme to use in massage therapy for the team. We continue our sponsorship this year and have expanded donations to include Muscle & Joint Relief Therapeutic Massage Creme and Polar Lotion, our other popular sore muscle and pain relief products...

I often talk about the reward of getting to the point in your career when you can begin to choose whom you want to spend your time with and offering the services you prefer to perform. This has been one of my primary business goals from the moment I decided to enter into this profession...

We couldn't let a new year get underway without introducing a new line of products. Our newest offering is Healthy Benefits, an anti-oxidant rich line of massage products. Healthy Benefits, which includes Oil-Free Face Massage Creme, Massage Creme and Massage Gel, are rich in the Pomegranate, Green tea, White Grape and Grapeseed active botanicals...

It is February and everywhere I look I see roses, cards and chocolate hearts. Although, as a therapist, I like the increase in gift certificate sales. I can't help but notice that Valentine's Day has, at least partially, become an over commercialized remnant of what once was. Ironically enough, just as commercialism might have tainted Valentine's Day a bit, scientific reductionism has done the same to our view of the heart itself...

I for one agree with Lily Tomlin. Sometimes it seems like we're going 75 MPH and still trying to catch up. Instead of accelerating, we need to apply the brakes. After all isn't that what our business is all about? The massage industry has been growing for years because people need a time and place to wind down, relax and ease their tension...

Valentines is soon upon us and its a great time for Gift Certificate Promotions and Couples Massage specials. This year, I am choosing Valentines to launch a yearlong campaign that matches my own journey - self discovery. My "You deserve it" campaign includes posting daily quotes, tasting bars and incentives to explore way to enjoy your own company...

I don't have to tell you the massage therapy profession is physically demanding. I expect many of you know one or more massage therapists who had to leave the profession because they developed carpal tunnel, or other repetitive strain injuries. The profession can be emotionally draining as well. Your clients depend on you to be part of their own wellness support system...

The other day when I asked my 4 year old daughter what she learned at school that day she replied, "We learned about Martin Luther King Jr. and peace. Mommy, peace is when you love each other." Later, I found myself reflecting on this definition of peace. Is it really so simple? All we have to do is love each other?...

Who doesn't want to save money to boost profits? The recession has made all of us more careful about the dollars we spend to run and promote our business. But if there is one area where you don't want to cut corners it's on the products you use...

My professional mantra has evolved overtime to include being calm, strong, grateful, and present. This year I am adding joyful. You might thinks this is an old professional focus. But trust me, after over 20 years in the business I find it extremely important, if for nothing else, to prevent burn out...

What does your establishment say to your clients when they walk through the door? Is the ambiance inviting and relaxing or does it in some way increase the tension already stressed clients may be feeling?...