There’s a new registered massage therapist at Back in Motion.
Julie Pouliot says she loves working in a clinic that also offers chiropractic and acupuncture care.
“All our work is complementary and it’s great to be able to be part of such an amazing holistic practice,” the 22-year-old said.
Pouliot recently graduated from the Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy, where she became registered in B.C. Her previous experience was in Quebec.
“I’ve known since I was in Grade 9 that massage was all I wanted to do,” she said.
She studied Swedish and Shiatsu massage techniques and started offering chair massage when she was 17.
She also did sport massage, working for the Montreal Alouettes to give the athletes massage during training camps.
But in Quebec, massage therapists aren’t registered. She wanted to come to B.C. because it’s a more recognized treatment here.
“I knew myself that massage is a good treatment for injury, and wanted to live somewhere that it’s part of the medical system,” she explained.
The program she took in B.C. was three years. She learned human anatomy in much the same way as a medical doctor would.
At Back in Motion a lot of her work is to treat sport injuries and tension stress caused by repetitive motion for people with desk jobs.
“Massage can do so much, from breaking up scar tissue and stimulate healing for people with injury to helping with relaxation and allowing people to feel more present in their body," Pouliot said.
Massage is covered by most medical benefit plans.
“People think massage is a luxury, but really it’s a treatment and should be considered essential for everybody,” she said.
2010年1月21日星期四
2010年1月19日星期二
Massage therapist lends hand at center
When Bea Furman was dealing with a crisis pregnancy 21 years ago, she found help at a crisis-pregnancy center. Two decades later she is still grateful for the love and support she received during that difficult time.
That appreciation is why Furman chose to volunteer at the Center for Women.
``I believe that every person should do what they can to better their community,'' the 46-year-old said. ``(Volunteering) gives me an opportunity to give back to the community at large what was given to me.''
Furman began volunteering at the Center for Women nearly 14 years ago. Once a week, she spends time administering pregnancy tests and organizing items for the center's Learn & Earn program. She uses her experience as a licensed massage therapist by teaching classes on infant massage.
Kathy Wilson, director of client and volunteer services at the center, said she appreciates the talents and passion that Furman brings to the center.
``(Furman) has a heart for serving others and she's willing to do anything,'' Wilson said. ``She is very special and very diverse ... I think (the infant massage) helps us, as the center, to be unique.''
During her time with the center, Furman has enjoyed the family atmosphere and interacting with the other volunteers and clients.
She has also learned the importance of not allowing her personal beliefs to inhibit the care she provides for her clients.
``It's important to love people where they're at and respect them for where they're at,'' she said. ``I've realized you have to step aside and not let yourself judge; instead love.''
Furman also has volunteered at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter since 2007 and is involved at Bethel Baptist Church.
Furman has owned Healing Song Therapeutic Massage for the past seven years. She has been married to Burt Furman for 16 years.
That appreciation is why Furman chose to volunteer at the Center for Women.
``I believe that every person should do what they can to better their community,'' the 46-year-old said. ``(Volunteering) gives me an opportunity to give back to the community at large what was given to me.''
Furman began volunteering at the Center for Women nearly 14 years ago. Once a week, she spends time administering pregnancy tests and organizing items for the center's Learn & Earn program. She uses her experience as a licensed massage therapist by teaching classes on infant massage.
Kathy Wilson, director of client and volunteer services at the center, said she appreciates the talents and passion that Furman brings to the center.
``(Furman) has a heart for serving others and she's willing to do anything,'' Wilson said. ``She is very special and very diverse ... I think (the infant massage) helps us, as the center, to be unique.''
During her time with the center, Furman has enjoyed the family atmosphere and interacting with the other volunteers and clients.
She has also learned the importance of not allowing her personal beliefs to inhibit the care she provides for her clients.
``It's important to love people where they're at and respect them for where they're at,'' she said. ``I've realized you have to step aside and not let yourself judge; instead love.''
Furman also has volunteered at the Jackson Interfaith Shelter since 2007 and is involved at Bethel Baptist Church.
Furman has owned Healing Song Therapeutic Massage for the past seven years. She has been married to Burt Furman for 16 years.
2010年1月18日星期一
A spa in your own backyard
When Lynn Philips originally installed a jetted hot tub in 1989, it was purely for relaxation. But 21 years later, a soak in her hot tub delivers an added benefit by providing relief for her arthritis.
She's not alone. Many arthritis sufferers don't start their day without a soak in the morning. Immersion in hot water dilates blood vessels, relaxes tight muscles and releases endorphins -- the body's natural painkillers. It also serves as a great stress reliever.
"Enjoy it while you have it," says Philips, who is enjoying her third jetted tub. "It helped relieve the stress when I was recovering from my knee transplants."
Hot tubs and spas have a natural appeal to people living in a colder climate, says Grant Gislason, who started off in the industry by custom building hot tubs with wood from recycled wine barrels more than 30 years ago in Victoria.
"You have buoyancy and you have warmth. How much more therapeutic can you get?" says Gislason, now owner of Vintage Hot Tubs.
He points out that "today's spas are a far cry from yesterday's hot tubs."
Most spas have high-pressure jet nozzles that direct pulsating water toward sore muscles and joints. Jets are commonly clustered to deliver pressure to massage specific groups of nerves and muscles, such as the neck, shoulders, back or feet. Modern jets are more sophisticated, with different designs and sizes for different areas of the body.
While spas can be lavish, equipped with dozens of jets, bubblers, lights, waterfalls, stereos and even pop-up flat-screen televisions, their cost isn't much more than units made 15 years ago. They are more energy-efficient as well, thanks to advances in insulation, pump motors, electronics, construction and materials.
While some units can cost more than $40,000, their hefty price tags have more to do with options some people demand.
Fancy units "cost more because people put more stuff in them. More jets in a spa mean it needs more motors, which can cost up to $700 each. They then require extra electronics to run -- it just snowballs," says Darrell Gazloff, director of operations at Twilight Hot Tubs in Victoria.
"But the typical spa that sold for $15,000 15 years ago costs the same today." He says whirlpool spas start at $5,000 but the average selling price is generally between $8,000 and $10,000.
While she doesn't have the original bill for her first tub, Philips finds the cost comparable -- as long as one does not add more options to the tub.
"If you get all the bells and whistles -- the lights, the waterfall -- it can be costly," she says.
Sizes and shapes vary, from compact models that seat two intimately, to party tubs that can accommodate more than a dozen. By far the most popular model is a five- to six-person unit that holds about 1,500 litres of water. Still, the romantic image of a wooden barrel hot tub with water heated by a wood-burning stove endures, with several companies still selling a model in the familiar barrel shape, but with modern electronics and features.
Jetted hot tubs can be inexpensive to operate. Energy is used to power the pump that produces the jetted water, and also to heat the water. According to B.C. Hydro, a well-insulated spa with a tight-fitting rigid insulating cover will lose only two or three degrees a day. If the spa is well insulated, the cost of keeping the heater on when the spa is not in use is small.
To reduce growth of bacteria, it is advisable to run the pump at least twice a day for four to six hours. Water must be tested regularly, two or three times a week, to adjust disinfectant levels. Filters should be cleaned once a month.
While physiotherapists agree on the benefits of heat for sufferers of osteoarthritis, they stop short of recommending their patients go out to buy a hot tub or jetted whirlpool.
"Research shows heat can help dilate blood vessels [and thus] increase blood flow to affected areas," says Scott Simpson, a physiotherapist and former Canadian running champion.
"But one can get the same benefits -- at less cost -- from soaking in a hot bathtub." He says the jets found on most whirlpools might feel good, but there is no evidence, for or against, that they fix anything.
He cautions that any therapeutic benefit of introducing heat to an area to loosen up muscles does not apply after one sustains an injury, such as a sprain. In that case, the patient should put ice on the affected area to decrease swelling.
She's not alone. Many arthritis sufferers don't start their day without a soak in the morning. Immersion in hot water dilates blood vessels, relaxes tight muscles and releases endorphins -- the body's natural painkillers. It also serves as a great stress reliever.
"Enjoy it while you have it," says Philips, who is enjoying her third jetted tub. "It helped relieve the stress when I was recovering from my knee transplants."
Hot tubs and spas have a natural appeal to people living in a colder climate, says Grant Gislason, who started off in the industry by custom building hot tubs with wood from recycled wine barrels more than 30 years ago in Victoria.
"You have buoyancy and you have warmth. How much more therapeutic can you get?" says Gislason, now owner of Vintage Hot Tubs.
He points out that "today's spas are a far cry from yesterday's hot tubs."
Most spas have high-pressure jet nozzles that direct pulsating water toward sore muscles and joints. Jets are commonly clustered to deliver pressure to massage specific groups of nerves and muscles, such as the neck, shoulders, back or feet. Modern jets are more sophisticated, with different designs and sizes for different areas of the body.
While spas can be lavish, equipped with dozens of jets, bubblers, lights, waterfalls, stereos and even pop-up flat-screen televisions, their cost isn't much more than units made 15 years ago. They are more energy-efficient as well, thanks to advances in insulation, pump motors, electronics, construction and materials.
While some units can cost more than $40,000, their hefty price tags have more to do with options some people demand.
Fancy units "cost more because people put more stuff in them. More jets in a spa mean it needs more motors, which can cost up to $700 each. They then require extra electronics to run -- it just snowballs," says Darrell Gazloff, director of operations at Twilight Hot Tubs in Victoria.
"But the typical spa that sold for $15,000 15 years ago costs the same today." He says whirlpool spas start at $5,000 but the average selling price is generally between $8,000 and $10,000.
While she doesn't have the original bill for her first tub, Philips finds the cost comparable -- as long as one does not add more options to the tub.
"If you get all the bells and whistles -- the lights, the waterfall -- it can be costly," she says.
Sizes and shapes vary, from compact models that seat two intimately, to party tubs that can accommodate more than a dozen. By far the most popular model is a five- to six-person unit that holds about 1,500 litres of water. Still, the romantic image of a wooden barrel hot tub with water heated by a wood-burning stove endures, with several companies still selling a model in the familiar barrel shape, but with modern electronics and features.
Jetted hot tubs can be inexpensive to operate. Energy is used to power the pump that produces the jetted water, and also to heat the water. According to B.C. Hydro, a well-insulated spa with a tight-fitting rigid insulating cover will lose only two or three degrees a day. If the spa is well insulated, the cost of keeping the heater on when the spa is not in use is small.
To reduce growth of bacteria, it is advisable to run the pump at least twice a day for four to six hours. Water must be tested regularly, two or three times a week, to adjust disinfectant levels. Filters should be cleaned once a month.
While physiotherapists agree on the benefits of heat for sufferers of osteoarthritis, they stop short of recommending their patients go out to buy a hot tub or jetted whirlpool.
"Research shows heat can help dilate blood vessels [and thus] increase blood flow to affected areas," says Scott Simpson, a physiotherapist and former Canadian running champion.
"But one can get the same benefits -- at less cost -- from soaking in a hot bathtub." He says the jets found on most whirlpools might feel good, but there is no evidence, for or against, that they fix anything.
He cautions that any therapeutic benefit of introducing heat to an area to loosen up muscles does not apply after one sustains an injury, such as a sprain. In that case, the patient should put ice on the affected area to decrease swelling.
2010年1月17日星期日
Desert Hot Springs spa tour will let you soak up history
Spa author Stanley Young writes: “To float in hot mineral water that has gushed out of the ground is to be in intimate contact with the earth itself.”
Understanding that the water in which you soak comes from deep within the earth's ancient geological strata, having gathered minerals along its lengthy journey to finally emerge from the surface of the earth, it is easy to understand why Native Americans considered hot mineral sources sacred.
By the mid-1800s, the world was extolling the virtues of “taking the waters” or soaking in natural mineral hot water springs as a way to vacation, relax, renew and address various health problems.
In the last half of the 19th century, California's hot springs became one of the main destinations of the social elite. Now, the hot, soothing mineral waters are available to all, from resort playgrounds to casual day outings.
Visit world-renowned spas close to home
Desert Hot Springs lives up to its name, hosting a plethora of mineral spring-blessed spas and an international following that seeks out its award-winning hot waters. In February, locals have the unique opportunity to visit around 20 of these spas on the Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour presented by the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
The event, starting at 5 p.m. Feb. 18, will begin at Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Park your car here and enjoy a cocktail reception while taking in a brief historical presentation of the discovery of the hot mineral springs by Cabot Yerxa, founding father of Desert Hot Springs. Following the reception, guests will board buses to various spas. At each spa, guests will enjoy tours of the grounds and refreshments.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. All ticket holders have a chance to win one of a dozen prizes, including spa services and overnight stays.
The grand prize, valued at $1,300, is a weekend of renewal and relaxation at Two Bunch Palms.
Understanding that the water in which you soak comes from deep within the earth's ancient geological strata, having gathered minerals along its lengthy journey to finally emerge from the surface of the earth, it is easy to understand why Native Americans considered hot mineral sources sacred.
By the mid-1800s, the world was extolling the virtues of “taking the waters” or soaking in natural mineral hot water springs as a way to vacation, relax, renew and address various health problems.
In the last half of the 19th century, California's hot springs became one of the main destinations of the social elite. Now, the hot, soothing mineral waters are available to all, from resort playgrounds to casual day outings.
Visit world-renowned spas close to home
Desert Hot Springs lives up to its name, hosting a plethora of mineral spring-blessed spas and an international following that seeks out its award-winning hot waters. In February, locals have the unique opportunity to visit around 20 of these spas on the Desert Hot Springs Spa Tour presented by the Desert Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
The event, starting at 5 p.m. Feb. 18, will begin at Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Park your car here and enjoy a cocktail reception while taking in a brief historical presentation of the discovery of the hot mineral springs by Cabot Yerxa, founding father of Desert Hot Springs. Following the reception, guests will board buses to various spas. At each spa, guests will enjoy tours of the grounds and refreshments.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. All ticket holders have a chance to win one of a dozen prizes, including spa services and overnight stays.
The grand prize, valued at $1,300, is a weekend of renewal and relaxation at Two Bunch Palms.
2010年1月14日星期四
Clovis adjusts massage therapist rules
Clovis massage therapists will be allowed to receive state certification instead of going through a city-organized testing program under an ordinance approved Monday night.
Providing the option is a formality — the state Legislature approved it for all massage therapists statewide last year — but in Clovis it has special meaning because of longstanding concerns about massage businesses.
For years, some in the community had complained about prostitution at such businesses, and two years ago Clovis adopted rules that required massage therapists to submit to written tests to ensure that they are reputable.
As the council voted Monday on the new state-certification option, Clovis officials emphasized that the city will not give up its right to oversee the businesses.
Clovis police Lt. Vince Leonardo said the city still can require massage therapists to obtain business licenses, and to comply with local health, safety and zoning codes.
Clovis has about 170 certified massage therapists, Leonardo said. No massage therapists spoke on the issue Monday night.
Under the rules adopted two years ago, therapists must complete a recognized massage-school course and show proof upon passing a written test.
The city worked with business owners on the 2007 rules for two years to ensure that new regulations would not be too stringent while allowing the city to weed out owners who may offer illegal services, such as prostitution.
Those rules were generated after Clovis police raided massage establishments in 2003 and 2004. Clovis police arrested six women on prostitution charges at three massage businesses.
Clovis massage therapists worked with the city to create a written test for new operators.
The ordinance approved Monday goes into effect in February.
The state certification still allows police to investigate allegations of illegal practices, Leonardo said.
Providing the option is a formality — the state Legislature approved it for all massage therapists statewide last year — but in Clovis it has special meaning because of longstanding concerns about massage businesses.
For years, some in the community had complained about prostitution at such businesses, and two years ago Clovis adopted rules that required massage therapists to submit to written tests to ensure that they are reputable.
As the council voted Monday on the new state-certification option, Clovis officials emphasized that the city will not give up its right to oversee the businesses.
Clovis police Lt. Vince Leonardo said the city still can require massage therapists to obtain business licenses, and to comply with local health, safety and zoning codes.
Clovis has about 170 certified massage therapists, Leonardo said. No massage therapists spoke on the issue Monday night.
Under the rules adopted two years ago, therapists must complete a recognized massage-school course and show proof upon passing a written test.
The city worked with business owners on the 2007 rules for two years to ensure that new regulations would not be too stringent while allowing the city to weed out owners who may offer illegal services, such as prostitution.
Those rules were generated after Clovis police raided massage establishments in 2003 and 2004. Clovis police arrested six women on prostitution charges at three massage businesses.
Clovis massage therapists worked with the city to create a written test for new operators.
The ordinance approved Monday goes into effect in February.
The state certification still allows police to investigate allegations of illegal practices, Leonardo said.
2010年1月13日星期三
Massage wasn't so relaxing for one Valley woman
A massage is supposed to cut down on stress, not create it, but for one Gilbert woman, things didn't go as planned and she called 3 On Your Side for help.
The following is the complete statement Massage Envy sent to 3 On Your Side:
Since our inception in 2003, Massage Envy has been dedicated to conducting business responsibly and with high integrity. We provide and promote clear policies and expectations for both our members and employees. To the best of our knowledge, the San Tan clinic did not operate outside of the membership agreement that was signed by Ms. Kinsella. She joined Massage Envy in June 2008 and did not supply us with any type of required documents for a medical cancellation until January 12th of this year. Medical cancellations are not unique to our business and, therefore, procedures are clearly stated in our agreements and business policies. We only require that the member work with us in a reasonable way for any special situation and had this document been supplied a year ago, the fees being requested for refund, would not be an issue. While it is highly unusual to receive a doctor’s note 18 months after the medical issue was diagnosed, after receiving medical documentation on January 12, 2010, the clinic is refunding Ms. Kinsella in full.
The following is the complete statement Massage Envy sent to 3 On Your Side:
Since our inception in 2003, Massage Envy has been dedicated to conducting business responsibly and with high integrity. We provide and promote clear policies and expectations for both our members and employees. To the best of our knowledge, the San Tan clinic did not operate outside of the membership agreement that was signed by Ms. Kinsella. She joined Massage Envy in June 2008 and did not supply us with any type of required documents for a medical cancellation until January 12th of this year. Medical cancellations are not unique to our business and, therefore, procedures are clearly stated in our agreements and business policies. We only require that the member work with us in a reasonable way for any special situation and had this document been supplied a year ago, the fees being requested for refund, would not be an issue. While it is highly unusual to receive a doctor’s note 18 months after the medical issue was diagnosed, after receiving medical documentation on January 12, 2010, the clinic is refunding Ms. Kinsella in full.
2010年1月12日星期二
Massage parlour dad wins access to kids
THE Family Court has ruled that married men who regularly visit prostitutes -- or massage parlours that offer a "happy ending" -- are not necessarily bad parents and should not be refused access to their children.
The court made the ruling after a wife, known in court files as Mrs Digg, claimed her husband's "dark and seedy habit" of paying for what he called "sexual relief" and she described as "prostitution" should disqualify him as the primary carer of their three children, particularly their two daughters.
She said his use of such services suggested a poor attitude to women and a dishonest character.
The court heard the marriage suffered a "catastrophic blow" in 2007 when Mrs Digg discovered her husband had been visiting massage parlours for eight years.
Mr Digg admitted he "regularly had massages . . . the end result of which was sexual relief" but denied having intercourse. He said he kept the activities secret from his wife but she found out when she checked his phone bill and found numbers for sexual services.
Mrs Digg left the marriage after counselling failed, taking the children with her. They were ordered back to the marital home by the courts.
Mrs Digg, who has since found a new partner, said she took the children because she was seeking a "fresh start" in a town more than five hours away, where the father's "addiction to prostitutes" was not known.
But the father argued it was better for the children to stay in the town where they had lived all their lives, and the court agreed.
The court made the ruling after a wife, known in court files as Mrs Digg, claimed her husband's "dark and seedy habit" of paying for what he called "sexual relief" and she described as "prostitution" should disqualify him as the primary carer of their three children, particularly their two daughters.
She said his use of such services suggested a poor attitude to women and a dishonest character.
The court heard the marriage suffered a "catastrophic blow" in 2007 when Mrs Digg discovered her husband had been visiting massage parlours for eight years.
Mr Digg admitted he "regularly had massages . . . the end result of which was sexual relief" but denied having intercourse. He said he kept the activities secret from his wife but she found out when she checked his phone bill and found numbers for sexual services.
Mrs Digg left the marriage after counselling failed, taking the children with her. They were ordered back to the marital home by the courts.
Mrs Digg, who has since found a new partner, said she took the children because she was seeking a "fresh start" in a town more than five hours away, where the father's "addiction to prostitutes" was not known.
But the father argued it was better for the children to stay in the town where they had lived all their lives, and the court agreed.
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