Virtual Financial Aid Office: State-Of-The-Art Technology

I love technology. I always have. The more automated and streamlined something can become, the happier and more secure I am, as a consumer and as a business owner.

As a business owner, this week I will be unveiling our new Virtual Financial Aid Office for our staff and students. This virtual office will enable students from around the globe to apply for Federal Financial Aid to come to our massage school in Asheville. Unlike traditional college financial aid offices, one does not need an appointment, nor does one need to stand in line for hours waiting for their turn with the financial aid counselor to help them with the process.

At CFMNH, we have opted to use technology to make the process of applying for Federal Financial Aid a much easier and fully automated experience. And our students will have the ability to correspond with our Financial Aid Representative via email, and receive a response to any questions within 24 hours.

If a student does not have a computer, they are always welcome to come in and use ours after they have applied for admission into our school.

As a consumer, I LOVE being able to handle all my needs and affairs online. I can sit in my pajamas with a cup of coffee (as I am doing this moment!) and take care of all the many details of my life without ever having to go anywhere but the local market or restaurants when I don't feel like cooking. So, for me, having something like a Virtual Financial Aid Office to go to, rather than having to travel, wait in lines, go back and forth if I don't have all the information I need to complete the application, wait for counselors to put together financial packages for me...I am a very happy girl.

I know our students will benefit greatly in the CFMNH's innovative and state-of-the-art virtual world while they prepare to come to school here. Our Virtual Financial Aid Office will help bring them one step closer to achieving their educational and career dreams!

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

We Are On Our Way to FFA

After years many years of work and dedication to my massage school, and after the long journey to becoming COMTA Accredited, we have spent the last months applying to become a Title IV school. We were formally approved last week, and will be receiving our school code number in the next day or so.

Today, my staff and I will take a road trip to visit with a consultant who will create a seamless and completely virtual Financial Aid Office for our school in which our students will be able to process every aspect of their entire Federal Financial Aid applications.

Our own Financial Aid Specialist will provide all the information our students need to begin this process, and our new Virtual Financial Aid Office, along with its very human administrator will guide you through the rest of the way, all from the comfort of your own computer (our ours, if you do not have one.)

This promises to be one of the most exciting career days for me as we enter this brand new world of FFA, and a turning point for so many students who want to come to our school. It is my intention that our new Financial Aid Office will be completely ready to begin accepting students who need FFA this coming Monday. And after nearly 12 years of working and refining and perfecting and building my beautiful massage school, I am ready.

I will let you know the minute we are ready to accept your FFA applications. Until then, many blessings.

Peggy

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
Tweeter: http://www.tweeter.com/MassageSchools.com

CFMNH Receives Title IV Approval!

The Center for Massage & Natural Health of Asheville, North Carolina has received notification that it has been approved to offer Federal Financial Aid, including Pell Grants to our students!

Asheville, NC –July 15, 2009 – CFMNH's massage school is excited to announce that it has been approved to offer financial aid to our students. We will be providing detailed information in the coming days about how you can apply for Financial Aid.

This exciting announcement comes after working very hard for many years to become a COMTA accredited massage school, and now to be able to open the door to education for so many people who want to come to school here, but could not afford the tuition. We have made it possible for many deserving people to acquire their massage school education at one of the most desirable massage schools in the country.

Please visit our Financial Aid page for up-to-date information on beginning your financial aid application today. We are so grateful and excited to assist you in achieving your educational dreams.

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
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MassageSchools

The Health Care Boom

According to the 2009 AMTA Massage Therapy Industry Report and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care is the largest industry in the United States, employing more than 14 million people. Employment in health care is expected to grow by three million jobs between 2006 and 2016. Currently, seven of the twenty fastest growing occupations are health care related. As more massage therapists work in health care settings, and more consumers look at massage therapy as a part of health care, growth in the health care sector will significantly impact the future of massage therapy.

The growth in health care is providing jobs for massage therapists
From 2005 to 2006, the percentage of massage therapists who worked in a health care environment increased from 10 to 13 percent. In 2008, that number increased to 27 percent. This trend is only expected to grow.

According to the 2008 AMTA Industry Survey results, many massage therapists currently earn additional income from jobs in health care:
*58 percent of massage therapists have another job beyond massage therapy.
*35 percent of those therapists work in a health care position.

This makes health care the number one profession massage therapists work in beyond massage.

Some massage therapists are transitioning into other health care careers
Even though massage is growing, the health care industry is growing at a faster rate. Because of this, massage therapists are being recruited to nursing schools, physical therapy programs, and other health care careers. In interviews with massage therapists who’ve left the profession, we found that some are pursuing careers in nursing or other health care professions. In fact, we have heard from many former AMTA members who were actively recruited by hospitals or nursing schools to change careers.

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

Website: http://www.centerformassage.com
Blot: http://blog.centerformassage.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MassageSchools
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asheville-NC/Center-for-Massage-Natural-Health/60815835812?ref=ts

Number of New Graduates Declining

This data is provided by the 2009 AMTA Massage Industry Research Report:
Traditionally, in poor economic times enrollment in educational programs increases as those displaced from the workforce go back to school. During the recession of 2001-2002 schools of all types, including massage schools, saw an increasing enrollment. With the current recession, this is not the case.

One reason that schools are struggling to increase enrollments is the lack of availability of credit in the form of government loans, grants, and privately funded school loans. Over 40 percent of massage school administrators stated that it is more difficult for students to receive financial aid than in year’s past.

According to the December 22, 2008 issue of Business Week, there has even been a 2 percent drop in graduate degrees, which increased dramatically during past recessions.

As a direct result, the number of new graduates coming out of massage therapy programs declined from 2007 to 2008. According to the 2007 AMTA Massage School Survey, the average number of graduates of 500-plus hour massage schools was approximately 49.5 graduates per year. In 2008, that number dropped to 43.8 graduates per year. This corresponds with observations made by school administrators (in surveys and at the COS 2008 Leadership Conference) about declining enrollment and graduation numbers.

While getting ready to graduate, some students may find it difficult to find a job in massage therapy, or find a job that will support their practice until they can build up a client base. This is one of the major reasons why new therapists leave the profession.

Roughly 31 percent of schools have a formal placement program for graduates. In these schools, over 80 percent of graduates find employment in massage therapy after graduation. Roughly 58 percent of schools provide only a job board or book that students can use to look for jobs, and about 10 percent of schools do not offer placement services at all.

I am happy to report that the CFMNH has successfully weathered the storm and we continue to exceed in graduating wonderful new therapists. Our lifetime job placement program helps to keep our graduates working and happy. We will also be able to offer financial aid and grants to our new students in the very near future.

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
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MassageSchools
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asheville-NC/Center-for-Massage-Natural-Health/60815835812?ref=ts

The Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Wonderfully relaxing and energizing at the same time, a daily self-massage with warm oil is easy to do and takes only about 30 minutes. You can do it at home each morning, and reap the benefits of this luxurious therapy all day long.

Ayurvedic texts list a wide range of benefits from regular performance of the warm oil full-body massage:

It helps pacify Vata dosha. Because of our hectic 24/7 lives, most of us have high levels of stress, anxiety, a feeling of being overwhelmed and spaced-out, all indications of an aggravated Vata dosha. Soothing touch is very Vata-pacifying. Warm oil, being warm, smooth and unctuous, is also Vata-pacifying.

The massage also helps balance Kapha dosha. It enhances circulation throughout the body and revitalizes a lethargic body and mind.

With regular performance of the massage, deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues are loosened and released into the system for elimination through the natural toxin-release processes. Toxins in the skin are also released, leaving you with clear healthy skin.

Your skin will look beautiful with regular massage. It will stay moisturized and nourished, and look supple and lustrous.

Abhyanga helps strengthen and tone the muscles. If you work out several times a week or everyday, you’ll notice that your muscles are much stronger and resilient to injury.

The Ayurvedic texts recommend that the massage be done in the morning. It helps keep energy levels high during the day and helps promote easy, restful sleep at night.

The warm oil massage, by balancing Prana Vata, helps calm the mind and nervous system. You’ll feel more rested and calm, but focused and alert.

The massage also helps promote balanced emotions. You will feel serene and settled—the kind of bliss that you get with regular meditation.

Your joints will stay nourished and supple with regular performance of Abhyanga. The warm oil massage strengthens and lubricates the joints, making them more resilient to wear and tear.

The massage makes you feel youthful and vital. The ancient texts state that regular performance of Abhyanga retards the aging process.

Choosing Your Massage Oil

While the massage is healing even when performed with just a base massage oil such as sesame oil or almond oil, ayurvedic practitioners typically infuse the base oils with nourishing herbs and flowers. You’ll find ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Shankhapushpi and Turmeric in traditional ayurvedic massage oils. The herbs are gently cooked into the oils for a specified period of time, and the oil is then strained for use. Aromatherapy massage oils incorporate healing essences such as Sandalwood, Jasmine and Rose for added emotional and mental balance. Look for cold-pressed organic base oils for maximum benefit. Sesame oil has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory. Almond oil is both nourishing and soothing. Coconut oil is cooling and Pitta-pacifying.

Instructions for performing the warm oil massage

Materials: 2-3 oz massage oil suited to your needs for balance, plastic squeeze bottle, pot of very warm water, old cotton towel or mat, paper towels.

Step 1. Pour the oil into the squeeze bottle and shut bottle tightly.

Step 2. Place the bottle in the warm water for 5 minutes or until the oil heats up to comfortably warm.

Step 3. Stand on your towel or mat in a comfortably warm, draft-free room.

Step 4. Squeeze the oil a little at a time into your palm and apply the oil to your body, working systematically down until your entire body is anointed with oil.

Step 5. Next, massage the oil into your skin, giving each part of your body adequate attention. Use up and down strokes over limbs and circular strokes over joints, chest and abdomen. Apply lighter pressure over chest and abdomen than over extremities. This process should take about 10-12 minutes.

Step 6. If massaging your scalp, apply oil to the crown of the head and then work the oil into your scalp with your fingers in outward circles.

Step 7. Sit quietly with eyes closed for 5 minutes, breathing deeply.

Step 8. Pat excess oil, if any, off with paper towels.

Step 9. Take a warm bath or shower, being very careful not to slip. Wipe excess oil off your feet before stepping off the towel or mat. Use a very gentle, non-soap cleanser and a gentle shampoo.

Step 10. Pat your skin with a towel and apply moisturizing lotion or a gentle natural dusting powder.

Note: The towels and mats you stand on for abhyanga will get stained and eventually oil-saturated, so use old ones and do not put them in washing machines or dryers. They should be periodically thrown away and replaced.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice.

About The Author:

Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor from the Bay Area. She writes on yoga and ayurveda for various publications. For more information on ayurveda or to subscribe to a free newsletter, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.

The Best Natural Skin Cream on the Planet

Nature provides everything that we need. Most people now recognize that there is absolutely nothing that man can do to our food without ruining it. The best food on the planet is that which has grown naturally for thousands of years.

The very same goes for what we put onto our skin. Coconut oil is perhaps nature's most perfect moisturizer, and has been used since the beginning of time for its beautifying properties. Women in countries where coconuts grow have been lavishing their skin with coconut butter to both smooth and protect.

Naturally Protective

Most skin creams on the market actually do more harm than good because they are full of chemicals that may make your skin look nice in the short term, but will cause damage long term. Coconut oil is nature's finest moisturizer, full of goodness that will truly nourish and make your skin beautiful long term.

Coconut oil is packed with natural antioxidants and is especially useful in fighting free-radicals, as it is unrefined and hasn't been stripped of any of its natural components through the refining process. These protect the skin from the environment and other toxins that cause damage and aging. It is the ultimate anti-wrinkle cream.

Truly PH Balancing

I have heard many commercials claiming their products balance the PH of the skin. Personally, I don't believe that anything that is not completely natural will balance our PH. We all know now that ready made meals and man made chemicals are highly acidic when we eat them. Only pure organic fruits and vegetables will help us become more alkaline and balance our PH internally. Why on earth would we believe that what we put on our skin is any different?

Coconut oil balances our PH naturally. In fact, coconut oil has the same PH as our natural skin oils.

Highly Absorbent for Smooth, Protected Skin

Another thing I love about coconut oil is the fact that although it is rich and creamy, it gets absorbed by the skin very quickly, so my skin doesn't feel greasy for very long, as it does with many other natural and organic skin creams and potions. This is because the small molecular structure of coconut oil allows for easy absorption through the skin, giving it a soft, smooth texture. Coconut oil penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and strengthens the underlying tissues.

Another benefit of coconut oil's small structure is that it is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause. Coconut oil is actually considered a natural sun screen! Since more and more studies are showing that sunscreen is highly toxic, we need to move forward in looking for new ways to protect our skin!

Coconut oil not oil smooths and protects, it also repairs the skin. It aids in removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. The skin becomes more evenly textured with a healthy glow.

About the author

Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.