According to the ABMP, since 1980 massage continues to grow in acceptance across age, gender,  and even now the economic and ethnic boundaries.

With increase stress in today’s society, massage has been a proven remedy to reduce tension, assist in reducing blood pressure, boost one’s mood, and, yes, even reduce a bit of pain from over tight muscles.  Doctors and other medical professionals have seen and accepted the proven results of incorporating a massage given by a skilled therapist to speed up recovery, help with depression, anxiety and reduce symptoms from chronic conditions.

However, the massage profession has been predominately women massage therapists, nearly 83 percent.  In our office we do see the preference for a female therapists and have come to understand the many stigma’s attached when the “male therapist” is mentioned.

For one, I personally, recognize that I too once thought “I couldn’t see a male therapist”.  Granted, my reasons were connected with difficult situations in my past, despite having a very supportive and understanding husband – it did take me a bit to wrap my head around it.  I recognize that women can be intimidated by men or may have had past issues with men (like me) and are actually untrusting of men.  Men don’t want to be massaged by a male therapist, thinking perhaps that it must be “weird”.  So what do our great male therapists do?

Attitude – it really boils down to attitude.  My husband graduated from massage therapy school in 2006 – and although he saw the stigma a bit, I think it was his attitude and warm personality that helped others feel very comfortable with him.  Many found that getting a massage from him, proved to be “more beneficial” (sorry girls) than the massages they have had in the past from their “favorite female therapist”.  He proved that men can be nurturing and are actually “safe”.

Talk about a battling the “stigma”, I know a GREAT male massage therapist that has to battle the “male” stigma but also is building his practice in the Las Vegas area – can you imagine what he must battle everyday, with an AWESOME attitude?  He knows his skill and doesn’t pay attention to the “talk” but focuses on what he does best – help people feel better and take care of themselves!

So how can we support men in the massage industry?  Give them a try – just once.  You may just find that they truly care with honest intentions, provide a really professional service and deserve the spot light.  I personally have found that in the majority of cases the male therapists are more attentive to “boundaries” and even pressure and technique.  Besides, when a male therapists chooses massage as his career – he must really have a desire to help people and focus to enter a field that he is well aware there is discrimination.  Kudos to them.

I would say, personally, we do need male therapists.

Other Articles of Interest

Man Power by Robert Chute – Massage & Bodywork, August/September 2007

Men as Massage Therapists by Julie Onofrio – www.thebodyworker.com

Male Bodyworker Issue, Bridging the Gender Gap by Thomas Claire – www.massageandbodywork.com

Gender in the Profession, Massage from Mars or Venus? by Karrie Osborn – www.massageandbodywork.com

In today’s economy, many smart shoppers continue to seek for that DEEP discount of today.  Groupon, Deal Chicken, Living Social, Denver Deals, Facebook Check-ins are all becoming the norm to make it affordable for the necessary services such as massage!

With much discussion and tolling over a hard decision, the management team at Essential Bodyworks voted to implement a small price change.  This will not affect many that are already on our EMP plan or have already purchased pre-paid sessions or packages.   We realize though that if you have participated in an extreme discount or have joined our Essential Massage Plan or purchased a package at a great rate – you won’t be affected, just enjoy a “deeper” savings.

Starting March 1, 2012 there will be a slow implementation of a new pricing structure adjustment of $5 on all services to adapt for these deep discounts.  The add-on essential oils will increase to $3 per oil or $5 for two and Valor will continue to be complementary. This simply means that when we are featured for a “Deal” that the 50+% discount will be off of $65 not $60 for a Therapeutic Massage or $50 not $45 for the Wellness Massage. We will do everything in our power to work with you to make the services your receiving “top notch”.

On May 1, 2012 our Seasoned Citizens special rate for a Wellness Massage will also be increased to $35, still providing a $15 discount.  Later this year, this adjustment may affect the Essential Massage Plan but we are working hard to prevent that change.

We realize that money can be a touchy area and for years we have carefully balanced the cost of our services, our discounts and specials to keep us in the middle playing field.  Although our therapists may have the experience that would warrant the “spa prices” we have always focused on keeping our pricing structure within reach of many.  We thank you for your understanding and continued loyal support.

The benefits of regular massage for those “Life Survivors”  have bee unparalleled and quite popular!  Massage for our Season’s Citizens really doesn’t differ much in technique, but provides a little extra tender care and consideration for their age specific aches and pains.

Muscle stiffness, muscle spasm, joint pain, bursitis, respiratory problems, and reduced mobility all seem to arise from aging, therefore, a simple Wellness (aka Swedish) Massage can help increase the body’s awareness, sensation, and circulation.

In addition, the simple act of human touch and company even for just a brief period of time is priceless for many lonely and depressed seniors creating a treasured outlet.

Several studies have shown that for Alzheimer’s patients massage therapy can help relax or to stimulate.  Massage can reduce some of the anxiety associated with Alzheimer by calming the nervous system but can also stimulate the nerve passageways that are in decline due to the disease.

On March 1, 2011 we started the FIRST Tuesday of each month offering “Those of Generous Experience” a Wellness Massage for ONLY $30*  This was initially started just to see if it would be received well.  Our therapists state that it hasn’t just been received well, but Tuesday’s are overflowing.  Therefore we are extending the Season’s Citizens day so that our “Generously Experienced” can enjoy a special discount in three ways.

Starting in March 2012, we have extended this discount from just Tuesday.

We are now offering Seniors their special price as part of our Essential Massage Plan or the ability to purchase a package of 3 sessions.

1. Utilizing the Essential Massage Plan program allows those to schedule their appointment each month, any time during the month that best suites your schedule.  The EMP does allow you to “roll over” your session for 14 days before it expires.  Our scheduling system does not keep track of unused sessions after a month.
2. Purchasing a package allows similar flexibility, but keep in mind that we do add a 6 month expiration to use packages.  Packages can be used three days in a row if needed, any time during the month, one this month or two next – however, works best for you.
3. Enjoy the discount during the first week of each month.  Not just Tuesday’s now, but  during the first 7 days of each month, we will honor the Seasoned Discount to first come first serve.

Although the pioneers traveled to the frontier for many different reasons, they all wanted an opportunity to start new lives.  Many of the pioneers were farmers.  They went to Oregon, Texas, and other areas of the frontier for the inexpensive or even possibly free land.  Other people came to the frontier because they had heard stories that made the new lands sound like magical places…

We can’t promise gold or inexpensive land, but we can be excited about traveling West!

We are so excited to announce officially our Arvada location!

Rachael Hudson will be the managing therapist in Arvada and JoAnne Willis will be joining her.

Rachael has been a great asset to our Westminster office, and we will miss her there – but gladly, everyone is keeping true to the Essential Bodyworks “culture” and being team players.  Rachael is excited about not only continuing the great service and menu items that we have always offered, but she has a couple new “tricks” up her sleeve.  Watch our postings and facebook to learn more.

JoAnne will be our newest team member, but honestly – we had asked her to be part of our team earlier this year and sadly had to shift plans.  So we are excited to have her join us in the Arvada office starting November 1.  She not only has been staying busy making clients feel great using integrative massage, but has been an assistant teacher at her massage school.  Her ideal is to help get you back in balance so you can make it through the week.

So schedule online!  We are taking appointments and will be open November 1 to show off our new place out West! So just like the pioneers of old, Rachael and JoAnne, with the team at the Westminster office, will be “digging in” and settling down.

12191 W 64th Ave, Suite 111D
Arvada CO 80004

303-920-2350, extension 200

If you have never been in the Supreme Office in Arvada (it’s right next to Egg & I – to the East), just enter into the front door, take the small flight of stairs to the garden level of the office building.  At the end of the hallway is a mirror – make a left, passing by the bathrooms, and entering into another “hallway”.  Straight ahead of you, at the end of the hall you will see our space – with a sign directing you to the front door.

The beginning of each school year creates many mixed emotions for everyone.  Sending your child back to school causes anxiety on the parent’s side but also your child’s.  Will they like their new teacher(s), will they be a victim of a bully, will they excel in their favorite subject?  Although all of those questions are important we are, also as parents, always concerned about what they will be bringing home.  When the coughing and sneezing starts we realize that more than homework came home!

Young Living’s Thieves® line of therapeutic-grade products gives parents the tools they need to defend the home against these unwanted guests. Protecting your home with a unique product line that contains an array of natural household products makes you can feel confident about this school year. Because of the natural purifying properties of the essential oils in Thieves blend, these products make safe, effective alternatives to the harsh, synthetic chemicals on the market. Thieves essential oil blend has also been university tested and found to be highly effective against airborne bacteria when diffused.

Young Living recommends the following products to help defend your home:

• Thieves essential oil blend —Found in Thieves product line and can be diffused and orally consumed
• Thieves Foaming Hand Soap —Dispensed as a rich foam, this soap contains gentle ingredients and can be used often without drying or stripping the skin
• Thieves Household Cleaner —An all-purpose, environmentally friendly cleaner with lemon essential oil for added cleaning power
• Thieves Spray —Ideal for use on door handles, toilet seats, and any surface that needs cleansing to protect from dust, mold, and undesirable microorganisms
• Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier —An all-natural hand purifier designed to cleanse and refresh the hands

Using any combinations of Thieves products daily is an easy way to protect against germs.

Visit your therapist to learn more about all the products available in this line or Email for more information

Boosting our immune system and our families becomes utmost concern, especially with millions of children return to school this fall.  Devotees of massage therapy know it’s relaxing and feels good. But massage may also be an effective tool for maintaining good health. How do we know?

Just last year researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reported that a single massage produced measurable changes in the immune system and endocrine system of healthy adults.

Dr. Mark Rapaport led researchers to compare 53 healthy adults.   Over half of the adults received a 45-minute Swedish massage and the rest had a 45-minute session of light touch massage. Blood samples were taken before the massage began and at regular intervals up to one hour after the massage was completed.

The researchers found that the Swedish massage group indicated a benefit to their immune system.   The Swedish massage group noted a sizable decrease  in the hormone that contributes to aggressive behavior and small decreases in the stress hormone cortisol. The blood tests also indicated an increase in lymphocytes, cells that help the immune system defend the body from harmful substances.

“This research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for you,” Rapaport said in a news release. “People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now.”

So, what are you waiting for?  Add massage to your immune boosting plan!  Join our Essential Massage Plan today or visit us for a Wellness Massage. If nothing else, it’ll be a great relaxing hour!  Call now!  303-920-2350

The study appears in the October issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Stress is a normal part of life, but left unchecked, it may create undesirable effects in the body, mind, and spirit. Stress may lead to deeper problems such as negative emotions like fear, anger, and sadness.

AUDIO: “Balancing the Body’s Natural Response to Inflammation”
By: Marc Schreuder

Negative emotions can be held in the body, including being stored in the muscles. Holding emotions in the body generates stress on the muscles as they tighten. Essential oil products like PanAway® essential oil blend and Ortho Ease Massage Oil are natural ways to release unwanted emotions from muscles. Here are a few easy steps to help release unwanted emotions using PanAway and Ortho Ease:

1. Use a drop of PanAway over the heart to assist the pain or discomfort that might be held in the heart from negative emotions.

2. PanAway taken internally will help release the emotional part of the pain.

3. PanAway may also be applied topically over aches and pains to release unwanted emotions stored in the affected area of the body. It also nourishes and supports the muscles.

4. Ortho Ease is great to use as a massage oil to help relieve muscle pain that may be a result of holding in negative emotions. The essential oils in Ortho Ease nourish the muscles and assist in releasing emotions.

Next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stop and take some time for yourself. Indulge in a nice massage or use these helpful stress management tools, and don’t forget to let PanAway and Ortho Ease transform you!

What do the following dates
have in common?

March 1*                                         April 5
May 3                                                 June 7
July 5                                                 August 2
September 6                                   October 4
November 1                                  December 6

Those of Generous Experience

on the FIRST Tuesday of each month will receive a
Wellness Massage for
ONLY $30*

The benefits of regular massage for those “Life Survivors”  is unparalleled.

March 1 is the FIRST Tuesday

so enjoy an introduction price of $25* on March 1, 2011

If You Are Injured On the Job, Colorado Workers’ Compensation Will Pay For All Necessary Medical Massage Treatment!

As Vivian Madison-Mahoney, leading expert for massage insurance billing, presented to the Florida Workers’ Compensation Division, “We could only hope to obtain physician referrals in the beginning stages of employee’s conditions; rather than waiting until we have to overcome non-successes, medications, depressions, and other negative situations that arise from waiting too long.

Quick fixes never last long, because they treat the symptoms rather than the problems themselves.  When employer/carrier understand the basic premise,they will also understand that the most cost-effective forms of treatment may take a little longer, but ultimately most often the return of the injured worker back to work and ability to work more effectively is significant.”

Learn more by visiting our page on Workers’ Compensation.

The statistics are alarming. The majority of U.S. women–some estimate more than 80 percent–are unhappy with their appearance. At least 10 million young women, and 1 million young men have an eating disorder. Girls as young as 6 and 7 are expressing disapproval of their looks, and most fourth-grade girls are already diet veterans. Most unsettling is the fact that more women, and girls, fear becoming fat than they do dying.

Why Massage Affects Body Perception

Massage also creates a sense of nurturing that is especially powerful when it comes to poor body image. Accepting the nonjudgmental touch of a trained therapist goes a long way toward rebuilding an appreciation and respect for your own body. If we find acceptance for who we are and how we look, we are giving ourselves permission to live comfortably in the skin we have.

The Value of Massage

Valuable for every age and every body type, massage and bodywork have innumerable benefits. Here are a few:
- Alleviates low-back pain and improves range of motion.
- Decreases medication dependence.
- Eases anxiety and depression.
- Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow.
- Exercises and stretches weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Improves circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Releases endorphins–the body’s natural painkiller.

Every Shape and Size
Whether a client weighs 30 pounds or 300 pounds, massage and bodywork therapists are trained to appreciate all bodies, without judgment, and to deliver the best care possible. As in any session, a therapist’s goal is to create an environment that feels safe and nurturing for clients, all while delivering much needed therapeutic touch. For heavier clients, some minor adjustments might be needed in the delivery of the bodywork, but its nurturing, therapeutic, nonjudgmental role will remain unchanged.

Through the Scars

Finding the Stillness

Self-acceptance, then, is paramount for living well, and massage/bodywork is a healthy path to get you there. Finding the stillness in a massage session allows you to just “be,” without judgment. Partner that with the comfort that comes from allowing your body to be nurtured by someone else, and we begin to remember our value, regardless of our outward appearance, or what we perceive it to be.