Just in Time for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday!

Need Some Help from Santa?

Are you looking for a great gift for this Holiday season?

Something that your loved ones will never forget?

Something that will also ‘pay it forward’ to our U.S. Veterans?

Why not give the gift of massage?

Body Blessings Massage & Aromatherapy will be offering these special deals throughout the Holidays until December 30th, 2013.

Package of FOUR One-Hour Massages $120.00

“Scrubie” 90 Minute Massage with your choice of Cranberry, Milk & Honey, or Tangerine foot
scrub* $59.00

Package of FOUR Scrubies* $200.00

Lavender Rose 90 Minute Massage – A luxurious massage with Rose Massage Oil and a Lavender Foot Scrub* $69.00

Package of FOUR Lavender Rose 90 minute massages* $225.00

*With every purchase of a “Scrubie” and “Lavender Rose” 90 minute massage or package, 10% will be donated to www.vhhfa.org to help create the Idaho chapter!

Contact (208) 853-6299 to make your appointment or purchase Gift Certificates on ANY service today!

Giving Thanks

Giving Back

The Abundance of Nature

Giving back to my community has always been a principle that I have followed throughout my lifetime. In my family of origin, we lacked for nothing. We never had to worry about having food on the table, clothes on our backs, or shelter over our heads. I grew up in a military family, and we were always taught to ‘walk tall, act right,’ and if we ever fell down, to pull ourselves up ‘by our bootstraps’. It all seems very easy when you are under your parents’ wings and raised in an environment where this theory is part of your everyday life – simply second nature to your way of living.

After spreading my wings as an adult, and always being involved in church in some way, shape, fashion or form,’giving back’ was a practice I continued to incorporate. I always thought it was important to help those who were ‘less fortunate’. Upon going through my own life’s upheaval and being in a very desperate position that took years to recover from and experiencing what being on the other end, or, one of the ‘less fortunate’ was like (which is an extremely humbling position to experience in life) I learned a very valuable lesson. You can either stay dismally ‘stuck’ in the aftermath, or you can learn to move on and let your experience help you to become ‘better’, not ‘bitter’. I believe that continually giving back to the ‘Universe’, whether it be tithing at your local church or choosing a particular organization to donate either your time and/or money to is a very spiritually healthy way to live.

I was introduced via social media to a new non-profit organization just over a year ago called ‘Veterans Holistic Health Foundation of America’. This organization was developed by two Veterans, one who had returned from war were experiencing P.T.S.D., and one who was injured stateside, both taking medication, who decided that there must be a better way to get beyond their experiences. They simply went ‘boots on’ out into their communities and started talking to massage therapists, yoga practitioners, chiropractors, and other ‘alternative’ health providers to see if they would be interested in donating their services to veterans of any era. The response was astounding, and I am now volunteering my time to help create a chapter in the place I love most on the face of the earth – the Treasure Valley.

As the volunteer Idaho Regional Manager of VHHFA, my first step was to ‘partner’ with a local massage school to get monthly FREE massage clinics created for veterans, and ‘we’ (VHHFA and Three Oaks Academy) will be starting our first clinic in November to coincide with the Veterans Day weekend.

As a business owner and provider, I have chosen to donate 10% of my earnings from my massage practice to VHHFA on a monthly basis. It is my way of giving back to those who have served for the ideals of freedom that we value so greatly in this Country.

For more information, please visit www.vhhfa.org.

V.H.H.F.A. & Three Oaks Academy & Integrative Therapy Clinic Join Forces to ‘Stand Up’ for Veterans at Treasure Valley ‘Stand Down’ Event

Veterans Holistic Healthcare Foundation of America (pronounced ‘Vifa) and Three Oaks Academy & Integrative Therapy Clinic, owned and operated by Cindy Langston-Mason , joined forces to offer FREE chair massage to the attending Veterans at the upcoming ‘Stand Down’ today November 9th, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Boise Veterans Hospital.

V.H.H.F.A. was created for Veterans whether they are medically disabled or in good health.

Our aim is two-fold:

To provide alternative holistic solutions to veteran’s medical needs at no cost – whatsoever – in appreciation for the services they have rendered this great nation. The goal of VHHFA is to create an awareness of the benefits, and presence of the holistic community in the hearts and minds of former service members. To link holistic healers of all walks and modalities with American Veterans in a safe and healthy environment to begin the true healing of wounds both visible and invisible. It is well known our warrior class is vigorously trained for battle…We aim to train them to come home so that no one gets left behind. V.H.H.F.A. & Three Oaks Academy will offer their first FREE massage clinic to Veterans of any era on December 22nd, 2013 from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m. at both Three Oaks Academy and the Idaho School of Massage.  If you are interested in our services as either a Veteran or a Provider, please visit our website at www.vhhfa.org, email elizabethedwards@vhhfa.org or call 1-866-933-2760. Photo Credit:  QuietProductions Conceptual Marketing-November 9, 2013

Hot Stone Weather is Here!

The History of Hot Stone Therapy

Massage therapy is perhaps the oldest form of hands-on-healing known to humans, easily pre-dating written records. The three main cultures which have heavily influenced how modern-day Hot Stone Massage/Stone Therapy has evolved are the Chinese, the Native Americans and the Hawaiians (although Egyptian, Ayurvedic and many other traditional healing arts are also said to have used stones and/or heat).

One of the first recorded uses of stones for healing was by Ancient Chinese medical practitioners who regularly used various shaped/sharpened stones (Bian Stones) to treat disease. The use of Moxabustion (burning of the herb mugwort) helped to add heat to these treatments.

Native Americans are well known for their Sweat Lodges, which are similar to modern-day Saunas. The use of heated stones on the lower abdomen to relieve cramps was another common Native American practice.

Hot Stone massage can even be used with your favorite essential oil, such as Lavender, for an aromatic therapeutic experience. This allows for a deeply relaxing massage, and with the cooler months coming upon us, can provide you with a heavenly treat before the rush of the Holidays, so why not put a Hot Stone Massage on your list of things to do? Your body will thank you!

@2013 – QuietProductions Conceptual Marketing

What is HIPPA and Why is it Important?

When choosing a C.M.T. or L.M.T., it is important to know if they understand and abide by HIPAA – the Health Insurance Portability & Accountabilty Act of 1996. HIPAA is the set of laws that insures your medical records are kept private and confidential, and that your specific medical issues are not discussed with or shared by your therapist.

For example, if you come in to see a therapist and you are taking medications, it is important for the therapist to know which medications you are taking in case there may be any contra-indications, however, it is imperative that your therapist does not discuss your medications with anyone else.

Most therapist’s who are in the field of massage understand and respect HIPAA, however, there are a few who may not, so be certain to ask on your first appointment if your therapist understands and abides by HIPAA.

You may also want to share with your therapist what kind of touch you prefer; light, medium or firm, and always be certain to let them know as much as possible about your medical background, including any injuries, so that they can give you the best possible massage. Many people will come in to me who have never experienced massage and say that they have been told that they should expect to be sore for 24-48 hours afterward. I always reassure them that I do not believe in this type of massage, and that they will not experience this kind of reaction from a session with me.

My goal is to always listen to the individual and relieve the stress in their body as well as educate them on how to help control and manage it. I always request that the individual let me know if the pressure is too much or too little, and check in with them often to make sure they are enjoying the experience, as my goal is to give each person time and space from all the demands that life brings to ‘the table’ for just one hour, so that they can disconnect and rejuvenate for all that they are required to deal with.

A good therapist will listen to the client. If you ever feel like you are not being listened to, you have the right to ask the therapist to stop the massage and book with someone else. It is your body, your time, and your money.

It’s no Trick! From now until October 31st, I am running a special – Your Treat is to receive ONE HALF HOUR FREE OR UPGRADE TO ONE HOUR FOR JUST $20.00. Call today at 208-853-6299

Even Animals Understand and Enjoy the Benefits of Massage!

Information on Grandfathering ‘Clauses’, National Certification, and Working with U.S. Veterans

In my quest to gather information to become more knowledgeable about my profession, a Certified Massage Therapist, I have had some questions about the subject of grandfather clauses and national certification  I found a great article in the December 2012 issue of ABMP’s ‘Different’ Strokes’ that I just read two days ago that I would like to share, as I know that information in our profession can be confusing at times.  If you are an ABMP member, you can find this same information on page 9 of the December issue.

Clarification on Grandfathering

“The term grandfathering relates to the qualifications required to obtain a license, typically in the time frame when new licensing laws are being implemented.  The grandfathering qualification for licensing is intended to be used by existing practitioners so they can qualify for a license to practice by meeting less rigid qualifications.  For example, lets say a state enacts a 500-hour education requirement in its new massage licensing law.  Existing practitioners may have years ago when schools were less formal, but this doesn’t mean they are not qualified to practice.  Their education, training, and experience all count and should be factored in when the state decides to license the profession.”

“Grandfathering qualifications eventually expire, and then all new practitioners are required to meet the same entry-level standard (e.g., a minimum of 500 hours formal education and passing an exam) in order to qualify for a license.”

“Grandfathering does NOT mean you don’t have to apply.  Everyone must sbmit an application if he/she plans to practice massage therapy in a state the requires licensure.”

On the same page, you will find this information regarding certification, which is very important to understand:

Certification is Voluntary, State Licensing is Mandatory

“Another frequently asked question relates to confusion surrounding national certification (myself included).  We’ve had some members tell us they thought that if they are ‘nationally certified’ by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) they DON’T have to obtain a state license (for the state they wish to practice in).  This is absolutely not true.  National certification is completely voluntary-a state license to practice is MANDATORY.  There is no such thing as a ‘national license.’   This was news to me, as I have been planning to become ‘nationally certified’ for over a year!

ABMP wants to make clear to ALL therapists that you should not let ‘anyone convince you that it is OK to practice massage in a state that requires a license to practice massage with only a National Certification Certificate.  It is not OK.”  (ABMP ‘Different Strokes’ – the voice of ABMP, November/December 2012 issue, p. 9)  So save your money for your state licensing, your insurance, etc.  Once you have all of that, by all means, go for the National Certification.  I still intend on doing so, but I am very thankful to have found this article which points out that there is ‘no National Certification’.

I personally would like to work with U.S. Veterans, and I see from the groups I am involved in on LinkedIn that there are several others who would like to as well.  I have found a resource recently that I believe may help the general ‘civilian’ to understand the military ‘mindset’, and it is FREE, always a price that fits into any business budget!  It is http://www.aheconnect.com/citizensoldier/default.asp.  This course takes you through different components which help you to understand the different mind set that a veteran may have, which I am finding very useful, as I want to be as informed as possible so that I can create a safe and sacred healing place for those who return who need help.  The organization that I have chosen to volunteer with is www.vhhfa.org, whose motto is ‘Skills, not Pills’.

If you are a holistic practitioner, whether it be a chiropractor, a CMT, LMT, yoga instructor, etc. and you are interested, please visit their website and fill out a volunteer form.

 

 

 

 

America’s Biggest Loser – Breaking the ‘Mind-Set’

I am not one to watch much tv, in fact, I generally would rather do other things, however, I’ve been watching ‘America’s Biggest Loser’ over the past several weeks, and always find myself tearing up when each individual ‘hits the wall’ with their mind-set, and then they overcome it.  As a CMT, I strongly believe in exercise, especially as we grow older.  It becomes less about vanity and more about dealing with the aches and pains that our earthly bodies have contained within themselves throughout our lives.  I’ve also worked with a personal trainer, but I have NEVER seen people work out this hard in my life, and the fact that they have three youth going on the journey with them is very inspiring.  

Last night was the ‘makeover’ day, and then the contestants were able to visit their families for the first time in many weeks, and they had to exercise and maintain their new healthy eating habits in the ‘real’ world.  Every single one of them lost the weight on their own, and to watch them turn around and inspire people in their communities to get healthy was a beautiful thing, in my opinion.

One of the contestants was looking through his mother’s refridgerator and could not find one single healthy thing to eat, so he had to have a heart-to-heart with his mother.  She was very supportive of him, and listened to his newfound knowledge.  They ended up going shopping to get healthy foods to eat.  This contestant said something that really stuck with me, he said, “It’s no one’s fault, we just have to address it and deal with it.”  

It struck me that so many times in our ‘beautiful’ society, we tend to look at others who are overweight or perhaps missing a limb or even a little older as ‘less than’, when the reality is that we come in different shapes, sizes and colors, and each of us must deal with the situations in our lives that are uncomfortable and make us feel ‘less than’.  

My hope for all of us is that we retrain our brains to honor our bodies with good, healthy foods, and that we all take the time to exercise, even if it is walking 30 minutes each day, or simply, as First Lady Michelle Obama mentioned in her Google+ ‘fireside chat’ about the ‘Let’s Move’ initiative, dance in your living room.  Allow yourself to feel the joy of movement, don’t compare yourself to anyone else, for you are unique, and take good care of YOU, for no one can care for you as you can for yourself!

Spring is right around the corner, in fact, it is sneaking in like a lamb, so take advantage of the weather as it increases to change to a warmer zone, and don’t forget to give yourself the reward of a great massage for your hard work instead of a piece of pie, some nachos, or a bag of chips.  Your body will thank you!

Newest Article on PTSD

Newest Article on PTSD

Have you read the most current article on PTSD that was just published?  Do you now, or would you like to work with Veterans in your practice?  If so, contact www.vhhfa.org.