Massage & Bodywork

July/August 2010

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But at least one longtime massage therapist scoffs at the notion that he should tone down his wardrobe. Gerry Munson, a Denver-based therapist who specializes in therapeutic massage on people who are in pain, sticks to Hawaiian shirts—the brighter and bolder the better. "Not only do I wear a Hawaiian shirt, I wear shorts and sandals," he says. "It adds an element of fun to the massage. It takes people away from their reality and helps them relax more. It brings a smile to everybody's face. They know they can let their hair down when they come in." 4. NO MATERIAL IS PERFECT… The debate between synthetic versus natural fabrics will not be solved here. Both sides marshal impressive arguments for why one is better than the other. Those in the all-natural camp cite the fabrics' breathability, color- fastness, longevity, and ease of washing. And hygiene. "Synthetic garments tend to hold in odors much more than natural garments," Brooks warns. "You sweat in it, it holds in the odors, and at some point you have to get rid of it. And then that garment will sit in a landfill for who knows how many years, because it won't biodegrade." Those in the synthetic camp point out their fabrics' ability to wick moisture away from the body better than cotton does. And besides, we're not just talking polyester. There are new high-end fabrics that are longer lasting, easier to care for, cooler, and better looking than anything found in nature. And they, too, cite hygiene. "If you go into the sports world, anybody who sweats a lot never wears cotton," Szeto says. "It breathes, but it holds onto the odor of the body." Even organics have their problems. Unless those fabrics are chemically treated, they won't last long. And chemical treatments knock the luster off the all-organic notion. 5. …BUT Fabrics are getting better and more amazing all the time. Tao Freedom recently launched a line that mixes Meryl skinlife, a synthetic fiber that prevents bacteria growth and odor, with aloe vera. "It's the most amazing fabric," Szeto says. "You put it on and you never want to take it off." The aloe is embedded in the fiber, so it won't ever wash out. Szeto expects to bring out a new line by year's end that embeds an antiaging substance into fabric. Think of it as a wearable spa. YOU GROUNDED That's true literally, as well as figuratively. "As therapists, we can't have our thoughts drifting," says Rachel Funk, a massage practitioner in Wisconsin and a merchandiser for ShoeMall. "We need to keep our minds on our clients and our feet on the ground. Footwear really is the key to keeping us grounded." 6. SHOES WILL KEEP

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