Massage Student Demographics

According to the 2009 AMTA Massage Industry Research Report, the average student age is declining.

Nearly sixty percent (57.8 percent) of school administrators responded that the average age of students has declined at their school in the past five years, according to the 2008 AMTA Massage School Survey. School administrators estimate that the average student is 30 years old, with 36.6 percent being 25 years old or less.

The percentage of men in massage school is higher than the percentage of male therapist. According to school administrators, roughly 22 percent of massage students are male, compared to 12 percent of practicing massage therapists. Additionally, 24 percent of administrators reported that the percentage of males in school has increased over the past five years, yet the percentage of males practicing massage has declined during this time period.

Students are coming into massage school with different skills. In the 2008 AMTA Massage School Survey, school administrators were asked what skills today’s students are bringing to the classroom compared to year’s past. In response, most mentioned computer and technology skills. Most felt that today’s students were more comfortable with technology, had more experience using technology and were better at finding information and doing research on the Internet.

Posted by Peggy M. Huff, President/Executive Director
Center for Massage & Natural Health-Asheville, NC

Website: http://www.centerformassage.com
Blog: http://blog.centerformassage.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/peggy.m.huff
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MassageSchools

RIP, Michael Jackson

Today I will reflect on the life of Michael Jackson. His talent, gifts, spirit and beauty will long be remembered. See you in heaven.

Massage Therapists Have Multiple Streams of Income

According to the 2009 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Report, ver 50 percent of massage therapists’ income is earned from jobs in professions other than massage therapy, down from nearly 60 percent in 2007. In 2008, 58 percent of massage therapists had another job besides massage therapy.

Massage therapists mention various forms of bodywork, health care, education and fitness as secondary income.

Posted by Peggy M. Huff, President/Executive Director
Center for Massage & Natural Health-Asheville, NC

Website: http://www.centerformassage.com
Blog: http://blog.centerformassage.com

The Number of Hours Therapists Work Stayed Consistent

According to the AMTA 2009 Massage Industry Report, the average number of hours massage therapists work in their profession stayed virtually the same from 19.4 hours in 2007 to 19.5 hours in 2008. The average hours massage therapists spend actually performing (paid) massage also stayed roughly the same at 15.0 hours per week in 2008 vs. 15.1 hours in 2007.

Consistent with the 2007 findings, massage therapists consider a full-time practice in this profession to be, on average, 27 hours per week.

Most likely, the time therapists spend on other business tasks such as billing, bookkeeping, maintaining equipment and marketing their practice accounts for the difference between total number of hours massage therapists work and the number of hours for which they report getting paid. Massage therapists spend 28 percent of their work day on business related tasks, while approximately 72 percent of their work day is spent actually performing massages.

Financial Aid Coming to CFMNH!

As an accredited massage school, the Center for Massage & Natural Heath is in the process of becoming a Title IV school. What this means is that we will soon be able to accept students through various Federal and State financial aid programs. It will open the door to one of the most desired educational experiences in the country to those who could not otherwise afford to attend our program.

We will let you know as soon as we are approved. We are anticipating announcing this great achievement sometime this summer. In the meantime, we suggest that you apply in advance for our massage school because once approved, we anticipate significant waiting lists for our program.

We hope to see you soon!

Discounted Vitamins & Supplements Through CFMNH

The Center for Massage & Natural Health has it's own private label vitamins and supplements. They are available at our online store and heavily discounted on eBay. From Vitamin A to Zinc, you will find our ERC Brand supplements, herbal formulas, minerals, amino acids, and much more.

Please visit our online store or go to eBay and search for "ERC". You should be directed to all our online auctions. Your orders will be delivered right to your door.

Happy shopping!

The Joy of Pregnancy: Third Trimester

The female body undergoes dramatic changes during the third trimester. The fluctuating hormone levels and all the extra weight on the limbs can lead to edema and fatigue.

Geranium oil is an effective essential oil that minimizes bloating and water retention.
Usage: Mix 2 drops of Geranium Essential Oil in 1 teaspoon of the RADIARE Mommy Body Oil and massage gently with long strokes over the calves and feet without applying too much pressure on the ankles or heels.

Fatigue can occur at any stage of pregnancy, especially if you already have children or are working. The VIGOR Alerta Body Mist is a unique blend of uplifting essential oils that can be safely used after the third trimester. Use this rejuvenating Body Mist after shower or in the afternoon when a quick pick me up is needed.

VIGOR Alerta Body Mist contains essential oils that combat fatigue:
Spearmint: Has restorative properties that strengthen the memory and stimulates the mind.
Peppermint: Stimulates the nerves and brain, improves concentration and helps in focusing.
Cardamom: Fortifying tonic for the brain and nervous system
Eucalyptus: Helps to revive the spirits and infuses positivity.
The oils are infused in a base of rosemary floral water.

Usage: Close your eyes, spray the mist on your face and body and breathe deeply.

Complements of Cristina Proano-Carrion
Clinical aromatherapy products for Health Practitioners and Healing Art Spas at http://www.aromandina.com

Introduction to Massage Workshops

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! And ONLY $25

Location:
Center for Massage & Natural Health®
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

Offered once every month!

The Center for Massage & Natural Health is proud to host fun and exciting
Community Education Workshops for those who might be considering a career in
Massage Therapy, or those interested in learning basic skills to practice on
family and friends.

This workshop will introduce you to simple, everyday massage techniques that
focus on connectedness and healing qualities. No previous massage or bodywork
experience is necessary. With a playful, fun approach, we will present
fundamental elements of bodywork, physiology, breath awareness, grounding,
quality of touch, and stress reduction. By the end of the day, you will be able
to perform a basic Swedish massage on a friend. We will teach the techniques on
floor mats, so you will require no special equipment to continue practicing at
home.

You may also wish to make it a whole weekend with us! For registrants of our
workshop, we offer discounted room rates for the night, and provide a delicious
and nutritious continental breakfast for our overnight guests. Accommodations:
$99/Night (double occupancy).

Massage School Student Clinic

We receive wonderful feedback about our Student Clinic, located in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. There, one can receive a delightful massage therapy treatment from one of our student practitioners for only $30. Sessions last from 40-50 minutes, and afterwards are asked to fill out a feedback form to offer any suggestions that might be helpful to our students.

All sessions are held in the privacy of your own treatment room, where we provide heated massage tables, soft music and soft lighting. A lovely experience or a lovely gift. By appointment only, please call (828) 252-0058 to make yours today!

Gift Certificates Available by phone or online! Great Father's Day Gifts!!

NEW: Our 2009-2010 Massage School Catalog

It's here...our new catalog!!! Please have a look!

2010 Massage School Catalog

View more Microsoft Word documents from Peggy Huff.

National Massage Chains Continue to Expand

The massage therapy industry is changing to meet the needs of consumers. Massage therapy used to be a luxury for most people, but as it has become more popular with the general public for its therapeutic affect, business models are changing and adapting to a more main-stream approach.

According to the 2009 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Report, national massage chains are growing as new players enter this market and current chains expand into new locations. Seeing the growth of spas and the consumer acceptance of massage, these organizations have found a niche in the market — offering a branded product in numerous locations.

As opposed to spas, these companies only offer massage, although some firms are testing locations that offer more traditional spa services in addition. Some massage therapists have a poor view of national massage chains, seeing them as detrimental to the profession. But, as these chains continue to grow, many massage therapists see them as a place to get steady employment and potential benefits.

Because massage therapy is the only service on the menu, national massage chains are able to cut overhead from less profitable services and offer lower cost massage. The number of these firms and the lower prices available could have a significant impact on massage use in the future and employment opportunities.

Currently, only 1 percent of consumers report receiving their last massage at a national massage chain. This number is expected to grow as more chains open, and consumers look for a lower cost massage. Additionally, consumers may not understand the difference between a spa and a national massage chain.

Posted by Peggy M. Huff, President/Executive Director
Center for Massage & Natural Health-Asheville, North Carolina
Website: http://www.centerformassage.com
Blog: http://blog.centerformassage.com

A New Day Dawns for 20 New Students

A new day dawns here in Asheville as we begin orientation of a brand new massage school class. As I write this post, 20 or so new and nervous students are checking in, collecting their text books. and finding their seat in our freshly painted (with very intentional color schemes) class room. They are likely wondering what it will be like going to massage school at the Center for Massage & Natural Health, and are alive with anticipation and excitement.

Our first day begins with a comprehensive orientation as all the details of our Student Handbook are reviewed, and many questions are asked and answered. Later this morning, they will play a series of "name games" and introductions so that they can begin the journey of learning about one another and about themselves. They will come back after lunch to begin their first Swedish Massage class where our amazing instructor will demonstrate a full treatment session so that our new students will have a taste of what they will be able to do in just a couple of short months.

The day will end with smiles and light conversations with the new bonds that are forming, and a little nervousness when the instructor tells them all to bring massage table sheets with them to class tomorrow!

Have a wonderful day, my new students. You are beginning a 6-month journey that will last a lifetime.

Posted by Peggy M. Huff, President/Executive Director
Center for Massage & Natural Health-Asheville
Website: http://www.centerformassage.com
Blog: http://blog.centerformassage.com