The MBLEX certification exam has become the exam of choice for new massage therapy graduate students, who are seeking certification in order to get their massage therapy license. The MBLEX is more and more becoming accepted in more states across the United States and ” the exam” for up and coming body workers and future massage therapists. The MBLEx is enticing for several reasons. First its a multiple choice type of exam, and sound and well-rounded type of certification exam, as well as being the most economical of the exams that are offered.

Having said that, the MBLEx is by no means a cheap test to take or fail. Many massage therapy graduate students think they will be able to just waltz in and pass without any preparation or review. Like anything else in life, you must prepare, review your study notes, maybe even go back and take a refresher course or even a good massage therapy study guide. I have seen way too many people frustrate themselves, waste money, waste time for the simple reason on not preparing. The MBLEx is an excellent choice, in my opinion the best choice but a choice you must prepare for. I like to point people in the direction of online study guides that have repeatedly trouble failing or not passing their massage exam. The study guides can be very helpful and resourceful way for some people to pass their test. Try to find one that’s online, for the MBLEx is taken on a computer. Some people who study in books don’t get that added benefit of an online study guide if they are looking at a book.

The MBLEx also has a time limit on taking the test of four hours. I suggest you don’t over analyze each question and go on your first gut instinct for each question. Also, take your time, four hours is a long time, no need to rush. There is also an exam fee of $195.00 to take the exam, and this fee must be paid again in full for each time you don’t pass the exam. So its crucial that you pass the exam, or it can get pretty costly. I hope this will help many people seeking their massage certification as well as their massage license in the state they reside in for a great and long career in therapeutic massage, where you be doing a great and noble career in helping people feel and live better lives.

Hands are very important when giving a massage. There are many bones and muscles in the hands that provide movement. According to the Bible, Jesus actually healed the Lepers using his hands. They play a great deal in giving a great sensuous massage. Hands are important as well as oil in giving in good massage. You should pay careful attention in the selection of oil. Many are scented or flavored for an extra treat and relaxation when you are with your lover or massage therapist.

Touch is a very important part of human contact. It helps us feel connected and loved by those around us. Massage is like an art form that takes time to learn. Many massage therapy schools exist today. There are quite a few, even in your own area. In the cities, there are several ads for massage in the classifieds. They range from sensual massage to ways to give your own massage to your lover. The feel of soft hands on your skin rubbing your muscles can feel terrific.

Massage has been around for years. The Asians are especially well known for massage and have rumors of a “happy ending” with their massages. It is a very rejuvenating practice both for the giver and the receiver. I would recommend a massage for anybody with stressed, tight muscles because a massage can relax many different areas in the body. This allows for new cells to grow and rubs away pain so that it may be replaced with the deep feeling of pleasure.

Swedish massage stimulates your central nervous system to sooth and calm your nerves. By doing so, it reduces stress and tension in both a physical and psychological sense. This is why Swedish massage is often recommended as an important part of a stress management program for people who are otherwise naturally predisposed to suffering from elevated stress levels.

Your body’s nervous system is responsible for sending, receiving and carrying nerve impulses around your body. It is the main control unit in your body and these nerve impulses allow your organs and muscles to work efficiently.

Nerve impulses are electrochemical signals carrying information, which travel from your brain to nerves around your body. The stresses and strains of everyday life can affect the smooth running of the nervous system and this where massage therapy can help alleviate the problems this causes.

The skin is the body’s largest sensory organ of the body, and when it is touched thousands of tiny nerve receptors send messages to the brain. These are interpreted and returned to the muscles. When the muscles are massaged the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, are triggered which send messages of calm and relaxation. If vigorous massage strokes are applied, the skin’s underlying muscles are stimulated, easing tension and stiffness.

Massage can have a very powerful sedative effect on the nerves and problems such as headaches can be relieved, patterns of insomnia broken, tension, stress and anxiety relieved, as well as encouraging relaxed muscles.

The effect of a Swedish massage on the nervous system depends on the reaction of the nerves stimulated. Depending on the type of massage strokes used, the nervous system can be stimulated or soothed creating a calming and relaxed state of well being in the receiver.

The Benefits of massage on the nervous system are:

1. Stimulates blood circulation and the nervous system’s response enhancing your well being and boosting your energy

2. Reduces stress, tension and anxiety which can result in headaches, backaches, neck pain, eyestrain, poor concentration, depression, irritability, anger

3. Improves nerve function

4. Massage therapy relaxes contracted muscles which press on or pinch nerves, causing tingling, numbness and pain.

5. Helps treat insomnia caused by tense muscles. Massage therapy relaxes them and allows you to have a good night’s sleep

6. Helps balance the nervous system

7. Stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body’s natural painkillers thus decreasing pain

8. Massage relaxes and tones the muscles due to its effect its effect on the neuro-muscular reflex pathways.

9. Depending on the type and length of a massage given it will leave you relaxed yet stimulated

10. Massage stimulates the touch, pressure, and receptors of the skin and underlying tissue.

If anyone suffers from any problems caused by the dysfunction of their nervous system then a Swedish massage is the answer to their problems. With a little practice anyone can learn a few strokes to alleviate and improve a person’s health and well being.

Massage therapists often work with clients who have physical and mental disabilities, and they should be prepared to identify potential contraindications in order to best provide massage therapy to this population. Often, special needs clients may not disclose medical ailments or their need for accommodation until they arrive for the appointment, so it is up to massage therapists to be well educated about situations when it is, and when it is not appropriate to provide massage therapy services.

Special Needs

The term “special needs” is broad, and encompasses a large spectrum of minor to severe needs ranging from mobility assistance, to cognitive impairments, to clients with medical ailments. When special needs clients make an appointment for a massage therapy, they often (but sometimes do not) disclose that they have a physiological or mental impairment that may require special assistance. For massage therapists, it is best to be aware and prepared to work with clients who require additional attention and techniques to provide a quality massage while not compromising the client’s health or safety.

Educating Yourself

How would you work with special needs clients who require a wheelchair for mobility? How will you approach treatment with a client who has had a full skin graft on his or her back? How do you provide massage therapy to a client with a history of seizures? For many massage therapists, the answers to these questions are often guesses at best, and educating yourself about possible special-needs situations can help you become knowledge and prepare for any unforeseen needs and potential contraindications.

For example, special needs clients with mobility issues may not be able to assume a supine or prone position on a conventional massage table to receive massage therapy. While a massage chair is a possible alternative, some clients may not want to / be able to move from their wheelchair and must be treated in a seated position. By being prepared with supportive pillows and bolsters, massage therapists can massage a client while they are in a comfortable position in their own chair. Be sure to educate your client about what you are doing during the massage therapy session, and why you are doing it. When working with special needs clients, ensuring their emotional and physical comfort should be one of your highest priorities.

Another example is working with clients with visual or hearing impairments. How will you communicate with your client if it is difficult for them to see or hear you? For clients who are hearing impaired, massage therapists should always know to establish a set of mutually agreed upon hand signals, or have a piece of paper and pen prepared to write down questions or statements. Just because special needs clients may not be able to hear you is no reason to not attempt to communicate things during the massage therapy session like “are you too hot or too cold?” “Is the pressure ok?” “Are you ready to roll over?” As with hearing impairments, massage therapists should also be prepared to modify their method of communication with special needs clients who have visual impairments. Before you begin the massage, describe the room, assist the client to the table, and explain where everything is. Do not move anything once you have described the layout, as this can be disorienting to your client. During a massage therapy session, clearly describe everything you are about to do, and give the client a moment to give his or her consent.

One more example is working with special needs clients who have medical conditions that may be ambiguous to the massage therapist. In school, massage therapists are educated about working with clients with autoimmune disorders, and communicative diseases. But what about clients with full-back skin grafts? What about a client who discloses that she occasionally has seizures? What about working with a terminally ill client? These special needs clients are examples of conditions that massage therapists will likely encounter during their practice, and each therapist should anticipate these concerns and prepare accordingly to provide quality massage therapy.

Preparing Your Practice for Special Needs Clients

For a standard massage therapy session, many massage therapists have a room set up with at least a table, a bolster, extra sheets, candles, and a headrest. But fewer massage therapists have a closet full of bolsters of various shapes (triangular, thin, thick, circular, flat), a massage chair to accommodate clients who cannot lie supine or prone, lights that can dim or brighten depending on a client’s visual needs, or an erasable board to communicate with clients with hearing impairments.

Physically preparing accessories and the layout of your room for a massage therapy session can increase the positive experience had by special needs clients exponentially. Additionally, massage therapists should consider how clients will even get to your massage room. Are the hallways in your practice large enough to accommodate clients of all sizes, and clients in wheelchairs? Is your practice ADA compliant with stairs and a ramp to the front door and a method of moving from one floor to another such as an elevator?

Finally, are you advertising that your massage therapy practice is welcoming of special needs clients? By writing a sentence on your website such as “I am pleased to work with all clients, and request that you inform me of any special needs prior to making your appointment. I appreciate this extra time you give me to arrange your massage room, make a spot for any assistance animals, and prepare to provide you with a quality massage”, massage therapists can let everyone know that they provide massage for special needs clients.

Continuing Education

As previously stated, “special needs” is a broad term and encompasses many medical, emotional, and physiological needs. There is a wealth of printed material about providing massage therapy to special needs clients, and these should be read by massage therapists to best prepare to accommodate all clients. Additionally, always understand that the client you are working with knows their condition better than anyone (including you). Ask them about prior massage treatments, and what did and did not work for them in the past. Always be mindful that they are above all people and clients with special needs – not a problem or a challenge to overcome.

More massage schools are offering continuing education courses about accommodating special needs clients, and massage therapists often have the chance to learn about ADA compliance, medical contraindications, complementary therapies, medical massage, and much more. It is always a good idea to educate yourself to stay informed about best practices to serve all clients. Subscribe (if you do not already) to a trade journal or newsletter about special needs massage. Therapists should read articles on reputable message boards about accommodating special needs clients, and always be prepared to identify potential complications in order to give the best massage therapy possible.

Introduction

Massage is perhaps the oldest form of hands-on-healing known to humans, easily pre-dating written records. For millennia, people from virtually every culture have used a combination of touch, heat (thermotherapy) and stones as therapeutic tools. It’s pretty safe to say that almost every culture has either used heat and/or stones to have some sort of healing effect on the body – whether it’s using stones directly on the body like we do in a Hot Stone Massage, or indirectly, similar to a structure like Stonehenge affecting the body energetically.

Most therapists who incorporate heated stones into their massage routine agree that the Chinese, Native Americans and Hawaiians have played a major role in how Stone Therapy is applied today (although the Egyptians, Ayurvedic Medicine, Pacific Islanders and many other cultures are also said to have used stones in their healing arts).

Traditional uses of stones

One of the first recorded uses of stones for healing was by the Chinese. Prior to the invention of metal acupuncture needles, ancient Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) practitioners regularly used various shaped and sharpened stones to treat disease. These stones were known as ‘Bian Stones’, and were used to prick, pierce and bleed various points on the body (as well as lancing boils and performing other superficial procedures). The Chinese also used heat, in the form of ‘moxabustion’ (burning ‘mugwort’ – a dried herb – over acupuncture points), to increase the yang/heat in the body and have a healing effect on patients. Moxabustion is still used today by almost all TCM practitioners.

Undoubtedly, both Bian Stones and moxabustion were used together in the same treatment; however there are differing opinions when it comes to the specific use of stones to massage the body. TCM practitioners did ‘scrape’ various muscles and meridians with jade tools (and other hard objects) to treat different diseases. This was/is known as ‘Gua Sha’, and is still practised today.

The Native Americans had many rituals which involved the use of stones. One of the more well-known rituals involved placing heated stones (generally basalt) into a tepee-like structure, otherwise known as a ‘Sweat Lodge’. This practice was used to cleanse and heal the body and mind. Several other cultures, including the Romans, had a similar idea, leading to the development of modern-day Saunas. Another Native American ritual used a heated stone that was wrapped in cloth/bark. This warm stone was placed onto the lower abdomen of a woman who was menstruating, in order to relieve cramps (women today employ this same principle when they use a hot water bottle).

Heated stones were perhaps even more frequently used in traditional Hawaiian healing practices. Customary uses included wrapping heated stones in ‘ti-leaves’, a special type of leaf with therapeutic properties. These wrapped stones were then placed on sore areas of the body in order to reduce pain – similar to using a heat pack or poultice. Hot stones were also placed in shallow pits and covered with these same leaves. The patient would then lie on top of the leaves, allowing the healing properties to infuse into the body.

Volcanic stones are also said to have been rubbed over the body after a traditional Hawaiian Kahuna/Lomi-Lomi massage (in the Hawaiian language, Lomi-Lomi simply means ‘to knead/rub/massage’). Due to the coarseness of the stones used, this was perhaps less of a massage technique and more of an exfoliation. The Hawaiians are one of the most closely linked cultures to modern-day Stone Therapy.

There are also endless references to the use of gems, crystals and other types of stones by many cultures throughout the history of healing.

About modern-day Hot Stone Massage

Modern-day Stone Therapy, a truly unique style of massage, has been gaining popularity throughout the world after being ‘discovered’ in the United States in 1993. The story revolves around a massage therapist named Mary Nelson, who was suffering from repetitive use injuries in the shoulders/wrists. She was having a sauna with her niece who was about to receive a massage, and was ‘called’ to use the stones. Mary chose some of the smoother stones and used them in the massage. It felt great (for the client as well as the therapist) and thus Stone Therapy as we know it today was born. This first style of modern-day Stone Therapy was/is called ‘LaStone Therapy’.

Mary ‘channelled’ much of the information about LaStone Therapy from her Native American spirit guide. This is one of the reasons why many Spas/Salons and journalists think that Stone Therapy is a ‘traditional’ Native American treatment. Although LaStone Therapy is based on Native American culture, it is much more accurate to say that modern-day Stone Therapy is a combination of Chinese, Native American and Hawaiian healing principles (as well as the many other cultures who somehow used heat and/or stones in their healing arts).

What to expect during a Hot Stone Massage

A modern-day Hot Stone Massage (also sometimes called Hot Rocks Massage) will usually consist of the therapist placing heated stones (usually basalt stones ) of various shapes/sizes onto the client’s body (for safety, most of the time these ‘placement’ stones won’t be in direct contact with the skin, instead they will be placed onto a towel to buffer the heat). These stones are placed onto different points (chakras, energy points, sore muscles, etc), depending on the style of Hot Stone Massage or Stone Therapy.

Whilst these placement stones are warming and activating specific areas, the therapist will take several other heated stones and begin massaging a different area of the body. The heat from the stones is released deep into the muscles, greatly enhancing the massage. It is said that one stroke with a heated stone is equivalent to ten normal massage strokes! Some therapists will also incorporate cold stones (usually marble) into their treatment which, although not quite as relaxing as the heated stones, do have a part to play for many conditions. A typical Hot Stone Massage will take 60 to 90 minutes.

Most people who have a Hot Stone Massage will be ‘blown away’ by the level of relaxation that is achieved. Some clients will have vivid dreams or even ‘out-of-body’ experiences. It is usually a very grounding, relaxing and healing experience. Apart form the deep level of relaxation, Hot Stone Massage is also great to incorporate into Remedial or Deep Tissue massage. Not only does the client receive the benefits, but when practiced correctly, the therapist will reduce the strain placed on their hands and wrists.

Practically every Spa in Europe, America and Australia offers Hot Stone Massage or Stone Therapy on their menu. The number of different styles however, is almost as varied as the stones themselves.

As with all forms of massage, it is important that therapists undertake professional Hot Stone Massage training. Check with the Spa, Salon or therapist before your treatment to ensure you are getting the best massage from the most qualified therapist.

A classic massage treatment that incorporates heated stones is called Hot Stone Massage. Not just any ordinary stones are used in this massage but stones that effectively absorb and retain heat like basalt stones (volcanic black rocks). The stones must also be smooth and has no rough edge.

Before your appointment in the day spa, the stones are first sanitized by the therapist who then heats them in water with temperature of 120 to 150 degrees. The client’s body is first applied with oil so that the stone may glide smoothly on the skin. The heated stones may be placed on particular body parts such as spine, palm of hands, belly and between the toes to allow energy flow in the body. The therapist may also use the stone instead of his or her hands in massaging the body. Cold stones are used instead of hot stones when the muscles are inflamed or injured.

The stones used in this massage treatment are of diverse sizes and shapes. In case you feel the stones are excessively hot, then tell your therapist immediately. Since the heat of the stones is mainly accountable for relaxing and easing out the strained muscles, the therapist need not exert too much pressure in massaging.

In general, hot stone massage benefits the body by promoting absolute relaxation of tissues and muscles, easing stress in the body, releasing toxins from the body, relieving pain and aches, enhancing circulatory functions and calming the mind. Hot Stone Massage also assists in treating arthritis, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

In order to have the most effective hot stone massage treatment, make sure that you do not take a heavy meal prior to your session. Get to the spa at a much earlier time so your body will be able to relax even before the massage session. If there is enough time, stay at the sauna, hot tub or steam bath facility of the day spa. Massage treatments are most often performed in the nude but the body is draped during the entire session. If you are not comfortable wearing nothing, inform the therapist and choose clothing you are comfortable wearing but will not obstruct the execution of the massage.

Let your body relax further by doing deep regular breaths. Even when a sensitive area is touched, remember not to hold your breath as this may tighten up the muscles which is counterproductive in the massage treatment. Should you notice anything improper during the massage, you can tell the therapist to stop.

The heat from the stones has a sedative effect on the body’s nervous system so it will be likely that you will feel lightheaded or dizzy after the session. If this happens, slowly get off the table and drink extra amount of liquids, water preferably.

Keep in mind that any massage treatment including hot stone massage will greatly benefit the body in due course. Massage has cumulative healing effects, thus the frequent you receive massage treatment, the better and the quicker your body will respond to the therapy.

Effleurage: this is a movement mainly consisting of “stroking” with the flat of the hand, fingers close together and as far as is practicable, the tips of the fingers turning upwards to avoid protuberances. Effleurage precedes all other movements because of its relaxing effect, this enables the client to get used to the therapists hands, whilst warming up the tissues to be worked on with deeper movements later in the session as well as increasing blood and lymph flow in and out of the area. Effleurage movements are usually made towards the heart, because in addition to the effect of Effleurage on the skin and underlying structures – it helps to speed up the venous and lymph flow. In areas that may need stimulating, fast Effleurage is permissible. There are two types, superficial and deep, used depending on its purpose and according to the underlying structures. This is a great movement for various reasons,

1) Relaxing for both client and therapist

2) Can be applied to any body type

3) To revert back to when you need a moment to think what way treatment should proceed or just a “break”

4) To sweep away toxins after other massage movements

Petrissage is a focused massage movement concentrating on specific muscle groups, releasing toxins that have built up in the muscles. It is an intensely deep massaging movement which aids in the elimination of ‘knots’ and increases blood flow to congested deep muscular tissue. It is often referred to as compression and includes kneading, rolling, wringing and knuckling. It’s done in a rhythmic manner working tissue against tissue, tissue against bone or lifting tissue and compressing them back down. It’s excellent on a sluggish system and beneficial to tight, knotty muscles. It always elicits some form of response from clients. Petrissage is not recommended for thin, frail clients, easily stimulated or vascular skin or very loose skin.

Tapotement also known as percussion is a stimulating manipulation that operates through the response of the nerves. It is performed in a brisk, rhythmic manner, rhythm being important as contact is continually being broken with the skin. These movements include cupping, hacking, slapping and tapping. The vascular reaction to these movements becomes obvious, but needs to be performed correctly as irritation can occur. Refrain from using some of these techniques on very thin clients, bony areas, varicose veins and broken capillaries.

Vibrations : are applied along the nerve path way. They are produced by a rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles of the therapist arms, resulting in fine, quick, trembling movements. Vibrating hand should move constantly. This is beneficial in neuritis and neuralgia after the inflammatory stage is over. It stimulates circulation and glandular activity and nervous plexuses. It also helps in bowel movement.

Physical Effect :

* Pumping – The stroking movements in massage suck fluid through blood vessels and lymph vessels.

* Increased tissue permeability – Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients

* Stretching – Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods.

* Break down scar tissue – Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can effect muscle, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain.

* Improve tissue elasticity – Hard training can make tissues hard and inelastic. Massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues.

* Opens micro-circulation what massage also does is open or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.

* Aids desquamation (removal of dead skin)

* Metabolic balance in muscle tone

* Relaxes & refreshes muscles

* Connective tissue pliability & mobility

* Increases joint mobility & flexibility

* Next best thing to exercise

* Tones the skin, making it softer & more supple

* Softens, but does not eliminate, scars

* Warms tissue for deeper movements

* Relaxes large muscles

* Relieves tiredness

Physiological effect :

* Pain reduction – Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the body’s endorphins.

* Relaxation – Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching.

* Encourages cell renewal

* Clears nerve pathways

* Increases nutrients to all systems through blood & nymph

* Aids removal of metabolic waste products

from all systems through lymph & blood

OSIM massage chairs are among the most technically advanced on the market and are in direct competition with Japanese manufacturers like Sanyo, Fujikura and Inada. There are also among the most expensive. What follows is a review of the current range of OSIM massage chairs and how they rate in terms of features per dollar.

OSIM isn’t a Japanese company; it was founded and still run by Ron Sim in Singapore. The company has only been in operation since 1980 but has quickly established itself as a big player in the manufacture of the robotic massage chair. Currently, the company offers 4 models of chair; the NORO Harmony, iMedic, iSymphonic and iDesire. Let’s take a look at what each offers and how it compares to other brands.

The OSIM NORO Harmon massage chair (NR-75) is the cheapest, retailing at around $900. The chair comes with an integrated calf massager and is upholstered in faux suede. I have to be honest and say I don’t like this chair. I know it’s been designed to cater for the cheaper sector but it just looks very unstylish. It reminds me of the iJoy range of massage chairs that are also cheap chairs that try desperately hard to look chic but fail miserably.

Anyhow, it’s a lot better than any iJoy. You get 5 massage modes; rolling, kneading, tapping, dual (rhythmic percussive tapping with the kneading massage), and combination 3 manual modes (kneading, tapping or dual with full or partial rolling). You can adjust the rollers manually to get them positioned just how you want them. Each massage program lasts 15 minutes.

It’s an adequate chair but if you can stretch you budget to around $1,500 you’d be better advised to take a look at the Human Touch HT 100 massage chair. This chair looks better and also comes with a calf massager than can be manual repositioned to give a foot massage as well. You get pretty much the same massage modes but you also get full, partial and spot functions.

The OSIM iMedic massage chair is a better bet. It retails for around $2,000 and looks pretty good in faux leather upholstery. There are 3 massage programs; a 30-minute Healthcare program that gently kneads its way from neck and shoulders to the base of the back while air bags massage your calves; a 20-minute Well-Being program with a gentle tapping massage all along the back, shoulders and neck while simultaneously massaging the legs; finally, there’s a relax program that last anywhere from 10 to 99 minutes.

What I really like about this chair is that before each massage the rollers glide along the length of the back to calibrate the massage for a more sensitive, therapeutic experience.

What I really don’t like about this chair is that is completely lacks any sort of foot massage. The Fujikura 2000 massage chair is a much better option and costs less. You get calf and foot massage as well as arms massage (the iMedic doesn’t), more air bags and it comes with a built-in music system. For its cost, the OSIM iMedic disappoints.

The OSIM iSymphony, on the other hand, doesn’t disappoint. It retails for around $3,500. Again, it lacks a foot massager, but it comes with infrared scanning that scans your build and automatically adjusts the rollers to give you the best massage. It also, comes with a music therapy system but it’s far more sophisticated than the system that comes with the Fujikura mentioned above. The massage is directly influenced by the music you play. If you play loud and fast music you get a very strong and intense massage, but if you play something a little more slow, you get a far more gentle massage.

The OSIM iDesire may just about everything you could ever want in a robotic massage chair. It retails for around $4,500 but it’s feature and function packed. At last we have a calf and foot massager – the foot massager comes with a Reflexology Map and uses extrusions to press on vital reflex points on your soles. And while you’re enjoying your foot massage you can also be enjoying a tri-action arm massage. There are 8 Healthcare programs or you can program individual massages of your choosing, combing up to 9 massage actions.

Of all the ISOM massage chairs the only models I would be the iSymphony and the iDesire; both offer something a little different from their competitors and although being expensive, they do offer good value for money.

Of the three Fujikura massage chair models on offer – the 900, 1000, and 2000 – the 1000 chair is the mid-priced model. It’s very competitively priced and you get a lot for your money. Here’s a review of the Fujikura 1000 chair and what you get and don’t get.

First off, the 1000 Fujikura massage chair looks stylist and contemporary. It’s upholstered in synthetic leather and is available in black, brown or ivory. Don’t think that synthetic leather means cheap. The fact is real leather isn’t the best material for a robotic massage chair; it simply isn’t durable enough to cope with the moving rollers and air bags. Probably the world’s best massage chairs are made by Inada and they’re all upholstered in synthetic leather.

We’ll compare the features of the 1000 with the Human Touch HT 100 massage chair. The HT100 chair is a very popular model and is only slightly more expensive, so it’s a very good yardstick. We’ll also compare it to the iJoy 300 robotic massage chair – again, another very popular model that retails for a little less than the Fujikura 1000.

The vertical rolling stroke of a chair is something to be seriously considered. The taller you are the longer vertical stroke the better. On this point the 1000 wins hands down against its competition. The 1000 comes with a vertical rolling stroke of 29″ whereas the HT 100 chair comes with a paltry 20″. The iJoy 300 chair – the cheapest of the three – does better at 25″.

All three chairs feature power recline but not all offer the same reclining angle; the more degrees the chair reclines the better, both in build quality and user benefit. The iJoy chair offers the least recline, between 115 and 155 degrees; the HT massage chair does better, offering between 120 and 170 degrees, but again the 1000 comes top with a range between 110 and 170 degrees.

Foot massage is now incorporated with better quality chairs. Disappointingly, the iJoy has no foot rest (although you can buy an ottoman with no massage function). The Human Touch massage 100 chair does come with a foot massage but you have to manually move it to massage either the calves or the feet. It’s only the 1000 that offers a complete foot rest with both a calf and foot massager. The calf rest is fitted with 14 air bags that provide four air-massage combinations – with 2 intensity levels. The foot rest is fitted with 12 airbags, and provides 4 modes of massage.

All 3 models offer various massage functions. The Fujikura 1000 comes with 6 functions: rolling (back stretch), kneading, flapping, kneading & flapping, shiatsu, knocking and vibrating. You have the choice of automatic or manual massage operations and that can target certain areas of the body. There are 3 speed settings. The HT100 comes with rolling, kneading, compression and percussion (with just one speed setting). What’s better about the HT100 over the 1000 is the Range Control option. You can either have spot or partial. The spot option allows more specific areas of the body to be massaged and the partial massage strokes 3″ up and down for kneading or compression. The iJoy offers the same functions of the HT except there’s no spot option.

Which offers the best massage is a subjective matter. The 1000 chair offers a firmer massage perhaps, but the HT100 does seem to offer a slightly more varied massage routine.

Overall, the Fujikura 1000 massage chair really does offer the best in terms or function at this price range. I find it hard to find any faults with it, you could want more features but then you’d have to pay a lot more. However, there is one complaint I have and that has to do with the power recline. It isn’t a one push system; you have to continually press the button as the chair reclines. This does mean that those with a short reach will have difficulty in keeping it pressed until the maximum recline position has been reached. I think some will have to remain seated and wait for the seat to full recline before then lying back on the chair.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for one of the best robotic massage chairs in this price category then the Fujikura massage chair is certainly worth taking a closer look at.

If you are in the body-work industry, you should be very aware of transference, what it is and especially how it relates to your work. My understanding of transference is best illustrated by the following scenarios:

1. Therapist attends to a client with a headache, symptoms of a “bug,” acne, anger, fatigue, good or bad pregnancy-related issues, et al emotional scenarios. The client leaves happy, refreshed and ready for life, but the therapist suddenly, or later, starts exhibiting symptoms they didn’t have previously.

2. Client is nervous and unable to relax. Suddenly a usually-confident therapist starts feeling nervous and fidgety during the session (or the reverse scenario).

3. During the massage, the client or the therapist feels extremely powerful parasympathetic/reverse parasympathetic stimulation and begins to believe more is happening during the session than actually is. (Either could imagine they are “in love,” being “hit on,” harassed, touched inappropriately, etc).

4. Therapist and client knowingly or unknowingly disagree on the purpose of massage. (Clients can tell whether a therapist is committed to and believes in the therapy, or this is just a job and the therapist can’t wait to finish and go do other things.)

5. Client, or therapist, spends the session discussing personal matters/gossip and when they part, one or the other or both are still in the negative emotional place of the discussion.

6. Client or therapist decides when they meet that they don’t like one, the other, or each other.

7. Client has a preconceived idea of the skill set/caliber of the therapist and begins to condescend to or intimidate him/her; maybe say something negative about the establishment, etc.

8. Client has history with molestation and/or rape trauma and related issues, etc., and misconstrues “normal and professional” handling during the session as “harassment.”

9. Client gets upset during treatment (maybe the therapist forgot a “request not to do”) and either speaks angrily to the therapist, starts breathing angrily, or scowling or some other defensive reaction, verbal or non-verbal.

10. The session “takes the client to a place” they struggle or wasn’t prepared to go and this has caused an emotional release (laughter, crying, embarrassment, etc.), or physical release. (Unfair responsibility/blame, etc. can sometimes be projected in either direction.)

Any of the above illustrations will affect the business, the delivery and/or reception of service, the results of the therapy, as well as whether the client returns for follow-up care and/or whether the therapist exercises his/her right of refusal of such care. A certain “energy” change in that environment will happen and set a tone, much like when someone scorned, confident, powerful, loved, or esteemed, etc., walks into a room filled with people. That person can usually feel the “presence” of the mass and whatever the dominant energy is.

So how does one guard/shield from any energy transference? Any defense will have much to do with your belief systems and/or your own personal convictions, as well as your education. If you believe you are a conduit between the universal energy and the client, then you would know that to be effective at this task one needs to be centered, grounded and committed to being the best, purest, cleanest conduit with purpose. This is accomplished mainly by breathing, allowing energy to flow through you with limited attachment.

First, the therapist must be very confident and knowledgeable of their skill-set and especially their purpose for being in the business. Secondly, that therapist must understand their purpose for treating each client and keep “referring” to this mentally throughout treatment. Why am I touching this person and what result do I want them to have? For me, is massage just to “feel-good”? Equally important to these is BREATHING, with purpose. If the therapist is not breathing properly, hence administering self-care, he/she will interpret and react or respond to any “improper or inconvenient discovery”. The reverse of this also is true for the client. Both people need to focus on their breathing and purpose for being in that little room together regardless of the undertones. The deeper your breaths, the more oxygen your heart gets to pump and the faster the exit of energy flow to the universe; also, the more calm you’ll remain, grounded, collected and focused on the purpose at hand. When client and therapist work as a team with a common purpose or objective, there will be lots of room for the healthy benefits and enjoyment of massage therapy and less chance of transferring the unwanted.

The hands can transfer the energy, good or bad, from client to client, between therapists, and vice versa. It is imperative that each party, but especially the therapist, take care of “self” before, after and during the session, to allow for only a limited attachment to any unwanted “energy” or ailment. Wash your hands immediately after each session and before touching another person, including yourself. As soon as possible at the end of your day of giving/receiving therapy, get some cardio exercise, meditation, etc., and most definitely bathe. Depending on your convictions, as mentioned, a therapist might want to wash their clothes in preparation for the next day. Never go to bed unwashed after giving therapy to someone and if you are a client who felt some ailment or unwanted energy was transferred during your session, take another shower/bath. These are very effective in cleansing and soothing “the spirit” as well as the body.