Historical, Cultural and Physiological Approaches to Massage
By Suzanne Cunningham
The history of massage goes back thousands of years. According to Beck (1999), there are records in the British Museum that show the Chinese practiced massage as early as 3000 B.C. Massage has had an interesting past and survived the rise and fall of many civilisations across many cultures. This essay will attempt to encompass just some of the cultural and spiritual diversities, the historical personalities that were influential in its development, along with some more recent events which have shaped the modern day approach to massage.
As mentioned, the Chinese are one of the oldest cultures to have recognised the value of massage and continued to use it throughout the centuries. Over time two very different traditional approaches to massage developed which have been simplistically described as Eastern and Western methods. In his Elluminate session, McQuillan (2009) advises that traditionally the Eastern method has included the physical approach and the concept of the energetic pathways which run within the body. It is a very spiritual and holistic approach to massage, where the body is addressed as a whole to include the spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical aspect of an individual. He goes on to say that it includes the rubbing and pressing of points that relate to the energy flow in different areas of the body. It is a very hands-on technique, usually without the use of lubricants and more about compression and stretching. In comparison, the Western method has been around since at least 460 B.C., and although it has come from the traditional Eastern techniques, it has evolved on a more physiological and scientific pathway. This method typically focuses only on the tissues of the body rather than including holistic balance in the equation.
The development of the Western tradition as we know it today has had many interesting historical milestones, each one spearheaded by a medical leader of their time. The most notable is Hippocrates (460-377 BC) – often referred to as the “Father of Medicine” (Beck, 1999, p. 7). Hippocrates was a Greek physician and according to Wikipedia (2009) he is recognised as being the first doctor to openly disagree with the belief that illness was a punishment from the Gods and declare that it was due to the persons environment, diet and living habits. Unfortunately, due to a taboo on the dissection of humans, much of his anatomy and physiology was incorrect but “…he was the first physician in Greek medicine to specifically describe the medical benefits of anointing and massage…” (Fritz, 2009, p. 14). He identified that massage could have a variety of effects depending on the strokes used. The most widely recognised translated quote is in regards to the ability of stimulating strokes to “…bind a joint that is too loose…” (McQuillan, 2009), and for relaxation type strokes to have the opposite effect. Many of Hippocrates theories and techniques remained almost unchanged until the Middle Ages, and many similar methods are still used today (Fritz).
The next major change on the evolution of massage was brought about by another Greek physician, Galen (130-201 AD). As he was able to perform human dissection, Galen was a leader in the development of anatomy and physiology and was able to use the work of Hippocrates and expand on it. Beck (1999) advises that Galen wrote many books in regards to his findings which were used for over a thousand years and that “His books on hygienic health, exercise and massage stressed the importance of massage and passive and active exercises for various physical disorders” (Beck, p. 8). Unfortunately after this time, medical, and therefore massage, advancement was limited by the unrest of the Dark Ages until the Renaissance (1450-1600). Massage was brought out from what Fritz (2009) refers to as “folk culture” (p. 14) and began to be recognised again for its medical value.
Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) of Sweden continued the anatomical and physiological evolution of Western style massage. He “used physiological principles to explain the use of exercise and massage” (McQuillan, 2009), and this was so successful that he opened a school and treatment programme which incorporated his specialised active movements, passive movements, duplicated movements and massage with the focus of treatment of disease and injury. Salvo (2007) explains that Ling had many medical physicians attend his school and they were convinced of the value massage and exercise added to the practice of medicine. This system went on to become well known as the Ling System, or Swedish Movements. Unfortunately, due to his lack of medical training, there were some unwilling to embrace Ling’s teachings.
In more “recent” times, there have been some notable advancements in the understanding and acceptance of massage due to the passion of a range of people. Johann Mezger (1817-1893) was a Dutch physician who by being a doctor was able to have more of an influence on the medical and scientific acceptance of massage than Ling. In addition, “He has also been credited with the introduction of the still-used French terminology to the massage profession (e.g., effleurage, petrissage, tapotement)” (Salvo, 2007, p. 8)). Salvo also mentions the American, John Kellogg (1852-1943), who through his books and articles that were made available to the general public, he was able to increase the popularity of massage in the United States.
As more anatomical and physiological knowledge became available, different massage tools evolved that are still used today. Lymphatic drainage was developed by Austrian, Dr Emil Vodder, while American, Dr Janet Travell, pioneered work in myofascial pain, leading on to trigger points. Beck (1999) tells us about Dr James Cyriax, “…an English orthopaedic surgeon who is credited with popularising Deep Transverse Friction Massage.” He also is credited with developing the Range Of Movement assessment to identify where there are areas that are not working properly. All of these were major breakthroughs of their time and have become invaluable tools for healing and maintaining physical health.
Each culture has their own methods when approaching massage, this includes the New Zealand Maori. The methods of Miri Miri and Romi Romi have deep connections to the Eastern and Polynesian methods. Miri Miri is more holistic than the Western physiological approach, connecting physical health with spiritual, family and mental health, aiming for a balance of all for optimum well being. McQuillan (2009) tells us that this is a similar concept to our Western version of relaxation and energy work, but it adds spiritual healing and family connections. He goes on to say that Romi Romi is the same as Western deep tissue bodywork, using a range of tools such as elbows, hands, knees, feet, special sticks, stones and seawater.
Like any industry, there are always the few who ruin it for the majority. One of the big scandals occurred in England during the late 1800’s. Fritz (2009) tells us that “in a very real sense, massage was the victim of its own success” (p. 16), and the scandal that erupted “…eroded the publics and the medical professions confidence in massage as a legitimate medical art” (p. 16). Simply put, as massage became increasingly popular, there were many who tried to make a profit by providing inadequate training at an exorbitant cost, therefore flooding the market with poorly skilled therapists who were carrying a huge personal debt. This resulted in many turning to prostitution, under the banner of massage. Some businesses also made outrageous claims regarding the benefits of massage which, when not substantiated, further reduced the good-will of the public and the medical professions. Faith began to be restored when societies and associations began to form which set boundaries which included prerequisites for study, and the passing of written and clinical exams after being taught by trained teachers in approved schools that were regularly inspected (McQuillan, 2009).
The evolution of societies and associations was mirrored in the evolution of massage in New Zealand at the turn of the 20th Century. According to class notes from McQuillan (2009), there were over 300 massage therapists in the 1900’s and massage was taught at the University of Otago and Dunedin Hospital from 1913-1946. In 1947 this changed to become the School of Physiotherapy and massage became regulated under the Physiotherapy Act in 1949. Over time, physiotherapists moved away from massage, presumably due to the increased conservatism of the 1950’s and the ongoing scandals regarding prostitution. Also, massage was a reasonably time consuming technique and physiotherapy was moving towards a more hands-off, quick turnover approach. During this time it was illegal to practice massage if you were not a physiotherapist, which was considered ridiculous considering the way physiotherapy had evolved. The Massage Parlours Act of 1978 enabled massage therapists to work legally provided they worked in Massage Parlours (in the true sense of the word). In 2003 the Healthcare Practitioners Competency Assurance Act went on to replace this.
In the 1980’s there proved to be a need for a uniting body for massage therapists and the in 1985 the Massage Institute of New Zealand (MINZI) was formed. This was the first professional association for massage since it was separated from physiotherapy, and it focused on the education of therapists, set standards for teachers and held annual conferences for skill development.
In 1989 the New Zealand Association of Therapeutic Massage Practitioners (NZATMP) was also established. It had a strong focus on educational standards and how to raise them, professionalism and increasing the public awareness of massage. It went on to have a name change in the late 1990’s – Therapeutic Massage Association (TMA). During this time it created a new membership structure and had a change of focus towards supporting and representing the needs of qualified therapists, while being a voice for the massage industry. In 2006 MINZI and TMA joined to form Massage New Zealand, sharing common goals and motivations.
Medical advancements have had an enormous impact on the massage industry. Contemporary massage has developed a range of techniques that although they may have been available in the past, they are now becoming more understood and utilised. These techniques are often referred to as bodywork. Many are taken from the breakthroughs made by Cyriax (cross fibre friction massage), Vodder (lymphatic drainage), plus other developments such as Rolfing (Ida Rolf 1896-1979) and trigger points/myofascial pain (Travell). The main model currently used in New Zealand is orthopaedic massage, which we refer to as remedial massage.
Having said that, there are still many who treat the body as more than just a machine to be kept well oiled. The body approach focuses on the body and the effects that massage will have on it – very much a “cause and effect approach” (McQuillan, 2009). This is very strongly linked to the scientific and physiological approach of western medicine. However, it is becoming more widely accepted and understood that at the very least the mind needs to be included as an important factor. It is widely understood that the mind is our most powerful tool. The way you think can affect the body and therapists who use the body-mind approach need to consider this on many levels. For example, the way a therapist portrays themselves and their business environment is an important tool for putting a client at ease and promoting faith and trust in their therapists abilities, which can impact on the effectiveness of the treatment. Some may call this the placebo effect, but that in itself helps to support the importance the mind plays in the well being of the body.
The Body-mind-spirit approach is the next dimension and very much along the lines of the traditional Eastern methods of chi and energy flow. There are many different methods of incorporating the spirit be it praying, meditating or intention. This is a very subtle tool, but those who believe in it consider it to be a key factor in a truly successful massage.
Massage has had a very long and bumpy journey in its evolution. There are still so many diverse aspects to massage that we can never truly know them all, but it is thanks to the courage and passion of the early physicians that we can have a greater understanding of the physiological effects of what we do in our Western style of massage. Diversity is the colour of life, so by having some understanding of other cultural and philosophical approaches, such as the Eastern traditions, we are able to make ourselves more open and rounded in our own philosophies. In addition, we can also hopefully learn lessons from the mistakes of others, so we can move forward in a moral and ethical way to be the best we can be for ourselves, our clients and the massage industry.
References
Beck, M. F. (1999). Milady’s theory and practice of therapeutic massage (3rd ed.). New York: Milady Publishing.
Fritz, S. (2009). Mosby’s fundamentals of therapeutic massage (4th ed.).St Louis: Mosby, Elsevier
McQuillan, D. (2009). Fundamentals of massage. Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago Polytechnic
McQuillan, D. (2009, May 21). Fundamentals of massage: Retrieved June 2, 2009 from http://elluminate.tekotago.ac.nz/play_recording_confirmation.html
McQuillan, D. (2009, June 4). Fundamentals of massage Retrieved June 5, 2009 from http://elluminate.tekotago.ac.nz/play_recording_confirmation.html
Salvo, S. G. (2007). Massage therapy: principles and practice (3rd ed.). St Louis: Saunders, Elsevier
Wikipedia. Retrieved June 2, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocrates
Friday, June 12, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Fundamentals - Task 5
Sustainable Massage Practice
By Suzanne Cunningham
Massage is an organic experience, therefore it makes sense to link it to sustainability. Sustainability is more than just looking at our impact on the planet. In this blog I will address the efforts we can make in our massage practice to preserve Earth, but also look at the implications to ourselves, to our networks and to the economy.
When considering massage in the context of a therapist working on a client, there are many ways in which we can work to make it as organic and sustainable as possible. In Nicole Cutlers online article How to Practice Eco-Friendly Massage (July 21, 2008), she provides some excellent examples of what to incorporate in our practice. Some of them are as simple as making a wise choice when purchasing items from our supermarkets and department stores.
Using organic products wherever possible is highly recommended. This includes “organically grown cotton linens [which] are produced without the use of pesticides; they use sustainable practices such as crop rotation and support beneficial insect life” (Cutler, 2008). The use of organic massage oils and creams is also strongly encouraged. They have a two-fold advantage as they follow the same sustainable principles in their production, but they are also a great way of directly looking after yourself and your clients well-being by limiting the toxins present to be absorbed through the skin. This can also be taken one step further by using, plant and mineral based laundry detergents (which I currently do).
Where possible, buy in bulk. Instead of using several small containers and having a large amount of waste, it is possible to use one large storage container and repeatedly top up a dispenser. Often buying in bulk is cheaper than buying the same volume in smaller containers. Some suppliers may even offer a discount if you return the empty containers (eg: The Body Shop). Due to the low volume of clients I currently have, this is not yet a major consideration for me. However, once I have a higher client work load, bulk purchasing of oils will be something to prioritise.
To take sustainable practice further, the environment in which you practice should be considered. Efficient insulation and heating of the premises should be a high priority. Currently, my room has very little ceiling insulation and no under floor insulation. Both of these are going to be remedied very soon as there has been a noticeable change in recent weeks as to how high the heater needs to be and how long the heat is retained in the room. For those who are renting premises this can be a little difficult to ensure, however, wise decision making when renting a location can save a lot of expensive heating measures in the long run. Insulation requirements will vary from region to region, however, if you want to keep your space warm or cool, adequate insulation makes this a much more efficient process.
Sharing premises with another therapist or complementary healthcare provider could be a good way of sharing many expenses and the environmental impact, instead of replicating it in many different locations for a single use. In addition, wise booking of clients can also assist. If you have two or more clients back to back, this can be more sustainable than having one in the morning and one in the evening. You will either have to use extra energy reheating the area for the second client or use a large amount in keeping the area warm for the entire time. Less energy use = less drain on the environment.
The type of heating (or cooling) systems also needs to be considered as some are more efficient in different environments (radiant versus convection). As safety is paramount, there may be some limitations on what can be selected, but it pays to do your homework to see which type is going to be suited to the space and materials in your work environment.
So, by combining wise insulation, heating and time management you will be able to make a significant difference to your energy use, thus your impact on the environment and the size of your heating bill! Using energy efficient lighting takes it just one step further.
Reuse and recycle is another method to use to keep your business environmentally sustainable and keep costs down. I re-use printer paper - drafts of assignments, emails, etc - basically anything that is not confidential. They get sliced into pieces and used for grocery lists, to-do lists, book marks, phone messages, and so on.
Cutler (2008) says this about recycling, “Considered to be the ultimate green act, participation in a recycling program makes a big impact on preserving the environment”. Any items that can be recycled should be recycled through your local council (or other available systems).
However, there are more areas that massage is relevant to sustainability than the environment. There are the very human, social and economic impacts which have many flow-on effects into our society. For example, by therapists remembering to keep massage sessions to the specified time, and managing workloads so that they don’t burn out, this provides sustainability of our massage providers. If they are looking after themselves and each other, they will be available to provide outstanding and ongoing care for their clients.
The so called “human sustainability” (McQuillan, 2009) factor of massage can be measured by the improvement in our own and our clients physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Although many may say the latter two cannot be measured, most will report an improvement in their sense of general well-being, which is a form of self measure – we all know when we are feeling better after a period of ill health or stress!
By educating clients to become more self aware, they grow and learn more about themselves. They will often feel inclined to become more active, perhaps in an effort to get fit and strengthen weakened muscles, to manage stress levels or reconnect with their personal and professional networks in a more positive way. As clients become more self aware, they may also choose to further their education about their health - perhaps by changing their diet to reduce the volume and type of toxins entering the body, becoming aware of any food intolerances and just being generally more aware of what makes them feel better. In addition to managing their stress by having a physical outlet, some may even feel positive enough to address the source of their stress and eliminate it completely. This self awareness is another area in which I need to address my massage practice. By not making my diet and exercise a priority, I regularly run low on energy and optimism. This is not sustainable!!
These, and many other factors which can come directly from receiving regular massage, can flow on to affect other areas of our society. As discussed in my blog The Effects of Massage on the Autonomic Nervous System, oxytocin is a chemical in the body that is attributed to “the ability to bond and form healthy relationships with other people” (Cunningham, 2009). As massage can increase a persons natural level of oxytocin, clients will hopefully be leaving their sessions with an increased feeling of warmth and compassion towards others. This can only but have a positive effect on those they connect with. If this is combined with a reduction in stress levels, be it because they are no longer in pain from muscle tension, or they have an increased level of “feel good” hormones, a person is more likely to be calmer, more positive, less emotional and more rational. This can only bode well for their interactions with others.
I have experienced this first hand recently. After completing several assignments my stress levels dropped markedly. This resulted in me having more physical time and emotional “head space” to provide positive attention and energy onto those around me. Positive facial cues and warm responses replaced the frowns, tight lips and crisp replies that were previously dealt out. Although I could feel the change in myself, it was the comments and reponses from those around me that have had the most impact. Therefore, the professional relationships we build with our clients and the physical effect we have on them through massage will have an enormous impact on the way they interact in their other relationships, building social sustainability.
“Economic sustainability” is something we should all be striving for. By building a great business we hope to have a fabulous income. Ok, realistically it will be a good income, enabling us to live a comfortable lifestyle and have a little disposable income. If we are able to comfortably cover our costs, we are more likely to feel positive about spending our profit on other industries – hospitality, travel, adventure, clothing and textiles, and so on.
Looking at it from another angle, if as massage therapists we are treating workers in these other industries, hopefully they are fit and well, therefore more productive in their industry, reaping the economic rewards and having the disposable income to also contribute to the economic cycle. People who feel better do more! These people who are feeling better will also hopefully have the time and energy to consider the world around them instead of only have the energy to get through their day.
This positivity, combined with economic growth, can have enormous effects on our environment. People will have the time and energy to consider the choices available to them (eg: Fair Trade coffee). If they have the economic growth, they will have the income to pay slightly more for the socially and environmentally sustainable products. As many of these products do cost more than their bulk and commercially produced counterparts, it will only be by the buying power of those who can afford it to change the supply and demand see-saw so that there are more of these products available, therefore hopefully having an increasingly positive impact on our world and our own sustainability.
It is astounding to consider the far reaching effects massage may possibly have, and it is exciting to be considered a part of such an organic and important process. There are many things that I must personally consider and address as I continue to make my business sustainable, and I believe I have already made some solid ground in the right direction.
Resources
Cunningham, S. (2009, April 2). The effects of massage on the autonomic nervous system. Message posted to Suzanne Cunningham – Massage Therapist [Web Log]: http://suzmassage.blogspot.com/
Cutler, N. (2008, July 21). How to practice eco-friendly massage. Retrieved May 21, 2009, from
http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2008/07/how_to_practice.html
McQuillan, D. (2009). Fundamentals – ethics (Sustainable massage practice). Retrieved May 24, 2009, from http://elluminate.tekotago.ac.nz/play_recording_confirmation.html
By Suzanne Cunningham
Massage is an organic experience, therefore it makes sense to link it to sustainability. Sustainability is more than just looking at our impact on the planet. In this blog I will address the efforts we can make in our massage practice to preserve Earth, but also look at the implications to ourselves, to our networks and to the economy.
When considering massage in the context of a therapist working on a client, there are many ways in which we can work to make it as organic and sustainable as possible. In Nicole Cutlers online article How to Practice Eco-Friendly Massage (July 21, 2008), she provides some excellent examples of what to incorporate in our practice. Some of them are as simple as making a wise choice when purchasing items from our supermarkets and department stores.
Using organic products wherever possible is highly recommended. This includes “organically grown cotton linens [which] are produced without the use of pesticides; they use sustainable practices such as crop rotation and support beneficial insect life” (Cutler, 2008). The use of organic massage oils and creams is also strongly encouraged. They have a two-fold advantage as they follow the same sustainable principles in their production, but they are also a great way of directly looking after yourself and your clients well-being by limiting the toxins present to be absorbed through the skin. This can also be taken one step further by using, plant and mineral based laundry detergents (which I currently do).
Where possible, buy in bulk. Instead of using several small containers and having a large amount of waste, it is possible to use one large storage container and repeatedly top up a dispenser. Often buying in bulk is cheaper than buying the same volume in smaller containers. Some suppliers may even offer a discount if you return the empty containers (eg: The Body Shop). Due to the low volume of clients I currently have, this is not yet a major consideration for me. However, once I have a higher client work load, bulk purchasing of oils will be something to prioritise.
To take sustainable practice further, the environment in which you practice should be considered. Efficient insulation and heating of the premises should be a high priority. Currently, my room has very little ceiling insulation and no under floor insulation. Both of these are going to be remedied very soon as there has been a noticeable change in recent weeks as to how high the heater needs to be and how long the heat is retained in the room. For those who are renting premises this can be a little difficult to ensure, however, wise decision making when renting a location can save a lot of expensive heating measures in the long run. Insulation requirements will vary from region to region, however, if you want to keep your space warm or cool, adequate insulation makes this a much more efficient process.
Sharing premises with another therapist or complementary healthcare provider could be a good way of sharing many expenses and the environmental impact, instead of replicating it in many different locations for a single use. In addition, wise booking of clients can also assist. If you have two or more clients back to back, this can be more sustainable than having one in the morning and one in the evening. You will either have to use extra energy reheating the area for the second client or use a large amount in keeping the area warm for the entire time. Less energy use = less drain on the environment.
The type of heating (or cooling) systems also needs to be considered as some are more efficient in different environments (radiant versus convection). As safety is paramount, there may be some limitations on what can be selected, but it pays to do your homework to see which type is going to be suited to the space and materials in your work environment.
So, by combining wise insulation, heating and time management you will be able to make a significant difference to your energy use, thus your impact on the environment and the size of your heating bill! Using energy efficient lighting takes it just one step further.
Reuse and recycle is another method to use to keep your business environmentally sustainable and keep costs down. I re-use printer paper - drafts of assignments, emails, etc - basically anything that is not confidential. They get sliced into pieces and used for grocery lists, to-do lists, book marks, phone messages, and so on.
Cutler (2008) says this about recycling, “Considered to be the ultimate green act, participation in a recycling program makes a big impact on preserving the environment”. Any items that can be recycled should be recycled through your local council (or other available systems).
However, there are more areas that massage is relevant to sustainability than the environment. There are the very human, social and economic impacts which have many flow-on effects into our society. For example, by therapists remembering to keep massage sessions to the specified time, and managing workloads so that they don’t burn out, this provides sustainability of our massage providers. If they are looking after themselves and each other, they will be available to provide outstanding and ongoing care for their clients.
The so called “human sustainability” (McQuillan, 2009) factor of massage can be measured by the improvement in our own and our clients physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Although many may say the latter two cannot be measured, most will report an improvement in their sense of general well-being, which is a form of self measure – we all know when we are feeling better after a period of ill health or stress!
By educating clients to become more self aware, they grow and learn more about themselves. They will often feel inclined to become more active, perhaps in an effort to get fit and strengthen weakened muscles, to manage stress levels or reconnect with their personal and professional networks in a more positive way. As clients become more self aware, they may also choose to further their education about their health - perhaps by changing their diet to reduce the volume and type of toxins entering the body, becoming aware of any food intolerances and just being generally more aware of what makes them feel better. In addition to managing their stress by having a physical outlet, some may even feel positive enough to address the source of their stress and eliminate it completely. This self awareness is another area in which I need to address my massage practice. By not making my diet and exercise a priority, I regularly run low on energy and optimism. This is not sustainable!!
These, and many other factors which can come directly from receiving regular massage, can flow on to affect other areas of our society. As discussed in my blog The Effects of Massage on the Autonomic Nervous System, oxytocin is a chemical in the body that is attributed to “the ability to bond and form healthy relationships with other people” (Cunningham, 2009). As massage can increase a persons natural level of oxytocin, clients will hopefully be leaving their sessions with an increased feeling of warmth and compassion towards others. This can only but have a positive effect on those they connect with. If this is combined with a reduction in stress levels, be it because they are no longer in pain from muscle tension, or they have an increased level of “feel good” hormones, a person is more likely to be calmer, more positive, less emotional and more rational. This can only bode well for their interactions with others.
I have experienced this first hand recently. After completing several assignments my stress levels dropped markedly. This resulted in me having more physical time and emotional “head space” to provide positive attention and energy onto those around me. Positive facial cues and warm responses replaced the frowns, tight lips and crisp replies that were previously dealt out. Although I could feel the change in myself, it was the comments and reponses from those around me that have had the most impact. Therefore, the professional relationships we build with our clients and the physical effect we have on them through massage will have an enormous impact on the way they interact in their other relationships, building social sustainability.
“Economic sustainability” is something we should all be striving for. By building a great business we hope to have a fabulous income. Ok, realistically it will be a good income, enabling us to live a comfortable lifestyle and have a little disposable income. If we are able to comfortably cover our costs, we are more likely to feel positive about spending our profit on other industries – hospitality, travel, adventure, clothing and textiles, and so on.
Looking at it from another angle, if as massage therapists we are treating workers in these other industries, hopefully they are fit and well, therefore more productive in their industry, reaping the economic rewards and having the disposable income to also contribute to the economic cycle. People who feel better do more! These people who are feeling better will also hopefully have the time and energy to consider the world around them instead of only have the energy to get through their day.
This positivity, combined with economic growth, can have enormous effects on our environment. People will have the time and energy to consider the choices available to them (eg: Fair Trade coffee). If they have the economic growth, they will have the income to pay slightly more for the socially and environmentally sustainable products. As many of these products do cost more than their bulk and commercially produced counterparts, it will only be by the buying power of those who can afford it to change the supply and demand see-saw so that there are more of these products available, therefore hopefully having an increasingly positive impact on our world and our own sustainability.
It is astounding to consider the far reaching effects massage may possibly have, and it is exciting to be considered a part of such an organic and important process. There are many things that I must personally consider and address as I continue to make my business sustainable, and I believe I have already made some solid ground in the right direction.
Resources
Cunningham, S. (2009, April 2). The effects of massage on the autonomic nervous system. Message posted to Suzanne Cunningham – Massage Therapist [Web Log]: http://suzmassage.blogspot.com/
Cutler, N. (2008, July 21). How to practice eco-friendly massage. Retrieved May 21, 2009, from
http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2008/07/how_to_practice.html
McQuillan, D. (2009). Fundamentals – ethics (Sustainable massage practice). Retrieved May 24, 2009, from http://elluminate.tekotago.ac.nz/play_recording_confirmation.html
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Study Skills - Task 7
Time Management
By Suzanne Cunningham
I thought I had it sorted! However, as I tried to complete this assignment, by my third draft I began to realise just how far off the mark I am.
I started the year with high hopes and grand plans. I went through my diary and wrote in our schedule according to the online timetable. I made lists of my regular clients and my daughters activities. I even printed off the assessments from the course pages and put them all in date order in one assessment folder so I can work logically through them. My husband travels for work at irregular times and for extended periods, so I knew that I had to plan my life as if he is not here – if he is, bonus! Even before taking on the commitment of full time study I carefully considered my existing daily and weekly commitments and identified that I would be able to find a workable balance. I was going to fit it all in during school hours and the occasional late evening so that I would still be there for my family. I usually have extraordinary time management skills which have served me well in the past. To be honest, I really don’t know how it has all gone so pear shaped.
So while I have been sitting here trying to reflect on the important areas in my life that I need to prioritise (daily/weekly household tasks, my daughters activities, my study, my relationships, my work, my health), it has become clear that one of my biggest problems (or weaknesses) is the inability to identify which is the most important item and give it top priority (compared to identifying the most pressing problem that needs attention now). Does it change minute by minute, or day by day? Am I considering what is more important to others instead of what is more important to me, and is this wrong? This then lends itself to the second biggest problem of my inability to say no and to be less of a “people pleaser”.
Typically in the past I have taken other peoples schedules and worked mine around them. This could be because my husband has always travelled to varying degrees, so we have always had to work in around his schedule. Now that our daughter is getting older and has numerous activities each week, here is yet another schedule that I need to work around. Prioritising time for me is proving to be a major challenge. I usually book my clients in when it suits them, not necessarily when it works for me, and as time progresses I am seeing and feeling the negative impact all this “people pleasing” is having on my physical and emotional health.
I believe that I have time management in day-to-day family life fairly well nailed. My diary is my bible and it has all our external commitments listed to avoid double bookings or missing something. We are prepared and on time for events and activities. We eat and sleep at “normal” times, and there are always clean clothes to wear. However, it appears that I have some major work to do to get my own personal priorities and time management sorted so that my studies are given the due care and attention that I intended at the start of the year.
My first step is going to be to create a realistic schedule based on the three week cycle we have with our block courses. During the two weeks in between blocks there will be a limit to the number of clients I see in a day and in a week. I will also need to start occasionally accepting the offers of help from family members in an attempt to free up time I normally spend driving to, and waiting at, my daughter’s activities. Perhaps I will need to go as far as allocating a particular day of the week for a specific subject, just to ensure I concentrate on one thing at a time. Most importantly, I am going to prioritise some play-time for myself. I haven’t skated in months. It was my “happy place” when I felt down about being back in Dunedin. The personal challenge it presents is so rewarding when you master a new skill and break through boundaries. Not to mention the friendship and camaraderie I have with my fellow adult skaters. It really is a different experience that bonds you with others who are taking on this unusual challenge at a later stage in life.
Watch this space… The old and revitalised Suz will be back
By Suzanne Cunningham
I thought I had it sorted! However, as I tried to complete this assignment, by my third draft I began to realise just how far off the mark I am.
I started the year with high hopes and grand plans. I went through my diary and wrote in our schedule according to the online timetable. I made lists of my regular clients and my daughters activities. I even printed off the assessments from the course pages and put them all in date order in one assessment folder so I can work logically through them. My husband travels for work at irregular times and for extended periods, so I knew that I had to plan my life as if he is not here – if he is, bonus! Even before taking on the commitment of full time study I carefully considered my existing daily and weekly commitments and identified that I would be able to find a workable balance. I was going to fit it all in during school hours and the occasional late evening so that I would still be there for my family. I usually have extraordinary time management skills which have served me well in the past. To be honest, I really don’t know how it has all gone so pear shaped.
So while I have been sitting here trying to reflect on the important areas in my life that I need to prioritise (daily/weekly household tasks, my daughters activities, my study, my relationships, my work, my health), it has become clear that one of my biggest problems (or weaknesses) is the inability to identify which is the most important item and give it top priority (compared to identifying the most pressing problem that needs attention now). Does it change minute by minute, or day by day? Am I considering what is more important to others instead of what is more important to me, and is this wrong? This then lends itself to the second biggest problem of my inability to say no and to be less of a “people pleaser”.
Typically in the past I have taken other peoples schedules and worked mine around them. This could be because my husband has always travelled to varying degrees, so we have always had to work in around his schedule. Now that our daughter is getting older and has numerous activities each week, here is yet another schedule that I need to work around. Prioritising time for me is proving to be a major challenge. I usually book my clients in when it suits them, not necessarily when it works for me, and as time progresses I am seeing and feeling the negative impact all this “people pleasing” is having on my physical and emotional health.
I believe that I have time management in day-to-day family life fairly well nailed. My diary is my bible and it has all our external commitments listed to avoid double bookings or missing something. We are prepared and on time for events and activities. We eat and sleep at “normal” times, and there are always clean clothes to wear. However, it appears that I have some major work to do to get my own personal priorities and time management sorted so that my studies are given the due care and attention that I intended at the start of the year.
My first step is going to be to create a realistic schedule based on the three week cycle we have with our block courses. During the two weeks in between blocks there will be a limit to the number of clients I see in a day and in a week. I will also need to start occasionally accepting the offers of help from family members in an attempt to free up time I normally spend driving to, and waiting at, my daughter’s activities. Perhaps I will need to go as far as allocating a particular day of the week for a specific subject, just to ensure I concentrate on one thing at a time. Most importantly, I am going to prioritise some play-time for myself. I haven’t skated in months. It was my “happy place” when I felt down about being back in Dunedin. The personal challenge it presents is so rewarding when you master a new skill and break through boundaries. Not to mention the friendship and camaraderie I have with my fellow adult skaters. It really is a different experience that bonds you with others who are taking on this unusual challenge at a later stage in life.
Watch this space… The old and revitalised Suz will be back
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