Massage & Bodywork

July/August 2010

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CHECK OUT MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM FOR ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE'S QUESTION. I volunteer at Kernan Hospital where I teach a multiple sclerosis day group for one hour twice a month. In the first part of the class, I teach seated t'ai chi chih, and for the second part of the class I open it up to anyone who would like to receive reiki/chakra energy healing. It is a joy for me to see how relaxed the members are after class (some actually fall asleep!). I also know I'm helping when I pull pain and/ or open a shoulder chakra (which only takes minutes), and I hear, "I can't believe it. The pain is gone!" The look of gratitude on their faces is priceless. wrapped up in my own problems, but once I am with the group, my perspective changes. I'll never forget one member who was afraid she'd miss my class because she had trouble walking; getting in and out of the bathroom had become a real chore. I was inspired with a newfound gratitude when I realized how I have always taken these things for granted. A few times I have been Sharon Sirkis Columbia, Maryland I volunteered with a few other therapists at a local triathlon for two years. It was great fun and we were very busy after the first athletes crossed the finish line. The athletes were happy to receive postevent sessions, many standing in line for an hour to receive treatment. The event, hosted in my hometown, is part of the Ironman series, so we have professional and amateur athletes competing from all across the country alongside our locals. It is as much fun to watch as it is to participate. It was exhausting work, but we were introducing massage therapy and bodywork to athletes who never had a massage before, let alone know how it could benefit their training and postevent health. It was worth the sore muscles to have athletes and volunteers come up to our tent and thank us for our hard work. I've loved the times I volunteered solely to be of service to others. Advice: Don't use the experience as a business/income builder. Make friends instead. And have fun! KIMBERLY ROGERS WAUPACA, WISCONSIN I always feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and appreciated after volunteering my massage. I volunteer every year for nurse's appreciation. I have gained new clients from my outreach programs. That's a benefit that keeps on giving—to myself and the clients. I build great relationships in my community by going to businesses to offer free massage. They keep me coming back each year. CHRISTA TERRILL HAZEL PARK, MICHIGAN I have been an avid volunteer most of my life and am lucky to incorporate it into my practice. I was hoping to contribute this experience to my life as a bodyworker and volunteer. I work very closely with the University of Tennesee Medical Center/LHC Group home hospice offering my services to patients and their families. The doctor talks with the patient/family and establishes a care plan. If massage is requested, I am contacted and go out to the home as a volunteer to offer massage, reflexology, and energy work. It is such an honor to be there for people at such a sensitive time in one's life and offer comfort in their time of need. Massage isn't clearly recognized as a medical benefit in this area at this time; it is my hope that this recognition will spread through the medical community and that the views of the medical validity of bodywork will increase. I also volunteer at the local animal shelter and massage the animals, as well as the employees. It de-stresses the animals and has gotten me several human clients who would not normally accept massage. I follow Remote Area Medical at their in-state free clinics for those in need for medical, dental, and vision care. I bring my chair along and massage the volunteers who are working hard to save lives. Not only is it good karma points, it is also introducing healing therapies to people who may not know anything about massage and bodywork. I also offer my services at a very reduced rate for nonprofit employees, medical personnel, and seniors. There are several other organizations I volunteer with and help raise money for, such as local cancer centers, HIV/AIDS groups, and the vascular transplant centers. Volunteering is a way of life for me and when incorporated into my practice, it offers free advertising, a wide array of clients, and strategies on how to help. DANAE MILEY KNOXVILLE, TENNESEE connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 29

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