I just got back from my vacation on Roatan, Honduras. I took time out to relax my mind and my body. The beach was such a great way to relax and rejunvanate. The warm sun and the salt water are so cleansing. Self Care is so important when you work in the Massage Therapy and Bodywork field. What do you do for self care on a daily basis? I do yoga, take walks, use my t spheres aromatherapy massage balls to release tension and adhesions, take baths, and meditate.
On another note, I found how massage was delivered in Roatan to be very interesting. I had a massage by a professional at my resort and she was very good. She had a place in a cabana above the dive store. While you received your massage, you could here the ocean waves and feel the breezes. She was defintely trained and worked with confidence.
As I sat on the beach, I was approached by many women who would ask me if I wanted a massage or hair braiding. I politely declined. These women were not dressed appropriately and most likely were not trained. One women carried a massage table with her. I have never seen such a beat up and dirty table in my life. Others would just work on you wherever you were on the beach and some dragged lounge chairs around.
On one hand, these women are trying to put food on the table. This is a third world country and people don’t have as much opportunity as we do here in America. They are simply trying to make some money just like the other people selling jewelry. However, my issue with the whole thing was sanitation and cleanliness. I even asked one of them how they washed their hands. She answered, “She would wash her hands in the ocean.” I saw another girl take a small towel out of her bag and wipe a lady’s feet off. I am sure this towel had been used before.
The point I am trying to make is that regulation in our country has a place. The need for Massage Therapy Continuing Education is necessary. The courses on hygiene, AIDS, and Ethics are essential to our health and the health of our clients. Massage Therapists are artists and do not like rules but rules are important for many reasons.
Karina
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