As a professional, I am most concerned about the inclusion of massage therapy and massage therapy establishments. As a citizen of NH and consumer, I am concerned about the inclusion of several other professions.

Our State Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association has drafted text which may be used by consumers of massage to write their Senator or House Representative in opposition of this bill. The text follows below.

My concerns about massage therapy and massage therapy establishments include the following:

1. Untrained practitioners may cause harm. There are many considerations with various chronic illnesses and conditions (somewhat permanent conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, vascular ailments, heart conditions, allergies) and with various acute conditions (temporary situations like sprains, strains, infections) that are reviewed by trained therapists to ensure providing safe treatment. Licensed therapists also know the signs and symptoms of many conditions and can direct clients to properly trained professionals when necessary.
2. Current licensing prevents those who have been convicted of felonies from holding a license.  While not all perpetrators have been convicted, at least those who have a history of physical abuse, sexual abuse, violent behavior and many other such undesirable characteristics are precluded from currently practicing massage therapy.
3. Massage therapy establishments are used to disguise slave and sex-trade. There is a large problem in the U.S. of women being brought in from third world countries and placed into slavery situations. If licensing is voluntary, it will be more difficult for the general public to distinguish between legitimate and safe establishments for therapeutic massage and it will make it easier for unsavory characters to open such parlors. Google and you will find numerous situations, most recently in Southern California. Is this right for NH?
4. Supporters of the bill argue that increasing competition would lower the cost of massage. There are currently many options to receiving massage that fit nearly every budget, i.e., student clinics and franchise massage locations where massage is substantially lower than private massage practices. Therapists in these locations generally receive lower pay, participate in less continuing education yet provide a good general massage treatment in an environment that is safe for them and for their clients. Decreasing the licensing and thus the minimal education required to provide massage in the State of NH  decreases the safety factor for the consumer. The same can be said of hair cutters, cosmetology, estheticians.
5. Consumer beware! Sponsors state that consumers should do their own evaluation, listen to word of mouth, etc. to decide who and whether a licensed person is needed.  This is great for consumers who know enough about the service they are seeking to make that decision. Unfortunately, I do not know enough about what a Fish and Game Guide should know in order to pick someone who will keep me safe in the woods. I do not know enough about the psychological training that a family mediator should have to provide that service. I trust that there are regulations and regulatory committees of either the profession or in the State that create and maintain those guidelines so that I can easily identify someone who is properly trained.
6. Recourse: Currently, if a licensed massage therapist performs in an unethical manner or is found to exceed the scope of practice, a report/complaint may be filed with the State Massage Therapy Board and recourse may be taken up to and including removal of their license. If deregulation occurs, there will be no recourse for the consumer except to file a civil complaint against the therapist!
7. Removal of State Licensure does not preclude municipalities from having their own regulations. This criteria was used in Massachusetts for years and made practicing difficult for many therapists. If each town decides they need to regulate, more administrative burden is placed on the town, the therapist may need to gain a license in each town in which they provide treatment (a burden if you are a therapist who primarily provides in-home and in-your-office treatments). Besides, the current State Department expenses are covered and the State makes a small profit on current licensing due to the volume in one location. This will not be the case for individual municipalities.

I could go on, but you need to decide whether regulation of the massage therapy profession in the State of NH is something you think should be continued and want to support.

I hope you will support continued license requirements for massage therapy and massage therapy establishments. If so, please consider sending the below letter or email to your NH State Senator & House Representatives.

Summary of Bill:
11-0140
10/05
HOUSE BILL 446-FN

AN ACT repealing the authority for regulation of certain professional occupations.
SPONSORS: Rep. Bowers, Sull 3; Rep. Kurk, Hills 7; Rep. Cohn, Merr 6; Rep. Pratt, Hills 7; Rep. Lambert, Hills 27
COMMITTEE: Executive Departments and Administration
ANALYSIS – This bill repeals the regulatory boards and authority for licensure or certification for barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics, including tanning facilities; landscape architecture; court reporting; athletic training; recreational therapy; family mediation; hunting and fishing guides; athlete agents; massage therapists; reflexologists, structural integrators, and Asian bodywork therapists; and hawkers, peddlers, and itinerant vendors.

Full text of the Bill.

Who’s my Legislator:

http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/wml.aspx

http://gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/members/wml.aspx

To find Email or US Mailing Address:

http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/housemembersemail.aspx

http://gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/members/senate_roster.aspx

Sample Letter or Email Text:

Dear Senator ____ or Representative ____

I am writing to express my concern about HB 446. I have been a consumer of massage for (X) years and in those years I have seen and experienced how the profession has evolved. Although I have used massage for stress reduction, it has also helped me through physical pain when I could barely move. I trust my therapist to give me the best treatment as well as know their own limitations by referring me to a doctor or physical therapist or other health care provider when needed. Massage therapy is a critical part of my health maintenance program.

It is my opinion that massage therapists need to be licensed in order to ensure competency and public protection. This is something I expect just as I expect my physician to be licensed or my lawyer to be licensed. And while word of mouth is the best advertising, knowing my therapist is also licensed tells me they have passed minimum educational and ethical standards. It provides a recourse should a problem or concern arise

I believe that deregulation takes a step backwards. The compromise of voluntary licensure will only keep the honest and responsible licensed while the others will not be held accountable. I hope that your vote on this bill takes every concern into consideration.

Sincerely,

your name

We hope to see you there donating blood and stopping by for your chair massage!

I reflected on the various seminars, lectures and sermons I have attended, books I have read and wisdom that has been provided whether I wanted it or not at the time. I landed squarely in the definitions of Harmony & Balance. Each word can apply to and mean slightly different things, but the gist is this:

Balance: a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc. (extinction)

Harmony:  a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity (adaptation)

For me, finding and maintaining balance is often an ongoing effort, a struggle. It requires constant attention and monitoring—it’s tiring. For many, it seems that balance means returning things to the way they were. Thoughts like, “The way I had them” or “Stop making changes to my plans.” Achieving balance takes work and effort. Giving everything equal time and attention, weighing every decision and action as to how it may enhance or disrupt another aspect of life. But balance does not mean it has to be 50/50. You can balance by adjusting the center, however, it is precarious and disaster can strike with an unexpected outside event.

When I think of harmony however, I visualize an ebb and flow that allows for shifts and changes without total disruption. Harmony allows for the unexpected outside events to be absorbed and drawn into our day. Achieving harmony takes adaptation, acceptance of change. Like yoga instructors say, “Work with the body you brought to class today.” Accepting and working with your current status means you will remain calm and harmonious even as changes occur because change happens whether we want it to or not.

Even in ecological or evolutionary terms, balance is not as important as the ability to adapt. That which did not adapt became extinct. When scientists talk about damage to environments they are always using terms like “a delicate balance.” Well, maybe we are not supposed to maintain balance. Maybe we are supposed to assist with adaptation. Wouldn’t you rather be the insect who continues to live through each age than the wholly mammoth which is now extinct?

There is always going to be someone who seems better off than you, and then there are those who look at you and wonder “why aren’t they happy?” Sure, at the very moment that a major event takes place, it is disruptive and unsettling. But if you try to restore balance you will struggle through that event. If you, however, learn how to incorporate it into your day, how the other things in your life need to temporarily fit around it, harmony returns in short order and you are more successful, more centered, more settled, calmer.

Live in harmony with the world around you and welcome the next change. It’s already on the way!

My dream became reality in the first village of Belén. After teaching the kids to play duck, duck, goose and taking several turns myself, I headed out of the circle towards the women who had been cooking our meals. Several scooted off worried that I was coming to pull them into the game. An older woman scolded one of them, calling out “Olibia, Olibia”. I stopped dead in my tracks! My dream had me in front of an aqua colored wall, in a bright room with a woman saying that Olivia was here. In this case, Olivia was running away—the dream was in Spanish so I probably misinterpreted. As I reached the edge of the building all I saw was the tail of her skirt as she rounded the back of the building. Disappointed, I turned around to be blinded by the mid-day sun and found myself standing in front of the church which until then I had failed to notice was painted a bright aqua blue!! I scouted out Olivia and chatted with her through an interpreter later that afternoon, my telling her of the dreams and not knowing why I was to meet her—only that it were odd that I did.

This was a journey of tremendous personal growth: I am still processing and figuring out how to absorb and utilize it all. The easiest parts of the trip to talk about are the general humility, graciousness, gratitude and welcoming nature of the Guatemalan people. For example, upon our arrival in the first remote mountain village we learned that several families had given up their beds for us to sleep in. These were heavy wood framed beds, with mattresses and several blankets each which had been carried by men from the homes, over the terraced landscape, up the hill, to the ante-room of the church which was designated as the “women’s sleeping area”.  Picture 8 women silenced by an act of total generosity. This set the tone of how we would be treated on this mission.

There were several amazing experiences which will have an everlasting impact on me.

There is Marta, a forty-ish woman with a clubbed left foot a result of being run over by a cart at age 8. The bone became infected and weakened, her left foot turning in and over at the ankle 45 degrees to the right. She walks on one crutch with the ankle on the ground bearing the weight of her left side (instead of the sole of her foot). I washed the dust of the dirt roads from her leg and foot, massaged the muscle then rebound them in new cushions and ace bandage.

Antonio, only 34 years old but already crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. Massage was less effective for his hands and arms, but more effective as a spiritual boost. He reminisced how strong he used to be and how now his family and friends had to help him come to the clinic. We prayed with him for a healing miracle. And others.

Then in Los Arcos, Tejutla, I meet Marielena, a 14 year old with a weakened right arm and leg resulting from insufficient physical therapy following brain surgery at age 10. It’s amazing she was able to get the brain surgery. Through a translator, we provided instructions on strengthening and kinesthetic/movement exercises and encouragement that tenacity would be rewarded by improved physical capabilities.  She had sufficient strength on which to build, but had lost hope of improvement.

Patricio, about 80 years old with severe arthritis in his hands recollected about the hard work he used to do to support his family and how his wife had massaged his hands over the years. She was now passed on and no one left to do the massage. He was tearfully grateful for the treatment.

Before I left for Guatemala, I was concerned about what a massage therapist could do in very short sessions on a medical mission. The trip proved to me that any of us has a place on a medical mission. Much of what was needed could have been done with the compassion and caring you show to your closest family members-—no special training needed. Just an interest in focusing for a few minutes on the needs of a stranger who quickly becomes a friend.

The benefits of massage have been well known for decades and when professional massage is added to an employee’s benefit package, it can help reduce the cost of health insurance. In addition, massage reduces and relieves fatigue, increases alertness, enhances thinking and promotes a general sense of well being. This results in greater productivity. There’s good reason why most of the top places to work offer corporate chair massage services as a benefit to employees. Indeed, studies have shown that massage improves the bottom line of employers.

“Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most widespread occupational health hazard facing our nation today,” says Charles N. Jeffries, the assistant secretary for occupational safety and health at the U.S. Department of Labor. “The most severe injuries can put people out of work for months and even permanently disable them.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), repetitive strain injuries are the nation’s most common and costly occupational health problem, affecting hundreds of thousands of American workers, at an annual cost of more than $20 billion in workers’ compensation.

Yes, in the economic climate we all find ourselves in today, it may not appear to be a feasible or even a practical addition to the cost of running a business – but even companies who aren’t in a position to offer regular chair massage make it available as special events and corporate holidays, such as Secretaries Day.

Many companies contract with massage therapists who schedule appointments with employees during breaks. The recipient is seated in a specially designed chair which allows the therapist to work on the back, neck, shoulders and arms addressing workers’ common problems areas. There is no oil used and the worker is fully clothed. The massage session usually lasts 10- 15 minutes, the time for a typical coffee break.

Every year, more companies are heeding the call – many of which are Fortune 500. It may be time for your business to consider using on-site chair massage to help your bottom line. At Therapy Designed for You – this is who we are.

What We Offer

• Primarily, On-Site Massage programs for a day, an event or ongoing basis
• May consult on ergonomics issues or aid you in finding the right ergonomics expert for complex situations (such as manufacturing operations).
• In addition, we offer to coordinate Wellness Fairs and, in conjunction with trusted healthcare professionals: weight loss, stress management, natural health, vending machine education and other such lunch-time seminars and programs. Some programs may be covered or reimbursed by your health insurance provider.

What Makes Us Different

• We are a located in New Hampshire and personally screen each massage therapist who is sent on assignment.
• All therapists are licensed by the State of New Hampshire and possess general liability insurance.
• Student therapists are available and may be engaged for events needing multiple therapists such as health & wellness fairs, company picnics, etc.
• All therapists arrive dressed professionally, adhere to high professional standards and provide appropriate treatment for each individual.
• We offer employee education in the areas of self-care, at work stretching programs and other tools to reduce likelihood of injury and to promote productivity.
• For repeat requests, the same therapist(s) will be assigned. We want our therapists to build a professional relationship with your employees to maximize treatment benefit.
• There are no contracts.
• We work to find solutions for every budget.

We stop in Atlanta and change plans for Guatemala City. Upon arrival, we will gather the 9 duffle bags holding 450 lbs of medical and hygiene supplies, our 9 personal duffle bags, back packs, pillows and other small items and head for the van. Due to our arrival time, we will head to a seminary where we will regroup, reorganize items, rest and have dinner and SLEEP IN A BED!!  Not a 5 star hotel, but substantially more normal than a sleeping bag for me.

Friday morning, we head for Mazatenago located 100 miles from Guatemala City. Though it lies only 100 miles from Guatemala City as you look at it on a map, the mountainous terrain makes the trip much longer. In fact, the trip can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on traffic and travel conditions. I understand there is plenty of scenery along the way.

There, we will meet up with Dr. Otto Hernandez at his clinic, pack more medical supplies, find out his plan for us (rainforest or mountains) and when we wants to leave. A lot of getting ready for the possible examination and treatment of 400 people, give or take a few. The Mayan people are those that we will mostly minister to—I’m hoping to treat some muscle problems and play with the many children.

In reflecting and journaling for the trip, I’ve come to realize that there is a major shift in my life just about every decade. In the early 70’s I made the shift from grammar school to high school—this was a very big deal for the tall girl with glasses and pimples—I survived. I babysat, dreamed of the future and went to business school.

In 1980 I became engaged to Bill, in 1981 married 4 days after my 22^nd birthday. Another decade of change begins with this man who is just 9 months younger than my father. We lived well, worked hard and played hard. Family was our center on both sides, yet no children of our own. I wondered why. I grew and matured, he quietly led me towards success.

In the early 90’s, Bill began a 7 year struggle with his health with many good periods surrounding the very tough ones. He passed in 1997, and thus began my search for what to do with the rest of my life. No children of my own, I was free to make changes. Yet, there were all those pictures of the 20 or so children of friends and family at my annual Christmas party. As I to move, was the frenetic pace of NY where I should stay for the 20 years before retirement? Through therapy, I learned apparently not.

Next decade: Y2000. The world survives the “scary” turning of the 999’s to 000’s, I resign from a management position in NYC, research, visit and identify a massage school, move to New Hampshire and meet a great guy. Ted and I marry in 2001 and both start businesses in 2002.

And now, 2010 (I’m a twenty-tenner) I believe the children God always wanted me to “have” were the children of the world—local or international. I was put here to serve and serve I shall. I am led to a wonderful Christian church, embraced by its members, welcoming and warm and I am home.  Ted joins me at this church, we embrace their joy and worship to God the Father, the Holy Spirit and His Son Jesus in ways and with such openness that we have not previously known. The Father put this mission in my path and said to me “Go”. He has made all things fall into place, He makes straight the path I shall follow and gives me the strength to perform the tasks He asks of me—not just the tasks for which I have the strength.

I have felt a shift over the last year, but the definition alluded me yet I know for certain it is realized with this mission. I will be stretched and changed on this journey in a most spiritual and deeply personal way. I have no expectations and approach this with both a wonder and trepidation of the unknown and the limitless possibilities.

When I return, I hope to tell you about Olivia (I do not know who she is, only that I have dreamt 3 times of meeting her) and the other wonders. If possible, I will add to this during the travels—God willing internet access is possible. As from the Blues Brothers, “I’m on a Mission for God.”

Dios le bendiga (God loves you).

Ever think how muscle therapy can help someone like that? I never did until a competitive body-builder became a client of mine last Fall. He’s training and competing, hoping to get his pro card which will lead to pursuing endorsement contracts and sponsorships. In the meantime, however, he eats, sleeps and trains — working really hard and focused with his trainer.

So where do I fit in, you ask? Well, this type of aggressive training and diet tend to cause restrictions and adhesions in the muscle fiber. Muscle gets microtears when you lift weights; the more you lift, the more the adhesions. These adhesions can restrict muscle performance, inhibit symmetrical muscle development and put the athlete at a greater risk to injury—in the competitive world injury can be a show stopper.

With neuromuscular and myofascial treatments, we work to release these adhesions, increase range of motion and muscle fiber freedom. These deep treatments also require the client to actively flex and extend muscles during treatment thereby re-educating the muscle as it is being released.

I will be traveling with a wonderful group of people from my church to the mountains of Guatemala to work in medical clinics.  Most of the team are veterans to medical missions. While on this trip I am able to use my gifts, my “job” is to reach out to those who have needs that may not otherwise be met. The most amazing thing about this opportunity is that even as we provide physical care, these people bless us so much emotionally and spiritually.  I cannot wait to be part of this team and this mission! This is my first trip to Guatemala and I am hoping to share it with you before I go and after I return.  I hope you will join me by getting involved, either by a tax-deductible donation or by providing over-the-counter medications and supplies. I’ll be providing the details on that shortly.