amta-georgia chapter newsletter may 2013

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May 2013

Fabulous June Membership Meeting, Education Class, and Family Reunion Picnic Planned This June 21st through 23rd, your amta Georgia Chapter has an amazing weekend planned.

Important Membership Meeting One of the advantages of mem-bership is the privilege to play an active part in our chapter. Our membership meetings are great places to have your voice heard.

Education Class Extraordinaire We are thrilled to off er the class Bodywork and Intuition: Entering Into Parnerships (EIP) presented by the wonderful, Patti Ceccoli. This class is a whopping 12 CEUs and is a NCBTMB Approved Provid-er Hands-On class. Clinical Protocol will be presented for therapists to learn how to access the intuitive body and incorporate this valuable skill into their lives and practice on a daily basis.

First Annual Family Reunion Picnic In additon to the class and our Spring Membership Meeting, we are going to have our fi rst-ever, Family Reunion Picnic. We will gather at the beautiful Sweetwater State Park for food, fun, and “family”! We appreciate our amta “family” and this gathering will give us a chance to meet and get to know other members and friends within our chapter. Feel free to bring guests, if you like. To register for this amazing week-end, visit our website and click on the link to the event. You can also mail in your registration. See prices on page 15. Please make your checks pay-able to amta-Georgia Chapter and mail to: Cindy Farrar, LMT, 5066 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA 30084

Your registration includes one meal at the Family Reunion. Members also receive one meal at no charge. Guests are welcome at $7 per guest. We look forward to seeing you June 21-23!

Benefi ts of this class for therapists include:

• Connection to the intuitive body at will

• Enrichment of all modalities• Increased eff ectiveness

and effi ciency• Reduced injury

• Consistent results• Renewed passion for the work• Making each session unique, including with repeat clients

• Perform all modalities of deep tissue massage more easily

• Increased fascination with the true ways of the body

• Recognition of importance of and reverence for our profession

• Embrace constant learning throughout the lifetime

of your practice• Say Bye-bye to burnout

In this Issue:New Members 4

MAP is Born 6

First MAP Recipient’s Story 7

25 Years of amta 10

Ethics of Energy Work 16

Opening Doors to Eldercare 18

Marketing Coach 26

LetterLetterLetter��President

May 2013

“Engage, Connect, and Thrive”, is our theme for the amta national convention to be held in Ft. Worth, Texas September 25-28, 2013. What a wonderful theme for our spring weath-er! In the spring, we can engage with the earth by planting a garden, connecting with the plants and earth, and then thriving from the harvest. The warm sunlight, longer days, and even the rain, gives us a sense of being alive on a new level. Your Board of Directors (BOD) has been working very hard to Engage members and those who are not yet members. Your BOD continues to Connect members together, welcoming transfer members to Georgia and helping them feel at home. We also help stu-dents by fi nding study groups and off ering scholarships. Your BOD goes above and beyond to help the chapter Thrive by increasing membership while helping members bloom as individuals as well as fl ourish as massage therapists. Having a hard time seeing all of these things happening? If you are, then read on… The american massage therapy association belongs to the members. This organization, from the national level all the way down to the smallest state chapter, belongs to YOU, the member. That’s right, to you. Creating this amazing association can only be accomplished with the combined talents of all its members. It begs the question of how can I engage in my profession, connect with other therapists, and have my career fl ourish as never before? Remember, volunteering through the amta not only helps our organization, it can directly boost your career. Please take a moment and look at the committee list with descriptions of committees and their purpose. Also, check out the Outreach Opportunities listings on page 8 for events coming up that require volunteers. Participating in outreach events helps you to engage the public and connect with future clients, which can contribute to the success of your massage practice. With the arrival of spring, let us regroup after our wild winter weather and see that con-tributing to your chapter of the amta can also contribute to your success.

Health, Happiness, and Well Being,

Terri Barton

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amta GeorgiaChapterexecutive committee

Secretary 2013-2014 Toni Roberts [email protected] 770.984.8040

Treasurer 2013-2015 Dusty Graham [email protected] 678.680.3422

Membership Secretary2012-2014 Loyce Kemp [email protected] 478.397.1839

ChaptercommitteesNewsletter Committee Cindy Farrar [email protected] 770.508.9016

Education Committee Cindy Farrar [email protected] 770.508.9016

Awards Committee CJ Lowe [email protected] 404.847.0301

Outreach Committee Ben Glosson [email protected] 404.992.8665

President 2012-2014 Terri Barton [email protected] 770.548.8093

First Vice President 2013-2015 Ben Glosson [email protected] 404.992.8665

Second Vice President 2013-2015 Cindy Farrar [email protected] 770.508.9016

Third Vice President 2013-2015 Vivian Davis [email protected]

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Hello fellow amta Georgia Chapter members. I am extremely excited to as-sume the role of our Hands on Georgia newsletter editor. Our newsletter is one of our Chapter’s most valuable resources. As one of our main communication avenues, its purpose is to inform, educate,

and promote the profession of massage therapy. I would also like to introduce our new layout designer and graphics consultant Kim Vasil of Vasil Design Group. Kim brings years of graphic design experience as well as a keen creative sense. Some of you may also know Kim’s artwork as Kim is the designer and creator of the awesome chapter mugs sold at our chapter events. What has impressed me most working with Kim in producing this fi rst issue together is our shared level of commitment to ensure our newsletter is in line with amta’s overall branding to enhance our Chapter’s professional image. I welcome your feedback and newsletter submissions, Cindy

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Welcome to New MembersProfessional MembersFebruary 2013Victoria Carter ...................... TuckerFelecia Lynch ........................ BlytheCarolyn Moshier ................. CummingErin J. Rice .............................. LawrencevilleCarolyn Russell .................... AtlantaSarah Simon ......................... LoganvilleLisa Stephens ....................... Lagrange

March 2013Ollieta Groves ....................... NorcrossDeborah Hazelton ............ AtlantaBuffi Turner ............................ Dahlonega

April 2013Shalena Brannon ............... HomelandKimberly Evans .................... RoystonMaRisa Rees .......................... Blue RidgeLisa Kay Turner .................... Villa RicaHolly Wilson .......................... Coolidge

Student MembersFebruary 2013Kevin Hill ...................................Miller-Motte Tech CollegeJudith ..........................................Treadwell Virginia College

March 2013Billy E Brand II ....................... Gwinnett College

April 2013Ken Horton ............................ Gwinnett College

Graduate MembersFebruary 2013Amy Crowe .............................Moultrie Technical CollegeCamille Dyer ...........................Academy of Somatic Healing ArtsKelly Hughes ..........................Georgia Career InstituteRegina Savoca .......................Atlanta School of MassageJoshua Smith ........................ Core InstituteAaron Spencer .................... Georgia Career InstituteLisa Thomas-Tesalona .......Atlanta School of Massage

March 2013Ebony J. Broadnax ............. Atlanta School of MassageGrace Katherine Evans .... Virginia College Rophielle Fuller ................... Everest InstituteChristopher Hunt ............... Gwinnett CollegeMichael Jones ...................... Gwinnett College Cheryl King ............................ Georgia Massage SchoolKerry McClay ........................ American Professional InstituteAmy Stoeckl .......................... Atlanta School of MassageGary Tavares .......................... Atlanta School of MassageKourtney Williams ...............Academy of Somatic Healing Arts

April 2013Danielle Colquitt ..................GA Northwestern Tech College Danamarie DeRiggi ............Academy of Somatic Healing ArtsJessica Flynn ...........................American Professional InstituteKristian Googe ......................Academy of Somatic Healing ArtsGina Klingler ...........................Gwinnett CollegeNicole Sholtis ........................Atlanta School of MassageBrooke Toney-Lyda .............Academy of Somatic Healing Arts

Transferred MembersFebruary 2013Regina C. Green .................. From Florida to Marietta Tammy M. Price .................. From Florida to ChatsworthWilma E. Walk ....................... From Hawaii to Atlanta

Moultrie Technical College

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members assistance program

When people outside of our chapter speak of the Georgia Chap-ter, the most common remarks are how wonderful our members seem to be and what amazing camara-derie we seem to share. So it was no surprise that in a conversation just prior to our 2013 annual meet-ing this past February, the idea was suggested that the chapter develop a donation program to benefi t members in need. It was at that moment the Members Assistance Program (MAP) was born. It was clear that the perfect time to launch the MAP was at that an-nual meeting. One of our members had generously donated a barely used massage chair to be raffl ed off during the meeting.

The Chapter board of directors perceived this as serendipitous. The proceeds from the raffl e would be the initial fund-ing for the MAP. With additional separate fi nan-cial donations given by individual members, the BOD were able to pres-ent the fi rst MAP recipi-ent with the assistance for which the program was designed. Debbie Hazelton is a massage therapist who recently moved from Florida to Georgia. She is legally blind and called our chapter initially for help fi lling out her licens-ing paperwork neces-sary to practice legally in Georgia. The chapter board decided that Deb-bie would be the fi rst recipient of aid from our new MAP. (Read about Debbie’s journey on page 7). If you are in need of assistance, or are aware of a member in need, please remember your amta Georgia Chapter Members Assistance Program is here to “Help Our Members Stay on Course!”

For questions, donations and assistance requests please visit our website or contact Membership Secretary, Loyce Kemp.

Purpose of MAP: To assist amta Georgia Chapter members who are experiencing fi nancial diffi culty having a direct impact on their ability to practice massage. For example, the member is unable to pay their amta membership dues or state license renewal fee, has lost equipment due to natural disaster, or has been unable to work due to serious illness and is unable to pay business rent etc.Means: Monies to be raised via donations and raffl ed items donated from vendors, members, etc.Criteria: The Chapter BOD will appoint a MAP committee to accept and evaluate the assistance requests. The specifi c need will be submitted in writing to the MAP com-mittee for consideration. The request forms will be available on our website under the “Membership” tab.Verifi ed legitimate requests will be sub-mitted to the BOD for approval and fi nal determination of disbursement. Disbursement: The Chapter Executive BOD will approve or deny all requests. For any

approved requests the BOD will determine the amount and form (fi nancial or material) of the disbursement.

By Cindy E. Farrar, LMT ��

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Stars, cheers and many thanks to the amta Georgia Chapter!!! By Debbie Hazelton

I am proudly declaring that I am amta Georgia’s fi rst M.A.P recipient! The day I called Loyce Kemp, and shortly after, Jane Johnson, I knew I was at home with amta. Little did I know how far their kindness and solid assistance would stretch in order to support me!!! I have been a massage therapist since 2000. I recently packed up everything and moved from Florida to Georgia. That’s a huge endeavor for anyone, especially when you’re a woman who is blind, single, and almost 60! The application to obtain my Geor-gia license looked daunting. I needed help to fi ll it out and walk through

the various required hoops. The state law offi ce was not at all help-ful. I called Stress Recess, a company for whom I’d worked a few times, amazed to fi nd them in my same zip code, hoping they would help. I as-sumed that the state would provide someone to help the visually chal-lenged with the application process. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed. I received a similar response when asking someone in the Florida offi ce to help with the process of offi cially notifying Georgia that I was Florida licensed. “Don’t you have an assistant, a case worker, a guardian, someone who does these things for you?” Unfortunately, I don’t.

Loyce Kemp and Jane Johnson spoke to me for a few moments and I suddenly had the sup-port I needed! Loyce kindly fi lled out all of the informa-tion, and both she and Jane helped walk me through the tedium of procurements, documents, and necessary fi ngerprinting. Their gener-osity did not stop there. Their kind-ness went

even further to involve the chapter board. I attended the amta Georgia Chapter annual meeting in Febru-ary. What a great time I had, meeting so many friendly people; I couldn’t wait to join! There were a few prob-lems, however. I was still waiting on my license and insurance. After all this support, I knew I wanted to join amta, but my fi nances were keeping me from being able to sign up and pay the membership fee. That evening, I received a call informing me that the chapter board had decided to award to me a fi rst year membership as the fi rst Mem-bership Assistance Program (M.A.P.) recipient. I was thrilled and relieved. I feel supported in my profession like I never have before. This was just another sign that moving to Georgia was the right decision for me. With a license and insurance, I am ready to go! I can’t wait to get out in this springtime weather and give some great chair massages! It’s great to be part of such a wonderful profession where every day, we can help people feel better. Thank you, Jane, Loyce, and the entire Georgia Chapter board. I literally couln’t have done it without you. All of you are amazing!

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Introducing Your New Board Member!Dusty Graham, LMT, Treasurer, 2013-2015

I enrolled in the Atlanta School of Mas-sage in 2002 after ten years in corporate information technology. My growth and development since graduation has taken me in the direction of mind/body bal-ance, Tantric kriya yoga, and other forms of energy work. In 2011, I completed coursework at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and became a Certifi ed Holistic Health Coach. My journey has been one of personal growth and letting go of who I was expected to be so that I could fi nd who I really am. My practice aims to guide oth-

ers to fi nd who they are, while giving them permission to let go of unnecessary baggage. I have been and remain involved in massage law and policy in Georgia at the state and local level. Government Relations is a partic-ular passion of mine. I believe that in order to protect our profession from the uninformed ideas still harbored by many in our state, we have to be willing to be politically involved. I look forward to serving the amta Georgia Chapter in the position of Treasurer. I will work to see that all policies and procedures are implemented while ensuring that we are being good stewards of Chapter resources.

OutreachOpportunitiesOutreachOpportunities

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July 2-3, 2013Peachtree Health Fairamta Tour Van EventThis event will have news coverage amtamassage.org

June 13-16, 2013Georgia Mission of MercyNorth Atlanta Trade Centergadental.org/mission-of-mercy

September 14-15, 2013Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride 2013Callaway Gardentsbikemsgeorgia.org

For more details, visit event websites, amtaga.org or email Ben Glosson at [email protected]

Are you looking for a way to get more involved in amta, but don’t want to commit to a committee or serve as an offi -cer? Could you use more busi-ness, (you know you could), and have tried everything you learned in school to fi ll up your appointment book? Look no further because your chapter has the answer. This is easy. There is no longterm commitment. You pick the day and time that works for you, bring your massage chair or table, (and those busi-ness cards you ordered from VistaPrint at the amta member discount) and join us at the events in the box below. Events are the best way to get your name out in the pub-lic eye. Glance over the list be-low and contact Ben Glosson, our 1st Vice President for infor-mation about volunteering at these great events.

August 10, 2013Sheraton Gateway Hotel Southeastern Parkinson’s Conference

Oct. 26, 2013Moving Day for Parkinson’s State Mutual StadiumRome, GeorgiaNov. 9, 2013Walk for Parkinson’sSavannah, Georgia

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My Surprise Distinguished Service Award By Dusty Graham, LMT

In 2002, I enrolled in the Atlanta School of Massage. One of our fi rst assignments was to identify local ordinances regulating mas-sage therapy. Duluth was still using an ordinance from 1989 at the time. The city required an STD test, an HIV screening, and a chest x-ray for anyone wanting to practice massage in the city. I was outraged that in 2002, mas-sage in Georgia was still regulated as prostitution. I joined the amta after I graduated and am proud to say that I was a member of the team that wrote the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act. I eventually took a hiatus from the amta but remained active in local politics. In January of 2011, I was heavily involved in the fi rst major rewrite of the Duluth Massage Ordinance in

decades. While I wasn’t completely satisfi ed with the result, I felt that the ordinance was one that a massage business could successfully operate under. A year later, in Febru-ary, 2012, a group of “concerned citizens” from a church outside of the city limits be-gan putting pres-sure on the Duluth City Council, claim-ing that brothels were taking over and human traffi cking was rampant in Duluth, all operating under the guise of massage therapy. The City saw this as an opportunity circumvent the Georgia Massage Therapy Practice Act and wrote an ordinance that would require mas-sage business owners to do what the city itself was forbidden to do under the Act. This end-run around the law, onerous administrative fees placed on massage businesses, and aggressive enforcement and fi nes, have all but killed the ability to oper-ate a legitimate massage business in Duluth, Georgia. I fought these changes. I wrote letters and attended meetings. I was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Con-stitution. WSB-TV interviewed me once after a council meeting. I did all I could, and still I felt as if I had failed in a big way.

Chapter President, Teri Barton awarding Dusty Graham his Distingished Service Award

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I attended the amta Georgia Chapter Annual Meeting in February to hear the Chapter’s Government Relations Consultant speak. Imagine my surprise when I heard my story being told by President Terri Barton. I fought the good fi ght in Duluth be-cause that is where my passion lies. I never thought I would get an award for doing what is right. I was deeply touched by the acknowledgement and renewed knowing that I am not in this fi ght alone. What Duluth is doing endangers Massage Therapists and Massage Business Owners all across Georgia. Ordinances of this sort spread like an infection. The amta works to stop this and I’m proud to be a member of the Georgia Chapter of the amta.

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Then and Now: Twenty-Five Years of amta!By Toni Roberts, LMT

At the amta National Convention in Raleigh, I received a pin from President Cynthia Ribiero mark-ing my 25 years of membership in amta. Twenty-five years ago was an interesting time to join as the profession was new and growing. Our country has a long tradition of massage, but while our clients today commonly tell us that their sister is a massage therapist and they’ve been to several around the corner, they told us then how thrilled they were to discover a massage therapist in Atlanta.

amta Approved SchoolsAlthough amta no longer ap-proves schools, it was the standard in the mid-80s. I attended the Atlanta School of Massage because it was on the list of schools ap-proved by the amta. I wonder if there are any others who attended massage school so they could join amta. I joined in 1987, and became an active volunteer in 1989. Later, amta spun off COMTA to accredit

schools and removed itself from the school approval business.

The Massage Entrance ExamThose of us who did not attend an approved school could take the Massage Entrance Examination. This was a combined written and practical test administered by our state chapters. amta eventually phased out this exam and assisted in the

creation of the NCBTMB, which became the standard for

massage therapy exams.

The RMT Exam and the amta DirectoryThose who were current members could take another, more advanced exam to become a Registered Massage Therapist. The RMTs had a special section in the amta Direc-tory. Before the Internet, they pub-lished the amta Directory, a list of all active members. We all renewed March 1st then, before we became too big for that. Those of us already members still renew on the first of March. We’re part of a legacy now. The amta Directory had lim-ited information, so as an elected volunteer, I created a voluntary chapter referral list in chart form and published it quarterly in the amta Georgia Chapter Newslet-ter, now called Hands on Georgia. Those who know me know that if I’m busy organizing information in a chart or a form, I am happy. Of all that was, I miss the direc-tory most. Chapters were no lon-ger allowed to maintain their own referral list once the locator service went on line. I worked with a tran-

sient population and the Directory was handy to help clients find a massage therapist closer to home. It was rocky before the Internet became mobile.

Member-Administered AssociationWhen I joined amta, members ran the association, much like our chapters are run now, with volun-teers doing administrative work as well as their elected positions. I resisted when amta decided to hire staff experienced in adminis-tering associations. How could they know our needs? After all, they’re not massage therapists, but amta grew into what it is today because of a professionally run staff. amta began a national marketing cam-paign, and our small cottage indus-try began growing by leaps and bounds. The amta National Office is still the authority on informa-tion about all aspects of massage therapy, thanks to the continuity of a well-run staff.. In the seven years I chaired the Position Statement Review Com-mission, I would not have been as effective without the assistance and guidance of my talented staff liaison, Ron Precht. If you’ve read any of amta’s press releases, you’ve read Ron’s words. By the way, Georgia members Vivian Davis and Dana Whitfield were also active members of the PSRC.

House of DelegatesThe House of Delegates was a rau-cous place in those days. If you’ve visited the HOD lately, you’ll have a tamer, more organized experience.

President Cynthia Ribiero with Toni at the 2012 National Convention in Raleigh

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The HOD has been deliberating on position statements for eight years now. A position statement is amta’s position on professional or public policy issues that relate to the mission or goals of the associa-tion. They are valuable tools for the press and for marketing our own businesses. Of all the parts of amta, I like the House of Delegates most. Along with chapters, it is where we as members have a voice. As a del-egate, I invite you to participate when the delegates present the recommendations and positions statements for your feedback. It’s your voice, your profession, and your association.

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Introducing Your New Board Member!Vivian Davis, LMT, Third Vice-President, 2013-2015

Hi Everyone, I am Back! I joined the amta Georgia Chapter in 1990. I have served every position on the board except treasurer. Most of the years I wasn’t on the board, I served on committees. I became involved because I needed help from others who could lessen the strain of starting a new massage business. (I have been in physical medicine since 1978.) I had never had trouble getting a job until I decided to open a massage clinic. I found that in South Georgia, massage therapists were under the same laws as adult entertainers. Neither the hospitals nor chiropractors would hire me because I did not have a license. I contacted Dana Whitfield who was the president of the amta Georgia Chapter at the time. She suggested I attend the next membership meeting. I came to the meeting and was persuaded to get involved with government relations. I also got involved with the Outreach Committee and started attending health fairs, sports events and TV talk programs. These activities helped me

grow as a therapist while helping to educate the public about massage and bodywork. One of my passions is encouraging members to get involved in their local districts, monitoring potential laws and regulations that would affect our profession. It is much easier to work with those who make the laws before unreasonable legislation is passed. As the liaison for volunteer training, I hope to have future training sessions at our membership meetings. Also, as the liaison for our delegates and alternates, I hope to keep you informed of policies that may affect us on the national level. I am very proud to return to the Board of Directors.

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Highlights from our Annual Meeting!By Ben Glosson, LMT and Cindy E. Farrar, LMT

According to the feedback re-ceived by our Board of Directors, our annual meeting was a wonder-ful experience for everyone who attended. The meeting coincided with the Academy Awards cer-emony, so in sync with Hollywood, our members were treated to a red carpet, a “celebrity zone” entrance, and given Hollywood shades to show off their celabrity status. We were graced with the pres-ence of our good friends Jane Johnson (State Board) and Sally Hacking (Government Relations Expert) who helped us at the state capital with the House Bill 141. Ben had the privilege of picking up Sally Hacking, our government relations consultant, at the airport and got to spend an hour on the road with her learning about our GR issues in our state and how they relate to each of our members on a state level as well as at the munici-pal levels where we live. At our membership meeting, Sal-ly Hacking outlined our best strate-gies to work with government to best protect the practitioner. She impressed upon us the importance of staying informed of laws and regulations and getting involved at the local level with our legisla-tive bodies. It was apparent that everyone at the meeting walked away with new wisdom about how our infl uence as individuals, and an amta state chapter, can and does change the destiny of our profes-sion through our presence at the state house.

After having a great Italian lunch served

by Shane’s, we began our annual meet-ing. We held elections, pre-sented awards and raffl ed off several donated items from vari-ous vendors and individuals that could be used in our practices. These items included a body pillow system, hot stone sets and even a set of massage text-books. We also raffl ed a mas-sage chair that was donated by our chapter mem-ber, Anne Marie Dolloz. The funds raised went to our new Membership Assistant Program (MAP). At last year’s national convention in Raleigh, NC, the Georgia Chapter won the Massage Therapy Foun-dation (MTF) table quilt because we had raised the most money for MTF via the sale of raffl e tick-ets. We decided to continue the raffl e within our Chapter to raise even more money for MTF and continued selling raffl e tickets at the Annual Meeting and we will be drawing the winner at the Fall, 2013 Chapter Meeting. In addition to a great meeting, we off ered a continuing education class over that weekend, instructed by Kathy Howard (then 2nd Vice

President, amta South Carolina, now 1st Vice President). The ten- hour, hands-on Rossiter System class was so successful that we are actively working with Kathy to off er her full Session I class at a meeting in the near future. If you think this meeting sounds fun and informative, join us for our June meeting, education class and our fi rst annual “Family Reunion”. The class will be with Patti Ceccoli, “Bodywork & Intuition: Entering Into Partnerships”. It is being held June 21-23 in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Our Family Reunion picnic will follow Saturday’s class at Sweetwater State Park. Check out the article on the cover page, info on page 15, or our website, amtaga.com.

Instructor Kathy Howard coaching Aaron Rhodes (standing) and Lovelace Linares (lying down).Instructor Kathy Howard coaching Aaron Rhodes

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More photos from our Annual Meeting and Class

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Chapter Awards 2012-2013Our February meeting was also a time for us to give out our chapter awards. Congratulations to all the recipients.

Step-Up-To-The-Plate AwardToni Roberts (L)

Meritorious AwardCindy Farrar (R)

Distinguished Service AwardDusty Graham (R)

Humanitarian AwardJoan Rau (R)

President’s AwardSue Stanley (L)

Outreach Certifi cates AwardTerri Barton, Mary Lou Ross, Loyce Camp, Ben Glosson, and Debbie Wolfe (L-R)

President’s Award

Meritorious AwardCindy Farrar (R)

Humanitarian Award

Meritorious AwardMeritorious Award

Step-Up-To-The-Plate Award

President’s AwardSue Stanley (L)President’s Award

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The Ethics Of Energy Work(Don’t Mess With My Qi!)

By Adam Parrott and Nathan Nordstrom

What is the difference between Massage therapy and energy work? Most states define massage therapy as “the manual manipulation of the soft tissues on the body,” using physiological strokes and move-ment. Many energetic modalities have very little actual soft tissue manipulations associated with them. So, what is the ethical respon-sibility for massage therapists when it comes to advertising and using these modalities as part of a profes-sional practice? How does one best portray the topic of energy work to clients and what is the best way to incorporate it into sessions? Nathan’s Thoughts: I have fo-cused my practice on more physio-logical modalities, such as advanced deep tissue. When working with clients I primarily look for a notice-able structural change in my client’s physiology. In many states in order to be called a massage therapist, one must be fully trained to fulfill the legal definition of massage therapy. If a practitioner is limiting their practice to simply doing energy based therapy (without manual manipulation of the physical body), yet advertising it under the title of a massage therapist, then they may be misleading the public. Energetic bodywork is an important part of many massage therapists’ “tool box,” I do not, however, believe it meets the definition of massage

therapy, so it can not be a stand alone massage

therapy modality. Unless a thera-pist is manually mobilizing the soft tissues of the body, they are not practicing massage therapy by definition. Does this mean that massage therapists shouldn’t advertise energetic sessions? No, but I would suggest people promote it as a tool rather than as a technique. Let’s take a common energetic modality that I know many massage therapists study: Reiki. During a pure Reiki session, many times no actual massage takes place (and so no actual massage therapy). If a practitioner limits their treat-ment to Reiki, yet promotes them-selves as a massage therapist, then the public may be confused as to what massage, which is the manual

manipulation of soft tissue, actually entails. I’d recommend that Reiki practitioners promote themselves as Reiki practitioners and not massage therapists. If, however, during therapeutic sessions, a trained therapist uses largely man-ual massage therapy strokes, then incorporates Reiki into sessions when deemed necessary, then the term massage therapy still applies. My second concern is if a therapist charges a third party payment system, like an insurance company, and does not divulge their thera-peutic techniques used in their chart notation, problems could arise. Adam’s Thoughts: When I first entered into the field of massage therapy, I thought all “energy work” was just a lot of hocus-pocus. If I couldn’t see a physiological effect, then I didn’t believe anything happened. After a few years work-ing as a therapist, I began to notice

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changes and effects that I couldn’t explain as simple physiological change. My clients’ experiences would vary greatly from session to session and they’d report things that I couldn’t explain from a purely Western medical perspective. I be-gan to investigate and experiment within my practice as to why my cli-ents felt my massage went deeper than simple muscle manipulation. I eventually researched and took part in a few energy work semi-nars and workshops. Utilizing that knowledge, I found that my sessions became much more consistent and beneficial to my clients. Since then I have actively been try-ing to understand and incorporate energy work in my practice. I never actually do purely energy sessions, and I don’t advertise myself as an energy worker. However, I don’t think you can separate energy work from massage therapy. There is an exchange that happens naturally anytime you put your hands on an-other human being that is indefin-able unless you subscribe to one of the various and unverified human energy theories floating around. It is because of this observable effect that massage therapy and energy work have become so entwined. Hence, one cannot do a massage without affecting a person’s energy! As more people seek out massage as a form of their routine healthcare plan, then I think it is important to have a clear definition as to what massage therapy actually is so that there is no confusion over what to expect when seeing a massage therapist. Most energy modalities get lumped under the umbrella of massage therapy modalities when, in actuality, they would not be con-

Ethical Check-list:• Are you actively practicing massage therapy as it is

legally defined in your state?

• Are you explaining to your clients what they canexpect from your massage?

• If one of your clients goes on vacation and islooking for a massage therapist like you, would they

know what to ask for?

• Are you frustrated when a client comes to youwanting a massage, then leaves at the end of the

session not rescheduling because it wasnot what they expected?

• Are you being fully compliant with the insurance companies on your chart noting with regard to what therapies you are practicing for each 15 minute unit?

• Can you explain how your treatment is directlyrelated to the condition

and what benefits your clients can expect?

sidered massage as a stand-alone technique. I think that energy work is always a part of massage ther-apy—but massage therapy is not always a part of energy work. I believe this is the main reason most states require a license to practice massage therapy but not energy work. Manual manipulation is a quantitative technique that pro-vides physical change and therefore, requires regulation. Because no scientific evidence exists for the explanation of energy work, anyone can do it. It appears that in most states one does not need a license to practice most forms of energy work. Conclusion: In order to promote a massage therapy practice, be sure

that massage, as it is legally de-fined in your state, is what is being practiced. Anything outside of that definition may lead to public confu-sion and cause misunderstanding in the community about the profes-sion itself. As a massage therapist, it is extremely valuable to understand energetic modalities. One day we may discover a scientific explana-tion why energy work seems to have an effect (Quantum physics is coming close and making some amazing claims). Until then, we’ll leave it up to individual therapists to observe clients and make up their own minds about whether to incor-porate energetic techniques into their practices.

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Opening Doors to Eldercare and HospiceBy Ann Catlin, OTR, LMT

gatekeepers to the potential client. This article off ers a key to open the door, a taste of the way the system works, and information regard-ing the best way to navigate this system and expand a practice to eldercare or hospice settings. First, become familiar with the various types of eldercare or hospice orga-nizations.

Assisted Living The emphasis in assisted living settings is to support mentally or physically limited persons who need help with activities of daily living, but do not need the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home. Facilities consist of private rooms or apartments as well as common areas. These facilities provide 24-hour staffi ng, meals, housekeeping, social activities and limited nursing services such as management of medications. Some assisted living facilities provide specialized care for elders with Alzheimer’s disease.

Skilled Nursing (Nursing Home)People enter a nurs-ing facility usually as a result of illness, injury, mental and/or physical debility that requires 24-hour nursing care and continuous assis-tance with activities of daily living. Some re-quire this level of care temporarily, and then return home. Others require permanent

care. Facilities like this consist of semi-private or private rooms, a common dining room and social areas. Services include 24-hour nursing and personal care, meals, psychological and spiritual support, and planned social and recreational activities. Physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as spe-cialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease, may be avail-able to the patient.

Continuing Care Retirement Community This is typically a campus setting with multiple levels of care includ-ing independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Residents can remain in the same community even if their needs change. Com-munities provide an array of

Training forMassage in Eldercare

and Hospice —

www.compassionate-touch.org417-844-8514

Enroll in trainingnear you!

LEARN FROM THE LEADER.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come!

For anyone looking to work with this population, this training gives you all the tools you need - you provide

the heart! - MB Morgan, LMT

Ann Catlin, Center for Compassionate Touch LLC

It It is no secret that the fastest-growing segment of our popula-tion is over 65—and the greatest increase is occurring in those 85 and above. At the same time, there is growing awareness of the benefi ts of massage for people who are aff ected by debilitating illness, injury or cognitive impair-ment. There is clearly a burgeon-ing market for massage therapists who want to work in eldercare or hospice. But the people that may benefi t the most from massage—and who make up a big portion of this market—are often embedded in a system that is full of intimidat-ing obstacles for the therapist. They are behind the doors of long term care and hospice organizations. One may discover that the door into these organizations seems closed—not because of a lack of skill or passion for the work, but because of a lack of knowledge of

the system and its jargon or how one gets past the

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services including dining, house-keeping, recreational activities, health care services, personal care assistance and nursing care.

Hospice Hospice is not a place but a specific approach to care. Eighty percent of hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, family member’s home, or in nursing homes. Inpatient hospice facilities are sometimes available to assist with caregiving. Not all administrators in any of these facilities share an awareness of the benefits of massage. Re-member that the massage thera-pist is the expert about how mas-sage therapy impacts the body, mind and spirit. The points to the right will make a convincing case for the benefits for this population. Including this special population in a practice can be profession-ally and personally rewarding. It requires specialized skills, sensitiv-ity, and compassion—as well as a pioneering spirit. A determined therapist can succeed in opening the door to eldercare or hospice organizations and in doing so reach out to those who could benefit.

Ann Catlin, OTR, LMT is an acknowl-edged expert in the field of massage therapy in eldercare and hospice. She is founder of the Center for Compas-sionate Touch LLC, an organization that offers training in this specialized service. Compassionate Touch® is a complementary approach for elder-care, hospice and palliative care. It combines focused touch and sensitive massage with specialized communi-cation skills to enhance quality of life for those in later life stages. To learn more visit her at her website:compassionate-touch.org.

How Massage Can Benefit Eldercare and Hospice Patients

Massage alleviates aches and pains, resulting in:

• A possible reduction in need for pain medication

• The ability to perform activities of daily living

with greater comfort

Massage increases circulation, contributing to:

• Improved skin condition

• Decreased risk of pressure ulcers

Massage provides tactile stimulation, which:

• Alerts the senses

• Increases body awareness

Massage induces a relaxation response, leading to:

• Improved quality of sleep

• Greater ease of breathing

• Calmed agitation

Compassionate and caring touch supports emotional well-being by:

• Providing a pleasing way to interact with others

• Offering a means for non-verbal communication

Focused touch enhances spiritual well-being, resulting in:

• Being grounded in the present moment

• Greater sense of self-worth

“It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association (amta) that massage therapy can improve the quality of life for those in hospice and palliative care.”

—amta evidenced-based position statement 2009

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Twenty $1,000 Scholarships Awarded by the amtaThe amta is proud to announce the twenty massage therapy schools that will receive $1,000 scholarships for massage therapy students. As part of a pilot program to foster the development of quality massage school graduates, amta reached out to massage therapy schools and programs and invited them to apply for $1,000 which they can give to one or more of their students. The association has chosen the schools to receive the awards and has begun distribution of the scholarships to be presented by each school. Among the schools receiving the scholarship awards were:

Atlanta School of Massage(Dunwoody, GA) (left to right) Leticia Allen (Owner), Christina McLarty (Scholarship recipient), Cindy Farrar (GA Chapter 2nd Vice President), Lovelace Linares (Massage Therapy Program Director)

Miller-MotteTechnical College

(Augusta, GA)(left to right) Scholarship

recipients: Tracy Coleman, Bianca Leverette, Damitra Wilson

and Terri Barton(GA Chapter President)

“On behalf of amta, I congratulate these massage therapy schools and programs on being chosen for the scholarships,” says amta President Winona Bontrager. “We believe in the future of massage therapy as a profes-sion and are delighted to give these scholarships to help students fund their initial massage therapy education.”

The American Massage Therapy Association is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage thera-pists, massage students, and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member involvement through its 51 chapters. The amta works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage.

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amta Georgia Chapter Government Relations Report

By Sally S. Hacking

eeThe GA House Bill 141 was intro-duced with a principle of requiring certain business entities and estab-lishments to post a model notice to enable persons who are subject to certain elements of human traf-ficking activity to obtain help and services. Massage Therapy busi-nesses were going to be negatively impacted by the bill’s language and intention. Bringing this situation to the attention of the amta-Georgia Chapter brought about an immedi-ate call to action. Marching to the State Capitol with high intention of opposing an impo-sition to licensed massage therapy professionals to require such posting of anti-human trafficking require-ments were Terri Barton, President of the amta Georgia Chapter President and Jane Johnson, LMT. Professional attitudes, strong positions, and polite reference to the bill language

being negative to licensed mas-sage therapists

across the state of Georgia brought about the right result. The letters of opposition were effective and the language had been amended to ex-clude licensed massage therapists. Now, massage therapy offices will not be required to post anti-human trafficking notices in their places of business. Not that the profession is against human trafficking opposi-tion efforts, however well intended efforts should not negatively impact the massage therapy profession. Well done all.During the 2012 legislative session, an amendment was made to the massage therapy law that created language allowing provisional per-mits to be issued in Georgia. The provisional permit allows those licensed in another state to practice in Georgia under supervi-sion of a Georgia LMT. During the 2013 legislative session, GA House Bill 315 was introduced. HB 315 was not picked up under the massage therapy tracking fields as it was an amendment attached to a nursing bill. However, this added amend-ment removed Board authority to promulgate rules and regulate supervisors of those holding pro-visional permits. In addition, the application for a provisional permit would not come before the Board for review, but be issued administratively. This bill traveled very quickly, as did last year’s amendment, through the legislative process. While oppo-sition would have been the normal pathway to take to offer the most public protection, the political reality

of stepping in to insert the profes-sion’s opposition was eliminated be-cause notification was made when it had passed. For specific information about HB 141, please visit:http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legisla-tion/en-US/display/20132014/HB/141 For specific information about HB 315, please visit: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legisla-tion/en-US/display/20132014/HB/315 For current Rules posting regard-ing the Provisional permit, please visit the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy: http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/massage/ Rationale of why provisional per-mits (GA terminology versus license) are not embraced by regulatory Boards:• Provisional permits are not a good public protection avenue to offer to massage therapy practitioners entering the field, it is considered to dilute public protection.• With the adoption of the Mas-sage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX), in addi-tion to other examination choic-es, there is no reason, nor good rationale to offer a provisional permitting process as the formal licensing examination process offered to the state can be ac-complished in a short period of time (thanks to electronic pro-cessing and exam score report-ing timeline to the state).

Sally S. Hacking, amta Georgia Chapter’s Government Relations Consultant, speaking to members.

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• The needed tools are in place to assure the public protection through the formal licensure process, and the national trend whereby provisional licensure (or permitting) has been present is now seen to be in the decline across the other state boards.

Local Ordinance Issues: While this is a very burdensome problem continuing in Georgia, as well as elsewhere in the nation, there is continued tracking of Char-ter City bills – local massage ordi-nances with a strategy of hopefully being able to collaborate effectively

with local practitioners (you are the strongest local resident and constit-uent voice) to address restrictive and prohibitive massage codes which negatively affect your members. We are reviewing Duluth and sev-eral other city issues and will keep the membership informed.

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Answering the call of an angel By Gloria Coppola, LMT

I was putting my suitcase down after returning from a teaching trip to Hawaii when my phone rang. Little did I know that it was a call from an Angel. Angel Cardone was a former stu-dent of mine in New Jersey. It was early November 2012, just after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Angel called to tell me about the losses of another former student of mine, Lisa Mayer. Lisa had severe damage to her home and the equipment in her home office. Devastated as she was, Lisa was more concerned about providing massage sessions to her clients than her own personal losses, though counted in her damage was her beloved massage table. Angel called me and wondered if I

could help. Immediately, I put out emails

to many of the massage table vendors I have known for years. I prayed for a table to be donated so we could help Lisa. In less than 24 hours I heard from Oakworks, Customer Craft-works, American 3B Scientific and EarthLite, all telling me they would donate tables. Soon thereafter more tables were donated from Master Massage through One Concept. I had no idea this would go viral so quickly. To my surprise, this all unfolded very quickly. Many colleagues jumped in to help in a flash. William Fee and I made a plan along with Bridget Turnbach, both from New Jersey. I posted it on FaceBook and eventually we had a huge outreach of people wanting to help our massage therapists. How amazing is social media? Massage therapists were helping massage therapists—a wonderful idea was forming in my mind! I drove from North Carolina to New Jersey and we delivered many tables, gift baskets, and gift cards to our colleagues. Lisa was overwhelmed with gratitude. As I sat talking to her, she was full of emotion, not only because of her losses, but also because of the overwhelming support of her pro-fessional community. Yes, we all can make a difference in the lives of others and it begins with one person. Because Lisa humbled herself to ask for help and Angel thought to call me, Massage Without Borders was formed. This new non-profit

is for all of us. Massage therapists are the board members. William Fee, New Jersey, President, Kathy J Burley, 1st VP, West Virginia, Ceallaigh Pender 2nd Vice Presi-dent, New Jersey, Naomi Baker, Treasurer, North Carolina, and Kate Hudak, Secretary, Arizona all contributing their time and talents planning how to help massage therapists in the future. As the volunteer executive direc-tor of MWB, it is my hope that we will continue to obtain the sup-port and contributions we will need to become sustainable. The ABMP and Massage Magazine have supported our T-shirt cam-paign and benefit concert held January 29th, 2013 co-hosted by The Massage Nerd. Some of our educators, including Erik Dalton, Boris Prilitsky and Nina Howard have already found ways to con-tribute through fund raising with their DVDs or trainings. Biofreeze, Biotone, Sacred Earth, Susan Salvo, Ruth Werner, Real Bodywork, Michael Buck and many others contributed to our E-Auction in January. Also, with your donation of $50.00 we will send you one of our T shirts “Massage Therapists Helping Massage Therapists!” We coordinated a National School Fund-Raising Event to be held May 20-25th, 2013. The proceeds will go to an “Adopt a Student” program and free webi-nar classes in the future on PTSD. Also, check in at Facebook to keep posted on our other events, including an e-auction in May and October. Find us on Facebook under the name: HelpMTs.

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We cur-rently have over 100 volun-teers across

the U.S. and more are necessary to help this mission become viable longterm. I hope that all of our organiza-tions will come together and work cooperatively in times of need.

Remember, we can all do some-thing to help our fellow man. Not only can a community make a diff erence, one person can and in this case, she started a movement! Thank you Lisa Mayer!

You can contact Gloria, make a

contribution or order your own

T- Shirt by visiting:

MassageWithoutBorders.org

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Gloria Coppola, LMT has been in the healing arts for almost 30 years. She is the former owner of a massage school and holistic health center. She has assisted with writing curriculum for several schools across the U.S..Currently, she is the owner of Mas-sage Pro C.E., a continuing educator provider specializing in the Hawaiian healing art of Lomilomi.

MassageProCE.com

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The Marketing Coach:Put Your Focus on Bodies in Your CommunityRather Than on Other Bodyworkers

As the business coach for mas-sage therapists, a day rarely goes by that I’m not coaching one LMT or another. Yesterday was no exception. I was working with a therapist from Massachusetts, who I met just days before teaching my “Build a $100,000 a Year Massage Business” 6-CE workshop at the Bay State’s amta conference. She posed a question that caught my attention in a big way. What I told her can be very valuable for any massage therapist anywhere in the country. She was talking about possibly changing her fee structure, but was concerned how that might af-fect her from a competitive stand-point with regard to other LMTs in her area. What I said to her was the following: “Don’t be so con-cerned about your community’s other body workers. Instead, focus on on the bodies in your com-munity.” In other words, thinking about the other licensed massage therapists in her area was putting her focus on a very limited train of thought. Thinking about all the people in her neighborhood who weren’t getting massaged —yet needed it—would put her in a much more expanded way of thinking. Why worry about the competi-tion when you can expand the market? If the market is expand-ed—and this is something you

can do by yourself or in cooperation with other LMTs—

there’s plenty of clients and rev-enue to go around for everyone. This goes on in other industries all the time. In many categories of business, each company is in di-rect competition with every other company in its fi eld, but they also pool their resources and talent to create industry groups that, in a cooperative way, help to expand the size of the market for all of the players in the fi eld. About fi ve years ago, when I was doing research to prepare for the keynote address that I gave at the 2006 amta convention in Atlanta, I came across some interesting statistics that are relevant to this topic. In the period between Au-gust 2004 and July 2005, according to a study commissioned by the amta, only 34 percent of adults in America received a massage in the fi ve years before. This means that two thirds of the nation hadn’t been on an LMT’s table to get the stress and ten-sion out of their bodies. And 83 percent of men hadn’t done so in the previous year. This staggering statistic represents an enormous opportunity for massage thera-pists throughout the country, and an enormous opportunity for the therapist I was coaching in her area in Massachusetts. It also presents an enormous opportu-nity for you, in whatever city you happen to apply your trade. The horses that take tourists on strolls through Manhattan’s Central Park wear blinders to

inhibit their peripheral vision, thus preventing them from seeing traf-fi c around them. Be like that: don’t see the other therapists around you, just look straight ahead at the thousands—or perhaps mil-lions—of people in your area who desperately need what you have to off er.

Cary Bayer was keynote speaker at the amta national convention. Cary is a Life Coach; CE provider licensed by NCBTMB and Florida Dept. of Health’s Board of Massage Therapy; and faculty member of Massage Business University, who writes for Massage Today and AMTA publica-tions in 14 states. His three-dozen publications include 1 full-length book specifi cally for massage thera-pists, seven mini-books, plus 2 DVDs, one of which has been translated into Japanese. He’s coached more than 275 LMTs. His 15 CE seminars and webinars—in particular, “Build a $100,000 a Year Massage Business”—are very popular among therapists.

By Coach Cary Bayer

The Marketing Coach, Cary Bayer

When you touch a body, you touch the whole person, the intellect, the spirit, and the emotions. —Jane Harrington

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Massage Therapy Foundation Board Announces New Executive DirectorEvanston, IL – The Massage Ther-apy Foundation (MTF) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that current amta Foundation Director, Gini S. Ohlson, will be-come its Executive Director on July 1, 2013. For more than a year, the MTF and amta have been examin-ing the most benefi cial structure for the MTF. Since the MTF was founded, its Executive Director post has been held by the amta Execu-tive Director as part of an annual agreement. Both organizations feel it is time for the MTF to function more independently. Ohlson has

been amta’s staff director for the MTF since June 1998. “With Gini’s 15 years of experience at amta and her direct manage-ment of the day-to-day operations of the MTF during that time, the Board is confi dent in her abilities and understanding of the Foun-dation,” says MTF President Ruth Werner. “We feel she knows our donors and supporters and will successfully help lead the future direction of the Foundation. Gini has already given so much to the MTF over her many years of service that it was a natural selection for

her to be our new Executive Direc-tor. She will also be perfectly suited to continue to help maintain the ongoing and very strong relation-ship between the Foundation and the amta.”

The Massage Therapy Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity, with a mission to advance the knowledge and prac-tice of massage therapy by support-ing scientifi c research, education, and community service.

massagetherapyfoundation.org

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When you touch a body, you touch the whole person, the intellect, the spirit, and the emotions. —Jane Harrington

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Hands On Georgia4 Coosawattee Avenue Suite C

Rome, Georgia 30165

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amta-georgia chapter newsletter may 2013

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