Hot tubs to go!

You may have heard the term flashpacking, the act of traveling in the spirit of a backpacker but with the budget of one more monied. Well, from the Netherlands comes what might be the ultimate in flashcamping—a portable, wood-burning spa.

The Dutchtub is a personal hot-springs-to-go. If you have a tub-sized patch of flat ground, wood and 200 gallons (750 liters) worth of water or snow you can have your own spa virtually anywhere.

Fill your tub with water via a suction hose, bucket brigade or whatever other means you can. (Alternatively, you can leave the Dutchtub outside and let snow or rain do the job for you).

Next, attach the included convection unit to the side of the Dutchtub and build a three-to-four log fire within its coil. Then cover your tub and wait for the water within to get toasty warm. The length of your wait will depend on the type of wood used and the starting temperatures. If the water and air temperature are each a few degrees above freezing, for instance, plan on about two hours for the tub water to heat to 100 F (38 C).

The Dutchtub is large enough to fit four adults comfortably; the slope of the tub’s side naturally forms ergonomic “seats.” The tub is made from the same stainless steel used to construct giant wind turbines; durability isn’t an issue.

For workshops in Spa therapies and Spa Management, visit ASIS

Doctors in Spain complete a double leg transplant

As we think about the extent and the use of “medical massage”, some of the latest science may really help propel  the need for massage therapy as a team member in some of these new transplant cases.

Doctors in Spain have given hope that the first man to undergo a double leg transplant may be able to walk in less than a year. If the healing process and rehabilitation go as planned, doctors predict the patient will be able to walk again with the aid of crutches in six months. Acting as spokesperson for the case, Dr. Pedro Cavadas revealed that the patient was a male and in his early twenties. The doctor declined to offer more details about the individual other than that he lost his legs above the knee in an accident. Dr. Cavadas gave no information about the donor.

Surgery to transplant the legs was said to have lasted for 10 hours and began Sunday evening at a hospital in Valencia, Spain. The patient was reportedly elated to awaken to his new limbs. In the past, doctors have not looked to transplant legs, as artificial legs allow patients to walk and even run. Dr. Nadey Hakim of the Hammersmith Hospital Transplant Unit cautioned that maintaining blood flow to the limbs over the next few days was a crucial step in attaining success. Dr. Cavadas had previously reached success with both hand and face transplants.

For more on this article, click here:

For Workshops on deep tissue and advanced therapies, visit ASIS Massage:

A great glossary of definitions for massage therapists and alternative health practioners

There are a continual growth in our massage therapy profession, from who is offering massage therapy and bodywork, where massage is being offered,

and what body work and alternative health techniques are being offered.

To some degree, this is what I enjoy most about both the profession, and being an instructor at Massage School.

One can never get board.  In addition, when it comes time for CEU’s, it’s like the state has just offered you an infinite fork in the road.  With the diversity, and growth in this massage therapy profession, you can re-invent yourself every two years!

Attached is an interesting list of some of what’s out there:

Click on the link for more:

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system. Developed by John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., this manual therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth — which make up the cranium — down to the sacrum or tailbone. Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities. These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system. Therapists generally use only 5 grams of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, to test for restrictions in various parts of the craniosacral system. It’s often possible for the evaluation alone to remove the restriction and allow the system to correct itself.

CUPPING
Using glass cups to apply suction to drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen and lift connective tissue, bring blood flow to adhesions , stagnant skin and muscles and stimulate the peripheral nervous system. Beneficial treatment to reduce cellulite by improving circulation, reduce toxins, loosen adhesions or ‘dimpling.’ Also used at the onset of a cold.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Techniques which utilize deep tissue/deep muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

DRY BRUSHING

Exfoliates the body with a brisk dry brushing that leaves the skin smooth and glowing. Dry Brushing also stimulates circulation and the lymphatic systems. Its recommended before any wraps to increase effectiveness of treatment.

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Stimulating acupuncture points with a safe, well regulated electrical current.

FACIAL TONING HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENT
Formerly known as “Face Lift Facial Massage & Hydrotherapy,” this technique uses muscle toning massage or lymphatic drainage therapy techniques to promote a vibrant complexion and combat the effects of stress and aging. Increases circulation and improves skin tone. Oils, lotions and creams can be used to exfoliate, moisturize and soften the skin to give you a more youthful look. Session includes hand and foot massage, warm towels, and finishes with a little neck massage. Just a little bit of heaven!

GERIATRIC MASSAGE
Geriatric massage, with its focus on the elderly, addresses the psychological and physiological aspects of aging and its associated diseases. Therapists use a variety of techniques suited to the needs of the individual.

GUA SHA
Scraping the skin with a tool to increase circulation. Classically used to reduce fever, cough, respiratory ailments, stiffness, pain, and heat-stroke.

HERBAL CONSULTATION
After examination and interview, herbs are prescribed to help with issues such as pain, insomnia, anxiety, menopausal symptoms, PMS, common cold, allergies, or digestive upset. Most formulas in stock are in tablet or pill form, but powders and bulk teas can be special ordered and shipped to you.

 

If you are interested in seeing more of what is out there, visit ASIS Massage on line, and sign up for the

ASIS newsletters.

 

Creating your own Massage Therapy Clinic

53 Ways to Become a Better Entrepreneur

by Neil Patel on August 7, 2009

Do you want to become a better entrepreneur? Well who doesn’t, right?

Over the past 8 years I have started around 9 companies. Sadly most of them failed, but the good news is, I have learned a lot over the years. Some of these things maybe obvious to you, while others may not, but none-the-less there will be something that will be beneficial to you.

Here are 53 things to keep in mind if you want to be a better entrepreneur:

  1. Don’t let emotions cloud your decisions.
  2. Accept criticism, no matter who gives it to you.
  3. Never stop networking.
  4. Learn from your own mistakes.
  5. Learn from other people’s mistakes.
  6. Around every corner lies an opportunity for you to sell something.
  7. Don’t get too greedy… pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered.
  8. Try not to mix your family life with your business life.
  9. No matter how successful you are, you shouldn’t stop learning.
  10. Spending money on good lawyers and accountants will save you more money in the long run.
  11. Don’t pick a stupid company name and if you do, don’t change it later on.
  12. Hiring employees won’t solve most of your problems.
  13. Be agile because slow and steady won’t win the race.
  14. Being agile isn’t enough, you also have to be scrappy too.
  15. Having a good business partner will be a key factor in your success.
  16. Don’t be afraid of the unknown.
  17. It is easier to save money than it is to make it.
  18. You don’t always have to innovate; there is nothing wrong with copying.
  19. Have a marketing plan.
  20. Don’t under estimate your competition; you can’t always know what they are doing.
  21. Watching movies like Boiler Room, will teach you how to sell.
  22. If you don’t have a business mentor, you better get one.
  23. Your income will be the average of your 5 closest friends, so pick them wisely.
  24. Diversifying is a good way to play things safe.
  25. It doesn’t matter what you want, it only matters what your customers want.
  26. When others are fearful, you should be greedy. And when they are greedy you should be fearful.
  27. You don’t always have to pay for advice. You’ll be amazed with the free advice you can get pick up from the web.
  28. The best chances you have of becoming rich is through your willingness of working hard.
  29. Even the most idiotic business idea can make money.
  30. Sex sells and it always will.
  31. An easy way to make more money is to up sell to your current customer base.
  32. Base your business decisions around metrics.
  33. There is no such thing as a safe bet.
  34. You don’t have to start a business to be successful.
  35. Raising venture capital is harder than being struck by lightening.
  36. Staying under the radar isn’t always a bad thing. Being out in the open is a great way to attract more competitors.
  37. Learn to be a team player.
  38. If you ever get screwed over, think twice before you burn the bridge.
  39. Learn to manage both your personal and business money.
  40. Live in a location filled with entrepreneurs.
  41. If you don’t take any risks, there will not be any rewards.
  42. Don’t let anything stand in your way.
  43. Sometimes you have to wait for good deals to come to you.
  44. The smartest route isn’t always the easiest route.
  45. Being too aggressive can backfire.
  46. With networking, it isn’t about whom you know, it is about whom your network knows.
  47. It’s never a bad thing to know too many rich people. Whether you like them or not, they can always come in handy. So make sure you always play nice with them.
  48. Use your email signature to promote your business.
  49. Don’t be afraid of social media. It is a great channel for customer acquisition.
  50. You’ll learn more from starting your own business, than going to business school.
  51. Having a personal blog doesn’t only help build your personal brand, but it helps your business as well.
  52. Your competitors don’t have to be your enemies, you can learn a lot from them.
  53. You can grow your business by working for free.

ASIS Promoting Peace One Body at a Time

Yet another product for joint pain, just massage it on!

INSTAFLEX

(ARA) – Millions of Americans suffer with joint health issues. Every movement your body makes puts pressure on your joints. Over time this wear and tear can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and sometimes more serious issues. Your joints age over time and like the rest of your body, they require comfort and support.

Researchers in Cambridge, Mass., have discovered a new compound of all-natural ingredients that promises to relieve joint discomfort, improve mobility, and in some cases protect the actual joints themselves. The new proprietary formula, branded under the trademark Instaflex Joint Support includes ingredients with clinical trials nothing short of amazing.

Instaflex can help comfort your joints. Its key ingredients have been shown to:

  • Relieve and comfort your joints
  • Reduce inflammation and stiffness
  • Lubricate for healthy fluid movement
  • Protect and enhance your mobility

Most joint supplements offer a mix of Glucosamine and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) – powerful joint discomfort relievers in their own right – but not effective for everyone. Instaflex Joint Support combines those proven relievers with several new fast-acting compounds including Hyaluronic Acid and Turmeric Root Extract, to help comfort joints, improve mobility, and support healthy joints for many more individuals.

  1. Glucosamine – an essential component of cartilage production and joint function. A variety of studies indicate that Glucosamine supplementation aids in resisting cartilage degeneration, diminishing joint pain, and preventing functional impairment.
  2. MSM – an organosulfur compound that occurs naturally in some primitive plants. A double-blind clinical trial concluded that MSM significantly reduced discomfort and improved physical functioning for those with osteoarthritis of the knee.
  3. Boswellia Serrata – Boswellia Serrata Extract is procured from Boswellia trees found in numerous locations throughout India. The extract has long been used as a medicine for arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

For workshops in Injury Rehabilitation, visit ASIS Massage Education

Management: spas, clinic rooms, massage schools – 6

The Manager’s Cheat Sheet: 101 Common-Sense Rules for Leaders

By Inside CRM Editors

Management is all about connecting with the people on your team. So how do you effectively manage a team? With common knowledge, of course. These are a few back-to-basics rules that will help you develop management skills that really matter.

Communicating with Clients

Whether you’re a business owner or a manager carrying out a project, one thing is always the same: The client is dominant voice in decision-making. Learn to communicate with them effectively and you’ll set a good example for the people you supervise.

1. Remember that the customer is the boss. At the end of the day, your job is to make the customer happy. Act accordingly.

2. Differentiate your products. Don’t get lost in a sea of products and services like yours. Make sure you stand out from your competitors.

3. Retain customers as much as you recruit new ones. While you always want to bring in new business, it’s very important to maintain relationships with loyal customers.

4. Provide effective channels of communication. Make sure your clients can contact you easily and quickly if they have a problem, concern or question. They can also provide a valuable source of feedback.

5. Maintain customer data. Use this data to make your customers feel special by remembering occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. It’s also helpful for keeping track of purchasing preferences.

6. Segment your customers. Not all customers are alike. Divide your customers into groups that allow you to provide attention and services that meet each customer’s unique needs.

7. Provide effective after-sales services. Don’t let contact fall off after the work is complete. Make sure your client stays happy.

8. Listen attentively. Pay attention to exactly what clients are asking for to help you better meet their needs.

9. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know. It’s OK not to know the answer to every question. It’s better to say you don’t know and get back to a customer than to try to bluff your way through a conversation and have to backtrack later.

Keep Up with Change

There is no way to stop the world from changing, so follow these tips to keep up and ahead of the game.

1. Don’t fight change. You can’t stop markets, trends and technology from changing, so learn to go with the flow.

2. Adopt a predictive managerial style. Don’t wait for things to happen to make a move. Anticipate problems and provide contingency plans.

3. Test your contingency plans. Waiting for disaster to strike is a dangerous way to find out if your emergency plans will hold. Test them out from time to time to fine-tune them and make sure they’re still relevant.

4. Identify the positives. Even the most negative changes can have positive aspects to them. Being able to identify and maximize them can help make adapting less painful.

5. Be quick to adapt. Learn to adapt to changing situations quickly and be able to change plans on the spur of the moment if the situation requires it.

6. Stay tuned to external factors. Your business is affected in many ways by outside factors. Keep abreast of these so you can anticipate any sudden market changes that would affect how you need to manage.

7. Put in place a Research and Development plan. Encourage innovation and creativity to stay ahead of the demand for newer and better products and services.

8. Keep an eye on the competition. Don’t let the competition get the best of you. Keep up-to-date with what they’re doing and use it to your advantage in managing your business.

Massage Spa Management course: ASIS Massage Education

Management: spas, clinic rooms, massage schools – 5

The Manager’s Cheat Sheet: 101 Common-Sense Rules for Leaders

By Inside CRM Editors

 

Boosting Productivity

Getting the most out of your day can be difficult with a busy schedule, but you can use these tips to help you maximize your time in order to be better available to employees.

1. Get the most out of meetings. Be organized and prepared for meetings to increase effectiveness and time savings.

2. Focus your energy on things that matter. Don’t let trivial tasks take time away from things that are really important.

3. Identify your time-stealers. Everyone has little things that detract their attention and make them lose focus. Figure out what these are and work to eliminate them, if only for a few hours a day.

4. Be punctual. Being on time is a big deal. Never keep people waiting for appointments or meetings if you can help it.

5. Respond to your correspondence within a reasonable amount of time. You don’t have to be chained to your inbox, but make sure you respond to emails within a few hours whenever possible.

6. Do only what is necessary. There are times when going above and beyond works, but doing so on a daily basis can derail your progress on more important issues. Get the key things done first, then see if you have time for additional things.

7. Stick to schedules and routines. While they may not be the most exciting things, schedules and routines can help streamline and improve your productivity.

8. Organize and manage your schedule. Use any tools and utilities you have at your disposal to prioritize your day and keep track of what you need to get done.

9. Plan more than you think you can do. While this may sound stressful, it can actually be a great motivator. If you manage to get everything done, you’ll enjoy a great sense of achievement.

10. Get to work early on occasion. Sometimes an uninterrupted half hour in an unoccupied office can help you get key things done or allow you to plan your day before there are any distractions to slow you down.

11. Know that sometimes stress is good. While too much of anything, especially stress, can be bad, sometimes a little stress can be the motivation to get you moving, allowing you to get more done.

12. Do your least favorite tasks first. Get your most tedious and least desirable tasks out of the way earlier in the day. After that, everything else will be a breeze.

ASIS offers spa therapist and spa management courses for CEU’s

Management: spas, clinic rooms, massage schools – 4

The Manager’s Cheat Sheet: 101 Common-Sense Rules for Leaders

By Inside CRM Editors

 

Manage Yourself

Being a good manager isn’t just about what you can encourage other people to do, it’s also about managing your own performance.

1. Be accessible. Don’t hole up in your office all day — come out and visit with your employees. Let them know that they can always come to you with problems and concerns.

2. Be open to constructive criticism. It may not always be what you want to hear, but listening to constructive criticism gives you the chance to learn and grow from your mistakes.

3. Accept responsibility. Part of being the boss is accepting responsibility for the mistakes of all that you manage, not just your own.

4. Know there’s always room for improvement. No matter how good you think you are, your job can always be done better. Always be willing to learn.

5. Improve your skills. Learning is a lifelong process. You’re never too old to take a class or ask a co-worker to help you improve your knowledge.

6. Explain things simply. Don’t use big words or technical jargon just to sound smart and impress others. Your employees will understand and perform better if you explain simply and clearly what you need.

7. Instruct rather than order. You may be the boss, but you don’t have to be bossy. You’ll have more success if your requests are more tactfully delivered.

8. Include your staff in your plans. Don’t make your work top secret; let your employees know what’s going on and how they are expected to contribute.

9. Know your subordinates’ jobs. You don’t want to be caught with inferior job knowledge.

10. Be flexible. It’s fine to be firm in what you expect, but allow for flexibility in how it gets done.

11. Get regular feedback. Your employees and superiors can give you valuable feedback on how to improve your performance. Use this to your advantage.

12. Know your limitations. You can’t be everywhere doing everything all at once. Know the limits of your time and abilities and say no to things you know you can’t do.

ASIS: Promoting Peace, One Body at a Time

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Management: spas, clinic rooms, massage schools – 3

The Manager’s Cheat Sheet: 101 Common-Sense Rules for Leaders

By Inside CRM Editors

Management is all about connecting with the people on your team. So how do you effectively manage a team? With common knowledge, of course. These are a few back-to-basics rules that will help you develop management skills that really matter.

Getting Along with Employees

A happy office is a productive one. Everyone will be more cheerful if you follow these simple rules.

1. Don’t make your employees come in on days they’re normally not scheduled to work or call them while they’re on vacation. A surefire way to make employees resent you is to invade their personal time for nonpressing work. Unless you have something that absolutely has to be done, let time away from work stay that way.

2. Don’t play favorites. Playing favorites can bias your judgment and impair your leadership abilities. Treat your employees equally.

3. Give credit when it’s due. Don’t take credit for your employees’ ideas or hog their limelight. This action not only fosters resentment but also makes you seem untrustworthy.

4. Don’t micromanage. While it’s fine to keep up with what your employees are working on, don’t constantly look over their shoulders.

5. Never discuss employee matters with their co-workers. This kind of gossip always gets back to the person and will make you look unprofessional.

6. Don’t interfere with employees’ work. If your employees are getting work done, don’t stress about how it gets done. Even if it’s not being done they way you’d do it, it’s best to let employees use their best judgment.

7. Don’t push unreasonable deadlines. You don’t want to spend all of your time at the office, and neither do your employees.

8. Keep your promises. Barring some catastrophic event, you should always keep promises you make to employees, especially about pay and benefits.

9. Keep work about work. Don’t require employees to run your personal errands. Take care of your own personal business or hire an assistant.

10. Reward hard work. Make sure your employees feel valued for the work that they do. Employees will be more willing to put in extra effort if they know it’s noted and appreciated.

11. Provide motivation. Sometimes employees need a morale boost. Provide them with encouragement to get a project rolling.

For spa management courses, visit us on-line: ASIS Massage Education