Quantum Metta School of Massage

Top Tips - Taking Massage Practical Exams

Leading up to exam day:

Practise! Practise! Practise!...and if you can...get together with your classmates for practise sessions.

Just before and on the day:

1. Get everything ready the night before - have a check list.  Pop some 'rescue remedy' in your bag too.

2. Leave early so you arrive at the venue with time to spare to set up, get yourself 'in role' and relax. 

3. Practise positive self-talk - 'Wouldn't it be great if I passed...' or 'Wouldn't it be great if I got questions I know...' or 'Wouldn't it be great if it went well...' is so much better than 'I'm gonna fail...'.

4. Once everything is set up, stay in your own 'zone', sit quietly and belly breathe - loooong and sloooow! Or practise Chi Kung forms to relax your mind and open your body.

5. Before starting the practical, ground yourself and then work from your 'centre'.

6. Focus on the client. If you're doing that, you can't focus on 'I'm nervous' at the same time. And if you switch back to 'I'm nervous', notice, then switch your attention back to the client again.

7. Have the intention that 'this is going to be the best massage I've ever given'.

8. Smile inside and outside. Wouldn't it be great if you enjoyed the experience? Visualise yourself doing really well.

9. Remember why you started the journey in the first place...and this is pretty much 'it'! You're nearly there.

10. Remember the practical exam is your opportunity to demonstrate all the hours and energy you've put into your training and your coursework...ITS SHOWTIME! At QM we say that the exam is a strategy or a performance...here's the script, learn it, perform it and then pick up the Oscar : ). After all those hours of practise, would you really prefer NOT to do it?

HAVE A GREAT PRACTICAL EXAM Y'ALL!

 

 

Top Tips - Taking Theory Exams

Leading up to exam day:

Revise! Revise! Revise! and do as many past papers/practise questions as you can. YES! All of them!

Just before and on the day:

1. Get everything ready the night before - have a check list.  Pop some 'rescue remedy' in your bag and some water too. Our brains loved to be hydrated.

2. Leave early so you get to the venue with time to spare.

3. Practise positive self-talk - 'Wouldn't it be great if I passed...' or 'Wouldn't it be great if I got questions I know...' or 'Wouldn't it be great if it went well...' is so much better than 'I'm gonna fail...'. Say to yourself. 'I know what I know and I'm gonna do my best to show what I know'.

4. Pop to the loo just before.

5. Press your brain-buttons (just below your clavicle - massage here with one hand while the other hand holds below the navel, then swap hands and do the other side) and do some brain-gym (e.g. move your arms alternately to touch the opposite shoulder or the opposite leg if you're standing - a bit like an aerobics warm-up!)

6. Sip that water throughout your exam.

7. Make a note of the start and finish time and keep an eye on the clock during the paper.

8. Do the questions with the most marks first and make sure you have understood the question before answering. We know that sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often answers aren't relevant to what has been asked. There's no point writing a great answer to a question that hasn't been asked.

9. Mobilise your shoulders and stretch your pecs every 10-15 minutes. Do your brain buttons again if you're feeling stuck.

10. Ideally, allow a bit of time towards the end to read through your answers.

 

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR THEORY EXAMS!

Dympna and Doreen

 

P.S.

Oh and that evening ...put your feet up and relax! Smile to yourself at the thought of graduation and your Diploma framed on your wall...and then?...well the next journey begins...

 

 

 

Thai Yoga Massage workshop 29 January

We have a Thai yoga massage workshops this Sat 29 January.
It's a fun day and you'll learn loads of Thai yoga massage techniques to practice on friends and family.

If you're a massage therapist, you'll be able to include most of these techniques as part of your regular massages, as they can be transferred to working on a massage table.

Here's the link for more details....

http://www.quantummetta.co.uk/index.php?p=tab&s=courses&f=ttym

If you're thinking of training to become a Thai yoga massage practitioner...the next course starts on 26 February...

http://www.quantummetta.co.uk/index.php?p=tab&s=courses&f=ttym

Dympna and Doreen :-)

Feng Shui Tips for Massage Therapists

One way of describing Feng Shui is the flow of chi (energy) in the environment. Here are a few ideas to enhance the good chi in your treatment room. For individual advice, it's best to get a feng shui consultant to have a look so they can tailor the advice to your space and requirements, using specific feng shui formulas. Having said that, 30% of feng shui is common sense, so here's some general ideas that can help every therapist and that you can put into action immediately. If you feel good in the space and about the space, chances are your clients will too.

1) Keep the doorway to your treatment room in good decorative and working order...no chips on the paint work or creaky hinges. Make sure there is nothing stored behind the door, so it can open easily. If possible, align the hinges on the side of the door that enables you to see the whole room when you enter. As you walk into the room, ensure that there is nothing blocking the way...e.g. a masssage table! Have some free space to walk into.

2) Ideally use a therapy room with a window so the chi can be 'refreshed' by fresh air. Stagnant chi is not conducive to good health. Keep the windows sparkley clean. If the view outside the window is lovely - great! If not - e.g. sharp angles of rooftops, big buildings, a brick wall - place a bagua mirror OUTSIDE the window with the mirror side facing outwards. If you haven't got a window, keep the door open when you do your regular cleaning session and use Tibetan bowls to cleanse the space energetically. If you're an aromatherapist, juniperberry can also be used to cleanse the room.

3) If you can, position the massage table so that the client's feet or head are NOT directly facing the door when they are lying down. If they can see the door when they are supine, that would be good.

4) Keep your surroundings tidy, clean and uncluttered. Only have items in the room that look lovely: uplifting pictures of nature, healthy plants, ornaments that invoke positive thoughts and feelings. You have to love them too. If not - let them go! Remember to empty the waste bin regularly. Use colour to promote relaxation: soft shades of green or pastels for example.

5) Soften 'sharp' angles and corners (from walls, tables) by using plants in front of them or soft material. If possible, have furniture with curved edges.

6) For the consultation, use chairs with a back and arms and have these positioned so you can see the door, and both you and the client have a wall behind you.

7) Remember, if the client gets a good impression of the treatment room (and therefore, of you) and they feel good about it...then they'll start feeling better even before the first effleurage! So smiles all round : )

May the Chi be with you 

Dympna and Doreen

Recommended Books 2

Here are a few more of our favourite books...most of which can be found on our online store:

http://www.quantummetta.co.uk/index.php?p=shop

Soft Tissue Release by Jane Johnson

Sports Injuries: their prevention and treatment by Lars Peterson and Per Renstrom

Field's Anatomy, Palpation and Surface Markings by Derek Field

The Pocket Atlas of the Moving Body by Mel Cash

The Anatomy Colouring Book by Wynn Kapit

The A-Z of Essential Oils by E Joy Bowles

Molecules of Emotions by Candace Pert

Fish by Stephen C Lundin

Fish Tales by Stephen C Lundin

Quantum Healing by Deepak Chopra

Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra

Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks

Happy reading - Doreen and Dympna

Recommended Books 1

We're often asked which books we'd recommend. So here's a little list for you...more will follow! And they all can be found at our 'Books and Music Store' here http://www.quantummetta.co.uk/index.php?p=shop

Holistic Massage:

Massage Therapy, principles and practice by Susan G Salvo

Handbook of Clinical Massage by Mario-Paul Cassar

Massage Therapy Research by Tiffany Field

Relating to Clients by Su Fox

Carrier Oils for Massage and Aromatherapy by Len Price

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology:

Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for Massage Therapists by Su Fox and Darien Pritchard

The Trailguide to the Body by Andrew Biel

Massage Therapists Guide to Pathology by Ruth Werner

Aromatherapy:

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia

Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils by E Joy Bowles

The A-Z of Essential Oils by E Joy Bowles

Happy reading - Doreen and Dympna

Spotlight on Lavender

We were reading recently that lavender farming in the UK is currently undergoing a revival. Farmers are looking to diversify and some are turning to lavender growing as it's fairly resistant to pests and diseases. In addition, lavender essential oil is hugely popular and as well as it's therapeutic use by aromatherapists, it has other applications including being used in shampoos, lotions and perfumes.

Aromatherapists have long known the value of having a bottle of pure lavender in the cupboard. It not only smells good...fresh, calming, floral, comforting...but it's so versatile in its use.

The botanical name for lavender is 'Lavandula angustifolia', though you'll also find synonyms such as 'Lavandula officinalis' or 'Lavandula vera'. Chemically it contains a fairly high amount of esters which are generally considered to be calming and anti-inflammatory. So lavender can be used to alleviate stress, anxiety and nervousness, as well as for inflammed joints, muscles or skin conditions.

There's a small amount of a chemical called 1,8 cineole which occurs in higher amounts in another popular essential oil - eucalyptus.1.8 cineol is a chemical that gives eucalyptus it's characteristic menthol aroma. It has been found to be an expectorant and clearing for the respiratory tract.

Lavender is often used to help with sleeping. E.g. placing a drop of lavender on the pillow. Though we know of at least one person who thought that if one drop is so effective then 2 or 3 or 4 must be even more so...no - don't try this at home! It will just keep you awake. Remember that less is often more.

Another well known use for lavender is in the treatments of burns and sunburns. It has a cooling quality and is healing to the skin. Every home should have a bottle!

NB: please consult an aromatherapist for safe dilutions before using essential oils.

Happy aromas - Doreen and Dympna

Massage Techniques: focus on Effleurage

Massage techniques are classically categorised into these groups: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration. Let's focus on effleurage...the word comes from the French word 'effleurer' which means 'to touch lightly' or 'to skim'. In a massage, effleurage is usually the first massage technique to be applied. It's also usually the last massage technique to be applied too.

 

Here's more info on effleurage...

1) it can be used on any part of the body and face

2) it's a longer gliding stroke that follows the contours of the body or face

3) it's used for massaging in a 'general' way, not 'specific'

4) it can be light or deep, but always lighter to start with

5) you can effleurage making whole hand contact, with the palms of the hands, fists, knuckles, fingertips and forearms

6) it is used to apply the massage medium (oil, cream, lotion) to the skin

7) this technique prepares tissue for deeper massage, and soothes tissue after deeper massage

8) it warms, soothes, relaxes - both body and mind

9) light effleurage helps with lymphatic drainage, flushing waste products from the tissues

10) slow effleurage has a calming effect on the nervous system, and quick effleurage has a stimulating efect on the nervous system

11) the massage therapist can use a lot of effleurage where other deeper and more specific techniques are too tender for the individual client to receive

12) it accustoms the client to the therapist, and the therapist to the client

13) it is used as a way of exploring, sensing and evaluating the client's body...finding out where areas of tightness or soreness are

14) it's used to end the massage over the particular body part; to soothe the area that's been worked on

15) it is used as a linking movement between one technique and the next, facilating a smooth and fluid feel to the massage treatment

16) it reduces muscle tension

17) it prompts dilation of capillaries and improves circulation

18) it helps with desquamation of dead skin cells, leading to a healthier looking tone to the skin

19) it passively stretches muscle when applied along the muscle fibres

20) it can lead to greater flexibility

21) it can relieve tired achy muscles, decrease oedema, help with insomnia

22) effleurage is good for us!

Happy massaging - Doreen and Dympna

How to Choose a Massage Table

When choosing your massage table...ask yourself the following questions...

How often are you going to use your massage table? If you'll have light usage then you might find that a cheaper, less substantial model, would be ok for your use. If you're planning to use the table more often, then it's probably worth investing in a more substantial and very likely more costly model.

Where are you going to use the massage table? In your home only? Is it going to be set up in a room and not likely to be moved around much? Then maybe a heavier, non-folding table will fit the bill. Or even - budget allowing - a hydraulic table. If the room has other uses and you need to set up your table, then set it down again on a regular basis, then a folding table is the one for you.

Will you be visiting clients in their homes? You'll  need to ensure that you're able to lift the table in and out of your car fairly easily; and also carry it in and out of your clients' homes (and sometimes up and down stairs) with relative ease. You can buy lightweight tables (around 6/7kg) which are really easy to transport, yet sturdy too. Though they're more costly than heavier tables.

    

If you're working in a health club, clinic or spa...do they have massage tables already? So do you need to buy one of your own at all?

When choosing a table, we'd recommend the minimum requirements you'll need are...easily adjustable height legs (so you can adjust the height up or down to suit how you work and to suit the frame of your individual clients); a face cradle (so you're able to step around to the side of the face cradle - which is attached to one end - and maintain good postural alignment; it also makes your table longer for taller clients).

Generally massage tables are 24/26 inches wide and 72 inches long (excluding the face cradle). Some tables have a facehole set in the table itself instead of a face cradle. This means that taller clients will have their feet dangling off the end which may compromise their comfort. It also means that you might compromise your posture.

Wider tables are available which will be more comfortable for clients with larger frames. The downside is they are also heavier so less portable and could be more challenging to the therapist's posture as you'll need to lean further across the table than usual.

Some massage tables have adjustable back rests which are great for clients unable to lie down, or if you practice another therapy such as reflexology. Some tables come with leg and/or arm extensions and arm slings. All these will make the table heavier to carry around.

Happy massaging - Doreen and Dympna

What is Chi? Part 2

Human chi is generally known as 'Normal', 'Upright' or 'True Chi'. Within that there are different categories of Chi. So let's have a look at them.

1) Pre-natal Chi is also known as heaven, original or inherited chi. It's the chi that we are born with and we inherit it from our parents through our genes. It is thought that the amount of Pre-natal chi we are born with can't be increased during a lifetime, though as we use chi/energy it can be supplemented by practising meditation and other forms of spiritual development, including Chi Kung . Pre-natal chi is stored in the Kidneys.

2) Post-natal Chi  is received through breathing (aka Natural Air Chi) and by eating (also known as Grain Chi). This combination of air and food, forms 'Nutritive Chi' which is then circulated throughout our bodies via energy channels known as meridians.

The combination of Pre-natal and Post-natal Chi can be further categorised in 5 areas...

1) Organ Chi which is responsible for the healthy and balanced functioning of the organs.

2) Channel/Meridian Chi which is responsible for transporting Chi through the channels/meridians.

3) Nourishing/Nutritive Chi which transforms and creates blood from food, and also moves with blood to help nourish the tissues of the body.

4) Guardian/Protective Chi acts as our immune system. It acts as a barrier between the body and external pathogens (or what's known as External Pernicious Influences!). It flows within the chest and abdominal cavities and warms the organs, and also flows between the skin and muscles and regulates the opening and closing of pores, and protects and moistens skin, hair and nails.

5) Ancestral/Chest Chi gathers in the chest forming a 'sea fo Chi'. It travels up to the throat area and down to the abdomen. This Chi is responsible for breathing, speaking, regulating heart beat and can also strengthen the body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine illness is a result of the Chi being out of balance, the flow being disrupted or blocked in some way. Illness can also be a result of deficiencies and imbalance in the organs of the body. There are many patterns of disharmony and the following are the two major ones associated with Chi...

1) Deficient Chi: this happens when there is a lack of Chi and it leads to an inability to carry out the normal functioning of Chi within the body. For example, when the whole body is deficient in Chi this could lead to lethargy and a lack of motivation. Collapsed Chi is a type o Deficient Chi where the lack of chi causes organs to prolapse. For example, prolapsed uterus or haemorrhoids.

2) Stagnant Chi: this happens when the chi doesn't flow smoothly. This can also lead to impairment of an organ. For example, dysmenorrhea could be a result of stagnant chi (blood) affecting the uterus. Rebellious chi is a type of Stagnant Chi where the Chi flows in the wrong direction. For example, stomach chi should flow downwards; if it rebels and goes up it could result in vomiting and nausea.

Various interventions are used to rebalance, unlock and promote the free flow of Chi again. These include Chi Kung, massage, nutrition, herbal remedies, martial arts and acupuncture.

Happy Chi - Doreen and Dympna

 

What is Chi? Part 1

"Without sound, without substance, dependent on nothing, unchanging, all pervading, unfailing. One may think of it as the mother all things under Heaven." Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu

The concept of chi...chi  has roots in the traditional culture of China. According to Jwing-Ming Yang, how Chi is defined varies depending upon the individual's background and experience. Chi is often described as an electrical energy, magnetic energy, sensations of heat/cold/tingling. Jwing-Ming Yang says that 'anyone who has carefully researched Chi would not define it by any of those narrow definitions'!

Other sources define Chi as: energy flow, air, breath, gas, vitality, steam coming off rice, the substance that sustains all living beings, the energy that keeps us alive, the basic life force of all three levels of human existence...body, energy and mind, the dynamic polar field in which all energy moves and from which all power springs. In addition Ted Kaptchuk explains 'we can perhaps think of Qi (chi) as matter on the verge of becoming energy, or energy at the point of materializing'. One of my Chi Kung teachers says that that is a classic Western view of chi, but traditionally chi is much more inherent within us. 

Categories of Chi...there appears to be 2 broad categories of Chi: Heaven Chi and Earth Chi. Heaven Chi is made up of things such as sunlight and moonlight, and it controls and influences Earth Chi. The earth's magnetic field and lines, and the underground heat make up Earth Chi. Within Earth Chi is Human Chi, and also within Earth Chi all  living things (animals and plants) have their own Chi. These are all constantly looking for balance and therein lies the dynamic of yin and yang.

We'll explore the categories within Human Chi in a later blog...so watch this space :-)

Happy Chi - Doreen and Dympna