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MUSCLE MATHEMATICS
In the email ABMP sent out to promote
the November/December 2016 issue of
Massage & Bodywork, I noticed a fuzzy fact
in the cover story blurb. While it is true
that there are "more than 100 muscles" in
the human body, it's more accurate to say
that there are more than 600 muscles.
RICK ROSEN
SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
From author Joseph Muscolino, DC:
Rick is entirely correct that there are far
more muscles in the human body than the
"more than 100 muscles" that I chose to
cite. However, I still feel justified in using
that number. Many of the "more than 600
muscles" that he would prefer I had asserted
are muscles such as pharyngeal muscles and
muscles of the tongue, etc., that although
incredibly important, are not really of
clinical significance to manual therapists.
If we look at my textbook, The Muscular
System Manual, the Skeletal Muscles of the
Human Body, 4th ed., I cover approximately
173 muscles. Or if we look at Andrew
Biel's Trail Guide to the Body, 162 muscles
are covered. Now, of course, we could
technically double either of those numbers
given that each muscle (with the possible
exception of the diaphragm) is paired, but
that does not seem necessary given I am
referring to "named muscles."
So, all in all, I feel that choosing "more
than 100 muscles," was both technically
correct and also captured the spirit and
context of the article.
JOSEPH MUSCOLINO, DC
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
CUPPING AND
CLEANLINESS
In the November/December 2016 issue
of Massage & Bodywork, Kim Bonsteel
rightly reminded therapists doing
cupping to practice medical cautions
and contraindications for the safety of
their clients. For my own practice, I
wipe the cups with Lysol Disinfecting
Wipes, then wash them with mild kitchen
detergent, and rinse them with cold water
to remove the residual disinfectant after
each treatment session. I do not boil
the cups because the heat will hasten
the deterioration of the rubber seals.
SAMUEL WONG
SPRINGFIELD, VIRGINIA
RESONATING WITH
MINDFUL MONEY
The latest issue of Massage & Bodywork is one
of my recent favorites. The Mindful Money
column this year has been the most valuable
column I've read in the history of being a
member (since 1999). I truly hope it will be
continuing. Our beliefs and feelings about
money determine our success as massage
therapists far more than our knowledge of
technique, anatomy, or research findings.
I'm using Jennie Hastings's quote from
an earlier installment of the series this year
as a personal affirmation: "When we reach
for what we want, what we don't want falls
away of its own accord." As healers, we are
sometimes challenged to own our value,
which results in not making the living
we desire and deserve. This topic is so
imperative to the success of our field that I'd
love to see it implemented in all beginning
massage training. I can't wait for the next
installment!
CATH COX
AURORA, COLORADO
I just read Jennie Hastings's column titled
"Show Your Money You Care" in the July/
August 2016 Massage & Bodywork [page
36], and I loved it. I thought it was well
written and definitely resonated true to
heart with me. I have issues with money.
I love what she wrote: "You might feel
like looking at your money situation will
only show you what you do not have."
That is so true and so sad for me. That
explains why I put off bookkeeping—
because when I have to deal with the
numbers, I wish it was a greater amount.
NGUYET HOWARD
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
