Trave Blog

Massage centre sex racket exposed

A Sex racket organised under the guise of a massage centre was busted with the arrest of two persons, including a sex worker, by Task Force sleuths. Acting on a tip-off, a Central Zone Task Force team nabbed the mastermind, Lakavath Upender alias Adithya, and a female sex worker.

Police said Upender used to take out advertisements in the newspapers, offering “hi-tech’’ services by masseurs and masseuses. The police have seized a mobile phone and motorcycle from him. The accused, a resident of Bowenpally, hails from Warangal district.

“When a customer contacted him over his mobile phone, Adithya would supply the female sex worker, charging Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000,’’ DCP Task Force V B Kamalasan Reddy said in a release.

For homosexual activities, the accused would make himself available at prices ranging from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000, it is learnt. Adithya has been turned over to the Saifabad police.

Tags: Massage centre

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CranioSacral therapy

An active 12-year-old, Isaiah Ogasawara dreaded the severe daily headaches he endured after skateboarding. Because he was smart and functional, doctors weren’t concerned about the pain he had after cranial surgery, and medicines didn’t help. So he was understandably relieved when CranioSacral Therapy (CST) ended his headaches.

“Now, I can see him enjoying a normal life,” says his mother, River Lin. “Before, when he had so many headaches, he was reluctant to go out and play because he knew it would get to him. CranioSacral Therapy changed his life.”

CST is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases deep tensions to relieve pain and dysfunction. Also used as a preventative measure, it can boost the immune system, improve fluid movement and promote overall health. Because it affects the central nervous system, it often relieves stress.

“I started out of curiosity and found that it helped with my ankle, which was arthritic. I have since found it’s an excellent way to reduce the effects of stress, and I believe it helps keep my arthritis in check,” says monthly client Mary Robey.

The craniosacral system is made up of bones, membranes and fluid that protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord. Stress can cause tissues to tighten, impairing the central nervous system, and potentially everything else that it affects.

With a light touch, the therapist feels the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Restrictions in the rhythm show the therapist where to work and light-touch techniques are used to release them.

CST is a good alternative to massage for people who are sensitive to touch or don’t want to disrobe.

“The therapy works well with fibromyalgia patients, particularly if they can’t stand much touching,” says CST practitioner Carol Fienhage. “It helps headaches and myofascial dysfunction, in which there is referred pain or pain for which they can’t pin down a cause.”

CST clients are often pleasantly surprised to feel more relaxed with themselves after therapy. It can also help some types of depression and anxiety.

Fienhage is the most experienced CranioSacral therapist in the area, and this writer is one of six in Indiana certified to practice. Both of us have advanced training.

Midwest Health Strategies also offers basic CST, and many massage therapists do basic techniques. Practitioners can be located on www.Upledger.com.

The number of sessions needed varies widely from just one up to three or more a week over the course of several weeks, and it won’t interfere with other treatments.

One’s response to CST is unique and can’t be compared to anyone else’s, even in cases that appear similar.

“CranioSacral Therapy integrates all systems of the body-mind-spirit,” says Chas Perry, Ph.D., of New Mexico, who teaches for Upledger Institute.

Clients receive CST from advanced therapists, along with massage, lymphatic drainage and a variety of alternative therapies (www.integrativeintentions.com).

CST addresses tension, migraines, headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor coordination impairment, childhood disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, TMJ syndrome, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and various orthopedic problems, says the Upledger Institute, which trains therapists.

Tags: CranioSacral Therapy

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Foldaway Massage Chair converts to footstool

There’s nothing like a good massage at the end of a long, stressful week. And isn’t it so much more relaxing if you can relieve stress and muscle strain in the comfort of your own home? There’s all sorts of massage chairs available, but many of them are excessively large and to be honest – not particularly blessed with good looks. The Foldaway Massage Chair not only delivers a relaxing massage to the legs, feet, back and buttocks – it folds up into a colorful, funky-looking footstool that can be used as an extra piece of furniture or stored neatly away.

The footwells on the massage chair have air cells along the sides. These deliver a kneading and compression massage to the calves and ankles as they inflate and deflate, invigorating tired, tight muscles. The toes, arches and soles of the feet are treated to a deep-penetrating acupressure massage via finger-like nodes as the back and buttocks are soothed and relieved via expanding and contracting air cells in the seat. These air cells also help to gently stretch the hips and waist.

There are four 15 minute massage programs to choose from. These programs have been specifically developed by a Japanese Shiatsu specialist. If you prefer, the massage can be focused on one particular area of the body and the intensity of the massage can be adjusted via a control panel contained in the footwell.

To close the chair, you simply lift the back leg. The unit then folds into a neat and compact 22″ (55.9cm) x 19″ (48.3cm) cube which can be used as an ottoman or stored away in a closet or spare room.

The chair comes in ivory, red or black and when it is open, measures 39″l (99cm) x 19″w (48.3cm) x 27″h (68.6cm) and weighs 49 pounds (22.3kg) – so its not as large or luxurious as some of the high-end home massage options out there. It is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for US$799.95.

Tags: Foldaway Massage

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Close the paid for massage loopholes

Let me tell you a story about prostitution, human trafficking, massage law, and special interest groups. This is a timely story because of Sen. Cecil Staton’s introduction of SB 364.

First, let me say that I congratulate and support Staton in his efforts. In short, SB 364 is designed to provide harsher penalties for licensed massage therapists who are convicted of prostitution. Unfortunately, in its present form, Staton’s bill will be ineffective because of one very important fact: the crux of the problem is that approximately half of the people practicing “massage” in Georgia are doing it without a license and hiding under the guise of the term “bodywork.”

It is first necessary to understand that the Georgia massage licensing law originated when a large, national massage organization poured out $500,000 into lobbying for the passage of this law to serve one small special interest group (that group now has three of its members, who form a majority, on the Georgia State Board of Massage Therapy).

During the legislative process, this situation evolved into its present form because of a “back door” deal between that special interest group and another, thus leaving an escape hole in the law the size of Atlanta that benefited both groups.

The people who are evading the law are the bulk of the prostitutes and the licensed massage therapists who are convicted of prostitution. They are a very small minority within this group.

The second special interest group calls themselves bodyworkers; this is simply another word for massage (as is recognized in other states) used to enable this group to evade the licensing law. They are exempt from the law.

This is the result of the deal that was struck between the two special interest groups for their mutual benefit, but to the detriment of the general citizenry of Georgia.

In practical terms, this means that if you complain about a “spa” that offers prostitution services as part of a “massage,” the state inspector can visit the establishment and ask if they do massage. If the answer is “no, we do bodywork,” and the word massage is not used in their advertising, the inspector leaves; bodywork is uncontrolled and he has no power.

Let me be clear, I am in no way saying that everyone who uses the term bodywork is a prostitute. In fact, the overwhelming majority of this group is qualified to practice, but they simply desire not to be regulated by the state. I empathize with them, however, my goal of a fair and equal application to all Georgians supercedes their desires.

Human traffickers bring girls and young women into this country for the purpose of prostitution. Our state is a major place where this is happening with Atlanta being a national hub for this activity and Macon filled with opportunities. We need some effective action.

I believe this current bill is a necessary step, but other legislative action is also needed. I think there is a necessity for some relatively simple amendments to the existing massage licensing law to include everyone who is having people undress and practicing an organized system of touch. These amendments will force the undesirable perpetrators to remove their billboards and close their “spa” doors or be scrutinized and comply with the law.

These changes will help to protect the general health and welfare of Georgians, generate much needed revenues, and be an effective tool against prostitution. It will stop the ability to evade the application of this law by approximately half of the “massage” practitioners who practice in Georgia, and make them subject to the proposed actions.

Our legislators have shown by their actions and inactions that they do not understand the content and limitations of the law they have passed. Are they even interested is the question?

I urge everyone to contact our legislators and ask them to become informed and take effective action on this very important issue. I would personally welcome an opportunity to speak with any interested legislator.

Gary Lescak is a licensed massage therapist. He is an approved provider for continuing education for license renewal for therapists.

Tags: massage loopholes

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Massage – the most effective relaxation

Massage kinds
There are various massage methods used around the world. Some of them can have several names. For example, classic or Swedish massage; Russian speaking people call it classic, but Europeans – Swedish massage.
Almost every kind of massage is therapeutic and has a prophylactic treatment effect. However, the difference between hygienic and prophylactic massage is only in theory. Any kind of massage, acting simultaneously on the physical and emotional levels, restores strength and energy.

How does this work?
Skin is the most extensive organ for sense. When we touch the skin, our nerve endings send information to the brain. The brain processes this received information and transfers signals to muscles. Gentle touches can provoke the emission of endorphins, and the brain transfers an ‘order’ to the body to calm down and relax. Sometimes a quick fix is necessary. Excellent results can be achieved with gentle pressure, stretching, pulling and massage. Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy.

The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body to increase immunity and well-being. Massage triggers the body’s relaxation response, interrupting a cycle of stress and muscle tension that one can acquire due to life’s challenges. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after a massage, you are less likely to slip into patterns of tension that can contribute to soft tissue problems and subluxations. Massage can decrease pain, prevent muscle deterioration, promote joint health, increase strength, stability and range of motion, and protect against new or recurring injuries.

Following an injury, stretching massage is an important way to prevent the formation of scar tissue. Even after it has healed, keeping to the stretching program on a regular basis helps tissues to remain flexible, increases mobility and protects you from new injuries. Massage directly influences the lymphatic system and helps to reduce lactic acid and other chemical wastes from the body.

Kinds of massage
Massage can be divided into different forms: general, part massage, self-massage, mutual, four-hand massage, foot massage and sauna massage.
Massage can have certain purposes: wellness (hygienic), relaxing, restoring, breath- normalizing and lymphatic drainage massage and percussion massage.
Massage also can be divided into categories: child, sports, gynecologic, urologic, and tissue restoring massage.
There are also national forms of massage, for example, Hawaiian massage, Japanese, Turkish, Chinese, classic [Russian] and Thai massage.

Specialists name also aesthetic kinds of massage: anti-cellulite, cosmetic and silhouette- massage.
There is also massage with additional instruments: vacuum massage, massage with jars and brushes, vibration massage and volcanic stone massage, hydro massage, massage with warm spoons and many more.

Who needs a massage?
Nowadays, almost everybody has a stressful life, with different, difficult situations.  Massage can help to reduce stress and depression, can improve proper body functioning. It can also help to reduce headaches, to improve blood circulation and process proper brain work. Painful sprains and strains, as well as myofascial adhesions, can be addressed directly with different massage techniques that improve circulation and stimulate healthy separation and realignment of injured fibers.
Hygienic massage is an active way to prevent different diseases. It protects your body against viruses and improves immunity.
Wellness massage helps you to avoid different injuries and to strengthen your muscles and fibers. It is an effective way to treat various diseases.

Rehabilitation massage helps to accelerate health restoration processes after injuries, and is very effective for functional treatment and restoring proper function of musculoskeletal system.
The masseur will choose the best method for your specific needs and will help you to reduce painful swelling and inflammation.
Segmental massage is one of the ways to affect reflector parts of the skin zones. It came from the East. Specialists there say that every internal organ has a special zone on the skin, that’s why you can reduce pain by massaging certain parts of the body. Good specialists can restore normal functioning of a sick organ. There are several techniques of Eastern massage: segmental, tissue restoring massage, shiatsu, point massage, etc.

Masseurs use various instruments to improve the effect of the massage: massage sticks, balls, needles and elastic massage spring rings. But one of the most popular additional massage instruments remains stones. The stones, which are used during massage procedures, were formed on the slopes of active volcanoes. They contain a large quantity of useful micro and macro cells. The volcanic nature gives them various special features. Volcanic stones contain features of four elements: fire, water, air and earth, which promote a strong healing effect.

Massage contraindications:
Massage, as a treatment procedure, has several contraindications. You should not go to a masseur if you have a fever, infection or a cold. Another contraindication is cancer or lumps; massage can also affect metastases. Massage also is not recommended if you have inflammation of the joints or varicose dilatation of the veins.

Tags: effective relaxation

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Ruth Werner Takes Office as President of the Massage Therapy Foundation

The Massage Therapy Foundation Board of Trustees is proud to announce that Ruth Werner of Layton,  Utah is their newly elected President. Werner’s term as President will be from March, 1, 2010 through February 28, 2012.

Werner has been a trustee with the Foundation since March 2006, most recently serving as President-elect. She serves on several Foundation committees, and in 2009 under her leadership the Education Committee launched a new program, “Teaching Research Literacy: An In-Service Event for Teachers,” which provides a continuing education opportunity for massage therapy educators and schools.

Werner is a massage therapist, writer, and educator with a passionate interest in massage research and the role of bodywork for people who struggle with health. Her groundbreaking textbook, A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology was first published in 1998; keeping it current is now her main occupation. In addition, she

writes a column for Massage and Bodywork magazine and teaches continuing education workshops all over the country. She has volunteered for the Utah Department of Public Licensing, the AMTA, the National Certifying Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards. Ruth was extremely honored to be selected for the AMTA Council of Schools Teacher of the Year Award for 2005.

Werner will succeed Diana Thompson, who served as President of the Massage Therapy Foundation since March 2006.  Thompson will remain on the Board of Trustees and will serve as Immediate Past President.

Tags: Massage Therapy

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Can a Massage Prevent Cold, Flu?

Can a Massage Prevent Cold, Flu?   Does it sound too good to be true? Here’s the relaxing reality.

Some of the pampering pros say getting a massage isn’t only one of the most relaxing things in the world. They say, even in Houston’s latest blast of winter, it’s one of the best ways to fight off the cold and flu. Regular massage not only manages stress, but keeps that stress from suppressing your immune system. While massages are relaxing, they also reduce your chances of becoming ill by taking harmful toxins out of your body. Lori Baxley, director of Massage Heights ? King抯 Crossing, points out that 搈assaging regularly helps stimulate your lymphatic glands, the natural way to get rid of negative toxins.? “It improves their circulation, and sends essential nutrients and oxygen to the body,” says Baxley. She says with better blood flow, your body better fights off germs. It may not be what the doctor ordered, but getting a massage might just be the relaxing remedy you need for more reasons than one.

Additional Benefits Of Massage
Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
? Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
? Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
? Ease medication dependence.
? Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow梩he body抯 natural defense system.
? Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
? Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
? Improve the condition of the body抯 largest organ梩he skin.
? Increase joint flexibility.
? Lessen depression and anxiety.
? Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
? Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
? Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
? Reduce spasms and cramping.
? Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
? Release endorphins梐mino acids that work as the body抯 natural painkiller.
? Relieve migraine pain.

Tags: massage

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Massage therapist opens doors to those in pain

Cindy Scoggin rubs clients’ pain away from the comforts of home.

Scoggin moved to Florida five years ago from Las Vegas to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

“All three of my kids are military or part of military families,” Scoggin said sitting on her couch in Santa Rosa Beach. “I came here because I wanted to be in a place where I could see my grandchildren grow up.”

Scoggin, who is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, in addition to being licensed in the state of Florida, has been performing massages for five years.

“I specialize in medical massages,” she said as she shows off the massage room in her Santa Rosa Beach home. “I have my own table and will travel to my patient’s houses if I have to.”

While she still hasn’t settled on a name for her business, Scoggin uses the slogan “Special Hands for Special Care” to describe her work.

“I can work forever,” she said. “I have customers who call me Helga because of how strong my hands are. Medical massage is hard work and is not for the faint of heart.”

In addition to growing her home business, Scoggin is currently working at Aquarius Spa in Grayton Beach.

“Medical massage therapy is all together different from a regular massage,” Scoggin said. “There are actually very few of us around.”

One of the main reasons people get medical massages is because of car accidents. And this is the reason Scoggin started in her field of choice.

“About five years ago, I got into a really bad car accident in front of the mall in Mary Esther,” Scoggin said shifting on the couch. “My truck was t-boned and totaled. I think I slid like 20 to 30 feet.”

After her accident, Scoggin started going to a massage therapist and a chiropractor.

“It really helped with the pain,” she said. “To this day I still don’t feel any pain from it.”

Scoggin can treat a multitude of injuries that affect most people.

“Since becoming a medical massage therapist, I have treated everything from knee and back pain to leg injuries, rotator cuff problems and headaches,” she said. “Would you rather get a massage, or take a bunch of anti-inflammatory meds and pain-killers?”

Moving forward, Scoggin has a dream to grow in the area and build up her clientele.

Although business has been slow, Scoggin has received praise from her clients.

“I have had people tell me that after getting a massage they were able to stop taking various pain medicines,” she said. “They are also having the best nights of sleep they have had in years.”

Tags: Massage Therapist

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Massage Tables Are Like Elegant Desserts

It’s true, massage tables really are like elegant desserts. The best ones have the perfect balance of sumptuous and delicious layers. Go enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner. Chances are the dessert tray will be filled with items sporting layer after layer of sheer decadence. More layers really equals more luxury and more indulgence.

However, this is where the similarities with your massage table end. I have seen some therapists who will place a sheet over a table and call it complete. This can leave a client shivering and feeling more than a little exposed. I have also witnessed other therapists create the equivalent to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in an effort to make the table more comfortable. This often results in the client fussing with the table covers and struggling to keep them in place while trying to roll over, or even worse, the coverings sliding to the floor completely when the client gets off the table due to ill fitting or inappropriate coverings not created for use on a massage table.

How do you know when enough is enough? How can you be sure you have not crossed the line between cocooning comfort and overcompensation for an uncomfortable table? Often, these lines can be blurred. Let’s look at some of the regularly used table coverings in order of their layering on the table, and then you can utilize the information provided to pick and choose which would be appropriate for your specific applications.

Table Warmers

Table warmers come in many different forms. Some are washable while others are not. Some are suited for treatments where they might come in contact with water and others are not made to withstand moisture. Before you choose, decide whether or not you plan to practice treatments that require the warmer to be water-proof. For instance, if your plan is to offer herbal wraps, you will most likely opt for the water-proof option for safety’s sake. If your plan doesn’t include treatments utilizing moisture and free-flowing water, then a regular fabric table warmer will work fine. In all cases, check to be sure the warmer has an auto-off feature. This alleviates the age old worry in the middle of the night as you sit straight up in bed, “Did I unplug the table warmer?”

Some models can be programmed to work continuously for up to 99 minutes, and then power down. This is a great feature, and one I personally prefer. It takes the guesswork out of whether or not the warmer will remain on for the full treatment. Given the average massage is 60 to 90 minutes, it should cover most treatments. The trick is remembering to reset it between clients so it does not power down in the middle of your massage. These typically are washable on the gentle cycle, although it is preferable to hang them to dry to better prevent the warming filaments from breaking.

Ideas for Added Padding

Fleece likely is the most popular and widely utilized plush covering. This covering provides additional cushion and a degree of comfort that a sheet on bare vinyl will not provide. Look for fleece with elastic corner holds or a fitted cover to secure it to the table. You have a couple of choices in the type of fleece you utilize. Some people only want wool fleece pads. Although these are very warm and cozy, they cannot be machine washed and some clients might have allergies to wool, which won’t necessarily be disclosed in the intake form. I prefer the synthetic fleece because it offers greater flexibility in washing. It can be machine washed and dried in the dryer on fluff or air dry without heat. I would suggest a therapist have a few sets of fleece so they can be changed out between clients on a busy day. Now they are more affordable than ever before, ranging from $25 to $110 depending on the material you choose.

Another popular option for added comfort is memory foam covered in vinyl. This is a fantastic way to soften a hard table or elongate the life of one that is beginning to show wear on the padding. It usually is 2 to 3 inches thick and is made of visco-elastic material which reacts to body heat, conforming to the contours of the body. These, when covered with vinyl, are easily cleaned and offer a very comfortable foundation for your client. While not inexpensive, they can truly provide a luxurious feel to your table and extend the usefulness of a table in the beginning stages of wear, allowing an additional pocket of time before you must invest in a new table.

Tags: Massage Tables

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A Muscle Matters Therapeutic Massage

Recently, business reporter Rob Levey sat down with Vivian Poirier of A Muscle Matters Therapeutic Massage to discuss her business.

York Weekly: How long have you been in business?

Vivian Poirier: I’ve been practicing since 1996, but I’ve been in this space since 1998.

YW: You are located in York?

VP: Yes, I’m at 226 York St., next to the Village School.

YW: Tell me about your business.

VP: I do therapeutic massages and my clients range in age from 12 to 90. I work on seniors with touch deprivation, to athletes suffering from muscle tension and limited range of motion, to businessmen and women suffering from work stress. There are people who specialize in Reiki, or sports massage, or other modalities, but my approach is to try and see what’s going on with a client and work within that criteria.

YW: Has the economy affected your business?

VP: Business has definitely not been great. A lot of people who used to come to me monthly have cut therapeutic massages out of their health-care plans altogether.

YW: Have you made any changes?

VP: Recently, I’ve brought someone in to share my office with me. You have to learn to be flexible.

YW: Any other challenges you have had to contend with over the years as a business owner?

VP: How to market myself properly and continue to bring in new business. A lot of times people ask me how long I’ve been here and they’re surprised. Most of my business now is word of mouth. Part of the challenge for me is I’m not computer savvy. A lot of people are using Web sites to advertise their businesses and I haven’t done that.

YW: Any plans to have a Web site? It’s something I’m looking at, but it’s very expensive. What comes first — the horse or the cart?

YW: What is your hope for 2010?

VP: To get through the year. I’m hoping 2010 is the turning point for all businesses in York. I’m hoping people get more comfortable spending money on themselves. We always put ourselves last.

YW: As for pricing, how would you characterize your services?

VP: My rates are comparable with others and less expensive than what you’d get in a spa. I offer packages, too. If you have a particular need, I can offer breaks or discounts. I also offer half-hour packages.

YW: What do you hope people get out of your services?

VP: I believe I’m making a difference on a number of different levels. People feel more relaxed, less pain, and that they have options in their care. I make a difference for them and that’s what it’s all about.

Tags: Therapeutic massage

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