Please see my new class.

Raindrop Technique

Thanks,

Heather Piper

Here we are at day 4. Still have energy at the end of the day. Not really worried about going anywhere after work hours in the evening. I used to worry about having sustained energy and worry about being out later in the evening. Now not so much.

Oh yes this is the only thing that I have changed in my life. I still take a good compliment of my Usana Nutritionals as that is a very important part of my day. I have added oils via my massage practice that use there as well.

The only thing that I am having trouble with is getting over this silly little cold that I picked up from someone. It is this cold that won't let go. Coughing myself crazy and a runny nose at the worst times. Extra Vit C and my Thieves oil. I know it will go away soon, I just want it to go away now!

If you didn't know my massage business is having a sale on Gift Certificates this month. 20% off the face value of any GC purchased till Dec 28, 2013. Prices start as low as $10 all the way up to my most expensive in home therapy 90 massage. If you need a gift now is the time. These are the lowest prices of the year.

Have a great day today.

My energy

Good morning,

Yesterday was day two of my new oils from Young Living essential oils. I took a Compass Scan about one month ago at a great gathering of YLO people in Kennebunk and my oils came in on Wednesday. I have been using these oils for a long long time in my massage office and recently connected with a new group.

Day one was my Small Business Saturday, not very many people arrived to take advantage of what I had to offer though I am not sad. I have work to do to get more people involved in my work. That silly time away at Seacoast did not help. I got to the office and finished set up. I used the following oils: Ener-gee, and Lemongrass. I was able to be at the office all day w/o any fatigue. I even emptied an entire storage bin and spent most of my day in front of the shredder. Four bags of shredding later, I am here to tell the tale. I was not tired, not sore, not dreading going out after my day. I was just up for anything. This is not usually the case. By 4 in the afternoon I am usually ready for the day to be over. I also booked three massages for the next day without any fear that I would be too tired or too anything to complete them.

Day two-Up in the morning at the usual time and getting ready to go to my office to pick up the supplies for the massages. Again I dropped Ener-gee and Lemongrass. I can't tell you that I felt better till I reflected back today about my day. I didn't dread bringing my table up to the car, I didn't dread carrying my linens and all the rest of the stuff up to the car. This is an ongoing battle for me. I plan my day around trips to do things. Like get to the office first and get all that done, get the heavy work done and then do the rest of the work. Yesterday, well the table was no trouble, the rest of the linens were no trouble and I was off to three massages. The three massages went really well. I was ready to go for all the massages and was not tired at the end of the sessions. Hungry but not tired. I got home and was ready for dinner prep and all the rest of the night. I was not dreading preparing dinner or wanting to crawl into bed and sleep all night till the next morning.

I am pretty excited to find this happening to me. I am happy to have more energy and not as much fatigue from my massage work. I am sure that I absorb a lot from my clients even though I have pretty good boundaries with my work.

Here is a good link to some oil testimonials if you are interested click here.

Have a great day today for the first week of December.

Heather

World AIDS Day December 1, 2013

Good evening, I meant for this post to go out earlier today though you know what happens when the phone rings. I went off to give a series of massages and this got put on the back burner. Considering that this is World AIDS day this post is timely. 

We’ve come such a long way since the early ‘80s, when AIDS crashed onto the scene, killing many and frightening more. There was so little known at that time. It was through the hard work and advocacy of many people that we discovered HIV, learned how to prevent its transmission, and how to hold it in check.

What is HIV?

Today, HIV is a chronic illness, but some of the fear still remains. There are still people working tirelessly to eliminate stigma just as there are those working to find a vaccine and a cure. Still more are working to make the lives of people living with HIV better in whatever ways they can.

Massage therapy is not a cure. It’s not even a treatment. But it can help HIV+ individuals live happier, healthier lives:

• Massage can help alleviate peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, and pain in the feet and legs), a side effect of antiretroviral therapy. Staying on a regular treatment regimen is paramount if you have HIV, so whatever makes that process easier is worthwhile.

• Massage can help with anxiety and depression, both common in HIV+ folks. Mental illness is nothing to sneeze at, and is one of the more common reasons that people find it difficult to take care of themselves.

• Massage can be a positive experience in your own body. When you have a chronic illness of any kind, it’s easy to feel at war with yourself. A massage is a time when you and your body get to be on the same team for a little while.

• Massage is a time to connect through touch. For all the good information out there about HIV/AIDS, there are still plenty of myths about how it is transmitted. This often manifests itself as a lack of everyday touch, which is especially devastating to people who have lost their intimate partners.

So let me state this very clearly:

You will never be turned away from my massage table due to your HIV status. When you have secondary issues that mean that massage would be harmful to either you or me, I will let you know specifically what they are, so that you are not left in the dark. If you find yourself with a condition I am not trained to work with, I will do my best to find you another massage therapist who is.

Your HIV status is private. I will not tell your partner, your mother, your employer, your doctor, or your best friend, unless you specifically ask me to, in writing. If you would like copies of any records or notes I keep about our sessions together, you are welcome to them. But they are not for others’ eyes.

How you contracted HIV is none of my business. Unless it’s something that affects your health in other ways (like current drug use), it has no impact on your massage. But if you do decide to share, I will not judge you.

Here is a link to a brief article about the effects of therapeutic massage on HIV and AIDS patients.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week and I am glad to be back posting. It feels good.

Who Do You Ask For When You Get A Massage?

Who Do You Ask For When You Get A Massage?

I agree!

National Certification Prep Course!

ARE you planning on working in another state?

Does the state you live in require National Certification for licensure?

Date:  February 25, 2012 NCBTMB Prep Class  Snow date February 26, 2012
Price:  $150.00 Registration deposit: $75.00 Due: February 17, 2012, 2012, remaining due at workshop. Book to study from included in the price of the course. 

 We are not using the book from Seacoast Career Schools

Time: Registration at 8:30 am, Start time: 9 am to 4 pm.  Lunch on your own 12-1.
I start classes on time so don't be late

Location: 20 Mussey Road Scarborough Maine see directions below

What to bring:  notebook, pens or pencils.

What to wear:  Comfortable clothes, business casual.  

To register please send a check to:
Heather Piper
124 Fletcher Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Contact Phone for questions:   (207) 415-3998

To pay by credit card please click the buy now button below. 
Please enter all credit card information there and bring the receipt to class as proof of registration.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Directions:

From the South:

Take route 95 North to exit 42.

Take a left at the light to Payne Road

Drive 1.2 miles turn Right on Mussey Road

0.2 miles 20 Mussey Road on the Left.

Tan building with bronze sign on front that says

Parker Company.

From the North:

Take route 95 South to exit 42 and follow south directions.

Advanced Hip and Thigh techniques

Do you have clients with lower back pain?

Do you have clients with tight hamstrings?

Are you interested in learning side lying hip techniques?

Got glute issues?

You need to be in this class.

Advanced Hip and Thigh techniques

Date:  February 18, 2012 Advanced Hip and Thigh techniques.  Snow date February 19, 2012
Price:  $150.00 Registration deposit: $75.00 Due: February 11, 2012, remaining due at workshop.

Time: Registration at 8:30 am, Start time: 9 am to 4 pm.  Lunch on your own 12-1.
I start classes on time so don't be late

Location: 20 Mussey Road Scarborough Maine see directions below

What to bring:  Tables, Linens, notebook, pens or pencils.


What to wear:  Comfortable clothes to work in and to receive massages in.  We are going to work the entire course time, please be prepared to work.

To register please send a check to:
Heather Piper
124 Fletcher Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Contact Phone for questions:   (207) 415-3998

To pay by credit card please click the buy now button below.
Please enter all credit card information there and bring the receipt to class as proof of registration.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Directions:

From the South:
Take route 95 North to exit 42.
Take a left at the light to Payne Road
Drive 1.2 miles turn Right on Mussey Road
0.2 miles 20 Mussey Road on the Left.
Tan building with bronze sign on front that says
Parker Company.

From the North:
Take route 95 South to exit 42 and follow south directions.

NCBTMB

I just finished a course covering teaching and learning online. I really enjoyed my time and I am thinking that it is about time to offer one online.

I think that the perfect place to start would be a prep class. I have been working on this and I am about to teach another one in a classroom. I am not sure how to get the whole thing started. Only thing to do is get started.

I have spent the last year now I think doing some form of teaching massage. It is rewarding and interesting and challenging. There are good days and bad, good classes and bad. Though I don't have much contact with the students that have hands on classes. I can and do fill in when needed.

With that in mind an interesting thing happened last week. I was in a class with students teaching them options of how to drape and or work specific areas and not expose the client. I came across a group of students that really are not interested in getting work on themselves. I began to think about this topic and I have said a number of times that it really is a good idea to get massage as a way to feel other forms of work and to take care of yourself.

I am now wondering how many therapists actually get massage or think "I don't really need massage". Then answer this question. Why did you get into the massage therapy field? Was it to assist others in feeling better. Then what do you do to feel better? After a long week of work to the tune of sometimes 20 clients. I need time to decompress, recharge and get rid of the tension that builds up in me from my clients. No matter how good my boundaries are sometimes it still gets through. If I am over tired, my boundaries are not that clear or strong and things get past me. Plus I stand on my feet all day.

If you get massage work please tell me why you do and how it helps you get through your work? If you don't get massage, tell me why and why it is not important to you? Also if you would be so kind as to tell me how you can convince your clients that it is a good idea to get a massage when you don't.

I am pretty lucky to get to work in great locations like this one. Yes, I was that close to the water and yes that is Walker's Point in the distance.

All of this from a referral. How do you reward your clients when they refer clients to you?

Enjoy the view I sure did.

Heather

Mother's Day Gift Options

River Bend Therapeutic Massage is offering a 20% discount off the purchase price of a gift certificate

Massage Therapy will...
• improve skin elasticity and promote tissue regeneration, in turn reducing the appearance of
stretch marks
• reduce the stress hormone Cortisol, which typically kills cells that are important for immunity.
• releases endorphins - amino acids that work as the
body’s natural painkiller.

Offer valid only for purchases this week May 3-9, 2010.
Must mention code: hhblog52010.

How to clean your makeup tools

This is not really a massage post. I thought it would be a good place to remind everyone that it is a good idea to clean the items that we use everyday.

Your makeup tools can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria (and leftover dirt, oils and dust) – something you probably want far from your face!

Bacteria may lead to acne and skin infection. To clean your brushes, we suggest you rinse them with water first and then apply a drop of SENSE REVITALIZING SHAMPOO, creating a lather. Next, wash them well and use a towel to ring out the water. Let the brushes air dry.

According to leading makeup artists, tools used with liquid products – like eye shadow and foundation – should be washed daily. Brushes that are used with powder products can be cleaned weekly.

For an in-depth monthly brush cleansing, mix the SENSE REVITALIZING SHAMPOO with a few drops of ORGANIC TEA TREE OIL, for bacteria-fighting properties. Lather for 30 seconds. Avoid sharing your makeup brushes because this can lead to spreading of skin infection.

Healthy, clean makeup brushes are an integral part of healthy skin!

Sincerely,

Marie Bertrand
SkinScience Clinic | www.skinscience.md

Heather Piper is a fan of

River Bend Therapeutic Massage

Create your Fan Badge

Have not written in a while. Wondering where all the time has gone. I can't tell you exactly. What I can tell you is that I have been working a lot and I have changed somethings for the winter.

First things first. I have taken a leave of absence from the spa for the winter. I have now had about one month of Saturdays to myself. Last Saturday, I actually worked in my office all day. That was amazing and wonderful and tiring all at the same time. This week I was able to cook and go food shopping for the week. All of this without having to wait for a phone call. Don't get me wrong I love doing massage and all the services at the spa. However I really needed some time off to pursue a few other ideas that I normally would not have time for.

I am teaching at a local massage school in Sanford Maine. I was referred there by a friend and things have worked out actually and I am finding that I really like it. Something I can see myself doing as long as they will have me.

You may know that I love to read and can't seem to get enough books to read. I usually have about three books at a time. One in the car, one on the iPod, and one beside the bed for nighttime reading. I have found a fun Twitter poster called Flashlight Worthy. Book lists, all kinds, chick lit, book club lists. You name the list and well it is on this website. Go take a look and see if you find something that you like.

What else am I up to. Usually no good. Take care till the next post.

Banned substances and Professional Athletes.

I seriously think that David Ortiz and anyone else that is interested in taking supplements should read this. I understand the entire banned substance issue has come up recently. However if we don't ask they won't tell. You and only you are responsible for your health. You can't expect someone to take care of you. You have to do it for yourself. Nuff said.

The USANA Athlete Guarantee program currently guarantees that if the athlete should test positive for a banned substance as a result of taking USANA® nutritional products, USANA will compensate the athlete with up to two times his or her current annual earnings from the sport up to $1 million. The athletes shall order nutritional products that have been tested by a third party (NSF or HFL) to ensure the absence of banned substances.

Acceptance into the USANA Athlete Guarantee program is based upon the review and acceptance of an application at USANA’s discretion with certain agreement terms. The Athlete Guarantee is primarily for Olympic and professional athletes and is a separate agreement from our Athlete Sponsorship program.

Last reviewed/updated: 04/17/09

Hands Off My Health

Hands Off My Health

Shared via AddThis

A Maine Golfer Competes on the National Stage!

Dear Loyal Readers:

Pardon me while I take some time away from my typical posts about massage. I am posting this letter from a golfer here in Maine that is headed to St. Louis to compete next week. I think that it is important to post this request here. If you wish to read more about Alexa you can read the letter below and here

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day.
Heather


Hello,

My name is Alexa Rancourt. I am an 18-year-old golfer living in South Portland. I have played golf seriously for the past 3 years, attending a golf school in Florida on scholarship, and have competed at the local, state and national levels. I am the 2008 Maine Women's Amateur Champion, the 2007 and 2008 Maine Girls' Junior Champion and the 2008 Southern Maine Women's Amateur Champion. I have numerous top 10 and top 5 finishes in national junior tournaments (including the FCWT and AJGA) and in March 2008, I won my first national tournament in Bradenton, Florida. I have been honored with a full combined academic and athletic scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and will be joining their women's golf team in August.

Recently, I achieved one of my longtime goals of qualifying for the U.S. Women's Amateur, which is being held in St. Louis, Missouri August 3-9. Expenses for the trip are extremely prohibitive however, which is why I am writing to you. Due to my family's current financial situation, I am asking for donations to help fund this trip. No amount is too small and any assistance that you could offer would be greatly appreciated. If you are willing to help, please contact me through this email: tee2green09@hotmail.com or on my cell (207-838-7608). I play to win, and the U.S. Women's Amateur is no exception for me. A small donation from you could help me achieve one of my biggest goals; to bring aUSGA Championship win back to Maine!

Thank you for your consideration,
Alexa Rancourt
66 Walnut Street
South Portland, Maine 04106
cell: 207-838-7608

A very nice client letter

I had to take the time for a little self promotion. If I don't do it no one else will.

1pm Friday

Hi Heather

I got home safely despite feeling I hadbeen given a relaxation drug. The massage was outstanding. I'm sitting here and almost feel as though I don't have any body mass. Only reality is the tactile feel of the keyboard.

When you finished today, all I could do was put on a hat to cover the Bozo hair and my shoes and head to the car slowly.

I feel wonderful. My feet feel wonderful. I don't know how you can control/conserve your energy to do more massages after mine.

Thank you soooo much.You have amazing talent and skill. Truly the healing arts !

JM

I love getting messages like that one. It reminds my of why I do what I do. I am truly here for the clients not even for myself. I am here for them.

Massage Therapist using Twitter

Are you following anyone on Twitter? Want more information about Twitter go here.

I have been using twitter for a few years now seems like I am now behind the eight ball because I have not used it that much. However I am now using it more than ever. I will use it to give information about massage openings in my schedule. Or other news in my office.

Want to follow me? twitter.com/hgheather

Hope to see you soon.

What great press!

I continue to be impressed with this company. I have not been able to use other skin care lines after I started using this line.