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then come inside to the sauna where your massage therapist joins you, beats
you with wet oak branches, and covers you with organic honey before lead-
ing you to the massage room. Now I call that service!
Ten Thousand Waves, 3451 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501;
505-992-5000; www p ri menet . com / spa repo rte r/wa v es h tm.
Besides offering a long list of very talented massage therapists on staff, Ten
Thousand Waves gives you that all-too-rare opportunity, a chance to wear a
kimono in public! Yes, they hand you a kimono when you check in at the
desk. Next, you're off to the lockers, then out to a clothing-optional hot tub
environment that is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. After
saunas and soaking, your massage therapist takes you to a light-filled cham-
ber for some high-quality bodywork. As an added bonus, you can head into
Santa Fe afterwards for some of the best green chili on the planet.
International Massage Spots
It's true, the world is big, and there are thousands of tremendous massage
experiences waiting out there for you, but the following list at least offers a
few good places to get started.
Amandarl, Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; tel. 011 62 361 975333;
www.amanresorts.com/dari_m.html.
So, say you're bored. And you have an extra $25,000 or so burning a hole in
your pocket. Why not come to Bali and live for several weeks at the incredi-
ble Amandari Resort? Locals believe the area to be a spiritual place, with
nearby paths meandering through the jungle valley down to a sacred pool.
While you're there, you can partake in the spiritual atmosphere yourself
during a one-hour Amandari massage. During this sublime procedure, you
will recline beneath a thatched-hut structure out by the tranquil lotus pool
while being anointed with indigenous Indonesian oils by a highly skilled
native practitioner. It doesn't get much better than this anywhere on Earth
Camp Eden, Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin Valley, Queensland,
Australia, 4223; Tel. 61 (7) 5533 0333 or (800) 074 157;
YAM campeden com . a u.
If you don't mind getting a leech stuck on your big toe, as I did when running
the fitness course through the rainforests of lush Camp Eden, then you may
surely enjoy a visit to this remote-yet-close health retreat. Camp Eden is near
Surfer's Paradise along the east coast of Australia, where the weather is
lovely, the people magnificent, and the massage therapists' fingers as strong
as those of a man wrapping his hand around a can of Foster's lager after a
long day herding sheep in the outback.
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Chapter 22: Ten Outstanding Places to Receive a Topnotch Massage
Casa del Sol, Av. Gral. Diego Diaz Gonzalez #31, Col. Panes, 62550
Cuernavaca, Mexico; tel. 52 (73) 21-0999, toll-free 01-800-999-9100;
WWW .M1 s ondel sol. com.mx.
Ethereal beings clad in white escort you through a complex of buildings con-
structed of the most natural materials available: clay, wood and stone. You
are ushered into inner chambers for your massage, which is more than a mas-
sage, because at the same time you are surrounded by the philosophy of
Mislon del Sol, which attempts to bring your internal environment into total
harmony with an ecologically balanced external environment. The end result,
hope the resort's owners, is to Increase human consciousness to a universal
level. At the very least, you get a killer massage.
Charlie's Spa at San Souci, Box 103, Ocho Rios, Jamaica; 800-203-7456.
This is the place to go if you're the type who would like to receive a massage
in a picturesque little gazebo out at the end of a walkway surrounded on all
sides by the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean. All the while, you hear faint
strains of reggae music wash up from the distant beach bar, and a giant sea
turtle named Charlie floats effortlessly by in a nearby fresh water grotto. If
you're the type who would like this experience, definitely call this spa.
Javana Spa, Plaza Bisnis Kemang, Building 2, Kemang, Jakarta, 121730,
Indonesia; tel. 011 62 21 719-8327; www avanas pa . corn.
Up in the cool hills outside of hectic Jakarta, you find a tranquil, spectacular
place —Javana Spa. The altitude (1,200 meters) makes for fresh air and a
feeling of escape from the humid tropical world of mere mortals below. Hike
through forests to hidden waterfalls, then head back to the spa for your mas-
sage that includes natural oils and ingredients found right on this Pacific
island. If you're feeling brave, ask for their traditional Indonesian massage, an
intense experience that is "not for the faint of heart" as one resort official put
it. Also, make sure to book your appointment in one of the rooms facing out
toward the rainforest. The lush sights and sounds of tropical wildlife provide
an exotic backdrop for your experience.
La Mamounia, Avenue Bab Jdid, Marrakech, Morocco; (212-4) 44-89-81, fax
(212-4) 44-46.60; WWW .rnamouni a . com.
This resort, often described as the best hotel In Northern Africa, was the
haunt of Winston Churchill, and it was one of the few places where he felt
serene and removed enough from world affairs to practice his favorite pas-
time, watercolor painting. To receive your massage, you enter the hamam, or
Turkish bath. There an entire ceremony takes place in a beautiful white mar-
bled, Moorish-tiled steam room that is perfumed with natural, delicately
boiled herbs. You're scrubbed with a natural paste, then bathed and toweled
before the massage, which is also done in the steam room. The whole
process takes about two hours, and afterwards you may feel like a character
out of a romantic international novel.
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Les Thermes Marius, 2 Ave de Monte Carlo, BP 215, Monte Carlo, France;
98004; tel. 377-92-16-40-40.
If you're feeling kind of ritzy, put your Ray Bans on, hop in your yacht, and
head to Monte Carlo for Les Thermes Marins, a spa with a sea view. And it's
not only a view you get, but sea therapy as well. After a soak In a natural sea-
water bath, request an hour-long massage before heading out to the casinos
for the evening. This retreat has been called "the most luxurious thalas-
sotherapy center, or seawater spa, in the world," but the price for a full day
including four treatments won't drain your bank account.
Spa Deus, Via Le Plane 35-53042, Chianciano (Si) Italy; 39-(0) 578-63232,
www.spadeus.it.
If you come under the spell of the Tuscan sun and can't wait to start your
Italian getaway, but don't know where to begin and would like to get a mas-
sage while you're thinking about it anyway, definitely book an appointment
at Spa Deus. They offer a good blend of European and American philoso-
phies, and if you ever tire of the fine massages and healthy lifestyle choices
there, you can head out in your rented Fiat for a little tour of the magnificent
countryside.
Spiritual Massage, Angela Moran, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; tel. 5521
274-5195; e-mail: sol ga veatiimandi c .com. br.
If you happen to be in Rio de Janeiro and you want a spiritual experience, call
Angela Moraes, who offers something called Massagem Espiritual, which is
Portuguese for spiritual massage. You may not know this, but Brazilians are
famous for their spiritual inclinations, as well as their more, urn, worldly incli-
nations. Just being in Rio Is a kind of spiritual experience in itself. Call Angela
to make it extra special. She has a healing center in a gorgeous area near
mountains, beaches, and forests, but still right In the city.
Wat Po Temple, Bangkok, Thailand
If you're in Bangkok, just ask anybody where Wat Po is, and they may be able
to tell you. It's kind of hard to miss sprawling temples with massive golden
Buddhas, right? The massage you receive there has a reputation of being
"intense," but in a good way, of course. And it won't be in a darkened private
room with flute music playing, like you may expect, but in an open public
pavilion with several beds all together, and you wear loose-fitting clothing.
And be warned, the massage is so wonderful, and the price so affordable, you
may end up here for hours!
EFTA00008362

Chapter 23
Ten Inventive Ways to Give
Massage as a Gift
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 0000000000000000000000000000000
In This Chapter
i> Creating great massage gifts
If you really want to get on somebody's good side, here's a little secret:
Give them a massage gift. You don't necessarily have to give the massage
yourself (in some cases this could even be inappropriate), but you do have to
put forth the effort to create the massage gift, arrange for it, pay for it, and so
on. You may be surprised at how incredibly warm a reception your gift
receives. Massage, ultimately, is always a gift for the person who's receiving
it. Even if you're paying for it yourself, there's something very special about
the physical act of receiving the massage. It's natural to respond as though It
were a gift. The giver works so hard, on such an intimate level, that you can't
help but feel connected to him, and grateful. Try some of the suggestions that
follow to accentuate this quality of the massage you offer to others.
Spa gift certificates
Purchase a gift certificate that's good at over 700 great day spas in the U.S.
and give it to a deserving individual. To order your certificate, call 888-SPA-
WISH, and make sure to check out the coupon in the back of this book,
because it gets you a discount! Way cool.
The massage birthday gift
For that special someone's birthday, your anniversary, or any other special
occasion, hire a professional massage therapist to come over as a surprise
gift. This could lead to some major gratitude immediately following the mas-
sage, so make sure you have a bottle of champagne chilled just in case.
The spa date
With so many spas around these days, it's possible for many people to get
away to one for a night or two. Arrange in advance for a "spa date" on which
both of you get multiple massages by a pro. Pack a good book, a bathing suit,
and you're all set.
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Part VI: The Part of Tens
The royal treatment at home
Drop the kids at grandma's house and head home to cook your partner's
favorite meal, arrange flowers, light candles, and warm the aromatherapy oil.
Then put the skills you attain from this book to good use by giving a great
massage. This is good for major brownie points in your favor.
8&B and massage
Take a trip to a quaint and charming little bed & breakfast and trade mas-
sages with your partner in this new, romantic environment.
Leave a little rub behind
When you're a houseguest, leave behind a massage gift certificate from a
local massage therapist to show how much you appreciate your host's
hospitality.
Massage for charity
Buy a gift certificate from a local massage therapist and offer it as a door
prize for your church or community club auction.
Wedding day. rub
Buy a massage for (or better yet, give a massage to!) a friend who is getting
married. I received a massage on my own wedding day and have given mas-
sages to friends on theirs. You can always manage to make that extra hour
appear on the big day, no matter how hectic things seem to get, and it really
helps to calm the nervous bride or groom.
The massage economy pack
Negotiate with a local massage therapist to purchase a whole series of mas-
sages at a discount, and then share them with your partner, family, friends,
business associates, and anyone else you can think of.
You're the gift
After you read this book, offer free massages to all of your friends and each
person in your family. Do this even if you think you're not "good enough" at
giving massage yet. If you give from your heart, people may respond accord-
ingly. It's the gift that counts, not the wrapping.
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Chapter 24
Ten Massage Techniques That
Your Dog or Cat Will Love
6 0•00000000000000000•00•0000000000000•0•00•000000
In This Chapter
D, Pleasing your pet with massage
y
ou don't have to be a highly trained expert in several esoteric massage
techniques in order to make your dog Sparky roll over in ecstasy when
you rub his belly. However, maybe there are a few tricks here you haven't
experimented with before. Your pet is sure to be overjoyed that you've read
this book (and this chapter in particular) and are now ready to spend quality
time trying out some new maneuvers. In fact, Sparky may have been the one
who slipped that bookmark onto this page when you weren't looking.
Animals can teach us humans a thing or two about massage. Just watch a cat,
for instance, over a period of five minutes (when it's not asleep), and you'll
see what I mean. They are "in the moment" all the time, responding to their
inner "call of the wild" to do whatever comes naturally. You can follow their
lead with these massage moves. Yes, that's right, go ahead and get crazy with
your techniques, letting your instincts take over as you bond and communi-
cate with that special creature in your life. I limit the discussion to cats and
dogs here because those are the most popular pets, but there's no reason you
can't try these moves out on hamsters, gerbils, or Vietnamese pigs as well.
Paul pressure
Some people reserve their paw petting just for the furry tops of the paws,
which is a big mistake. If you slide your fingers into the webbing of the paw
pads underneath, you reach some areas that are hard to get to otherwise.
Ever see your pets vigorously nibbling away at their own feet? This is the
area they're trying to get, and if you help them out, they'll appreciate it.
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Part VI: The Part of Tens
Outer ears
Too many pet owners content themselves with a cursory scratch of the ears,
when what your pet really wants is an all-out assault on the base of the back
of the ear where it connects to the head. This seems to be an area that can
never get enough intense rubbing. Use the tips of your index and middle fin-
gers, really digging into the cartilage there that makes up the ear.
Inner ears
Inside the ear is a gold mine of prospective massage points, and it would be
silly of you to stay away just because the inside of the ear is pink and poten-
tially "yucky." Go ahead, promise yourself you'll wash your hands
immediately afterwards, and then rub away on the little ridges and rolls
within the cavern of the ear, exploring for new areas of pet pleasure.
Betty rub
The ever-popular belly rub Is quite simple for most of us to perform. Just
start rubbing, and your pooch keels over, kicking his paws up in the air in
animal surrender. Experiment until you find the exact spot that causes the
most frenetic paw movements. This is "ground zero" in belly-rub territory.
Watch out if you use belly rubbing on a cat because it will quite likely try to
grasp your arm with its front paws and start clawing you with the back paws.
This is the natural feline "disemboweling" reaction, meant to eviscerate any
unlucky little rodents it catches out in the yard.
"knee" kneading
Did you know that what we usually think of as the "knees" on our pets are
actually the wrists? It's true, and it's also true that this is a little-known area
of intense pet-massage satisfaction. Just try massaging your own wrists for a
few seconds. Feels good, right? Animals love it, too. Use your fingertips to
rub little circles in all directions around the joint, down onto the paw a little
bit, and back up onto the leg slightly, too. Pinch In between the bones and
tendons, and do a few Joint movements while you're at it.
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Chapter 24: Ten Massage Techniques That Your Dog or Cat Will Love 319
Chin wedgies
Just at the tip of the jutting underside of your dog or cat's chin you'll find the
spot where the two sides of the jaw come together. The little triangle of soft
tissue that you'll find there is a site of supreme sensitivity. Use your pinkie
finger if necessary to reach into this area and rub back and forth with firm
pressure. If you do the maneuver correctly, your pet becomes your slave
and may do anything you ask it to, as long as you continue to provide such
pleasure.
Tall tails
Right on top of the base of the tail, where it connects to the back, is a magical
spot. Grind into it with enough finger pressure, and your pet's tail will begin
to rise (cats) or wag (dogs). A "tall tale" is a sure sign that they like this very
much.
Underarms
We tend to not pay that much attention to human armpits, often skipping
them altogether during full-body massages. This is understandable, because
some armpits are not places most of us would want to go, but it's also sad for
our pets, whose armpits are licked clean on a daily, If not hourly, basis. You
can give a good massage into this area by using all four fingers held flat. Slip
them between the leg and the body and rub your fingertips into the many
tendons, muscles, and ligaments you find attached there.
Nose nudgies
Press straight down onto the front of the nose with firm pressure and rub up
and down just slightly, avoiding the nostrils. Try pushing until your pet
pushes back and you begin to get into a little dance with each other, leading
your pet around by the nose, which is kind of cute. At least it's cute for about
30 seconds or so.
Doggy and kitty chiropractic
Starting at the tall, use your fingertips to massage each vertebrae, working
your way up the spine one bone at a time. Try mini-kneading maneuvers and
some circular rubbing, making sure to get between the bones, too, Into those
little notches.
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20 Part VI: The Part of Tens
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Chapter 25
Ten Quick and Easy Massage
Techniques for Easing Stress
O 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
In This Chapter
r Achieving quick stress relief with massage
O 00000000000•000000010•0000(2•0000000000000000000••
T
here are certain circumstances that are not completely conducive to
giving or receiving hour-long full body massages complete with music,
candles, and scented oils. Like when you're in a crowded elevator, for exam-
ple, or if you're sitting at a departure gate at JFK airport. In places like those,
it's important to remember not to take all your clothes off and start rubbing
(either yourself or another person) because that may give massage a strange
reputation.
Luckily for you, there are some quick little massage moves you can use every
day in public places to help relieve stress. And none of them require you to
embarrass yourself.
Easing Your Own Stress
The following are five quick and easy ways to ease your own stress with
massage.
Eye hooks
This move feels better than it sounds. Hook your thumbs up into the inner
upper corners of your eye sockets, pressing in against the nose bone and up
against the ridge of the brow. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. This is great for
headaches and sinus congestion (see Chapter 17 for a photo).
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Headache point
Known to shiatsu practitioners as Large Intestine 4, or L14, this point is noted
for helping to relieve headaches. It's located in the webbing of your hand
between the thumb and index finger. The problem is that most people don't
press exactly the right spot when they try to stimulate this point on them-
selves.
The spot Is not directly In the center of the meaty part of the webbing, but
rather in against the bone of the hand. To press here effectively, grasp the
webbing between thumb and Index finger with your opposite hand, squeeze
it, and then move your thumb in against the side of the hand. See Chapter 11
for a look at this move.
Jaw circles
We all carry whole bunches of tension in our Jaw muscles (yes, even you).
One good way to alleviate this is to use your fingertips and make tiny little
circles right into the center of your Jaw muscles. Open and close your mouth
slowly at the same time to increase the effect.
You may also want to try gently pulling your chin down until your mouth
begins to open, relaxing the law muscles. You may be surprised at how tightly
you hold your mouth closed, perhaps out of a fear of looking like a dufus. Go
ahead, you're all alone; let your mouth hang open for a minute. It'll feel great.
Ear reflexology
According to the zone theory, each point on the bottom of your foot reflects
areas in other parts of your body, as you find out in Chapter 14. Did you know
that your ears also reflect every other part of the body? Yes, it's true. The
Chinese even have an extensive system of treating many disorders with pres-
sure on the ears.
You can give your whole body a boost by simply rubbing your ears with a vig-
orous little kneading movement between your thumb and first two fingers.
Start at the lobe below and walk you fingers up around the outside to the top
of the ear, giving little tugs outward as you go. Even if it does nothing for the
rest of your body, it makes your ears feel great.
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Chapter 25: Ten Quick and Easy Massage Techniques for Easing Stress 323
Foot drainage
Most everyone agrees that a foot massage feels great, but what If you're all
alone and you only have a few minutes? Well, then try this one move to affect
the bladder and adrenal reflex points on the bottom of the feet. It's a good
way to stimulate detoxification and elimination while providing some stress
relief at the same time.
With one foot up on the opposite knee, press in with your thumb, sliding ft
back and forth along the arch between the heel and midway up the foot.
Check Figure 14-1 to see where this reflex is.
Easing a Partner's Stress
Following are five ways you can help others relieve their stress.
The vice grip
Tightly grasp the top of your partner's right shoulder (the area between the
shoulder and neck, consisting mostly of the trapezius muscle) with both of
your hands and have her turn her head very slowly to the left. Then have her
hold the position at the extreme end of the turn for 10 seconds before slowly
turning back. You can switch shoulders if you'd like or repeat on this side if
only one shoulder is tight. This is an excellent way to help reduce major
stress in the neck and shoulders.
Head squeeze
Although It may look like you're trying to squeeze your partner's head like a
gigantic melon, you're actually doing him a big favor with this move, espe-
cially if he has a headache. With your elbows well out to the sides, press in
with the heels of your hands, using very firm pressure against the sides of
your partner's head, just above and in front of the ears. Hold for 10 to 15 sec-
onds, asking your partner how the pressure feels. Discontinue if he
experiences any discomfort. This is especially effective on tension headaches
and has even been known to help with hangovers.
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Part VI: The Part of Tens
24
Hooking the skull
Standing behind your partner, place your thumbs at the base of his skull,
on the muscles at the top of his neck. Then use a cat-pawing motion to
dig your thumbs further into the muscles there, as If you were trying to hook
your thumbs up under his skull. This will really loosen up the entire neck.
Make sure not to press directly into the spine with this move, as it may be
uncomfortable. Stay about an inch to either side.
Scalp circles
Place your fingertips firmly against your partner's scalp and make little cir-
cles while pressing down. Make sure your fingers don't slip across atop the
hair but remain firmly pressed against the scalp as you move the skin and
thin muscles below. Then, after a few seconds, lift your fingers and repeat the
circles on another spot on the scalp.
Wing lift
Have your partner bring one hand around to her lower back, which will lift
her shoulder blade up a little. Then use your fingertips to hook into the mus-
cles beneath the shoulder blade and pull steadily upward with light pressure
on the blade itself, which will stretch the entire upper back and also have a
loosening effect on the arm. Repeat on the other side.
EFTA00008372

Appendix
Massage Resources
M
assage, like any new field you're just getting into, can be a little confus-
ing at first. There are so many resources you could use, so many
directions you could search in. This appendix lists just a few of the many
tools that could help you, but you'll find more than enough here to keep you
busy for a long time.
Massage Books
There are lots of informative books on massage specialties. So, if you really
feel the need to own another book besides this one, don't worry, you won't
hurt my feelings. In fact, here are some suggestions:
Capellini, Steve, The Royal Treatment How You Can Take Home the Pleasures
of the Great Luxury Spas. New York, New York, Dell, 1997.
Claire, Thomas, Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get—andH ow To Make
the Most of lt, William Morrow, New York, 1995.
Ford, Clyde, Compassionate Touch. NY: Simon and Schuster, 1993.
Knaster, Mirka, Discovering the Body's Wisdom, Bantam, New York, 1996.
Krieger, Dolores, Accepting Your Power to Heal: The Personal Practice of
Therapeutic Touch, Santa Fe, Bear & Co., 1993.
Miller, Erica, Day Spa Operations. Albany, Milady, 1995.
Montagu, Ashley, Touching: The Human Significance of the Skirt, Harper & Row,
New York, 1971.
Nelson, Dawn, Compassionate Touch: Hands-On Caregiving for the Elderly, the
III and the Dying, New York, Talman Company, 1993.
Pierpont, Margaret, The Spa Life at Home, Longstreet Press, Atlanta, 1997.
Thomas, Zach, Healing Touch: The Church's Forgotten Language. Louisville, KY,
Westminster/John Knox Press, 1994.
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Massage For Dummies
Massage Magazines
In the U.S., there are three main magazines read by massage therapists. All
of them include tons of information to help you get "plugged into" the mas-
sage world.
Massage Magazine: 1315 West Mallon, Dept. 50, Spokane, WA 99201-2038,
800-533-4263, ext. 50.
Massage Therapy Journal: 820 Davis Street, Suite 100, Evanston, IL
60201-4444, 847-864-0123.
Massage & Bodywork Quarterly: 28677 Buffalo Park Road, Evergreen, CO
80439-7347, 303-674-8478.
Massage on the Web
Given the velocity of change on the Internet, I can't absolutely guarantee that
all of the following links will be completely current. However, you can rest
assured that they will provide you with mega-amounts of Information, more
than you could possibly digest in one lifetime. So log on, start surfing, and
prepare to launch into the World Wide Web of massage.
General sites
www. d ha rmanet . org/TBI /webri ng . html: This massage "Web ring" Is a good
place to start because it links together many sites all focused on massage
therapy, and you can travel from place to place, always remaining within the
ring. Note: especially helpful if you have a Web site on the subject of massage
that you want to promote.
www.gwl com/mtwc/gui de/ techn gues html: This site is known as
"Massage Therapy Web Central," and you'll be able to find tons of links here
for massage.
www. carpal tunnel mass age. corn: Check here for insight into massage moves
that can help with repetitive stress pain in the wrist.
www. ba byma s s a ge . corn: This is a site with a video available for instruction in
(surprise!) baby massage.
www. chi I dbi rth . org: Here you'll find everything you could possibly want
to learn about childbirth, including baby massage and massage for pregnant
people.
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Appendix: Massage Resources 327
www. daybreak-massage. corn: This Is thee site for people interested in offer-
ing massage to seniors (also called geriatric massage). They offer training
and certification.
www. i nnerpeacemus i c . com: This is thee site for Stephen Halpern, a musi-
cian who has devoted his career to providing healing through sound. Many
massage pros choose his music to accompany their massage.
www. hometown .aol .com/ESMSatHome/schools html: Check here for links
to many horse massage schools.
www. NCBTMB. com: The site for National Certification Board for Therapeutic
Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). This organization offers certification for
massage pros in every state of the U.S..
Massage therapist locator sites
ma ssagethera pynetwork corn: This site links therapists with customers and
vice versa.
www . althea 1 thsea rch .com: This is a good place to find a practitioner in
your area. It covers a lot of territory with over 180,000 listings.
www. ma s s a gen etwo rk . com: Look here for tons of info from around the world,
locating therapists, etc.
www. ma s s a ge res ource com: Travel to this Web site first if you're seeking
therapists, schools, info, etc.
www. ma s sagethera pyhomepage com/di rectory. html: This page will help
you find a school or therapist anywhere in the world.
Massage products
www .pressurepositi ve . corn: This site has several massage products for
sale, such as the "Backknobber" and others.
www. bodyba 1a nci ng . corn: This is the home site for the Body Balancer tool.
www . mt swa rehouse . com: Here's a site for discounted massage tables of
many makes and models.
www. monmouth . com/—bestofnature: This company bills themselves as a
"massage supply superstore? The site definitely has a large number of
products.
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Massage For Dummies
www, rel a xtheback . corn: These are the ergonomic experts with a large chain
of retail stores featuring back-friendly furniture, tools, and some massage
items.
www .wildsyde com/kamamain. htm: This page on the Wild Syde Web site
lists a sizable selection of edible massage oils, including the Infamous "cap-
puccino" flavor.
www . ma ssagetool s com: This Is the Web site for the manufacturer of the
Thumper vibrating massage device.
www. ma s s a gema tters . com: A massage entrepreneur in the Atlanta area
offers this special site featuring Just a few well-chosen, high quality massage
items.
Heating retreat and spa resources
www. spa s . about . corn: This may be the most comprehensive source of infor-
mation about spas on the Web. Your experience here will be lead by a spa.
guide, Julie Register, who has spent many hours researching and cataloguing
information as well as forging useful connections with many professionals in
the spa industry.
http: / / 209.41.63.136/spa / spa . htm: Check here for travel and related
information about the original town of Spa in Belgium.
www. spawi sh . corn: This is the 1.800-FLOWERS of the spa world. Get in touch
with Spa Wish to order a gift certificate good at hundreds of day spas across
the U.S.. Also, check out the coupon in the back of this book.
www. s pad i scoveri es. corn: This is the International Spa of the Month Club
Web site. This outfit will send you new spa products from top resorts every
month.
WWW spamaga zi ne com: This is the Web site for Spa magazine.
www. spa f i nders corn: This is the place to go when you're searching for spa
vacations.
Equipment and Supplies
The following is a list of companies that make equipment for use by massage
pros or the public, as well as some retail outlets where you can go to pur-
chase massage Items.
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Living Earth Crafts: 600 East Todd Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, 800-358-8292,
www.livingearthcrafts.com
Living Earth Crafts offers portable, stationary, and spa tables, plus oils,
books, T shirts, videos, massage tools, and more.
Golden Ratio Woodworks: 2896 Hwy. 89 South, Emigrant, Montana 59027,
800-345-1129 or 406-333-4578, www gol den ra t i o . corn
Golden Ratio offers a full line of tables, chairs, and allied products. They also
made the extremely cool Massage For Dummies massage chair featured in
some of the photos in this book!
The Body Balancer: Body Balancing Ltd., P.O. Box 51977, Palo Alto, CA 94303,
800-437-7004
This is where you can order the Body Balancer, featured in Chapter 10.
Natura Essentials: 2845 Harriet Ave South, Minneapolis 55408, 888-606-0055,
www.naturaessentials.com
This company features an incredible collection of some of the finest aro-
matherapy products you can find anywhere, including candles, essential oils,
diffusers, and more.
Trigger Point Co.: P.O. Box 391171, Anza, CA 92539, 800-763-2430.
This company manufactures the popular Thera Cane self-massage tool.
Educating Hands Bookstore: 120 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33130 305-285-0651
or 800-999-6991, www . educa ti nghands . com
This store-in-a-school near downtown Miami offers a great selection of books,
videos, tables, chairs, massage muscle-builders, and accessories.
Downeast School of Massage Bookstore: 99 Moose Meadow Lane,
Waldoboro, ME 04572, 207-832-553, www.midcoast com/—dsm
This stores offers lots of books, study aids, charts, videos, models, music,
lotions, oils, and accessories including the Thermophore moist heat pack.
Best of Nature: 176 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, 800-228-6457 or
732-728-0004, www. bestofnature. com
Billing themselves as "the largest massage supply superstore," Best of Nature
offers tables, chairs, sheets, oils, accessories, creams, and more.
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Massage For Dummies
Inner Peace Linens: P.O. Box 940, Walpole, NH 03608-0940, 800-949 7650,
www.innerpeace.com
What's the use of lying on an expensive padded massage table if it's covered
with a cheap sheet? Contact Inner Peace for 100-percent cotton flannel mas-
sage table linens.
Massage Oils and Creams
Take it from me: if you're going to apply long firm massage strokes to the
hairy leg of an Italian man, you'd better use some kind of lubricant, or you're
going to have one angry Italian on your hands. You can find massage oils and
creams at many health food stores and specialty shops, but in this section
I've listed a few top-of-the-line products that the pros use.
Biotone: 4757 Old Cliffs Rd., San Diego, CA 92120, 800-445-6457 or
619-582-0027, www . bi otone . com
This is a popular massage cream and oil manufacturer.
Heritage Products: Box 444, Virginia Beach, VA 23458, 800-TO-CAYCE,
www. caycecures .com
Heritage produces the Edgar Cayce Aura Glow oil, the formula for which was
inspired by the renowned healer.
Pure Pro Massage Oils: 955 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 232, Cambridge,
MA 02139, 781-933-8638, 877-373-5298, www. rel axu . corn
These nice folks will send you a free catalogue if you ask for one nicely.
Tara Spa Therapy: P.O. Box 222639, Cannel, CA 93922, 800-552-0779 or
831.648.1932
Tara Spa Therapy carries Bindi Body Oil (my favorite). They also have a line
of ayurvedic products, and much more.
Catalogues
These catalogues specialize in all kinds of products that are good for you and
your body. Some also offer unique items like meditation pillows, prayer bells
and such.
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Appendix: Massage Resources
Harmony: 800-869-3446
This catalogue offers "products in harmony with the earth," and all the
models look clean cut and happy.
Basic Massage Lines: 1207 W. Kingshighway, Paragould, AR 72450,
800-643-4751, www.bmlmassage.com
Like the name says, this company carries basic massage lines for pros and
amateurs alike, offering one-stop shopping.
Inner Balance: 800-482-3608
This catalogue offers "natural solutions for health," and it has a number of
massage related items.
Best of Nature: 176 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ 07740, 800-228-6457 or
732-728-0004, www.bestofnature.com
This is a no-frills massage, spa, aromatherapy, and body care product cata-
logue, mostly for the pros.
Self-Care: 2000 Powell Street, Suite 1350, Emeryville, CA 94608-1858,
800-345-3371, www. sel fcare.com
Called "America's foremost specialty catalog of products for healthy living,"
this company carries large selection of health and wellness related products.
Explorations: 800-720-2114
A little bit on the "mystical" side, this catalogue offers great stuff for energy
awakening, spirituality, relaxation, etc.
Organizations and Associations
Check out the organizations and associations listed here if you would like
some information or you Just want to chat with someone who knows what
they're talking about.
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA): 820 Davis Street, Suite 100,
Evanston, IL 60201-4444, 847-864-0123, www . amtama s s age . org
American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association (AOBA): Laurel Oak
Corporate Center, Ste 408, 1010 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd., Voorhees, NJ 08043,
609-782-1616, www. hea 1 thy. net/aobta
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