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Pro tips

BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN 2.2: #Mobility Week 2

This year, for our SECOND ANNUAL ASHI-CHALLENGE (which coincides with the CrossFit Open) we bring you the BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN 2.0: with 2x the content!!! On Fridays, our New York Instructor Dawn Dotson will be posting mobility/stability exercises and activities for your body…. And on Tuesdays, Jeni will post challenges to do while you massage!!! Here’s our Week #2 Mobility…

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BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN 2.1: #MassageMusic

This year, for our SECOND ANNUAL #ASHICHALLENGE (which coincides with the CrossFit Open) we bring you the BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN 2.0: with 2x the content!!! On Fridays, our New York Instructor Dawn Dotson will be posting mobility/stability exercises and activities for your body…. And on Tuesdays, Jeni Spring will post an #AshiatsuChallenge for you to do while you massage!!! Want…

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BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN 2.1: #Mobility Week 1

This year, for our SECOND ANNUAL ASHI-CHALLENGE (which coincides with the CrossFit Open) we bring you the BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN 2.0: with 2x the content!!! On Fridays, our New York Instructor Dawn Dotson will be posting mobility/stability exercises and activities for your body…. And on Tuesdays, Jeni will post challenges to do while you massage!!! Here’s our Week #1 Mobility…

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Ashiatsu Portable Bars: a real-talk review from Jeni Spring

jeni-spring-heeling-sole-portable-ashiatsu-bars

For those of you who know me – you know that I love the ashiatsu portable bars. I was originally trained in ashiatsu on a very old style of the portables, (that were new at the time) and they feel like home to me. Although I honestly couldn’t afford them back then, I put my first set on a credit card and made sure I got my money’s worth out of them ASAP. Ever since, I’ve used them regularly at local Farmers’ Markets, sporting/yoga events and massage conventions. I’ve taught on portable bars across the country and in Germany. I used ashiatsu portable bars daily for 6 months at one point because I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in that location long enough to justify building permanent bars.

I just spent 3 solid days working on a set of portable bars that I own. Now that *anyone* can go buy a set of portables, I wanted to fill you in on all the things I don’t think anyone will actually tell you about them. HERE WE GO!

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Antibiotics, viruses and barefoot massage – part 2

In Part 1 of Antibiotics, Viruses, and Barefoot Massage, I talked about 4 types of common viruses and when how long you should avoid contact with your massage clients who have these viruses. Today, it’s all about antibiotics.

Both viruses and bacteria can be spread by inhalation of microorganisms or spores via close personal contact, via sneezing, coughing, or even laughing.

Remember that antibiotics don’t work for viruses, but they’re instead used to fight the bacteria harmful to human health. We’ll go over bad bacteria types, different antibiotics, what they’re used for, and how this affects your barefoot massage.

While antibiotics may be taken preventively (say, prior to oral surgery), for the sake of this blog we’ll assume that your massage client is taking antibiotics to fight a systemic infection.

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Antibiotics, viruses and barefoot massage – part 1

Nobody wants to work on sick clients. In fact, we’re not legally allowed to in Ohio. Especially this time of year, when we are in close proximity with multiple clients in often small, heated rooms, it’s important to understand who you can work on in regards to common illnesses. Today, I’m going to talk about the difference between viruses and when antibiotics are used.

Part 1 focuses on 4 common viruses, how long they’re contagious, and the symptoms. At the end of the post, I’ve got a list of what to do if a sick person has come into the office. Part 2, coming next Friday, concentrates on antibiotics, their use, and contraindications.

Will antibiotics help?

Antibiotics will not improve viral infections–we just need to “ride them out”.  Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of a bacterial infection, but they are NOT effective against viral infections.

Viral infections, and how long to keep people off your massage table.

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Sucking at table etiquette: and how to turn a duckling into a swan

If you’re not aware of how you use both your feet and hands (applying lubricant, moving sheets or limbs, etc.) then it’s quite possible you aren’t giving your clients the best massage ever.

And that’s our goal. Every. Dang. Time. 

You may be amazing in treating your clients with the appropriate pressure and perfect moves, but if everything else isn’t spot on, fuggedaboutit.

From Jiffy Lube to Sheet Shredders, here’s what to look out for:

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Warm pillow for client comfort

In this Tuesday Toesday tip, we’ll show you how to add in a delightfully warm pillow to enhance your barefoot or hands-on massage. It’s perfect for the winter or even if you keep air conditioning running in your massage room year ’round. Items needed (in addition to your massage table and all that jazz): ❀ an inexpensive heating pad. I actually…

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Before you sign up for our barefoot massage training

Jeni and Mary-Claire did a podcast earlier in the year with Allissa of Massage Business Blueprint entitled, “What to Know Before Taking a Massage CE Class” (episode 147). In it, we covered many important things to know before signing up for any massage class.

Today, I’m going to mention some specifically relating to our ashiatsu classes (we can go on and on ad nauseam on the subject in general.)  😉

Before you sign up for our barefoot massage class, understand basic yet important need-to-know items such as:

❀ What are your goals for learning barefoot massage? We don’t want you 2 feet deep into class before you realize that your client base (or target clientele) won’t want deep tissue barefoot massage. If you want to work (or do work already) on athletes or deep tissue clients, then perfect!

❀ Do you have health issues? Can you receive deep tissue compressive massage? You’ll be receiving a lot in our classes- 2 + hours for each of the 1st 2 days.

Topical allergies? Please let us know ahead of time. We don’t want you breaking out due to someone’s detergent or foot cleaner. 

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How to prepare for your next massage class or convention!

You’ve been saving up all year – stashing your tips, making the most of your work schedule so that you are prepared to take time to travel far and wide to that 3 day massage class, or 4 day massage convention that you have been SO excited about….

MAN THAT SOUNDS SO AWESOME! 3 days of receiving massage? A working vacation!??!

OK wait. This is the part not everyone thinks through all the way.

Your body is about to get weirded out for a few days, best prepare.

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