Feedback From the Field

In a previous issue of Inner IDEA Body-Mind-Spirit Review, we asked: Do you offer complementary body work such as massage therapy or Feldenkrais as a profit center? What lessons have you learned from offering these options? Here’s what you had to say.

“I have been teaching for over 30 years and my quality of instruction has always been focused on my clients’ form, body awareness and attitude. So when I discovered Thai massage it was a perfect complement to my style. It became apparent once I started offering Thai massage that my clients wanted more. They always left with a sense of fulfillment, and they always looked forward to their next session. So for the past 3 years I have offered it as an additional service.

“Thai massage has taught me how to be more present. To be present and to really focus on your clients helps them learn how to heal themselves. It is a very powerful thing for both parties. Not only does it create a more trusting relationship, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. You know you are helping people feel better inside and out—not just physically, but emotionally too. It is a learning tool in so many aspects. I’ve learned how guarded people can be from my years of working with them, so when they are totally relaxed and trusting it is a gift.”

—Carolan Ammirata, Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

“We teach and own Bikram Yoga in Scottsdale, Arizona. We offer Thai massage, reflexology, other types of massage and Reiki. It is amazing how these body workers assist everyone with their practices. We have excellent Bikram certified teachers and we are diligent in giving each student 90 minutes of an incredible yoga experience. It is never boring and always challenging. There is an amazing feeling of well-being after each class. To top it off with one of these body treatments is pure bliss!”

—Nancy Stamper, Scottsdale, Arizona

“I have been studying Feldenkrais for almost 3 years, and I am a certified massage technician in Seifukujitsu, a restorative and resuscitative technique used by students of Henry Okazaki, founder of Danzan-Ryu jujitsu. I train clients in a variety of ways, but more and more I have been integrating massage and Feldenkrais into my session design. Clients make more progress when they have better body awareness, and Feldenkrais enhances clients’ abilities to move well and comfortably both in the studio and outside the studio. Massage offered at the end of a session allows the client to end on a positive note, with comfort and relaxation. Massage also helps reduce post-workout soreness and relieve stress. I have found that my clients actually seem to move ahead faster in overall wellness by slowing down through the use of Feldenkrais and massage.”