Recently in my practice, two entirely unrelated patients had the same response when I suggested we try cupping to help mobilize deeper areas of muscle dysfunction.
"Cupping? I don't believe in cupping," both of them had said dismissively. Don't believe in it? What's to believe? Having never considered the possibility of it being something that necessitated a belief, I was puzzled. They might as well have said that they didn't "believe in" pizza. The first time I heard this, I listened passively as this occasional patient, spouted some rhetoric about the "woo woo" idea of how cupping was supposed to draw out toxins -as with the broken skin of a snake bite! He sounded almost angry I observed. Ok. Clearly he was missing a huge piece of the information here, but whatever... It is my job to hold space that is safe and nourishing to my patients. Arguing does not facilitate their healing process. A few weeks later, I heard it again, those exact words. This time from a long time friend, now seeing me for post surgical, injury recovery. Someone whom I felt could really benefit from strategic cupping as part of the session. Time to dig deeper. What kind of misinformation were these folks subjected to about cupping? And why this strong, emotional reaction? Eventually, after the session had ended, I was chatting with my friend and it became clear that he (and perhaps the other person as well) had simply not had enough information to understand it. Like just hearing a sound bite about something and not the intricacies of a larger process. Maybe we all have reservations when we first hear about it. Before I ever considered adding cupping to my practice, I myself was dubious about its publicized benefits of "drawing out toxins." I decided to take an introductory class as part of my continuing education for that year, and I learned enough to ease my mind, and get a better understanding. Enough that I chose to pursue the education further to actually make it part of my practice. But when I suggest it, I find most folks still just "know" the sound bite info, so let me break it down a bit differently for you here. Prolonged pain can create deep trigger points and areas of reduced function in the tissues of the body. Most people have experienced this at some point. In many cases, these deeper trigger points can not be released by the occasional massage. Especially when built up over time because of the body compensating for an injury and habitually poor posture. Cupping is one option to help facilitate the desired result faster. Cupping has been around for thousands of years and traces its roots to ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine. Cupping was documented in one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, Ebers Papyrus, which was written in 1550 BC. Cupping helps to mobilize and release adhesions, trigger points, and "knots" in the deeper muscle fibers. Much like when a Massage Therapists lifts and squeezes the tissue with her hands. The release of toxins accumulated in these tissues happens as well. NO they do not come rushing out the site of the cups, through the skin exactly! Although that may occur on a minute scale. The build up of micro toxins and trigger points is very common when living with chronic or prolonged pain. When to underlying pain is relieved, or the stuck tissue is mobilized, these toxins break free into the Circulatory and Lymphatic systems of the body Drinking plenty of water to flush out any toxins that are released is an important part of any therapeutic body work, and this treatment even more so. Cupping usually feels great and can be very effective. But it often leaves visible suction bruises and you may feel tired for several hours to several days afterwards. In extreme cases, a person might experience lowered immunity as the body processes are focused elsewhere.
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Swedish MassageIn the western world a student of massage begins by learning Swedish techniques. Swedish is a series of long, gliding strokes that sooth the surface muscles and initiate nervous system responses through gentle skin contact. Swedish techniques help to calm the body and mind and facilitate relaxation. The quality of touch may range from light to very firm. Often considered Spa massage, many practitioners can fast track to graduate and begin their careers with little more than Swedish techniques and the basics of massage science courses. This is the standard entry level modality for the massage and spa industry. Deep Tissue MassageThis modality is NOT about pressure as many people mistakenly believe. Like Swedish massage, Deep tissue techniques can be applied with a range of pressures from light to very firm.
This type of massage requires participation and communication from the patient. The modality addresses the deeper tissues and structures of the body through a very different set of techniques; and while it may occasionally be slightly uncomfortable, It does not, and should not, have to hurt to be extremely effective. It is very important to be well hydrated to get the most out of this modality. The practitioner will lift and compress various tissues with slow, deliberate movements. They may move your head or limbs around to better access or address certain muscle groups. You will be asked to focus on breathing deeply, while being reminded to let go when necessary. Injury Treatment & Medical MassageA medical massage therapist is a licensed massage therapist (LMT) who treats health conditions diagnosed by a doctor. This kind of session focuses on treating the affects of chronic illness, injury, and other health conditions such as neuropathy, cancer, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, or even high blood pressure. Focus to areas of injury includes the compensating soft structures of the body that have been over worked. The questions asked during the session seek to help correct the underlying causes that escalate the pain cycle. The patient and Practitioner work together to develop a treatment plan with measurable goals. The ultimate goal to relieve pain, increase quality of life, and to return as much function to the injured area as is possible. Integrated Massage & BodyworkIntegrated Massage and Bodywork is a mix of modalities and styles that is specifically adapted for each patient. It draws on a wide variety of techniques and each session is different to best suit the current moment and changing condition of the individual. *Integrations may include modalities like: Sports massage, Deep tissue, Injury treatment, Swedish, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular therapy, Craniosacral techniques; but also a variety of modalities specific to the unique educational journey of the practitioner. Like Reiki energy healing, polarity therapy, or Assisted Isometric Stretching, and many more... Thai Yoga Massage Traditionally performed on a padded floor mat for greater range of motion, Thai massage can also be adapted for the table. You remain fully clothed throughout this session. Please wear loose, breathable, clothing that is comfortable but not bulky, like you would for doing yoga. This modality facilitates deeper, assisted stretching of the entire body in the session. Thai yoga massage is a wonderful antidote to habitual postures.
In order to first become licensed in Massage Therapy, applicants are required to complete a Board approved educational program, (consisting of 625 hours as of 2017) and pass a proctored National Exam. Additional training and education courses are then required to qualify for each License Renewal. Therapists choose from a combination of both required courses and areas of individual interest. Here are most of mine. 2007 - 2011
2012 - 2015
2016 - 2020
2021 - Present
In 2007, The entry level education requirements to becoming a massage therapist were 425 hours. Tamia attended Ashmead collage, a nationally accredited massage program with an advanced curriculum providing 979.75 hours of relevant education. She graduated with Honors, and went on to tutor and eventually teach numerous massage subjects. Some of Tamia's initial education included the following: Anatomy & Physiology, Kinesiology, (the study of Muscles and movement) Swedish massage techniques, Physiological effects of massage, Accessing deeper tissue without pain, Emotional release training, Sports massage, Injury treatment and pathology, Hydrotherapy, Spa treatments and services, Pregnancy massage, Professional charting, AIDS/HIV training, Professional boundaries and Ethics, Intro to Chinese Medicine, Massage laws and administrative rules, The effects of massage on medications, and more.
Thank you for putting your trust in me and my skills. I am honored to help you achieve your bodywork goals and to be an integral part of your healthcare team. - I will respect that you are the one that lives in your body, and know it better than anyone. If I ever misinterpret your insight or experience with it in any way, please correct me. I won't normalize red flag behaviors or health imbalances that I observe. I will not promote false products or take advantage of anyones poor health awareness or education to line my pockets! I will hold space for, and remain dedicated to your overall health and wellbeing. I will do my best to educate and support you in ever better self care. I will consistently value and advocate for your best interests and always make it my priority -even when things are rough and it is not yours. I will not misrepresent my skills, knowledge or experience. Your health and safety is first. I will work inside of my legitimate training and scope of practice. You can always view my complete education. I will always suggest alternatives and give referrals for other health practitioners whenever it is appropriate. |
AuthorTamia has been an actively licensed massage therapist since 2007. She has worked in Oregon and Washington states, as both a therapist and an experienced educator in a variety of massage sciences, modalities, and fundamentals. Archives
January 2023
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