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by Pallas Hutchison
Have you ever noticed that people take better care of their cars than they do their bodies? Cars get regular oil changes, tune ups, maintenence to prevent major issues. When it comes to their health, people wait for something to go wrong before fixing it. Essentially, our culture has become reactive instead of proactive about our health. But how can you take care of someone else, whether as a parent, a teacher, or a healthcare provider, if you cannot first take care of yourself? This hypocrisy runs rampant in our current healthcare system. A great example of this is a personal experience I had a few years ago. My primary physician told me during a routine physical that I am obese. This one-sided diagnosis was based soley on a height/weight ratio. They didn't take into account my fitness level (muscle weighs more than fat after all), my diet, or the fact that I've had kids. Now, I am not a small woman but I can do what I need to without getting winded; I am comfortable in my own skin. The doctor in question is a small, round man that requires suspenders to keep his pants on. (I now have a different doctor.) The United States healthcare system should incorporate more holistic, Eastern concepts. I will prove to you the value of holistic healthcare first, by explaining what holistic healthcare means and give you an overview of the treatments available. Second, I will outline and compare Western and Eastern healthcare philosophies. Third, I will explain how utilizing these options can reduce the occurence of chronic conditions using personal experiences. Some terminology needs defining before we go any further. The term 'holistic' means it treats the entire being, not just a single organ system or joint dysfunction. It means that the mental and emotional state is taken into consideration. Somatization, a physical manifestation with emotional or psychological origins, is a concept that has been scientifically proven, accepted and subsequently ignored by the mainstream medical community. Alternative medicine is a term used to encompass most non-Western medical treatments. Complementary is the term that gets used when these alternative treatments are combined with traditional western medicine. Although the types of complementary and alternative healthcare options available vary by country and influence, they all include dietary guidelines (which includes herbal products or supplements), exercise, different types of bodywork, and relaxation techniques. The most commonly known are acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractics (spinal manipulation) and yoga. Yoga includes more than just the Western culture's use of exercise. Relaxation techniques include breathing exercises, guided imagery, mediation, prayer, and progressive muscle relaxation. Movement therapies include Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, Rolfing, Structural Integration, and Trager psychophysical integration. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are both from traditional Chinese medicine and combine movement, breathwork and focused mental stimulation. India gave birth to Ayurvedic medicine. Both Eastern and Western healthcare philosophies discuss homeostasis, or balance but the Western healthcare system only touches on the physical aspect of homeostasis briefly, without applying it to treatment plans or diagnostics. Eastern healthcare systems address the entire person, identifying and treating the cause as well as any symptoms that are present. Eastern healthcare teaches a healthy lifestyle. Western healthcare revolves around the physical ailments. Often, it just masks or eliminates the symptoms with pharmaceuticals. The United States healthcare system should incorporate for holistic, Eastern concepts because this will reduce the number of sufferers with chronic conditions. It is common knowledge that the human body is composed of multiple systems and other substances that function interdependently to create an intricate organism. People don't seem to draw the correlation between treating the whole body instead of just the aching joint. Countries with more holistic healthcare options have less occurrences of chronic conditions. My daughter has seasonal allergies. The doctor told me to give her Claritin or Zyrtec daily, which worked but had side effects. The holistic approach we use now is essential oils and local honey. To get ahead of the histamine reactions, we diffuse a blend of eucalyptus and lemon essential oils while she sleeps; this combination of oils supports the respiratory system. By introducing the pollen in the form of honey, her body can learn how to process it and reduce the histamine reaction; this is focusing on the cause. I know some people say that getting alternative healthcare treatments aren't a cost-effective option. However, insurance companies are beginning to recognize the value of, and cover or reimburse for, alternative medicine as preventative and rehabilitative care. Many practitioners offer sliding scale fees, wellness programs, &/or a discounted cash rate. Most choose their field because they wish to help people, not get rich. I also know that some people say it isn't as scientifically proven or backed by as much research as traditional, Western medicine. Drs Swartzberg & Malden, authors of the Wellness Self-Care Handbook, acknowledge the potential benefit from alternative healthcare options of acupuncture, chiropractics and massage but caution consumers against utilizing unregulated or unlicensed practitioners. In the last decade, a plethora of research, including double-blind trials and case studies, that have been published in numerous medical journals. Now you know more about the Eastern healthcare concepts and why integrating the holistic care into our current healthcare system will be beneficial. Western medicine is effective in treating emergencies; you can't cure a broken leg with an herb. However, medications are often overprescribed and holistic treatments are largely ignored by the mainstream consumers. As healthcare consumers, you can demand healthcare options that doesn't have a lengthy list of side effects. If you aren't willing to advocate your health, who else is?
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by Pallas Hutchison
Reiki is a Japanese energy therapy that, at first glance, may seem a bit out there. As someone without a strong base in traditional religion, it's hard for me to believe in something I can't see or touch. This modality is far outside the comfort zone of my science and research-based massage practice. My instructor used electrons and electricity as a parallel concept, which I easily got on board with. With each attunement, I will share my experiences. What is Reiki? The literal translation of Reiki is universal life energy. Once attuned, a Reiki practitioner may channel the energy that surrounds them through themselves and into a client or patient to promote healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. This can occur through a laying on of hands, through pendulum work, or through chakra balancing. Similar concepts of universal energy or life force energy exist in most eastern philosophies. In Thailand, prana flows along the sen lines. In China, qi flows along the meridians. As with many things, there are different levels. My mother has received two Reiki attunements, allowing her to channel more energy than I can with only one attunement. I think of attunement as wattage for a light-bulb; the higher the level, the brighter the light and the more energy involved. She jokingly refers to the practice as "beaming" people. Why get Reiki? Reiki has been used to manage chronic pain, to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy and other medical treatments, to speed up recovery from surgery, and to enhance a sense of well-being and spirituality. One of the many benefits is that there are no contraindications, meaning no risks; the energy goes where it's needed. People that have severe medical conditions that may not be able to safely receive other types of bodywork may safely receive a Reiki treatment. What to expect during a treatment? As a massage therapist, I practice Reiki by going through a series of hand positions with my client on a massage table. Clients remain fully clothed. Actual touch is not required; sometimes I simply hover my hands over an area. What does it feel like? A few people have seen colors, similar in description to an aura, during a treatment. Some have reported a buzzing or tingling sensation. The most common sensation is heat from the practitioner's hands. When I'm giving a Reiki treatment, my hands get warm and tingly. Sometimes I feel a pulling sensation similar to if I put my hand over a vacuum hose; that tells me that the body needs focused work there. I still don't feel that I can truly explain Reiki. Science has not yet proven its efficacy with research. However, countless stories of miraculous events make it impossible to truly discredit. My personal experiences with the miraculous are limited to one client; I helped to restore pain-free movement to arthritic hands. With time, I hope to add more stories. References: 3/5/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2014January 9th: Video Update! Check out our Facebook page to see our first video update! January 21st: Continuing Education Spring semester at Cape Cod Community College has begun. Pallas is back to the grind. Chemistry should help her learn and be able to explain not just how essential oils can benefit your health but why they impact the body the way they do! Elementary Statistics could help if she decides to contribute to the research side of massage therapy - however math has never been her strong suit. February : Valentine's Day Special! We'll be running a Limelight deal for new clients to try us out (link will be posted when it goes live). Existing clients are invited to enjoy our in-house special of 10% off all gift certificates from Feb 1st-Feb 14th and 10% off all couple's massage sessions booked during the entire month! We used a mushy name generator to create a fun promo code. Which do you like best: smoochiepoof, snuggyboo, or wuddlykins? Connect with us on Facebook to vote! April : New Space Coming This Fall! We've signed a lease for a new, bigger space beginning November 1st and there is a lot to do between now and then to get it ready. Let the renovations begin! October 1st: New Staff & New Services! We've added Reiki to our list of services and two new staff members: Catherine & Deb. Bios and photos coming soon. October 31st: The Renovations New paint, fresh tiles in the bathroom and back doorway, remove built ins, install built in... Lots of work but in the end, everyone had fun and the resulting space feels welcoming. November 1st: Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Several clients, family members, friends and even the Dennis Chamber of Commerce came out to help us celebrate our new location. The weather didn't hold out for us but we did have fun. Champagne, hot cocoa, chair massage and gigantic scissors - what's not to love? Window decals and a handing sign out front are coming soon!  September: Continuing Education
Because the Massage Institute is a vocational school, Pallas's prior anatomy courses don't count towards her degree nor do they fulfill prerequisites. Anatomy & Physiology 1 is required for Nutrition so she's got a semester of anatomy review, along with Human Communication (more like public speaking) so this semester is not as much fun. December 6th : WDMA Holiday Stroll Nicole has banded our neighboring merchants together and organized a fun, family-friendly event. The weather didn't hold out for us but the few who braved the elements enjoyed great entertainment and free goodies. 2/26/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2013Feb 3th: Online Special Oasis Massage is teaming up with Groupon to offer an amazing deal just in time for Valentine's Day. Call 508-280-4242 for details or to schedule. May 14th: Continuing Education Pallas has completed her classes at Cape Cod Community College for the spring semester and is looking forward to taking the summer off! Pathology for Massage Therapists and English Composition 2 have been checked of her course list. June 29th: Cape Cod Getaway A bike race to benefit the National MS Society. For the fourth year, Pallas will be at the Mass Maritime Academy, along with a few other massage therapists, working with Team Velox Rota. Visit link for more information or to donate. http://bikemam.nationalmssociety.org Sept 2nd: Continuing Education Pallas has begun another semester at Cape Cod Community College. Two more courses towards her Bachelor's degree. She has officially been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honors Society! Oct 11th: Update for Clients I opened Oasis Massage in 2005. As a new massage graduate, I set my prices on the low end of the industry average for Cape Cod at that time. The past eight years have brought tremendous success. As Oasis Massage continues to work towards expansion, we will adjust our rates for the first time to accommodate the increases in overhead as well as to reflect the experience and expertise acquired over the years in business. The first price increase will go into effect on November 1st. All rates will be re-evaluated quarterly and adjusted as needed. All active clients may "lock in" our current rate through package purchases or by signing up for our monthly massage program. Our spa services have been restructured and are now only available as add-ons to any massage service. The posted rates reflect this change, which is effective immediately. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this transitional period. Below is a chart that illustrates the price change and how we compare to other businesses. Please don't hesitate to call with any questions. Sincerely, Pallas Hutchison (Owner/LMT) *Average based on advertized rates of seventeen comparable businesses within a 25 mile radius. **Unlike other massage practices, Oasis Massage offers most styles of massage at the same rate. The lower rate represents Swedish/Relaxation massage; the higher rate represents Deep Tissue massage. November13th: Online Scheduling & Gift Certificate Purchases With the help of the Spa Booker team, we have learned the basics of the software needed to add online scheduling and online gift certificate purchases. Nov 30th-Dec 15th, 2013 We're running our first special through our new software. Use promo code "KICKOFF2013" to save 25% on gift certificates for the holidays. Dec 30th: Continuing Education Grades are in for the fall semester. Pallas passed Marketing, General Psychology and Piano with a 3.98 GPA. She is enjoying a few weeks break before the spring semester when math and chemistry classes start. 2/19/2015 0 Comments Flashback to 2012Feb 7th-12th: Online Special
Oasis Massage is teaming up with Limelight to offer an amazing deal just in time for Valentine's Day. Buy your sweetheart a 1-hour specialty massage, get one for yourself free! Limited availability for couples' sessions. Call 508-280-4242 for details or to schedule. April 2012: Our first interview/write-up! Copied and pasted from Zeel.com "Pallas Hutchison, a licensed massage therapist based in West Harwich, Mass., is committed to sharing her expertise in both relaxation and therapeutic bodywork techniques, such as Thai massage and hot stone therapy. Pallas says that becoming a mother opened her eyes to her unhealthy lifestyle and unfulfilling career. “I knew I had to make some changes,” she says. 10 years later, Pallas is now a licensed massage therapist with her own practice, Oasis Massage, located in Cape Cod. “I want to empower other people to make the changes within their lives that will lead them to their own happiness and success,” she explains. Oasis Massage offers both relaxation and therapeutic massage, as well as spa services such as facials, scrubs and wraps. Pallas says her clientele varies as much as her services, and includes athletes, chronic pain sufferers, post-operative recoveries, and individuals who simply want to relax. Regardless of their unique conditions, Pallas believes that many of her clients underrate the power of self-care. “It's amazing how many clients come in with chronic pain but are unable to identify the cause,” she says. That’s where Pallas comes in. “Through the intake process, I try to help them identify potential triggers. Sometimes the answer is as simple as rearranging their computer set-up or replacing their 15-year-old mattress.” Pallas is proud of the high level of competence she maintains at Oasis. “We have the tools to meet our clients’ needs. We consistently enroll in continuing education courses. We update our services frequently,” she says. “Our clients appreciate it.” " May 2012: We've Hired a New Massage Therapist! Oasis Massage is pleased to announce the addition of a new massage therapist: Danielle Gincauskis. We will now be offering extended hours on Wednesdays and Fridays! Danielle's journey into the alternative healing will be integrated into this timeline. A bio and photo will be posted soon. June 26th: Cape Cod Getaway A bike race to benefit the National MS Society. For the fourth year, Pallas will be at the Mass Maritime Academy, along with a few other massage therapists, working with Team Velox Rota. Visit link for more information or to donate. http://bikemam.nationalmssociety.org Aug 1st: Our Last Newsletter Our newsletter has been discontinued due to no ROI. Articles will continue to be shared via Facebook and directly with client's that request specific information. Sept 3rd: Continuing Education Pallas is officially a college student again. For her first semester, she is taking Kinesiology, Intro to Complementary Healing, and Business Ethics for Massage Therapists at Cape Cod Community College. Final goal: Bachelor's Degree in Complementary & Alternative Health from Ashford University. Sept 12-17th: Online Special Limelight is offering 50% off a 1 Hour Massage. Purchased deals expire March 16, 2013. Call ahead to reserve your time. Nov 7th: Business After Hours Co-hosted with Greg Wright Chiropractics, this networking event is free for Harwich Chamber of Commerce members. Limited space so register now. To RSVP or for more information, contact Chris Perry at [email protected] or 508-430-1165. There will be no evening appointments on this date. (Turn-out wasn't great due to a mini-hurricane that night but we tried.) December 22nd-30th: Closed for Vacation No appointments available during this time. Gift certificates will be available for the holiday season until (TBA). |
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