The ABMP Podcast | Speaking With the Massage & Bodywork Profession

Meet Melissa Strautman, a highly accomplished massage therapist and owner of Massage Fix. Explore the world of massage competitions as she shares her experience competing and the impact it has had on her growth as a therapist. Learn about the different competition categories, judging criteria, and the process of judging in the massage profession. Discover resources to get involved in massage competitions and enhance your skills as a massage therapist.

A client wants to know if massage will help with their uterine fibroids? How can we answer this question?   What does “help” mean?   What are their goals?   What does the research say?   Spoiler: the research, while thin, holds some surprises.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.                                      Recent Articles by Ruth:          “Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961-november-december-2022/38   “Unpacking the Long Haul,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 35, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1439667-january-february-2022/36. “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 33, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696-september-october-2021/34.           “Pharmacology Basics for Massage Therapists,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2021, page 32, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1384577-july-august-2021/34.           Resources:    Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   Massage Today (no date) Massage Today. Available at: https://www.massagetoday.com/articles/14184/Uterine-Fibroids (Accessed: 29 November 2023).   Maya Abdominal Massage for Women: Northeast Rehab (no date) Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital. Available at: https://www.northeastrehab.com/services/maya-massage/ (Accessed: 29 November 2023).   Mehl-Madrona, L. (2002) ‘Complementary medicine treatment of uterine fibroids: a pilot study’, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 8(2), pp. 34–36, 38–40, 42, 44–46. Rubio, E.M. et al. (2023) ‘Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Women with Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids’, Journal of Women’s Health (2002), 32(5), pp. 546–552. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2022.0094.   The Dos and Don’ts of Managing Fibroids – Taking Control Of Your Health : Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy: Vascular and Interventional Radiologists (no date). Available at: https://www.mintstl.com/blog/the-dos-and-donts-of-managing-fibroids-taking-control-of-your-health (Accessed: 29 November 2023).

We often define ourselves by how busy we are—always looking outward instead of inward. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren speaks with Angie Parris-Raney—licensed massage therapist and Chopra Center Certified in meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle— about the peripheral modalities that led her to meditation, styles and types of meditations that can be practiced, and some of the specific mechanics of the mantra meditation. Angie Parris-Raney is a licensed massage therapist and is the advertising director for ABMP. She is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and Ayurvedic lifestyle. Her training explores physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Angie is also the founder of the nonprofit Project Inti, an organization that provides aid to low-income Peruvian families and communities. For more information, visit www.projectinti.org. Resources:   Meditate & Move: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCfBu3CT6VzOZNtymKBRqto4BcOm-Uvoj   Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/   Contact Angie:   Website: goodhealthwellnesspro.com   Email: angie@abmp.com     Host:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at editor@abmp.com.     Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Touch America: www.touchamerica.com     Zibby Media: www.zibbymedia.com         Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA       Zibby Media is a women-led company dedicated to deepening the connections between readers, authors, and each other. We do so by offering many ways to connect—even for those who don’t have time to read. Founded by Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, publisher, bookstore owner, CEO, and mother of four, Zibby Media includes a publishing house, a magazine, podcasts, retreats, classes, a book club, salon events, and an independent bookstore with frequent author events. If you have ever loved a book, you’re in the right place.   Learn more at zibbymedia.com Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zibbybooks/?hl=en Listen to the podcast @momsdonthavetimetoreadbooks Read the magazine @zibbymag   TouchAmerica is a leading manufacturer of professional grade wellness furniture, bodywork tables, halotherapy suites, hydrotherapy equipment, sound bathing loungers, and other related products. At TouchAmerica, we believe in a future where good health and vitality are common in all aspects of living. Promoting the positive power of conscious touch is at the core of our vision. We hope our products help add a touch of functional elegance to your massage & spa work environment. ABMP members receive 20% off all standard products. Discounts do not apply to salt or special-order SKUs. Visit https://www.touchamerica.com/ or Call 800 67 TOUCH and use code touchABMP*. Reach out today and feel the TouchAmerica difference!    

A young adult who’s been struggling with epilepsy wakes up after a seizure and is completely paralyzed on their left side. What does this mean? What happens next? And how can we best serve our clients who live with epilepsy? Join host Ruth Werner for those questions and more on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .”   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.                                      Recent Articles by Ruth:          “Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961-november-december-2022/38 “Unpacking the Long Haul,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 35, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1439667-january-february-2022/36. “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 33, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696-september-october-2021/34.           “Pharmacology Basics for Massage Therapists,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2021, page 32, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1384577-july-august-2021/34.           Resources:    Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   Ep 113 – Seizures and Action Plans: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner (2021) Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Available at: https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-113-seizures-and-action-plans-i-have-client-who-pathology-conversations-ruth-werner (Accessed: 12 November 2023).   Todd’s Paralysis (no date) Epilepsy Foundation. Available at: https://www.epilepsy.com/connect/forum-archive/living-epilepsy-adults/todds-paralysis (Accessed: 12 November 2023).   Todd’s Paralysis | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (no date). Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/todds-paralysis (Accessed: 12 November 2023).   ‘Todd’s paresis’ (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Todd%27s_paresis&oldid=1170991936 (Accessed: 12 November 2023).  

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a lot like TMJ—known more for its dysfunction than its function. But if we take a moment to understand outlets, their design, and their purpose, we might be able to approach the famous one we own with a little more finesse. In this episode of The Rebel MT, Allison dismantles our thoracic outlet and the syndrome and symptoms that show up here.  This podcast sponsored by:     Rebel Massage Therapist: http://www.rebelmassage.com   AnatomySCAPES: www.anatomyscapes.com   Rebel Massage Therapist: My name is Allison. And I am not your typical massage therapist. After 20 years of experience and thousands of clients, I have learned that massage therapy is SO MUCH more than a relaxing experience at a spa. I see soft tissue as more than merely a physical element but a deeply complex, neurologically driven part of who you are. I use this knowledge to work WITH you—not ON you—to create change that works. This is the basis of my approach. As a massage therapist, I have worked in almost every capacity, including massage clinics, physical therapy clinics, chiropractor offices, spas, private practice, and teaching. I have learned incredible techniques and strategies from each of my experiences. In my 20 years as a massage therapist, I have never stopped growing. I currently have a private practice based out of Long Beach, California, where I also teach continuing education classes and occasionally work on my kids. If they’re good.   website: www.rebelmassage.com FB: facebook.com/RebelMassage IG: instagram.com/rebelmassagetherapist YouTube: youtube.com/c/RebelMassage email: rebelmassagetherapist@gmail.com   AnatomySCAPES - created by & for hands-on professionals.   As hands-on health professionals, we want more than labeled charts of muscles, nerves, and bones. We crave anatomy education that informs our touch. AnatomySCAPES’ innovative online trainings are bringing vibrant, visual, real anatomy understanding to therapists with the Anatomy LOVERS eBox! Each month, you receive an image-packed, research-loaded mini-course including: A downloadable and sharable Anatomy ART Card. Research-loaded, 1-hour Course Webinar in the Anatomy LOUNGE with Nicole Trombley and Rachelle Clauson. Anatomy ZINE course manual full of images, science and art to help you dig deeper. Anatomy BRIEF Video that takes you into the dissection lab to see how anatomy LOOKS, FEELS, MOVES, and RELATES to its surroundings. Really visual, really relevant, REAL anatomy education for hands-on professionals. Go to anatomyscapes.com/ABMP and become an Anatomy LOVERS eBox subscriber today!    website: www.anatomyscapes.com/ABMP FB: facebook.com/AnatomySCAPES IG: instagram.com/anatomyscapes YouTube: youtube.com/@anatomyscapes email: info@anatomyscapes.com   Host:                   Contact Allison Denney: rebelmt@abmp.com             Allison’s website: www.rebelmassage.com                      Allison Denney is a certified massage therapist and certified YouTuber. You can find her massage tutorials at YouTube.com/RebelMassage. She is also passionate about creating products that are kind, simple, and productive for therapists to use in their practices. Her products, along with access to her blog and CE opportunities, can be found at rebelmassage.com.               Allison’s column in Massage & Bodywork magazine:     “The QL and the Psoas: The Epitome of Codependency” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 24.    “The Hand: A User’s Guide,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine. November/December 2021, page 81.   “Feelization: Connect with Clients on a Deeper Level,” by Allison Denney, Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 85.

Websites are an incredible tool for recruiting new massage clients. A few simple updates can make your business website even better. Tune in to this episode of Business or Pressure with host Allissa Haines to learn about some easy ways to level up your website.   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Resources: Ep 388- Making It Easy to Be Your Massage Client: https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-388-making-it-easy-be-your-massage-client-business-or-pressure-allissa-haines   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. This unique property makes it an excellent medium for massage, enhancing tactile contact without leaving an oily residue. HobaCare Jojoba is also shelf stable and will not stain natural fiber sheets. By choosing HobaCare Jojoba, massage therapists can enhance their practice, offering clients a superior, skin-friendly experience that promotes both skin health and overall well-being. Website: www.hobacare.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jojobacompany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojobacompany    

As your client pool ages, it’s likely you will see more clients living with diabetes. Can the hands-on work you offer this aging group of clients make a difference in their quality of life? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Kristin are joined by Dawn Castiglione to discuss the importance of massage in addressing blood circulation problems in the elderly with age-related diabetes, specific considerations massage therapists should keep in mind when working with this population, and techniques that contribute to improving the client’s overall well-being. Dawn Castiglione has been a licensed massage therapist since 2010. She became geriatric massage certified in 2011 after training under Dr. Sharon Puszko, DayBreak’s previous owner. Working mainly in retirement communities, assisted-living facilities, and memory care units, Dawn has enjoyed a career in massage therapy with a focus on seniors and those with degenerative conditions. After teaching for DayBreak for nearly a decade, she became owner, director, and principal educator of DayBreak in 2023. She enjoys guest speaking at support groups and major events for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and looks forward to helping massage therapists take their skills and passions to the next level, helping them to embrace the geriatric specialty in massage therapy.   Resources:   https://www.daybreak-massage.com/   “Massage for Elderly Clients with Diabetes,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2023, page 56, https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1509769-november-december-2023/58     Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at editor@abmp.com. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at ce@abmp.com.     Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Touch America: www.touchamerica.com     Zibby Media: www.zibbymedia.com         Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA       Zibby Media is a women-led company dedicated to deepening the connections between readers, authors, and each other. We do so by offering many ways to connect—even for those who don’t have time to read. Founded by Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, publisher, bookstore owner, CEO, and mother of four, Zibby Media includes a publishing house, a magazine, podcasts, retreats, classes, a book club, salon events, and an independent bookstore with frequent author events. If you have ever loved a book, you’re in the right place.   Learn more at zibbymedia.com Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zibbybooks/?hl=en Listen to the podcast @momsdonthavetimetoreadbooks Read the magazine @zibbymag   TouchAmerica is a leading manufacturer of professional grade wellness furniture, bodywork tables, halotherapy suites, hydrotherapy equipment, sound bathing loungers, and other related products. At TouchAmerica, we believe in a future where good health and vitality are common in all aspects of living. Promoting the positive power of conscious touch is at the core of our vision. We hope our products help add a touch of functional elegance to your massage & spa work environment. ABMP members receive 20% off all standard products. Discounts do not apply to salt or special-order SKUs. Visit https://www.touchamerica.com/ or Call 800 67 TOUCH and use code touchABMP*. Reach out today and feel the TouchAmerica difference!    

Tucked away during rainy season in a tropical paradise, a mosquito-borne virus runs rampant. What does Dengue fever mean for massage—how does it spread, what does it do, how is it treated and what are the risks? Listen in to learn. Then get the bug spray.   Sponsors:     Books of Discovery: www.booksofdiscovery.com     Host Bio:                    Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.                                      Recent Articles by Ruth:          “Working with Invisible Pain,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, November/December 2022, page 36, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961-november-december-2022/38   “Unpacking the Long Haul,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, January/February 2022, page 35, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1439667-january-february-2022/36. “Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Massage Therapy,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, September/October 2021, page 33, http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1402696-september-october-2021/34.           “Pharmacology Basics for Massage Therapists,” Massage & Bodywork magazine, July/August 2021, page 32, www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1384577-july-august-2021/34.           Resources:    Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app   CDC (2023) Dengue Clinical Presentation | CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/healthcare-providers/clinical-presentation.html (Accessed: 29 October 2023).   Dengue and severe dengue (no date b). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue (Accessed: 29 October 2023).   ‘Dengue: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology’ (2023a). Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/215840-overview#a3 (Accessed: 29 October 2023).   ‘Etymologia: dengue’ (2006) Emerging Infectious Diseases, 12(6), p. 893. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1206.ET1206.   Saeed, O. and Asif, A. (2020) ‘Chapter 2 - Dengue virus disease; the origins’, in A.I. Qureshi and O. Saeed (eds) Dengue Virus Disease. Academic Press, pp. 9–16. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818270-3.00002-3.    

The healing capabilities of dolphins have long been speculated upon—particularly relating to the high ultrasonic frequencies they emit. In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Darren and Angie are joined by Kate Mackinnon to discuss Kate’s recent trip to the Bahamas to take part in dolphin-assisted craniosacral therapy, what the experience is like for herself and her clients, and how this program influences the work she does back home. A healing arts practitioner specializing in craniosacral therapy, Kate Mackinnon has more than three decades of experience in mainstream and complementary medicine, along with the wisdom gained from many wonderful teachers throughout her career, including Dr. Wayne Dyer. She authored From My Hands and Heart: Achieving Health and Balance with Craniosacral Therapy and co-authored Elements of a Successful Therapeutic Business. Find out more at www.kmackinnon.com.    Resources:   From my Hands and Heart: Achieving Health and Balance with Craniosacral Therapy     Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at editor@abmp.com. Angie Parris-Raney is a licensed massage therapist and is the advertising director for ABMP. She is Chopra Center Certified in meditation and ayurvedic lifestyle. Her training explores physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Angie is also the founder of the nonprofit, Project Inti, an organization that provides aid to low-income Peruvian families and communities. For more information, visit www.projectinti.org.     Sponsors:   Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Touch America: www.touchamerica.com     Zibby Media: www.zibbymedia.com         Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.                      Website: anatomytrains.com                        Email: info@anatomytrains.com             Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains                       Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA       Zibby Media is a women-led company dedicated to deepening the connections between readers, authors, and each other. We do so by offering many ways to connect—even for those who don’t have time to read. Founded by Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, publisher, bookstore owner, CEO, and mother of four, Zibby Media includes a publishing house, a magazine, podcasts, retreats, classes, a book club, salon events, and an independent bookstore with frequent author events. If you have ever loved a book, you’re in the right place.   Learn more at zibbymedia.com Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zibbybooks/?hl=en Listen to the podcast @momsdonthavetimetoreadbooks Read the magazine @zibbymag   TouchAmerica is a leading manufacturer of professional grade wellness furniture, bodywork tables, halotherapy suites, hydrotherapy equipment, sound bathing loungers, and other related products. At TouchAmerica, we believe in a future where good health and vitality are common in all aspects of living. Promoting the positive power of conscious touch is at the core of our vision. We hope our products help add a touch of functional elegance to your massage & spa work environment. ABMP members receive 20% off all standard products. Discounts do not apply to salt or special-order SKUs. Visit https://www.touchamerica.com/ or Call 800 67 TOUCH and use code touchABMP*. Reach out today and feel the TouchAmerica difference!  

Enforcing business policies can be uncomfortable. Host Allissa Haines discusses how creating protocols and scripts in advance will lend professionalism and ease to running a massage business.   Resources:   Ep 384 – Structuring Your Massage Business https://www.abmp.com/podcasts/ep-384-structuring-your-massage-business-business-or-pressure-allissa-haines   Host: Allissa Haines is a practicing massage therapist and business owner and columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine. You can find her building a community of massage therapists at deepbreathdigital.com/community.   Author links:   Website: www.deepbreathdigital.com/community   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deepbreathcommunity/   Sponsors:   Jojoba: www.jojobacompany.com   HobaCare Jojoba is a premium quality, 100% pure jojoba oil that is highly beneficial for massage therapists. As a single-ingredient product, it aligns perfectly with holistic practices, providing an all-natural, chemical-free massage medium option. Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which allows it to absorb easily and deeply into the skin, delivering a non-greasy, moisturizing experience that doesn't clog pores or cause allergic reactions. This unique property makes it an excellent medium for massage, enhancing tactile contact without leaving an oily residue. HobaCare Jojoba is also shelf stable and will not stain natural fiber sheets. By choosing HobaCare Jojoba, massage therapists can enhance their practice, offering clients a superior, skin-friendly experience that promotes both skin health and overall well-being. Website: www.hobacare.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jojobacompany Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojobacompany