July/August 2016

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There are hundreds of subtle energy processes you can use in your massage practice. So, how best can you sort through the myriad subtle energy techniques available? Well, you don’t necessarily have to.

An MT's hands-on work with the sternocleidomastoids (or SCMs) can be a crucial part of addressing many client complaints, including cervical pain and stiffness, the effects of whiplash, jaw issues, and several other conditions.

Giving and receiving good feedback is essential to professional development.

Simple technique can be very effective. Simply changing the angle of entry and the direction of pressure improved one client's mobility greatly.

Practiced in various cultures for more than 3,000 years, cupping therapy is a traditional form of alternative medicine on par with acupuncture and Chinese massage. The technique uses cups and suction to create negative air pressure next to the skin to stimulate the flow of body fluid and energy.

What combines the ancient traditions of Asian medicine and key fascia-releasing techniques? Cupping massage. In fact, this modern take on an ancient therapy brings together the best of both worlds.

While the modern applications of the cupping tool have evolved, the development of vacuum manual therapies over the last few decades has largely increased the scope of applications for this simple tool—and made it more accessible to today’s health-care providers.

To remain in equilibrium, one must both give and receive in equal measure. Receiving is important for massage therapists, not only as individual human beings, but also as caregivers.

Patricia J. Benjamin tells stories of how massage and therapy evolved over centuries, from North America to Europe and beyond. Read this issue's excerpt from her book.

Neural compression of the brachial plexus is suitably called neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. These clients can present with a variety of symptoms, including painless atrophy of intrinsic hand muscles and nighttime paresthesia.