MASSAGE WORLD The Massage and Body Therapists Magazine
£2.50 March 2004
Massage With Altitude Pathology – part five Robark Inner Beauty Massage Magnotherapy and Massage – what’s the attraction? 24
Being In Charge
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welcome
MASSAGE WORLD EDITOR
Wendy Kavanagh
FEATURES WRITERS
James Earls Su Fox Kay Gill Annie Roy-Barker
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Alex Demicheli Cassandra Hockey
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C J Newbury
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editorial by Wendy Kavanagh
Y
ou can always tell it is Spring, not by the lighter nights or the green shoots but by the sudden influx of joggers around the streets and parks, in preparation for the London Marathon this April. Soon your appointment lines will be ringing with requests for pre-event treatments and Training establishments will be inundated with requests from Charities for teams of volunteers on the actual day. This presents a great marketing and PR opportunity for our profession and individual businesses, so be prepared, get together your literature and make sure you are stocked up on supplies. It seems we are surrounded by sport at the moment with the Test Cricket, European Football and the forthcoming Olympics, all of which are benefiting from the skills of our highly qualified Sports Massage Therapists.
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how to contact us Massage World
For those of you still on the road, our business tools this month will help you discover if you have what it takes to go it alone. Continuing our sporty theme, James Earls massages muscles at altitude and we also have the next part of our pathology series by Su Fox.
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Talking of tired muscles, this month’s round of exhibitions will leave the Massage World team worn out but also energised by meeting up with our subscribers and talking to new ones. As the saying goes, it is good to talk.
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“As a result of the advert, on the CThA Members Forum, I have one new holistic massage therapist who has joined the team and is very much appreciated by the clients� Donna Woodcock Massage Therapist
To find out how the CThA helped Donna and hundreds of other members last year just when they needed it, call a member of the CThA team on: 0845 202 2941or visit our website at: www.ctha.com
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Massage with altitude
feature 7
On a recent charity trek for Action Cancer, James Earls let it slip that he was a massage therapist and ended up working at 4500 feet above sea level. He describes his experience.
Pathology – part five
feature 10
Disorders of the circulatory system and massage is the topic for this month’s series on pathology by Su Fox.
Robark Inner Beauty Massage
feature 15
Annie Roy-Barker explains how this technique rejuvenates body and mind,
Magnotherapy and Massage– what’s the attraction?
feature 18
Kay Gill, sports massage therapist explains how magnotherapy
Being in Charge: have you got what it takes?
feature 28
regulars
Every individual has a different angle on what they see as an advantage or disadvantage
editorial
3
industry news and views
6
student faqs
21
a to z of therapies
23
research
26
product reviews
27
resource directory
32
calendar of events
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London Calling
Many of you in the Aromatherapy world will have heard of Penny Price, well established in Leicestershire and daughter of the celebrated duo Shirley and Len. Finally London will have access to her skills and knowledge when she opens a new London training venue. Situated on the banks of the River Thames at Battersea, this new purpose built centre will run a range of courses and workshops throughout the year. If you want to find out more call 01455 251020 or visit www.pennypriceacademy.com
Media Spin Many of you have called about the recent articles in the press regarding the regulation of alternative therapists. Health Minister John Reid, set out ‘new’ plans to establish the Complementary Alternatives Medicine Board to be self funded and have a similar role to that of the General Medical Council in orthodox medicine. Do not fear. This is simply reconfirming what has already been discussed and acted on with regards to Acupuncturists and Herbalists, the first two of the disciplines ‘deemed to do harm’ in the House of Lords report. The tell tale sentence in this statement ,is that it would be funded by the CAM industry. As you are probably well aware, most of our Associations work on a shoestring and rely on an enormous amount of voluntary time put in by our representatives in order to self regulate. John Reid was simply telling his grandmother how to suck eggs!
Barefoot In The Park Shizuku Yamamoto is an amazing Octogenarian who walks on people! Born and trained in Japan, she is a leading authority on Shiatsu and the innovator of Barefoot Shiatsu. Giving a masterclass in Regents Park, London, this may possibly be her last trip to Europe as she does not give interviews easily. If you want to know more about Barefoot Shiatsu, England’s only teacher Maria Serrano can help. To contact: Maria Serrano,17 Ely Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 5NA UK (+44) 01727 842495 • Email: maria.p.serrano@care4free.net 6
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Pay As You Go
Vickki Byrne, who some of you may remember for her excellent articles in Massage World, hit the headlines last month. “England’s Test stars are made to pay for their own massages” said the Mail On Sunday. Four of the England Test Cricketers – Vaughan, Nasser Hussain, Thorpe and Flintoff all suffer from back problems and had decided to take a leaf out of the England Rugby World Cup winning squad by taking a massage therapist on tour with them. The ECB however rejected the idea saying that the estimated £15,000 to fund Vickki’s travel and fee was unnecessary. The players valued her work so much that they decided to hire her anyway and pay for her themselves, the ECB then reluctantly found some of the funds needed. It ended up being split three ways, the players, the sponsors and the ECB. The power of touch!
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Do email us your News & Views! massageworld @massagelondon .co.uk
Massage with ‘Altitude’ tips a n d t e c h n i q u e s f o r t r e k kers James Earls is a massage therapist and structural integration practitioner based in Belfast. He lectures on anatomy, palpation and various forms of massage in Belfast, Dublin and London,
riday 24th October 2004 was a special day for me and thirty-seven other people from Northern Ireland – it was the day we finally reached the “lost city” of Machu Picchu, after six hard days of walking, at altitude, up steep slopes, down steps, through rivers, over a couple of ropey (in every sense) bridges, up a few more steps, along precipices and up some steps, through jungle to Inca ruins and up some steps, finding waterfalls and then ….. well, you get the idea.
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The adventure had started a long time ago for me as a spotty teenager reading about all the wondrous sites built by the little green men from Mars – or so Shirley McLaine would have me believe! Mesmerised by those dramatic photos of this city built on the shoulder of a mountain jutting out into a circle of surrounding peaks covered in jungle, I knew I wanted to see it. A local charity, Action Cancer were advertising for volunteers to participate on a charity trek to Peru which finished in Machu Picchu. Having a few friends who help with their complementary therapy support program for people with cancer and their relatives I wanted to support
their work and, at the time, I also had a couple of friends who were dying with cancer so this was my way of paying something back into the system that was helping them. Action cancer is a wonderful charity which not only helps fund research but also has an education and screening program as well as using yoga, reflexology, aromatherapy and massage for the management of stress and symptoms for the relatives and those with cancer. Finding time to raise funds for them in the midst of a hectic schedule of teaching, writing and clinic work was hard but never a chore. We each had to raise a minimum of £3000, many people managing much more.
Under Cover By the time we were leaving I hadn’t had a day off in seven weeks, and I’m including weekends, I was ready for a break and a new challenge manifested itself. How was I going to cope with thirty seven people all knowing I was a massage therapist and having walked many miles up and down that day when we got back to camp? Slowly, a plan hatched – I March 2004 M|W
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tips and techniques for trekkers would simply state my occupation as insurance salesman, who would want to discuss their insurance situation 5000 miles from home, 15 000ft up a mountain? Perfect! Never happened – the first thing three people said to me, complete strangers at the airport, “Aren’t you James Earls, the massage therapist? My mother/friend/therapist says hi!” Cover blown from the start. Our first few days walking were gentle enough affairs, breaking us in and acclimatising to the altitude as we flew into Cusco at 3 400m and then had to come down a little to avoid the dizziness and breathlessness before we gradually started climbing again to a maximum altitude of 4 500m. At least there’s nothing massage can do for altitude sickness! As the headaches started some people were looking for massage to relieve some symptoms and thankfully, Karen, another walker and beauty therapist volunteered her services and began giving Indian head massage to anyone who asked. Being a young bubbly blonde, she proved rather popular and took the attention off me – well if I had a choice I wouldn’t choose me either!
the key to providing massage on a trek like this is to be open to adapting techniques 8
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Long Days As the walks increased in length and difficulty the aches and pains started, in the calves, the gluteals, the hamstrings, the quads, shins splints develop, backs and shoulders get sore from carrying the day-packs, even some people’s arms were getting sore from carrying and leaning onto the walking poles. I was feeling under pressure all this misery around me, I couldn’t let Karen cope with it all – or could I? At the end of our longest day, an eleven-hour trek I gave in, our group’s spirits were high but the length of the walk had taken its toll on everyone and as part of our group cool-down I led everyone in a shiatsu style do-in. A self-massage covering the whole of the body using a loose wrist it’s not only effective but also fun and became a regular part of both the warm-up and cool-down sessions for the walks.
Cover Blown Having completely blown my cover and as the aches and pains were increasing I did give in on a few occasions. With boots, packs and bodies unwashed for 5 days half way
tips and techniques for trekkers up a mountain, miles from civilisation and running water it’s not really possible to get your “clients” onto a couch and cover them in oil. You have to work through their clothes and use whatever surface they happened to have landed themselves on. Thankfully in Peru you’re never too far from a step, a ledge, or a terrace all of which can put you at the right height to administer whatever care is needed.
Soft Ti s s u e R e l e a s e The single most useful technique for these conditions is soft tissue release. Applied by shortening the muscle or muscle group you need to work, pressing into them and then lengthening them again holding the compression it can help ease muscle tension and increase circulation. Or, you can connect into the connective tissue by pressing in and then “twisting” the angle of pressure away from the muscle attachment you are moving to get the stretch. This can target the fascia which tightens around, between and through overworked muscles and helps to stretch it out. Soft tissue release is best done with little or no oil and can easily be performed through clothes.
E n d o f the day With the build up of micro trauma to overused muscles, tired at the end of the day you may not wish to work too deeply, combining the STR with compression and petrissage movements, again, both easily applied through the clothes. However, when more chronic problems are exacerbated by the exertion it is often the restrictions caused by adhesions/scar/fibrotic tissue which has been laid down in the myofascia over the years which needs addressed and connective tissue STR is the ideal tool for breaking this down and freeing the area, often giving immediate relief. The key to providing massage on a trek like this is to be open to adapting techniques, improvising the way you work and most importantly listening to the experience of you the person you’re working on. You need to work enough to get them over the next hill, up the steps and back to camp but not so much that they’ll need 24 hours recovery before moving their leg again, pick your battles carefully and keep to achievable goals. During the whole trek we thankfully
had no serious injuries and this was mostly due to the patience and care shown by the guides and their assistants we were provided with from the company who organised the trip.
Across the Divide As a group we were divided in three walking parties and each given at least three guides to help. As a mixed group we all had different levels of fitness but always the guides kept us together keeping at the pace of the slowest. This meant that no one was becoming overexerted trying to keep up – a sure way of creating unnecessary injuries. The experience of being on the trek was one of the most challenging and rewarding I have ever done, it was not a holiday as some critics of charity treks would have you believe. The Across the Divide team and the charity representatives gave us informative talks on cancer and its effects/statistics and how the money would be used, they kept us focused on the goal and reasons for us being there and gave us time to focus on the motivation that inspired us in the first place.
If any of you are interested in joining a charity trek contact Across the Divide – contact them at 01460 30456 or www.atd-expeditions.co.uk
If you would like to support the work of Action Cancer please forward a cheque made payable to “Action Cancer” to James Earls, 62 Greenore St, Belfast, BT6 8NF He can be contacted at the address above, tel. 028 9059 0594 or through the website: www.ultimatemassagesolutions.com March 2004 M|W
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Disorders of the circulatory system and Su Fox Su Fox is a psychotherapist, massage and craniosacral therapist in private practice in North London. She lectures in anatomy, physiology and pathology for The Massage Training Institute and Chiron Centre
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hen a new client arrives and says that he suffers from a heart condition, or that she has a blood disorder, our anxiety levels may rise. Is it safe to massage? Should we ask the client to go away and get a doctor’s letter? Should we use gentle massage only? The disorders of the circulatory system range from those, which are exacerbated by stress and therefore benefit from relaxing massage to those which are potentially fatal and may be total contraindications.
To clarify the complexity, it is helpful to think of circulatory disorders as those that affect the blood itself, those that effect the circulation of the blood and lymph, those that affect the arteries, veins and capillaries and those that are to do with the heart. Furthermore, within the last two categories, some disorders are due to problems with the structure of the blood vessels or heart and others are caused by obstructions within the blood vessels or heart which interfere with free circulation of the blood.
Angina is an example of the first and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) comes in the second category. But the situation isn’t that simple – there is also a form of angina which is a contraindication for massage because the sufferer is at risk of heart attack, and massage would only be locally contraindicated if the DVT was controlled by medication. An additional problem for the nonmedical practitioner is the terminology. What’s the difference between arteriosclerosis and artherosclerosis? When is a clot called an embolism and when is it a thrombosis? Probably more so than any other system, disorders of the circulatory system are a minefield when it comes to massage!
In healthy people, there are two considerations for massage relating to the circulatory system. One is that you never put heavy or prolonged pressure on the major superficial arteries. These are the arteries on the inner surface of the elbow joint and on the back of the knee, and the two arteries where you feel for a pulse, the carotid artery at the side of the neck and the ulnar artery on the inner surface of the wrist. The other is that when massaging the limbs with firm pressure, always work towards the heart. If you massage firmly in the opposite direction, there is a danger of turning the valves in the veins inside out and permanently damaging them.
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disorders of the circulatory system
Disor d e r s of th e b l o o d Anaemia Anaemia refers to a number of conditions where the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to the tissues is reduced. There may be insufficient red blood cells or insufficient haemoglobin. It is a sign of an underlying disorder. Pernicious anaemia arises from lack of vitamin B12, and iron-deficient anaemia, as the title suggests, from lack of iron. A person who is anaemic may look pale, feel tired, be susceptible to the cold, and lack concentration. Sickle cell anaemia is an inherited form of anaemia found in peoples of Black African descent The red blood cells, instead of being circular, are sickle shaped, which reduces the surface for carrying oxygen. Thalassaemia is another inherited form of anaemia common to people of Turkish or Cypriot descent. Both these conditions can result in joint pain as well as the symptoms listed previously.
Recommendations for m assage Relaxing massage is beneficial, since it will help the client rest, but the level of vitality of the person at the time of massage would determine the quality of treatment. If the client is very fatigued, give gentle massage only. If the anaemia is caused by an underlying bleeding disorder, do not use any excessive pressure at all.
Recommendations for massage
Recommendations for massage
Get medical permission first. Use gentle massage, avoiding the abdomen. Do not treat if you have an infection, such as a cold, yourself.
Deep abdominal massage is contraindicated, but relaxing massage is probably beneficial for someone with high blood pressure, to keep stress levels down. If someone has high blood pressure that is not controlled by medication, diet or exercise, it might be advisable to get medical permission, for practitioner protection. If the client is taking medication, he may experience hypotension after a relaxing massage – see below.
Haemophilia This inherited disorder is a failure of the blood to clot properly because one or more of the factors need for the clotting process to work properly is missing. There is a mild form, where problematic bleeding only happens after a severe trauma, a moderate form and a severe form where the individual may bleed spontaneously under the skin or into joints. Recommendations for massage Severe haemophilia is a total contraindication to massage. With mild forms, seek medical permission, use very gentle massage and help the client on and off the table.
D i s o r ders of t h e c i rculation Hypertension
Leukaem ia
Blood pressure depends on the ability of the heart to pump blood round the body, the volume of blood to be pumped, and the size of the arteries, whose muscular walls can dilate or constrict. These factors interact to adjust blood pressure to the different needs of the body over time, but sometimes this mechanism goes wrong.
Leukaemia, or blood cancer, develops when immature white blood cells in the bone marrow and lymphatic tissue multiply excessively, interfering with the ability of normal white cells and platelets to do their work. General immunity to disease and blood clotting ability are compromised. There are different types, but all sufferers are more prone to infection, bleed easily and the liver and spleen may be enlarged.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is common and often there are no symptoms. It can result from kidney disorders or arteriosclerosis, but in the majority of cases there is no known cause. It has been linked to stress, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and genetic factors. If not controlled by medication, hypertension can lead to damage of the heart or brain in the long term.
Hypotension Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not considered a medical problem and there are no massage considerations. However, after the treatment, ask the client to sit up slowly and take care helping them off the table, because the change in position from lying to sitting may cause her to faint.
Oedema Oedema is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues, caused by failure of the lymphatic system to drain properly. The area is swollen, and there may be pain and heaviness. If you press a finger into the tissue, an indentation remains for a short time. Oedema may be a sign of a serious underlying condition like heart failure, kidney failure or liver disease, or it may develop if lymph glands are removed as part of treatment for cancer, or it may be temporary and have much milder causes, for example localised inflammation, or the swollen ankles commonly experienced by pregnant women.
Recommendations for massage Massage of someone with generalised oedema resulting from a serious condition should only be carried out with a doctor’s permission but with most common types of oedema massage is probably beneficial, if it can help stimulate a sluggish lymphatic circulation. Supports under affected March 2004 M|W
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disorders of the circulatory system limbs to assist drainage are recommended. Use draining strokes on areas closer to the body than the oedema to free up the lymph ducts before working on the affected areas. Anyone with chronic oedema is likely to have thin skin in the affected areas: use gentle massage and be sensitive to the person’s feelings about their condition. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialised type of massage, which works specifically with the lymphatic system and is particularly helpful in treating oedema.
Raynaud’s disease As part of the fight or flight response, the small arteries supplying blood to the periphery of the body constrict to divert blood to the muscles. This also happens when it is very cold, to conserve heat. In a person with Raynaud’s disease this reaction is abnormal, particularly in the hands and feet, which can suddenly go cold and tingling. The condition may last for a few minutes at a time, or may be chronic.
Recommendations for massage Massage of the limbs is beneficial because it can help restore blood flow to the hands and feet. Relaxing massage is beneficial because it lowers sympathetic nervous system activity.
Disor d e r s o f t h e blood v e s s e l s
affected veins out, or to block them. The process of blood return to the heart is then taken over by the deep veins. If untreated, fluid accumulates around the ankles, and they swell. The skin can become discoloured and the veins ulcerated. Pregnancy, obesity and inheritance are risk factors but the real cause is prolonged standing still.
Recommendations for massage Massage is contraindicated in the area directly over, or immediately below varicose veins. The affected area can be held gently while the rest of the leg is massaged. Use draining strokes on the thigh above the affected area first, to decongest the area and assist blood flow. Support under the legs to aid drainage back to the heart during massage is recommended.
B l o o d clots Thrombosis is the term for a clot which is attached to the wall of a vein or, more rarely, an artery. Small clots in superficial veins don’t usually cause any problems. Large clots in the deep veins of the legs are the ones that can detach and travel in the circulation to the lungs, heart or brain, with potentially fatal consequences. A travelling clot is called an embolism, but embolism also refers to any foreign material, such as air or fatty tissue from a bone fracture, in the circulation. Clots are treated with anti-coagulants, which help them to disperse.
Varicose veins
Thrombophlebitis
Varicose veins result when the valves, which prevent the backflow of blood against gravity, are damaged, pockets of blood accumulate in the vein and the thin walls stretch and bulge. This is a common problem in the superficial veins in the legs. The symptoms are bulging knobbly veins just under the surface of the skin, and heavy aching legs. Support stockings relieve discomfort but treatment is to strip the
If a superficial vein with a little thrombosis becomes infected and inflamed, the resulting condition is called thrombophlebitis. It is characterised by a painful red line along the line of the affected vein.
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Recommendations for massage This is a local contraindication to massage. Light massage on the rest of the body is all right.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) This is the serious condition mentioned previously. Risk factors are heavy smoking, pregnancy, major surgery, particularly to the knees, hips or pelvic area, and long haul air travel. Unlike thrombophlebitis, DVT is difficult to diagnose. There may be pain behind the knees or swollen calves, but there may be no symptoms.
Recommendations for massage Since DVT is a potential killer, massage is totally contraindicated for 3 -6 months after diagnosis, for practitioner protection. After that time period, the clot would be reduced by medication and the risk of an embolism minimal, but get medical permission, and give gentle massage only. However, given the difficulty of diagnosis, it is advisable to be cautious about treating a person who has more than one risk factor in their case history. Examples might be a pregnant woman with painful legs, or a heavy smoker who has just got off a flight from Australia.
Arteriosclerosis Arteriosclerosis refers to a general hardening, thickening and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries and a reduction in size of the hollow interior. Blood cannot be transported smoothly and quickly. This most common form of arterial disease can lead to heart attack or a stroke. Artherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis, where fatty plaques develop on the walls, which could lead to clot formation. Risk factors are obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
Recommendations for massage Seek medical permission first, and give gentle relaxing massage only.
disorders of the circulatory system
Disor d e r s o f the h e a r t Heart ra te disorders / Arrhythmias In a normal healthy heart, the average rate is 60 – 100 per minute and varies according to physical exertion or emotional state. In an otherwise healthy person an unusually slow (bradycardia) rate is not a contraindication to massage. Tachycardia (high heart rate) is associated with other medical conditions and the massage recommendations would be as for that condition.
Angina This is a condition caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. Clots do not usually form in arteries; the coronary arteries are the one exception. When these arteries, which bring blood to the heart muscle, are blocked, the condition called angina develops. The symptoms are cramp-like pains in the chest which are made worse by exercise or stress, and relieved by rest. There is a particularly severe form of angina called unstable angina, and this can be a precursor to a heart attack.
Recommendations for m assage Relaxing massage is beneficial for people with angina because it can reduce stress. Keep the client warm, since cold can bring about an attack. Ask clients to bring their medication to the treatment in case of an attack. Massage for anyone with unstable angina should only be carried out with permission from the person’s doctor.
Heart attack (or myocardial infarction) If the function of the coronary arteries is badly impaired, part of the heart muscle doesn’t get the blood supply it needs and dies. This is a heart attack. The symptoms are sudden severe in the chest and the left arm,
severe anxiety, nausea and restlessness. A heart attack can lead to sudden death.
Recommendations for massage Because there is a very high risk of a reoccurrence in the two to three months after the attack, massage is contraindicated for practitioner protection, and after that given with advice from the person’s doctor. Use only gentle relaxing massage.
Heart failure If heart is unable to perform its function as a pump properly, blood can back up in the lungs, causing pulmonary oedema, also called ‘water on the lungs’ or oedema in the ankles and legs. Heart failure can be caused by a number of different factors, including previous heart attacks or chronic high blood pressure.
Recommendations for massage Get medical permission, and give gentle relaxing massage, to avoid stressing a weak heart. Avoid drainage techniques on areas of oedema.
Artificial pacemakers These devices send out small electrical currents to stimulate heartbeat and are inserted under the pectoral muscles. If a client has a pacemaker, the pectoral region on the side of the pacemaker is a local contraindication. Offer supports under the chest for comfort when the client is lying on his front.
Acknowledgments This article is based in part on material jointly written with Darien Pritchard for ‘Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for the Massage Therapist’ To Dr Rik Fox for helping to clarify some of the cardiovascular conditions in this article
References Su Fox and Darien Pritchard. Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology for the Massage Therapist, 2001; Corpus Publishing Kalyani Premkumar. Pathology A to Z -- a handbook for massage therapists. VanPub Books 1996 Susan Salvo. Massage Therapy. Principles and practice. 1999 W.B. Saunders Company Peter Wingate & Richard Wingate. The Penguin Medical Encyclopedia. 1996. Penguin Books.
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Robark Inner Beauty Massage By Annie Robark Annie Roy-Barker is acknowledged as a leading authority on the BodyMind. She is a psychotherapist who has carried out extensive research into the science of BodyMind excellence. Her expertise as a trainer and lecturer is regularly in demand on UK and international seminars and she personally facilitates the training courses.
his technique is a wonderfully powerful and exciting new approach to health and beauty. An amazing experience, rejuvenating body and mind, through a combination of body massage and mind empowering techniques.
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Science has long declared that the human body is a physical machine that has somehow learned to think. Now, mounting evidence reveals that it is thoughts that create the physical machine, a body that mirrors every mental activity. Indeed, an intelligent BodyMind that flows right through the human form, inextricably linking body, mind and soul. Robark Inner Beauty Massage is a BodyMind treatment based on extensive research into the intrinsic link between the body and the mind. At the cellular level, your brain controls the systems that make up the body (respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, etc), thereby creating a BodyMind that is extremely sensitive to change; one that is susceptible to allowing negative thoughts, bad moods and worry to take up permanent residence. This means that, every time you have a thought, your physical body reacts. Therefore, different parts of your body become conditioned to behave in a certain way, every time you have a
similar thought. Self-defeating thoughts, therefore, can often persuade the physical body to be ill when there is no biological reason. How you feel ‘on the inside’ is a direct reflection of how you look ‘on the outside’, therefore, any negative feelings you have about yourself will automatically show in your physical appearance. This is why some people appear to carry the troubles of the world on their shoulders! Conversely, a person with inner calm and confidence will present this appealing persona to the world.
The technique To gain relief from inner conflict, many people visit a massage practitioner to enjoy the therapeutic touch that lulls them into a somniferous state of comfort and well being, giving the BodyMind a valuable respite. This, however, will usually only allow a temporary reprieve from mental or emotional anxiety. Using the Robark technique, generates an ongoing positive state of well being that benefits body, mind and soul, allowing inner calm and beauty to surface, radiating from the inside out, utilising a combination of treatment modalities. March 2004 M|W
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Whilst massaging a client, the practitioner also softly talks and guides the client through imagery, gentle questions and suggestions, into a deep state of relaxation (called receptivity). Once this state has been achieved, they then work to free any of the client’s thoughts that are related to worries, anxieties, low self-esteem, etc. This is done through the client sharing their thoughts and guiding the practitioner to the location of the associated feelings in the client’s body thus helping to transform each thought as it is experienced, whilst simultaneously massaging the part of the body that experiences the tension related to the thought.
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MASSAGE WORLD Diorama Arts Centre 34 Osnaburgh Street London NW1 3ND 16
M|W March 2004
✂
Alternatively telephone/fax 020 7387 9111 with your credit card details or email us massageworld@btconnect.com
The client is encouraged to think about issues that get in the way of feeling appreciated or special; to bring to mind irrational thoughts, perhaps related to anger, fear, or attachment etc. The technique may help with a wide range of problems, including worry, anxiety, confidence, self-esteem, and sexual difficulties.
empowering techniques transform negative thoughts into positive energy The result is usually instantaneous and the client normally finds it impossible to get back the negative thought or feeling. It can seem magical, creating that “special something”; an indefinable quality that shines through,
radiating calmness, charisma, beauty, success and happiness.
Inner beauty Have you noticed people with these qualities? They are easily recognised although, often, will not conform to our idea of classic beauty, yet we are drawn to them. Through their inner beauty, such people present a charisma that demonstrates a freedom from all the problems that direct the lives of so many, with a confidence that celebrates their inner beauty, allowing it to shine through like a beacon in the night. It’s certain, those who are already physically beautiful, experience the thrilling feeling of being appreciated as a ‘real person’ and not just an object of beauty. So here, now, is the really exciting part. When you access your inner beauty and feel truly happy with yourself, at the deepest level, and look good, then you will look and feel absolutely fantastic, more vibrant and happier.
a happy person is a popular person. We all
robark inner beauty massage
like being with happy people True happiness comes from tapping into your real inner beauty and then celebrating it with the world. So for anyone experiencing difficulties, of any kind, with their physical appearance, this can be particularly effective. Indeed, many adolescent problems can significantly benefit from this incredible therapeutic lifestyle of the future. The fashion media places demands on young women, which often leads to
‘real you’ is right at the centre of your being. Access the ‘real you’ by removing worries and anxiety. If used as a way of removing inhibition, it can be truly liberating. However beautiful you are physically, if you are feeling despondent or restless on the inside, it is not possible to be naturally beautiful on the outside; your physical appearance will give off signals to others that you are hiding behind a façade. This disparity will be obvious to others and they will ‘sense’ you are hiding something. Work to correct this imbalance by developing your sensitivity to the connection between your mind and body: adjusting any negative attitude, perceptions or beliefs you have about yourself. It’s important to remember that well being, a state that allows us to thrive and to flourish, is more than getting rid of negative thoughts. Eliminating negatives alone will not make a happy person; it will create an empty person. We all need the positives too, building the positives in a person’s life, creating a buffer against life’s knocks.
obsessive behaviour related to selfimage. This can change these obsessions into healthy living patterns, bringing with it confidence and improved self-esteem.
The r e a l y o u At the very heart of Robark Massage is the belief that every person has a natural inner beauty. This relegates the saying “beauty is only skin deep” to its relevant status - pure myth. The
positive people are more productive, healthier and live longer An individual session lasts between one and two hours. The number of sessions required depends on individual needs. Any medical problems are taken into account before treatment begins and it is important to note that it is not intended as a substitute for conventional medicine; it is designed as a complement. It is not necessary to actually have any difficulties to
Master Class A master class on Robark Inner Beauty Massage with Annie Roy-Barker, it’s creator, is to be held at The City University, Islington, London N1 on Saturday, 6th November, 2004. Further details or to book: Essentials for Health tel 01628 476100 email enquiries@essentialsforhealth.co.uk
❁ The next Robark Practitioner Diploma course will be held in Spring, 2005. Annie can be contacted on 07017 409368 or email info@robark.co.uk
March 2004 M|W
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magnotherapy and massage what s t h e a tt r a c t i o n ?
e all know that giving massage treatments for a living is a wonderfully fulfilling profession, however, as therapists, it is also incredibly demanding on our own bodies.
W
The actual magnetic strength is not as important as the penetrative depth of the magnet 18
M|W March 2004
When I trained to be a Sports Massage Therapist in 1995 I already had a long- standing lower back problem caused by a couple of degenerative discs. During the training there was much emphasis made on protecting our bodies from the stresses put upon it when giving treatment. This included posture, the correct use of our hands, protecting the thumbs and whenever possible using the stronger forearms or elbows for deep tissue work. But still, as my clinic became more established and I was treating up to 6 clients a day I found that however hard I tried, by the end of a long hard day my lower back problem kept coming back to haunt me. And that wasn’t all! My hands would be sore, especially the thumbs, I suffered with tennis elbow caused by an old break in my wrist which meant that the forearm muscles did not function in the correct alignment, putting undue pressure on the elbow and I was left feeling completely drained of energy.
Some evenings I would lie down to relieve the back pain, work on my hands and wonder how on earth I could get through my client list the next day. I was beginning to question whether or not I could work the hours that I both wanted and needed to. In 1999 I was lucky enough to be introduced by a good friend to magnotherapy. She had been using a magnetic wristband for a couple of years to relieve her migraines and had had an astonishing result. She went from regularly taking the maximum daily dose of medication to having taken only four tablets in two years. She suggested I try one to help alleviate my back pain. I was ready to try anything especially when she told me that I could try one for three months with the guarantee of getting 85% of my money back if it didn’t help. I chose one of the strongest units and within minutes of putting it on could feel a tingling sensation form my fingertips to bicep. Within the first two weeks I had a noticeable increase in my energy levels, especially during the mid afternoon sessions when previously I would feel drained of energy. Over the next three months I noticed a gradual improvement. My hands, if they ever
magnotherapy and massage became sore recovered overnight, my tennis elbow disappeared and eventually my back pain became a thing of the past. I was impressed to say the least.
The following, represent some of the many conditions that are, at least partly, a result of excessive lactic acid production and that have, in many cases, been relieved through magnotherapy:
So h o w d o they w o r k ?
• Sports injuries, after sport stiffness and recovery • Arthritis • Muscle spasms and soft tissue injury • Poor cell reproduction • Poor circulation • Fatigue syndrome • Migraine • Spondylitis • Skin complaints and ulcers • Poor sleeping • Blood pressure problems
Magnotherapy has a long history. Aristotle, in 320BC, documented the use of magnets to help heal sore eyes and subsequently used them to relieve painful joints and headaches. Queen Elizabeth 1 used magnets for arthritic pain and, in more recent times, magnets were used by the Russian Army in WW2 to treat their troops as they were more efficient, effective and cheaper than traditional medicines which were scarce at the front lines. When men were first sent into space they quickly became ill. This became known as ‘space-sickness’. Eventually it was realised that the cause was being away from the earth’s natural magnetism. Nowadays all space suits are lined with magnets which has overcome the problem. In recent years the pain relieving benefits of magnotherapy have been well documented by the thousands of people who have used it for themselves, their horses, dogs and other animals. They have undeniably benefited from its use – to aid healing, alleviate pain and increase energy levels. But exactly how it works remains open to discussion. One school of thought is that the pain relieving and healing benefits of magnotherapy are a result of a correction in the body’s cells pH levels by electro-conduction induced indirectly by magnetic energy. Stress and inflammation (together with the resultant pain experienced by many people, such as arthritis sufferers and sports enthusiasts) is usually caused by an excess of lactic acid produced by the body.
As stated by MVDr Vladislav Vaclavek, a scientist whose work has been submitted for consideration by the Nobel Department of the Swedish Royal Academy of Science. An excess of lactic acid and free radicals has a detrimental effect on the cells’ ability to function as they are designed to – whereas maintaining the correct balance of pH levels can help to increase energy levels and boost recovery rates. Bioflow magnotherapy wrist bands are worn on the wrist area as this is where there is major blood flow close to the surface. Here, the magnetism can easily treat the circulating blood, thereby effecting the entire body over a short period of time. Magnotherapy can stimulate the movement of ions in and out of cells, rebalancing their pH levels thus reducing pain and inflammation. The success of modern magnotherapy is partly due to the materials that have become available through advances in technology. Until recently, many vets, physiotherapists and hospitals have been the only ones able to treat patients using pulsed electromagnotherapy units. These are regarded as the most effective but need a mains supply of
electricity. In 1995 British inventor, Nigel Broderick, contributed to the improvement in natural pain relief through magnotherapy. He developed a magnetic field with a multidirectional force within a single unit made from a material called neodymium, which is very lightweight, very powerful and, when electrically charged, holds it’s magnetic properties for life. This multidirectional unit, which he called Central Reverse Polarity (CRP), causes a pulsed magnetic effect and mimics the expensive, cumbersome hospital machines. Those of you who are interested in pursuing magnotherapy as a natural form of pain relief should look for the most effective magnetic field. The actual magnetic strength (measured in gauss) is not as important as the penetrative depth of the magnet. I have never looked back since purchasing my Bioflow magnet. My massage business is flourishing and what’s more I can keep up with it! I have more energy, faster recovery times and as an added bonus my immune system has improved meaning that I never suffer from colds that would otherwise prevent me from working.
Contra-indications Magnotherapy is suitable for people of all ages. However, those fitted with a pace-maker or other implant, that could be affected by a strong magnetic field, are strongly advised to consult with their medical practitioner before giving it a try. For further information on magnets contact Kay Gill, Sports Masseur T: 0114 255 6874 or T: 0797 077 3431 Email: magnotherapy@aol.com www.magnotherapy.net March 2004 M|W
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STUDENT Q&A
Let me introduce myself, I am Isabelle Hughes and will endeavour each month to answer all those questions that never seem to get answered or that you forgot to ask. You can write or email me at Massage World. Here is a selection of recent enquiries and their replies: Q. One of my clients for reflexology has reported having blurred vision when she gets home after having a treatment, it doesn’t last long but I wondered how I should advise her? A. Sometimes clients have a reaction such as headaches or light headedness, does she feel dizzy too? If she has no underlying conditions then it could simply be due to a very sensitive neuro system, perhaps lighter of no pressure on the brain reflex would help. To be on the safe side, if it persists suggest she visit her GP as it could be linked to blood pressure. Q. Is reflexology suitable for diabetics? A. There is no reason why you cannot treat a person who has diabetes. In fact it can be very beneficial often resulting in an improvement in the insulin levels. Long term reflexology can also assist with improving circulation to the extremities. If the person is a long term diabetic, sensitivity in the feet can be an issue. A good tip is if you know you have a client booked in who is an insulin dependant, keep some dextrose tablets to hand just in case. Q. In our studies we are told that if in doubt get consent to massage from the GP, however
this seems more and more difficult to obtain. What do you suggest in these cases? A. It does seem that GP’s are no longer prepared to give this type of consent, partially because they do not have enough knowledge of the massage treatment and partially because of legal and insurance complications. These is however a way around this.You get the client to take responsibility by asking them to check with their doctor. You could even ask on their case history sheet alongside the usual questions relating to contra-indications that ‘it is your responsibility to inform me if you have a health problem and get your doctors agreement to treat if necessary. At the end of the day we are all adults and over the age of consent.
Q. Have you come across reflexology being used when someone has polycysric ovaries and how often would you treat them? A. Are you treating to increase fertility, if so I would only do one once a week. Assuming your client would like to get pregnant, you are no doubt trying to rebalance the hormones and aid natural maturity and release of the egg. Increase the length of time of the ankle boogle and use pressure circles on all the gynaelogical points and hormone centres. The rest of the treatment should be as normal. If she is a regular client, you may find you can spot when she is ovulating and although women with this condition are often told they cannot conceive naturally alot do, so be aware of this.
Isabelle Hughes has been practising and teaching massage since 1989 and is also an external examiner for massage therapy. Drawing on her experience as an ante-natal teacher with the National Childbirth Trust, she currently runs workshops for practitioners on Massage for Pregnancy and Labour and has contributed to books on the subject.
Q A
If you would like your questions answered, please send them by post or email to our address on page 3, marked Student Q&A. March 2004 M|W
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work your way around the world of massage ach month we look at all the mainstream modalities of massage and bodywork, their background, what they comprise of and how you find out about training and practising. This month we look at W, X and Y.
© LBK Hamburg 2003
E
In the years since, Watsu has evolved and is now taught and practiced world wide.
A useful information resource for answering those enquiring clients and maybe to interest you in expanding your repertoire, some will be very familiar whereas others may intrigue.
the treatment
© LBK Hamburg 2003
Watsu
what is it? The name comes from WAter and shiatSU, basically meaning the technique of Shiatsu practiced in water. The therapeutic benefits of warm water and the freedom of movement make it an ideal environment for passive stretching and the stimulation of the meridians.The buoyancy of the water takes the weight off the vertebrae allowing the spine to move quite differently to when on land. Great for treating chronic back pain, arthritis, sleep disorders and many other conditions. It produces a state of very deep relaxation similar to that of a flotation tank.
During a session,simple instructions are given as to what to expect before the client is lifted and supported, lying on their back in the water. This requires a new level of connection and trust in the therapist as they are working in close proximity with little visual stimulus and only sound that is carried through the water. The watsuer can support and brace stretches with their own body in a flowing pattern, combining stretching, oriental acupressure points and shiatsu movements. many find this a transforming experience both for the giver and the receiver.
standards There are no occupational standards at the present time, but work is being done towards voluntary regulation.
modality commencing with the letter x. Can anyone out there help us?
a short history Massage throughout the ages has always had an X factor or stigma, although it’s reputation has come a long way in the last five to ten years in it’s acceptance as a clinical treatment. From time to time a newspaper headline such as the recent story of the cityworker whose email to her partner mentioning massage, did the rounds of the Company in error, puts us back a little.Nevertheless once we have voluntary regulation, we will also have protection of title. So under X rated massage we will cover the area of tantric massage. This technique explores the sensual massage from the teaching of tantra and Kama Sutra, exploring matters sexual, from setting the mood to explicit technique. Tantric is a limb of the Brahmanical Faith (Hinduism) and is the oldest spiritual way of life in the world. it is the faith of over four fifths of the diverse peoples of India, Nepal and Bali. Koka Shastra is an Ancient Indian writing on love, based on Kama Sutra. It is not just a faith but a way of life.
useful addresses Hilary Austin ☎ 020 8892 9154 hydrohilary@yahoo.com Linda de Lehman
✉ ✉
info_wb-uk-20ago@watsu-europe.com
W
www.waba.edu
the treatment
a short history
X Rated
Watsu was developed in a warm pool (34 degrees) in Harbin Hot Springs, California, USA by a man named Harold Dull who began by floating his students of Zen Shiatsu around 1980.
what is it? This is a bit cheeky as we found it rather hard to find a bodywork
Tantric balancing involves massage of specific body muscles in order to relax the constricted muscles of the spine and deep within the pelvic cavity, thereby releasing stress and buried blockages. In turn sexual energy can March 2004 M|W
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work your way around the world of massage be utilised to attain a higher level of consciousness. It is a quality of touch that reaches the deepest realms of self and soul. There are no National Occupational Standards at the present time.
u s e f u l a d dr e s s e s
✉ W
tantric@tantricsex.fslife.co.uk www.tantricsex.fslife.co.uk
Yogic Massage
the treatment To receive Yogic Massage the client lies on a massage couch and a variety of techniques are used as appropriate. It can take place with or without clothing. Body parts are moved slowly and only when necessary. This is not about pushing or manipulation but about allowing tension to release from the cells. Once released more physical work can take place. Active listening skills and attention to breath are all part of the treatment.
standards There is now a National Occupational Standard for massage.
useful addresses Brigette Hass
☎
✉ W W
020 8856 8797 brigette@theheartspace. www.freeserve.co.uk www.nrgawareness.co.uk
what is it? Yogic massage is not just a technique you apply, it is more of an holistic approach that works with oneself as practitioner and with client. Often clients feel much more energised, yet at the same time deeply relaxed.It is used very successfully in cases of deep seated stress or trauma and during pregnancy.
Massage Training Institute
☎
✉
020 7226 5313 mti@totalise.co.uk
a short history In 1986, Brigette Hass attended a massage workshop, qualified a year later and began to practice. Through further training and a great interest in active listening skills she synthesised Yogic massage over a period of fifteen years. The name was a suggestion from an Indian practitioner as Yoga in its wider sense means harmonising and integrating and the treatment has similar effects to a Yoga class. She now teaches and practises in London. 24
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final in the series of A to Z: Zero Balancing, Zen Chi Aerobic Massage, Zone Therapy.
Korean hand acupressure for motion sickness in pre hospital trauma care in a geriatric population. Bertalanffy P, Hoerauf K, Fleischhackl R, Strasser H, Wicke F, Greher M, Gustorff B, Kober A. Department of Anaesthesiology and General Intensive Care, University Hospital of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
B a c k ground: Patients with trauma or medical illnesses transported to the hospital by ambulance have a frequent incidence of motion sickness. Because the administration of drugs in the ambulance is prohibited by law in Austria, the non invasive Korean hand acupressure point at K-K9 may be an alternative against nausea and vomiting.
Each issue we will feature abstracts from evidence based research publications and their conclusions: 26
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M e t h ods: We enrolled 100 geriatric patients with minor trauma, randomising them into a K-K9 group and a sham acupressure group. We recorded visual analogue scores (VAS) for nausea and for the patient's overall satisfaction with the treatment, hemodynamic variables, and peripheral vasoconstriction. In the K-K9 group, a significant (P < 0.01) increase
in nausea was recorded in all cases: from VAS of 0 mm to 25 +/- 6 mm. A similarly significant (P < 0.01) increase was registered in the sham group: from VAS of 0 mm to 83 +/- 8 mm. However, at the time of arrival in the hospital, nausea scores were significantly different between the K-K9 group and the sham group (P < 0.01).
Results: Although all patients had been vasoconstricted at the emergency site before treatment, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) between groups with regard to the number of vasoconstricted patients at the hospital (4 and 46 constricted and dilated, respectively, in the K-K9 group versus 48 and 2 constricted and dilated, respectively, in the sham group). On arrival in the hospital, a significant difference (P < 0.01) in heart rate was noted between the K-K9 group and the sham group (65 +/- 6 bpm versus 98 +/- 8 bpm). The patients' overall satisfaction with the provided care was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the K-K9 group (19 +/- 9 mm VAS) than in the sham group (48 +/- 12 mm VAS). Neither group experienced a significant change in blood pressure. K-K9 stimulation was an effective and simple treatment for nausea during emergency care and significantly improved patient satisfaction.
Conclusions: Korean hand acupressure at the K-K9 point was effective in reducing nausea and subjective symptoms of motion sickness in emergency trauma transport of patients at high risk of motion sickness.
Publication Types: PMID: 14693623 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
product The Astral Range Darley Couches
The Astral Range is a brand new design from Darley. They look so smart with their two tone stitched corners and would be a luxurious addition to any Salon or Spa which is the main market for these models. Though for a busy massage therapist in a more complementary setting, they would also offer a quality couch at an affordable price. They are very versatile coming in a range of lifts for height, foot and tilt. What is useful is the upgrade to a larger width of 29â&#x20AC;? as so many hydraulic and electrical couches are quite narrow, making the client feel slightly insecure. For massage and bodywork this new width option is much more suited.
For more details or to order www.darley-couches.co.uk
book
product
Making Sense of Research
The New Book Of Muscles
Martha Brown Menard, PhD, CMT
Ian McChesney
Curties-Overzet ISBN 0-9685256-3-6
Corpus Publishing ISBN -903333-17-2
This excellent little book is structured so that the reader begins with a broad perspective on understanding research and then progresses from there. Firstly you are introduced to the general concepts and underlying assumptions of scientific research and then different research studies are taken and their strengths and weaknesses identified.
Corpus Publishing have another hit on their hands with this New Book of Muscles which is very well laid out and value for money.
You are taken through how to read journal articles and evaluate them using a question and answer format. the purpose of the book is to give greater confidence to the reader in their ability to understand and use research. It certainly does this and also may spark interest in actually participating in a research study.
There are also Additional Notes and interestingly Possible Signs Of Weakness notations for the more advanced student.
It is very readable despite what you may initially think is a dull subject and definitely inspiring.
This book as certainly been very popular and a sell out with visitors at exhibitions,
For more details or to order www.ultimatemassagesolutions.com
For more details or to order ph: 020 7387 9111
ÂŁ7.99
On each page you not only get the usual list of origins, insertions, nerve and action, but they also have boxes showing the relating Synergists and Antagonists.
The diagrams are clear and concise and would make excellent overhead projection transparencies for tutors.
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Being In Charge: have you got what it takes? eing self-employed is not the same as running your own business. A large percentage of self-employed therapists donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run businesses, they hire out their skills, as and when required. This could be in the form of a clinical setting, a visiting service, corporate or teaching work. In order to consider the pros and cons of self-employment, think about the area you want to work in and do a little background research to make sure it really is the route you want to take.
B
Once you have established this, the next exercise is to do a selfassessment of your suitability for selfemployment. Every individual has a different angle on what they see as an advantage or disadvantage to working for oneself, some like the idea of not knowing what is round the corner whereas others would feel very uneasy with that fact.
Self- a s s e s s m e n t Look at the list below and see what 28
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percentage of the items you would be prepared to take on: -
No fixed salary No security of work No regular cash flow No paid holidays or sick leave Dealing with your own accounts and taxation Doing your own marketing and public relations Having more flexibility in the hours you work Being able to plan your own work time Having a wide variety of work
More earning potential when not on a fixed salary Using your skills to their full potential Being available for new opportunities that may arise No stress of office politics and in control of your own destiny There are up and down sides to all of these points depending on whether you are a person who sees a glass half empty or half full! For example, as you do not have a fixed salary, you can increase your earning potential enormously and can negotiate your own rates of pay according to the job. On the other hand, you may have to wait for payment sometimes and be constant in finding new work to avoid erratic income flow.
being in charge: have you got what it takes?
Posit i v e t h i n k i n g Most individuals that choose the selfemployment route have one main thing in common, they are prepared to take risks and the responsibility that goes with that decision. This is sometimes hard in the British culture where we find it very hard to reward entrepreneurs. We have a reputation of being cynical and almost gloating when people fail whereas in the USA you are encouraged to have a go, again and again. Always bear in mind that most of the well-known names in the business world have had their share of failure but have picked themselves up and started all over again-as the song goes. Bear this in mind when starting up as no doubt ‘friends’ and colleagues will all have opinions to give, often more negative than positive. Be ready for this and remember, when you are successful in your new venture their opinions will miraculously change. Ask yourself, would you rather try and fail than not try and forever be left wondering if you could have made a go of it. As the old saying goes ‘nothing tried, nothing gained.’ No one can answer the question for you and no one can guarantee you success, or indeed failure. Remember that success and failure are by your measures – for example, you may not have much income but greater flexibility in lifestyle, and this you would see as success whereas outsiders may view this as failure. It is all about achieving what you want from your working life.
Takin g t h e r i s k To decide if you want to take the risks of self-employment, you need to establish what are the most important outcomes or rewards that this would bring, look at the list below and then compile your own in order or importance: -
Working in my own way Pushing my boundaries Doing something I really want to do Having the courage to take the risk Taking responsibility for myself Working within my own morals and values The opportunity to be creative and make a difference Not having to do something I do not believe wholly in Making money A new learning curve Once you have weighed up whether the risks are worth the rewards, you then have to look at if you have the skills and if not how to increase them in order to achieve what you want. As we have said before, there are no guarantees so your focus on problems should be identifiable in order to find a solution.
Lists Seeing things in black and white often makes them easier to focus on. Now you have a list of why you want to be self-employed and what rewards you want to receive, the next thing to establish is to be clear about why and how to overcome any problems you see. Express your feelings on paper – ‘I feel motivated to work for myself’,
we have a reputation of being cynical and almost gloating when people fail March 2004 M|W
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being in charge: have you got what it takes? ‘I am optimistic I can build up a client base’, ‘Is it what I really want?’ This will give you ideas of how you have reached the point you are at now in your career. Once you have reviewed your current situation, it will help you decide what to do next.
M o t i v ation You will feel totally motivated if you are doing what is right for you, at the right time. It is then very important to harness and sustain this. You may still have feelings of apprehension, this is only natural, but don’t let it take over. Besides motivating yourself you will have to motivate people to hire your services, by showing them how advantageous it would be and that you would be fulfilling a need for your skills. Pinpoint your strengths and accept your weak areas, use your contacts in successfully networking, find ways to demonstrate your skills to potential customers. Often in order to do this we have to get rid of some skeletons out of the closet by ditching limiting or negative beliefs we hold about ourselves. Oh no you say, not another list! Here are just a few statements that may ring true: -
you will feel totally motivated if you are doing what is right for you, at the right 30
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The present economic climate is too risky to succeed in I am not getting much response to my ideas I have not got the support network I could do it if someone would give me the chance I never make money because I am too nice to people
Think outside the box, answer a negative with a positive, look for a role model but don’t let yourself off the hook.
Review So now that you have worked out whether you have got what it takes to be self-employed, remind yourself of a few points: You need to know why you want to take this route in your working life, that you are fully prepared and motivated and aware of what it takes. That regardless of your skills to date, you will need to know more and find ways of turning any weaknesses into strengths. That the pros and cons are a matter for your own perception and that the risk is worth the reward. Finally, would you rather take the risk of success or failure than never know if you could succeed on your own? Now you are clear about what you want and have an action plan, give yourself deadlines to work by and make sure you follow through. Your working life will give you new experiences. If you feel you would like some help or mentoring, a life or business coach could be the answer. Contact www.associationforcoaching.com
Further Reading: Who moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson MD Your Best Year Yet: Ten Questions for Making the Next Twelve Months Your Most Successful Ever by Jinny S. Ditzler (Warner Books 2000) Heart Thoughts by Louise L. Hay (Eden Grove Editions 1991) Working from the Heart by Liz Simpson (Vermillion 1999) Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers (Arrow 1996)
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Caring for the carers
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