Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1013756
Tell us about The Institute for Anatomical Research. BT: Our lab is nonprofit and open to all levels of learners. We are here to inspire a deeper understanding of our bodies and how to safely and efficiently perform manual and movement therapies. We are also here to inspire an understanding of, and develop science-based protocols in order to validate what we think we are doing when working with dysfunctional posture, movement, and pain patterns. We create custom classes for observation and/or dissection of cadavers. Some classes are shorter and explore one region of the body. Other classes are longer and more in-depth and involve whole- body dissections. We are also unique in that people are able to donate their bodies directly to us. This means we have information on the donor, which helps develop an even deeper understanding of why we are finding and seeing some of the things we do during our exploration of the donor body. The fact that we are not associated with a college or university gives us the ability to truly tailor teaching and learning to all levels. We are also open to the lay public, not just health professionals. After all, everyone possesses a body, and having a greater knowledge of that body allows us to make better decisions regarding our health and treatment choices that can inform and improve our lives. Who works at the lab with you? BT: Because we are a nonprofit, we are run by a board of directors. Jim Pulciani is our director of education and teaches most of the classes now while I more often work behind the scenes as the administrative director and scheduler. And we have the assistance of a great group of dedicated volunteers who are all as passionate as Jim and myself about the work that needs to be done in order to bring understanding to our quality of life and advance our professions. Allopathic medicine keeps people alive, but I believe that what we do is help people live healthier lives. 60 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 8 Institute for Anatomical Research. Top photo: James Pulciani conducting an observational cadaver lab. Bottom photo: Learning classroom.