Massage Is Weird

Reclaim the magic of massage. If you're feeling burned out, we can beat it. If you're worried about starting your own business, we can conquer those fears. If you think you suck at massage, you're wrong. Massage is weird. There, I said it, and I'd say it again. Whether it's communicating with first time clients, figuring out how the puzzle of pain works (and why it sometimes seems impossible to solve), or creeper-proofing your practice, it can be a lot for one person to figure out all on their own. That's why we'll figure it out together! Take the leap of faith with me and we'll demystify the mysterious, bust a few massage myths, and learn how to drop the worries and start focusing on outcomes. We'll get through it together, one chapter at a time.

Featuring more than 250 full-color illustrations and photographs, Therapeutic Chair Massage offers detailed instructions on the appropriate massage strokes, stretching techniques, and therapeutic routines to use in seated massage for both relaxation and specific therapeutic applications. The book also provides foundational information on equipment, hygiene, sanitation, safety, contraindications, communication and documentation, body mechanics, and establishing a seated massage business. Each chapter includes hands-on Experiential Exercises; Case Studies with critical thinking questions; Clinical Tips from the author's experience; and Of Special Interest Boxes that contain related and interesting information. Contraindications lists specify conditions that prohibit or limit the use of a particular stroke or technique.

Identifying the information essential to creating an effective client-specific treatment plan has never been easier. This handy resource focuses on assessment as an indispensable tool for massage therapists. With a clear-and-concise writing style, it presents the signs and symptoms associated with the conditions you are most likely to encounter in practice in one easy-to-use reference. Step by step, the author guides you from assessment to treatment, while emphasizing that the role of the massage therapist is not to diagnose a client. Illustrations of the major muscles, trigger points, and pain referral patterns, and charts of common signs and symptoms along with suggested assessments clarify complex concepts.

Nekoyama, worn out after another long day at the office, stops at a therapeutic massage parlor--only to discover that it's run by a cat! Not only that, but the cat actually does the massaging?! As the professional "meowsseur" digs soft toe beans into Nekoyama's aching muscles, his heart warms and his worries melt away. This is only the beginning, as he and other world-weary workers are about to meet the other feline professionals who have mastered pawfully cute techniques to reduce human stress.

From Chinese massage to Shiatsu to Indian head massage, this lavishly illustrated "bible" presents all the techniques needed to master the basics. Every spread features large and easy-to-follow photos, while the text guides beginners on what pressure to exert, what part of the hand makes contact with the body, and exactly what to do--whether they're feathering the back, working on the neck and scalp, or performing a sequence on the arms and hands. In addition to holistic and sports massages, there are suggestions for special situations (including massaging a baby); advice on massages to relieve common ailments; and lifestyle tips.

Starting with a simple setting that can easily be accomplished with few special preparations, readers will learn, step-by-step, how to make a deep and meaningful connect with their partner's body. Using a combination of strokes from the most time-honored massage traditions, they will learn to be mindful of where their partner holds stress and tension. As the massage continues, readers will enter into a profound nonverbal dialogue with their partner, learning much from the simple act of contact with another body. All of the techniques are illustrated with black-and-white photographs. Elegant and refined, this book is a perfect gift for a special someone or a friend in love.

Fully Booked Without Burnout unpacks exactly how to fill your appointment book while keeping your energy and passion alive. We show you what steps to take to create an outstanding massage business and build your tribe, attract your ideal clients, take care of yourself and create an income... so you can turn your passion into a rocking business!