Healing Hands InstituteNJ Massage Training & Education – HHI Massage Therapy Education

Massage Therapy and Its Benefits for Children

Kim — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:14:55 +0000

Massage is a form of touch therapy that has been prevalent for centuries. It is an ancient practice and conveys to the child a sense of security and trust that is very essential for the newcomer into the world. Touch is a sense that is one of the first to be developed in humans and probably all forms of life. It is said that a touch can convey more than a thousand words, and children are known to thrive with the right amount of physical contact. Children who grow up with healthy views of touch are known to grow up into adults with self-esteem and develop long standing relationships.

Massage as a Therapy
Customs in many countries include the use of massage therapy for children, especially infants, using oils and other herbs that further increase the benefits of the massage. Massage therapy can act as a stress buster for children, even when they have passed the stage of infancy. Children have their own exposure to stress, which can come from school, family quarrels, or even playtime with their peers. This stress can cause imbalance in the immune system and hormonal imbalances as well. Massage practiced regularly can help a child reduce stress, which in turn, may help the child to sleep better.
Children and Their Response to Massage
Children respond very positively to any form of massage. It is probably the sense of touch and the bonding it brings that has such a therapeutic effect on the child being massaged. For infants, the gentle gliding stroke with some oils is the best form of massage therapy. As children grow older, massage can include separate work on hands and feet, concentrating on the fingers and toes. Sessions for massage therapy should not last for more than a quarter of an hour, as children’s attention spans are small, and they may find longer sessions irksome. One may also find that the child falls asleep while he or she is being massaged. This is a positive sign and points to the positive effects of the therapy.

Massage Therapy for Illnesses and Problems
Massage has been found to be very effective for children suffering from diabetes, asthma, and other skin or arthritic problems. It is now even being recommended for children with cancer, and it is felt that the reduction in stress boosts the immune system and its ability to resist diseases. Children have been known to benefit extensively from massage therapy if they suffer from hyperactivity disorders or other psychiatric problems as well. Autistic children may also benefit from massage. Children prone to bulimia find their depression and anxiety lessened by massage therapy and this helps them to counteract the disease. Massage as a therapy seems to work for children whether they be infants, preschoolers, teens or even young adults, and making a massage a routine in the child’s life can help it to grow into a balanced and mature adult.

Massage Therapy Helps Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Suffering from PTSD

Kim — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:29:05 +0000

The following article was recently posted on Massage Magazine’s website. For more information follow the link at the bottom of the article.

Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress, effect relaxation, and reduce psychological and physical distress among children with cancer. New research shows adults who had cancer during childhood suffer four times the rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than do people who did not have cancer when they were children.

Researchers from several medical departments throughout the U.S. teamed up to compare PTSD rates in cancer survivors and their siblings. A total of 6,542 childhood cancer survivors over 18 years of age who received diagnoses between 1970 and 1986 and 368 siblings of cancer survivors completed a comprehensive demographic and health survey, according to the research abstract.

“PTSD was reported significantly more often by survivors of childhood cancer than by sibling control subjects,” the abstract noted. “Although most survivors apparently are faring well, a subset reported significant impairment that may warrant targeted intervention.”

The research was published in the journal Pediatrics.

Related articles: http://www.massagemag.com/News/massage-news.php?id=9295

Reflexology and Anxiety…

Eva Carey — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:15:38 +0000

Millions of people suffer from anxiety. While most individual experiences can be considered mild or temporary, there are others for whom anxiety is a debilitating mental and emotional disorder that can have significant negative effects on one’s physical, emotional, and social functions. As an alternative treatment, reflexology massage is commonly recommended to help individuals achieve a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Reflexology is a type of massage that uses light to moderate pressure on specific points in the feet, hands, or ears. These points correspond to certain body parts and organs. By massaging these points, beneficial effects can be experienced by the other part or organ. Reflexology uses massage techniques to help relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and induce relaxation and rest.   The benefits derived from reflexology by people with anxiety are mainly from its therapeutic effects. Massage movements are slow and deliberate, allowing the patient to relax and calm the mind. As a result, heartbeat is regulated and the patient is better able to breathe deeply. It is the preferred form of therapy for many individuals because of its non-invasive nature.
Studies on the efficacy of relaxation techniques such as therapeutic massages have been conducted since the late 70s and results have been promising. In a study performed by the University of Udine in Italy, the group that received massages reported a general decrease in anxiety versus the control group. The study concluded that reflexology in the form of a foot massage can be used as a treatment to complement or support conventional medical treatments to alleviate anxiety particularly brought on by chemotherapy. It has also proven effective in improving patients’ feelings of wellbeing.
In another study by the East Carolina University School of Nursing published in 2000, 30-minute reflexology sessions were used as support treatment for cancer patients to minimize their anxiety. Patients who received the massages reported significant decreases in their feelings of anxiety following the intervention.

As a means to help relieve anxiety, reflexology massages have shown to be very helpful as support treatment. There are, however, countless people who enjoy its benefits in inducing physical relaxation and peace of mind.

June 09 Graduates

Eva Carey — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:20:07 +0000

Congratulations to our most recent grads! Wishing you great success… Let us know what you are up to.

Graduate Kathleen Doherty, LMT – Best in Westchester!

Kim — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:47:06 +0000

Congratulations to HHI Graduate Kathleen Doherty, a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist. Doherty has been listed in Westchester Magazine’s July 2010 issue as the Best Spa Treatment:

Our Favorite Spa Treatments Beyond the standard massage

Massage for the Weary Athlete
Kathleen Doherty
The Gym Armonk
(914) 219-1601
Eurolaser Rye
(914) 921-3265

Relax, rejuvenate, and replenish: that’s the mantra of massage therapist Kathleen Doherty. Her hands work magic—whether they’re used to soothe skin or to aggressively knead muscles. You can find the Tarrytown native kneading away at The Gym and at Eurolaser; she also makes house calls (914-552-2856, katt1023@yahoo.com)

Congratulations Kathleen!

New Liability Insurance Option Available to Therapists

Kim — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:05:09 +0000

MASSAGE Magazine, a trusted name since 1985, has just introduced a brand new liability insurance program for the massage community priced 30% less than most of the other programs available today.

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Visit their website www.massagemagins.com or call 1-800-222-1110 toll free, Monday Through Friday, for more information or to sign up today.

Massage Therapy: A High-Paying, Low Stress Job!

Eva Carey — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:08:29 +0000

5 High-Paying, Low-Stress Jobs

by Amy Bell

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Provided by: (I)Investopedia®

If you’re like thousands of other job seekers, you may dream of earning the big bucks without having to deal with the extreme stress that goes hand-in-hand with top-paying jobs. Of course, a high-salary, low-stress job sounds too good to be true. Or is it?

Believe it or not, you don’t have to take on a heart-pounding career as a brain surgeon, airline pilot or stock broker to bring home some serious bacon. As a matter of fact, some of the highest-stress jobs pay surprisingly scanty salaries. Just think about police officers, firefighters and social workers. These folks have quite possibly the most nerve-racking jobs in the world, yet most of them earn less than $45,000 a year. What about combat soldiers who face death on a daily basis? They typically earn less than $30,000 a year.

In other words, high stress does not always equal a hefty salary, or vice versa. Fortunately, there are plenty of laid-back career choices that pay quite generously.

Physical Therapist

Although physical therapists (PT) work in the notoriously stressful medical field, they enjoy some unique advantages over ER nurses and doctors. First of all, PTs have flexible hours and generally aren’t expected to work nights. Secondly, many physical therapists are self-employed – which means they don’t have to deal with the stress of a boss breathing down their neck while they work.

Plus, as the massive Baby Boomer generation continues grow older and face new physical challenges, PTs are constantly flooded with patients. As a result, physical therapists rarely suffer from dry spells.

To top it all off, physical therapists can earn anywhere between $50,000-105,000 a year. Now that’s therapeutic.

Computer Software Engineer

If you’re a tech geek seeking a relatively low-pressure career, you may want to check out the software engineering field. Software engineers design and test a variety of different types of software, from computer games to operating systems to business applications. These days, many software engineers can work from home, since their jobs can be done from practically anywhere.

Software engineers also bring home steep salaries, normally ranging between $54,000-130,000 a year. There’s nothing nerdy about that.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers design and build our nation’s infrastructure, from public buildings and roads to water supply and pollution control systems. Obviously, these projects aren’t pressure-free, but civil engineers generally work in teams, which helps alleviate some of the stress. As a bonus, these experts also enjoy long deadlines. As a matter of fact, most engineers have a few years to design and plan out a project before the construction company even breaks ground.

Even less stressful? Civil engineers don’t have to work too hard to hunt down jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers are expected to see a 24% spike in employment growth over the next 10 years – well above average for all U.S. occupations. Civil engineers bring home a respectable $50,000-115,000 a year.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is an extremely low-pressure, relaxing career for most people. (As long as the thought of touching a stranger’s back doesn’t drive your stress level through the roof, of course.) Not only are most massage therapists self employed, but they also get to smell smoothing aromatherapy scents and listen to calming background music or ocean sounds all day while they work.

Because many massage therapists work part-time, yearly salaries vary wildly in this field. However, most of these massaging masters charge by the hour. On average, they earn between $10-35 an hour.

Of course, if you take on plenty of clients, you could easily earn a salary of $45,000 or more. That kind of cash will certainly not rub you the wrong way.

Technical Writer

In this high-tech age, new groundbreaking tools, mobile devices or innovative gadgets are released on practically a daily basis. Obviously, someone has to write about these ingenious doodads and complicated thingamabobs. That’s where technical writers come into play.

Although they sometimes face tight deadlines, technical writers typically enjoy flexible hours and a comfortable, quiet workspace. Quite a few of them have an enviable 10-second commute – from their bedroom to their desk. Because all they need is a phone and a computer with an internet connection, many technical writers work from home.

What’s more is that technical writers are extremely high in demand. As technical companies continue to release pioneering new products, someone has to transform their complex technical-ese into everyday language the average customer can comprehend. Technical writers generally earn between $47,000-98,000 a year.

Lower Your Stress; Raise Your Salary

So, it turns out that you don’t have to risk life and limb, save lives or suffer from stress-induced stomach ulcers to make a decent salary. From sales managers and graphic designers to college professors and training consultants, there are plenty of rewarding, angst-less jobs out there that come with generous salaries.

Oakworks Spa Hospitality Expo – Live on the Internet

Kim — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:15:16 +0000

WHAT Spa Hospitality Expo – Global Spa & Wellness Don’t miss the chance to network with international industry professionals without the hassle of travel! WHEN Wednesday, May 26 – 10am – 6pm EDT Thursday, May 27 – 10am – 6pm EDT On demand until August 26th HOW/WHERE/WHY Register for FREE Its easy! Log in using any computer with internet access on the day of event Listen to educational presentations, learn about new products, network with industry leaders, and sign up for a chance to win PRIZES!	Register for FREE Learn more about the event

Visit Oakworks booth Chat Live with Bill & Sharon during regular show hours. Ask about new products & request a sample of Nutro Body Care. View product videos & literature… all without leaving home!


Win Prizes! Sign up for your chance to WIN an Oakworks Side Lying Positioning System or a Nova with ABC Package!

Side Lying Positioning System – $199 value Create ergonomically correct support for all side lying positions!
Watch the video visit www.massagetables.com for information	Helps relax and stabilize your client to make your work easier Stretch soft tissues and mobilize joints with more ease 30 day money back guarantee Comes with free DVD

Nova with ABC System Package – $679 value
Watch the video visit www.massagetables.com for information	Package includes: Nova table with ABC system Boiance Face Rest Crescent Adjustable Face Rest Platform Professional Carry Case

This is an event you won’t want to miss! Stop by the Oakworks booth & say hello!

Register for FREE

Congratulations Grads!

Eva Carey — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 23:59:16 +0000

… well done!

HHI Alum earns grant for injured soldiers

Eva Carey — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:21:51 +0000

Beth Luetkemeyer, MPH, CHt, CPAS, NCTMB

HHI Alumnus, Beth Luetkemeyer, has received a grant from the Department of Defense for her Proposal “At Eezzz for Improved Outcomes” and is now a full time employee at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Beth’s primary objective in this study is to show that the addition of therapeutic massage to the standard course of care for veterans with lower extremity injuries will lead to greater muscle strength and increased joint flexibility. She also expects to see improvement in pain control and the quality of life for these injured veterans. All of us at Healing Hands Institute wish both her and the veterans she’ll be working on, much success and improvement.