Irene’s Insights
The mission of Irene’s Myomassology Institute is to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of individuals and society. The public’s interest in natural health and preventative medicine is continuously growing. We strive to be your reliable source for information on massage therapy, healthy lifestyles and successful massage careers.
Successful Massage Careers
A Successful Career – Shae Denovchek
What is the most rewarding part of your massage career?
Shae – Making my own schedule but more importantly making people feel much better.
A Successful Career – Becky Wilson McClain
I started working with the Pro and Amateur Strongmen and Strongwomen at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2015. From there, I jumped on Dr. Todd McDougle, DC (#StrongmanDoc) coattails, and the next thing I knew I was working Nationals, Giants Live, and The Official Strongman Games. I am now the Lead Massage Therapist for World’s Strongest Man – that’s the one on TV.
A Successful Career – Alexandra Gilder
I pride myself on being extremely accommodating. You never know who or what you’ll be called to care for so it’s best to be ready for that. I also pride myself on the feedback I give my clients. I want to help them all build their self-care tool kits and incorporate my work into their lives with that.
A Successful Career – Elizabeth Quick
I wanted to be in the field to assist people with pain be it physical or emotional. With all the side effects of medications, I thought if I could help someone not have to take one pill or prolong the need for surgical intervention, that was the field for me.
A Successful Career – Roberta (Bobi) Gartley
Perseverance. I didn’t give up during hard times. I’ve worked in many different areas – medical, spa, etc. I learned as much as I could everywhere I went, including what I thought worked, and what I thought didn’t.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Preterm Babies Reap the Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage has been used as a parenting practice in many cultures for nearly the entirety of human civilization. For example, history shows that mothers in India have provided massage to their newborns as far back as 3000 BC. Both preterm infants facing serious health problems and healthy full-term infants can reap the benefits of massage therapy.
Positive Effects of Massage Therapy
Many healthcare providers are beginning to recognize massage as a legitimate form of treatment for low back pain. In fact, studies show that about fifty-four percent of healthcare providers suggest that their patients seek out a massage therapist in addition to other treatments for their pain.
Ancient Craze – Cupping!
Athletes use cupping to address sore muscles. The suction pulls the tight muscles and stretches the fascia, the connective tissue around the muscles, and in effect, allows blood vessels to expand. As blood draws to the area it can speed recovery. The capillaries that are drawn to the surface dilate.
Massage Therapy Strengthens the Immune System
Massage is becoming one of the most popular complementary medical therapies in the world. To know that even a single massage session can lead to such measurable changes in the immune system is wonderful news for the massage community. It shows to the public that massage can be incorporated into a routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How Massage Can Help With Trauma
Massage won’t cure PTSD, but it is effective at alleviating some of the worst manifestations of the syndrome. Studies show massage will improve symptoms such as chronic pain, immune system deficiencies, and stress. The positive results from massage can be profound for folks suffering from PTSD no matter the cause of the condition.
Healthy Lifestyles
6 Simple Composting Tips
Composting is a way to break down organic materials into small bits of soil, resulting in nutrient-rich soil for balancing depleted soils and growing new plant life.
Water Facts You Need to Know
As massage therapists, we tell our clients to drink plenty of water. Why? Drinking water before a massage is recommended, as it makes it easier to perform deep work because the muscles are easier to manipulate (think dry sponge vs. wet sponge).
Healing Benefits of the Sun
Sunlight is as important to your body as Vitamin C or Calcium. Research shows that sun exposure is necessary for good health. It boosts your mood, strengthens your bones, and may lower your risk for certain cancers, among other benefits.
4 Health Benefits of Probiotics
Within every human being is a flourishing, living colony of approximately four pounds of bacteria. Most of these bacteria reside in the human digestive tract, although some are found elsewhere. Without a sufficient number of friendly bacteria known as probiotics, human life could not exist.
Avoid the Hidden Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup is an ingredient a few of us would ever decide to use in a homemade recipe. In fact, it is not sold on its own as an ingredient. An industrial concoction, it is most often found in highly processed products and fast foods, making fundamentally unhealthy food choices even more dangerous to your health.
Alumni Tips
Irene’s Mask Recommendations and Requirements From Kathy Skubik, Executive Director
I know we have been hearing about coronavirus for two years now. We are tired of hearing about it. We are all covid weary. The fact remains that the pandemic is a fluid crisis as new information is continually being announced. The details, infection rates, rules and...
MASSAGE THERAPY GIFT CERTIFICATES: ARE THEY WORTH IT?
As a Massage Therapist, you may wonder if having gift certificates available for sale is really worth it. Is keeping a supply of gift certificates on hand really worth the cost and effort, and how much return on your investment do you get?
Inverted Face Shields – An Added Layer of Protection for Therapists and Clients
Wearing a face shield, in addition to a mask over the mouth and nose, provides an additional layer of protection. It has been proven that the most common transmission method of COVID-19 is through aerosols or droplets containing the virus being expelled from an...
Stay Safe – Stay Open!
If we want to stay in practice as Massage Therapists or continue studying to become one, without facing another shut down, it is imperative that we follow the CDC guidelines that keep us ALL safe. However, this doesn’t only apply to the time when we are at work or...
Massage Therapists You’re Ready – You’ve Got This!
All Licensed Massage Therapists in Michigan can return to work on Monday, June 15, 2020. We've seen the statistics and followed the news about masking, social distancing, and have heard how devastating the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 have been not only nationwide,...