Massage in the Media

Two recent issues of Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Healing favorably mention massage therapy and bodywork. The first addresses complementary approaches for weight loss. While Weil et al. emphasize that eating less and exercising more are still the primary factors in shedding pounds and keeping them off, there are several integrative therapies that can help reduce stress levels and control emotional healing. Weil addresses acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and, of course, bodywork.

Donate Those Old Sheets

Have your sheets become dingy and faded through so many washings and oil stains? Instead of throwing them away, contact your local Humane Society. Many animal shelters use sheets and towels as bedding in cages and also during surgeries and rescues. Be sure to get a receipt — donate, and get a deduction on your taxes.

Thai Healing Alliance is Born

Traditional Thai massage is quite new in the West, 15 to 20 years old at best. Yet in the past few years, it has become increasingly popular. It has been showcased on magazine covers and in newspaper articles and is now considered one of the fastest growing healing modalities in the United States. But there is no bona fide certification process for Thai massage that is legally acknowledged and administered anywhere outside of Thailand.

With the growing evidence that massage and other forms of bodywork and energy therapies are beneficial complements to traditional healthcare, we’ve seen an exponential increase of integrative programs within conventional medical services. From doctor’s offices to major hospitals, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is being used to attenuate symptoms in a variety of conditions, from cancer to everyday maladies such as headaches.