Posted by: Body Wisdom | February 8, 2024

The Reluctant Marketer: A “Wellness Practitioner’s Series” to Loving (or at least tolerating) Marketing by Rhett Hatfield:


Introduction: The Marketing Conundrum
Ah, marketing! That pesky task that makes wellness practitioners roll their eyes is more complicated than a yoga ball. Why? Because when you signed up to be a healer, ‘the marketer’ wasn’t in the job description. But here’s a nugget of truth: if your schedule is a bit empty, it’s time to embrace marketing.

The Marketing Allergy: Why Us Wellness Folks Dread It
There’s a common allergy among wellness practitioners, and it’s not pollen – it’s marketing. The mere mention of it conjures images of sleazy sales tactics and inauthentic spiels. But what if I told you marketing could be as soothing as a lavender-scented massage room?  Read on to find out.

Allow a Mindset Shift To: “Marketing as an Extension of Healing”
Imagine this: Marketing as a form of healing. Crazy, right? But it’s true. It’s about sharing your story, connecting with those in need, and offering a helping hand (or healing.)  What we call marketing is really about sharing your passion for your work so that folks can get happily involved with what you’re doing.  

Social Media: It’s Not Just Cat Videos and Food Pics
Social media isn’t just for scrolling through cat videos or envying someone’s brunch. It’s a goldmine for connecting with your tribe. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn – they’re like a 24/7 networking event, minus the awkward handshakes, AND other than your time, they’re FREE.  Try Canva Pro for creating social media posts.  It’s awesome! After a short learning curve, you’re good to go!

Content is King, Queen, AND the Royal Court
In the realm of marketing, content wears the crown. It’s not about selling but sharing knowledge, insights, and a piece of your heart. Mix your favorite wellness ingredients with blogs, videos, and podcasts like a smoothie. Make it fun and create fun posts for ‘you too’, not just your audience.

Email Marketing: Your Digital Love Letter
Think of email marketing as sending a love letter, not a bill. It’s about building a relationship, not just pushing for a sale. Personalize, empathize, and watch your community grow.  Every wellness practitioner should have an email newsletter to stay in touch with their tribe.  You should find a way to collect email addresses for every event you do.  The sooner you start, the better. 

SEO: Your Online Wellness Map
SEO is like a treasure map guiding clients to your digital doorstep. It’s about speaking your client’s language, using keywords that resonate with their needs and healing journey.  SEO is a very deep and important topic that I will happily cover in future newsletters. 

Overcoming Resistance: Tips to Embrace Marketing
Feeling resistance to marketing? Take small steps. Celebrate the little wins. Remember, even a tiny step forward is progress in the right direction.  Like many of us, you may have picked up negative impressions of sales and marketing along the way, but remember, “you are NOT that type of marketer. You’re a new breed “that places people over profit.”

Conclusion: Embracing the Marketing Journey
Marketing, like wellness, is a journey, not a destination. Embrace it, and watch your practice flourish like a well-nurtured garden. And remember, a full schedule and a thriving practice are just around the marketing corner.

Much more on this topic in the future. If, in the meantime, you have any marketing-related questions, feel free to contact me directly at rhetthatfield@earthlink.net

Wishing you every success in your business …
Rhett

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Posted by: Body Wisdom | February 3, 2024

“Innovative Trends Transforming the Massage Industry”


Massage therapy is undergoing a remarkable transformation, embracing advanced equipment and the convenience of modern technology through mobile applications. The fusion of these technologies is reshaping the landscape of massage therapy, heralding a new era of wellness and relaxation.

VR
Virtual reality is an innovation, with therapists increasingly using VR to create immersive relaxation experiences. This innovative approach pairs virtual environments, such as serene beaches or tranquil gardens, with traditional massage techniques to enhance the overall experience. The VR environments are designed to engage the senses, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. By immersing clients in these calming virtual worlds, therapists can provide a more profound and relaxing experience beyond the physical aspect of massage, helping clients shed the stresses of daily life and achieve a deeper state of relaxation. This new method is recognized for its unique and effective way of combining technology with wellness practices​​.

Vibroacoutic Massage Tables:
In terms of equipment, introducing sophisticated tools like Biosonic Massage Tables is revolutionizing therapy delivery. For example, the inHarmony Massage Table (launched in 2023) was designed to augment bodywork and hands-on modalities with vibration therapy for the low price of …. Drum roll … $4321. 

Mobile Apps:
Simultaneously, the massage therapy profession embraces the convenience of ‘mobile apps.’ With the Squeeze app, clients can effortlessly book, pay, and tip their massage therapist, streamlining the entire experience. The app allows clients to set personalized preferences and control the music, lighting, and signal readiness for their session, all from their smartphones.

Soothe, founded in 2013, is another example of technology reshaping our field. This app connects clients with professionals for on-demand massage and beauty services delivered directly to the client’s location. Soothe offers various massage types and makes appointments available daily, bringing the massage therapy experience directly to clients.

Massage Robots:
And add to all that, Aescape, a New York City-based company, is revolutionizing the massage therapy industry by developing an automated, AI-powered massage table. The table utilizes two robotic arms to mimic human touch, offering a unique and data-driven massage experience. Aescape’s innovation aims to redefine massage and wellness by integrating intelligent touchless technology. The company has raised significant funding to enhance this technology and has already secured partnerships to launch the Aescape Experience​​.

As technology continues to evolve, it is clear that it will introduce even more innovative and beneficial tools to massage therapy. The embrace of these technological advancements is enhancing therapists’ practices and ensuring top-tier care for their clients.

It’s a new world evolving rapidly, and Body Wisdom is leading the way with cutting-edge new courses and techniques.

Discover more about our commitment to innovation in education: Schedule an in-person or phone consultation with our admission counselor: ‘G’ @ 515-727-4890

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Posted by: Body Wisdom | January 23, 2024

“Massage Without the Meltdown: Beating Burnout with Self-Care”


Hey there, massage therapists! Let’s chat about something we all face at some point – that crazy busy schedule that can leave us feeling like a squeezed-out tube of lotion. Who would’ve thought having too many clients could be such a wild ride, right?

Too Much of a Good Thing? The Massage Therapist’s Dilemma So here we are, our hands working magic day in and day out, but sometimes it feels like we’re running on empty. We’re giving so much to our clients that, at the end of the day, we’re left with barely any juice for ourselves or our business growth. Sound familiar?

When Overwhelm Sneaks Up on Us, We’ve all been there. You’re juggling clients, and suddenly, you hit a wall. You know all the things you should be doing for your business, but your energy tank is just blinking ‘E’ for empty. And it’s totally normal to feel a bit guilty for not being able to do it all. But hey, we’re human, and it’s okay to feel this way.

The Triple Threat of Overworking Let’s dive into how being super busy is actually a bit of a sneaky enemy, blocking our path to a thriving massage practice:

  1. The Financial Fumble: When you’re too busy, it’s easy to miss the chance to tweak your prices to match your demand. Plus, non-stop work can lead to exhaustion and even injury, meaning unexpected time off and a roller-coaster income. Not fun.
  2. Client Experience Downslide: When we’re swamped, our clients can tell. Little things start slipping, and before we know it, our service quality isn’t what it used to be. That’s a surefire way to see clients looking elsewhere for their next massage.
  3. Policy Puzzles: Have you ever been so tired that even sticking to your rules feels like climbing a mountain? Or maybe you start creating more policies out of frustration. It’s a tricky cycle that can leave you and your clients feeling frazzled.

Spotting the Warning Signs Here are some red flags that you might be overdoing it:

  • If you’ve got a waitlist longer than a grocery line, it’s time to rethink.
  • Feeling the need to stretch your working hours? Remember, it’s okay to stick to the hours that work for you.
  • When your body’s screaming louder than your clients’ tight muscles, that’s a sign.
  • If you’re too wiped out to enjoy your own life, it’s time to hit the pause button.

Five Fab Steps to Ditching Overwork: Ready to get back on track? Here are five steps to keep your practice buzzing without burning out:

  1. Set Your Schedule in Stone: Work out the best days and hours for you and stick to them like superglue.
  2. Break Time is Sacred: Schedule those breaks and vacations ahead of time, and treat them like appointments you can’t miss.
  3. Choose Your Clients Wisely: Not every client is your ideal client. Be picky! It saves you from potential burnout.
  4. Policies are Your Friends: Make sure your policies are clear and fair, and help protect the heart of your business – you!
  5. Price Check: If your schedule’s overflowing, it might be time for a price hike.

Creating Your Ideal Work-Life Balance We’re in this amazing field to spread relaxation and healing, but let’s not forget to apply some of that TLC to ourselves. By taking these steps, you’re not just safeguarding your business – you’re making sure you have the energy and space to enjoy life and bask in the glow of your successful practice. Here’s to finding that perfect balance and keeping our passion for massage alive!

Rhett Hatfield, Director of Education, Body Wisdom Massage School

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Posted in Massage Wisdom

Posted by: Body Wisdom | January 20, 2024

Love is the Killer App

**Love is the Killer App for Succeeding in the Field of Massage Therapy**

Massage is a profession that doesn’t just thrive on technical skill but flourishes with applying a more profound, often underrated ingredient: ‘Love.’

The Heart of Healing:

Massage therapy is an art form that transcends the physical act of kneading muscles and relieving tension. At its core, it’s about healing – and not just physical healing, but emotional and spiritual as well. A massage therapist who approaches their work with love and compassion creates a safe, nurturing space for clients. This environment fosters trust and relaxation, which is essential for a therapeutic and transformative experience.

If you’re a massage therapist looking to deepen your practice or someone considering a career in this fulfilling field, remember that your greatest tool isn’t just your hands – it’s your heart.

Connect. Heal. Love. Succeed.

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Posted by: Body Wisdom | February 9, 2015

Could a Hug a Day Keep Infection Away?

A recent article from Dr Mercola, one of my favorite contributors to the health field, lauds the value of hugging in avoiding infection.  Of course, as a Massage School, I immediately related getting more hugs to the value of receiving massage!  More on that in a moment.

A hug a day keeps the doctor away.

A quote from Dr Mercola’s article:

More Hugs Might Help Keep Infections Away

It’s been shown that people who are under stress and in conflict with others are more susceptible to viruses like the common cold. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University set out to determine whether social support, as gauged by hugging, might in turn be protective against such infections.

It turns out their hypothesis was right. Among 404 adults, those who had greater social support and more frequent hugs during conflicts were less likely to “catch” a cold after they were exposed to the virus.7 The hugs, researchers said, were responsible for about one-third of the protective effect.

According to the study’s lead researcher:8

“This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person may act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugs might be an effective means of reducing the deleterious effects of stress…

The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy… Either way, those who receive more hugs are somewhat more protected from infection.”

He goes on to say …

What Might You Gain from a 10-Second Hug a Day?

If you’ve ever needed an excuse for more hugging, let it be this: hugging increases levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin. This, in turn, may have beneficial effects on your heart health and more.

One study found, for instance, that women had lower blood pressure following a brief episode of warm contact with their partner.9 A 20-second hug, along with 10 minutes of hand-holding, also reduces the harmful physical effects of stress, including its impact on your blood pressure and heart rate.10

This makes sense, since hugging is known to lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Hugging also activates the orbitofrontal cortex in your brain, which is linked to feelings of reward and compassion.11,12 But research suggests there’s even more to it than that.

As reported by Mail Online:13

“The skin contains a network of tiny, egg-shaped pressure centers called Pacinian corpuscles that can sense touch and which are in contact with the brain through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve winds its way through the body and is connected to a number of organs, including the heart.

It is also connected to oxytocin receptors. One theory is that stimulation of the vagus triggers an increase in oxytocin, which in turn leads to the cascade of health benefits.”

A 10-second hug a day can lead to biochemical and physiological reactions in your body that can significantly improve your health. According to one study, this includes: Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Stress Reduction, Fighting Fatigue, Boosting Your Immune System, Fighting Infections and Easing Depression.

Later in the article, he says that alternatives to other touch activities, such as a back rub and getting a massage, have similar value.   Apparently, a hug needs to be 10 seconds long to achieve the maximum benefit.  I’m thinking a massage lasts a LOT longer than that.

Four hugs a day are considered maintenance, 8 hugs are better, and 12 hugs are said to achieve real psychological growth.  Add one weekly massage to that, and I think we would be well on our way to vibrant, drug-free health.

See the full article here.

Rhett Hatfield, Director of Education, Body Wisdom School
900-1300 Hour Massage Certification Program, 5 Different Career Tracks

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Posted in Massage Research

Posted by: Body Wisdom | June 14, 2012

AYANA Awarded Asia-Pacifics Best Spa; Introduces New Signature Treatments

Press Release
Jimbaran, BALI, March 3, 2011

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, which has just added the Best Resort Spa in Asia-Pacific to its list of accolades, has launched four new signature treatments created exclusively for its guests.

The new treatments coincide with the announcement at an awards ceremony in Hong Kong last month that AYANA was voted the Best Resort Spa in Asia-Pacific in the 2011 Destinasian Readers’ Choice Survey– adding to a host of other awards recently, including #1 World’s Best Spa in the 2010 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Survey.

AYANA’s Spa Director, Michi Sonoda, thanked guests for once again voting for the resort’s Thermes Marins Bali Spa and supporting its objective to be the pioneer of unique and innovative treatments available only at AYANA.

“We continually strive to be the best, and these new treatments are not just about relaxation and pampering; they elevate the concept of wellbeing to a whole new level,” said Michi. “They use the earth’s natural resources to specifically target our body’s seven energy centers to counter the negative influences of modern living and restore our inner balance. Seashells are warmed for use as unique and effective massage tools, herbal blends are bundled and warmed to deeply relax the body, lava stones known for their healing properties are used for reflexology, and Ayurveda-inspired methods are used to open your chakras. Each treatment is exclusively available at AYANA and is an experience not to be missed.”

The treatments were created by wellbeing coach Rhett Hatfield, founder of Body Wisdom Coaching, which focuses on ‘coaching from the inside out’ and owner of Body Wisdom Massage School in the USA. Each treatment provides a completely holistic experience to balance the energy centers in the body with innovative approaches to ancient healing remedies. Rhett spent months developing the treatments and training AYANA’s spa therapists in the art of holistic healing.

Hot Shell Massage

For centuries, cultures around the world have honored seashells as a source of food, decoration, trade and for their spiritual connection to the divine feminine. Now you can experience the magic of these gems of the sea through a deeply relaxing Hot Shell Massage to melt tired muscles and soothe your spirit. Shells and sand are used to exfoliate your feet before a massage using dozens of warmed shells sourced from around the world to target different parts of the body specifically. The types of shells used range from spiral shells such as ‘cowries’ and ‘nautilus’ (which target the heart chakra) to clams and coral, each naturally smooth from the ocean. The high note of your experience is a unique seashell layout on your body to balance your energy centers and a refreshing shell facial massage.

AYANA Fusion

Steamed herbal pouches containing AYANA’s fresh herbal blend of three gingers, reputed for their healing and rejuvenating properties, are used to relax tight muscles, making way for the long, flowing, deep tissue strokes, acupressure, and gentle stretching techniques that follow. The herbs are chopped fresh before the treatment by your therapist and placed in a 100% bleached cotton bundle, which is steamed and used as a massage tool to tap, twist, knead, and deeply penetrate the whole body. The pouch delivers deep medicinal heat to relax the muscles, open the pores, stimulate blood circulation, and relieve tension and joint pain. A nourishing face massage with warm herbal face bundles will leave you feeling relaxed and energized.

7 Chakra Dhara

For unbridled luxury, opt for AYANA’s one-of-a-kind Seven Chakra Dhara Journey. Your experience begins with an authentic Ayurvedic massage using long flowing massage strokes and pressure on key marma energy points to relax tired muscles and open the pathways in the body through which energy flows. Then seven synergistic aromatherapy blends attuned to the energy of each of the seven chakras are used together with a precious gemstone and a note from a chakra tuning fork to unblock and balance each individual chakra. Your journey ends with a relaxing marma face and scalp massage and a chakra tuning fork rhapsody to transport you onto a cloud of sound healing currents. Balanced and cleansed anew, this treatment leaves you in an optimum state of well-being.

Lava Stone Reflexology

Not to be missed is AYANA’s signature Lava Stone Reflexology treatment combining Chinese meridiens massage, Thai ‘sabai-sabai’ hand techniques, and European pressure points. Your experience begins with a ceremonial footbath followed by an energizing leg massage and therapeutic foot reflexology with a custom set of Lava stones from the mountains. To complete your treatment, a deeply relaxing hand, arm, neck and shoulder massage will release the burdens of everyday living and brighten your mood.

AYANA Resort and Spa Website

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Posted in Destination Spas, What's New @Body Wisdom?

Posted by: Body Wisdom | April 30, 2009

Aromatic Massage Oil Blends for the Chinese 5 Elements

Aromatic Massage Oil Blends for the Chinese 5 Elements

The Five Element Theory utilized in Chinese Medicine stems from ancient Chinese philosophy. The five elements are symbolic of the different phases or primal forces withinSun Moon the universe, nature, and our bodies. Each element is also attributed to a certain personality archetype. Knowing which element(s) predominates our personalities can help further insight into our lives and relationships.

The massage blends below were formulated with TCM 5 Element Theory in mind.  As you may know, essential oils directly affect the limbic system, thereby altering the emotional and mental qualities of the body and mind. In TCM it is believed that emotions relate to different organs in the body and through herbs, oils, color and scents (in addition to acupuncture and other bodywork modalities) we are able to help rebalance.

Prepare the blends below and either choose your scent intuitively (works very well) or take the 5 elements questionnaire online listed at the end of this article.

Enjoy!!

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Posted in Spa Recipes, Spa Wisdom

Posted by: Body Wisdom | April 29, 2009

How to Give an Awesome Neck Massage

How to Give an Awesome Neck Massage

In our modern world of stress and tension, any massage therapist can tell you it mostly comes down to the neck, shoulders, and lower back.  Most people are either “neck and shoulders” OR “lower back,” and a few are both (sorry for those guys).

The following videos show a basic neck massage routine (Video #1) and a somewhat more advanced approach (Video #2) from our Therapeutic Massage Series at Body Wisdom School.  Both videos are basic entry-level techniques that should be within the capability of any trained massage therapist and are offered as a review and for informational purposes and not to replace safe, qualified instruction in a classroom environment.

Hope the videos below will help to make the world a more relaxing place .. heaven knows we all could use a little more relaxation … 🙂  Enjoy!!

Video #1: Superficial Layer Neck Massage Techniques

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Video #2: Second Layer Neck Massage Techniques

Please let me know what you are thinking by commenting on this post

rhett


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Rhett Hatfield: Director of Education Body Wisdom School
 “900-1300 Massage Therapist Certification Programs, 5 Different Career Tracks.” Create your “custom massage certification program” of anywhere from 900-1300 hours of world-class massage and bodywork education.  CEU Programs are available!

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Posted in Massage Wisdom

Posted by: Body Wisdom | April 15, 2009

How to Get a Great Testimonial

How to Get a Great Testimonial

Written testimonials can be a powerful way to spotlight your product, business, or service.  The only problem seems to be that you need to rely on luck to get the right relevant content.  This article discusses some of the traditional and non-traditional ways of mining for testimonial gold.

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Posted by: Body Wisdom | April 2, 2009

Niche Marketing Reality Check

Niche Marketing Reality Check:

The list of questions for this section is for you to take a “reality check” on whether you have chosen a viable niche market. One that will support your lifestyle (make you enough $$) and make your marketing and promotional efforts for your practice. Your choice doesn’t need to score a direct hit in every category, but it helps.

One of the exercises from our 58 Hour Business and Marketing Course for Massage Therapists

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Posted in Marketing, Uncategorized

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