Words I Won't Use As A Holistic Practitioner And Why It's So Important




             Words go a long way, especially when you have a professional role. If you want to be reputable and effective, you've got to find the best way to communicate with customers or clients. In my line of work there will be skeptics, sensitive people, people who want answers, people who mistake me for a doctor, or those who have a misconception of the services I provide.

           

             My official titles are 'Licensed Massage Practitioner, Certified Reiki Master & Certified Nutritional Coach'. I have scopes of practice to follow, but I also have different languages to speak with each specialty and with each person I meet. Let me explain what each is in detail so that you can understand what words I use and avoid for different purposes.

         





          Massage Therapy definition: Manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person's health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities).

        

             There are different massage techniques as well, including the most common- Swedish (Relaxation) and Rehabilitative (Deep Tissue/Treatment/Orthopedic/Injury). Many other branches of Massage include Thai, Reflexology, Ayurvedic, Lomi Lomi/Mana Lomi, Intraoral, Manual Lymph Drainage, Prenatal, Tui Na and so much more. Many can simply be learned and adapted without specific credentialing requirements, others are requried or suggested to have special certification in to demonstrate that one has taken the necessary steps to show they are fluent in that modality or technique and to have added liability protection.

        

          In some states, massage therapists are titled as Licensed Massage Practitioners, others are known as Licensed Massage Therapists. Either way, we all are licensed to practice a therapy. I am not a masseuse. I am formerly trained to know the body and muscular structures, and to help alleviate aches and pains and promote relaxation. I cannot diagnose or prescribe but I can educate my clients in how to maintain good posture and movement while avoiding further pain or injury.

        

             On a side note, I've also learned to not use the word "relax" with my clients. Psychologically and physiologically, the client tends to do just the opposite. They like to see the word as it is enticing, but to hear it lets them know they aren't relaxed and so their brain sends that message to that tense area of the body and the muscles do not know how to react. People with a naturally tense neck or shoulders are used to being in that static tense mode. Words that tend to be more affective and that are more inviting would be "sink in" or "let go" or even "let me do the work for you". Yes, massage therapy uses psychology.

        

         Northwestern Health Sciences University


         

          Reiki definition: A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

        

            It consists of 2 japanese words- Rei and Ki. Combined it loosely translates to

         Universal Life Force.

           

             In my experience over the years, I've learned do not prefer to call it a healing technique. Heal is a powerful and misleading word. It can denote a religious tone or even sense of witchcraft or voodoo. My role as the practitioner is to solely facilitate the flow of energy. I do not provide the energy, therefore I provide no healing. As a holistic practitioner, my job is to provide my clients with an open door. They are in charge of their own healing process. I simply give them momentum. I do not heal.

        

             The moment I realized I did not want to call it a healing technique is when I had a massage client interested in my health coaching services. When they found out I practiced Reiki, they questioned it, stating that it was 'not of God'. Even though Reiki was not in any way in conjuction with my other services, the client never returned. It is upsetting to know that something like Reiki can be viewed as evil or sacrilige. It is not of a religion at all. In fact, it was discovered by a man during a solo Christian meditation retreat on top of a mountain. Definitions of Reiki can also state that it is a 'laying of hands' modality. I do not use that term either, for the same purposes as stated in the beginning of this paragraph.

        

             The link below is from the foundation Reiki.org in which I am a part of, but that does not mean I agree with its definition.

         



 

          Reiki Energy-What Is It?-How Does It Heal?


         

          Nutritional Coaching definition: There is no clear definition for a Nutritional Coach but coaching is an emerging practice in many areas, such as with finance, health, spirituality, and life. Although the title of a Nutritional Coach is not prohibited in any state, but as a coach you must demonstrate the skills and compenency in that area and stay within the appropriate scope of practice. As a Nutritional Coach, I cannot diagnose or prescribe. I can only suggest, just like with my other specialties. I am certified to show that I have thoroughly studied the subject and I have the skill set to provide nutritional guidance for my clients. Although my credentialed title is Certified Nutritional Coach, I title myself a Health Coach due to the fact that I am also a massage therapist and can provide tips and guidance in other areas of health. With any certification or licensure in the healthcare field, continuing education is required- so I am always learning and gaining new information.

        

             I always tell my clients that I can only suggest changes they can make and that it is always best to bring these suggestions to their primary physician so they are aware. The client also needs to pay attention to their body and tune in more in order to better understand what the body is communicating and if things are working or not. As any practitioner, even doctors, cannot wave a wand and make things better. Giving suggestions for the client to make healthy changes is proven to be the most effective form of healing. Medications are temporary bandaids, so I encourage my clients to find ways to create and maintain long-term relief.

         

          Health Coach | Center for Nutrition Advocacy


             

             We have amazing life costumes called bodies. They communicate with us and they can heal on their own if we learn to listen and put in effort to take care of them. Medical attention can be beneficial, but starting with our own healing capabilities can deter, soothe, and even prevent many illnesses, ailments and injuries. I take my job seriously and I love what I do, but it takes the strength and determination of the client to ultimatley bring the best results.

         

         



The Health Wonders of Base Oils...Inside & Out

Who would have thought that oils can be used for more than just cooking? And there are so many types! Typically, you would cook with olive or vegetable oil. Coconut oil is on the rise of popularity with its health benefits of taking internally. But let’s take a look at the wide array of oils and what they can do for our bodies when applied topically.

Base oils are considered oils that can be added to something or add something to them. Base oils are typically extracted from fruits, vegetables and nuts. This alone tells us that there are health benefits linked to these oils. Each fruit, vegetable and nut has its own health properties, containing important vitamins and minerals which can better your health and well-being. It is best to take in nutrients from your diet, but what you put on your skin can

make subtle or drastic differences externally as well as how it can affect you internally.

I use certain base oils in Ayurvedic Massage depending on what is called the client’s Dosha imbalance or ‘Pakriti’. I also take into consideration their particular skin type as well as any conditions or concerns they may have with their health. I am not comfortable using the same oil for everyone because for one person it may be just what they need and for another it could negatively alter their skin and any other physical conditions or issues.

Here is the breakdown of base oils to demonstrate their potential uses as well as how to use them properly. Also keep in mind that all oils are fats- too much can be harmful to your health, even if it has nutrients and contains less fat.

Coconut Oil

This is probably the most talked about oil currently. It is a great healthy alternative to butter when cooking and the term ‘oil pulling’ is gaining attention by its tendency to pull out toxins from the mouth and gums, whiten teeth, among many other potential results. Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of the coconut. It is found in many hair and skin products as it is known for its moisturizing and damage-protecting qualities. In that sense, it also acts as a mild (20% or so) sunscreen. It can also aid in fighting infections (topically and internally) as it contains 50% Lauric Acid which kills bacteria. If you are trying to lose or manage your weight, this is a great substitute for other oils and fats when cooking and eating. It increases energy expenditure and burns more fat. It is a great source of what are known as medium-chain fatty acids. Using it to cook/bake or to make a salad dressing are ways to utilize it in your diet. It is recommend to consume 1 oz. of coconut oil today which can lead to losing 1.1 inches in just 4 weeks. It has also been shown to be good for the heart. On top of that, 2 common conditions it has been said to alleviate are Epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. This is a good overall detoxifying and moisturizing oil.

Grapeseed Oil

Hence the name, the oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is an unsaturated fat which is healthier than saturated fats, but it is still not the healthiest to consume because after industrial extraction there is not much left except for Vitamin E. This is more of a topical-use oil. This oil is most commonly used in massage. Not only is it very moisturizing due to having a substantial amount of Vitamin E, it can help fight acne and other skin conditions, tighten, tone and regenerate, great for scar tissue and stretch marks,  is great to combat oily skin and is non-greasy.

Olive Oil

This Mediterranean fruit offspring is very common in the cooking arena. It does have a rather potent aroma but it is a healthier consumable choice than vegetable oil due to containing fatty acids including Alpha Linolenic Acid, an antioxidant which is also found in nuts and seeds. It is known to help and prevent heart disease, Diabetes, and Arthritis. It has an anti-inflammatory property and can also soothe sore muscles and replenish dry skin.

Sesame Oil

Very popular in the Asian cuisine, this oil extracted from sesame seeds is super healthy. It may be labeled a vegetable oil, but its high amounts of Vitamin E and B Complex, not to mention Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus is bound to give beneficial results internally and topically. For the skin it penetrates well to moisturize and soothe rough, dry skin and conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. It also does have some sunscreen properties as Coconut oil. Calcium will supply good support for the bones, Magnesium is great for the tissues and muscles, and Phosphorus is helpful in healthy function of muscles, nerves, heart and kidney. Sesame oil is also a great source of protein and contains Lecithin which is great for the memory, as well as dilluting anxiety and depression.

Sunflower Oil

Pressed from the seeds of sunflowers, the silky oil contains good fatty acids and Vitamin E, but it’s not the best for absorption. When taken internally, it can give you a boost of energy, help your heart, lower cholesterol, support the immune system, and even ward off cancer. It’s also known to decrease inflammation and symptoms of asthma. This oil is high in Omega-6 fatty acids which are good, but need to be counterbalanced with plenty of Omega 3′s.

Jojoba Oil

While this is strictly a topically-applied oil, the benefits that can result from skin penetration are immense. I have to include this one because of how effective it is on the skin and hair. You will find this oil in many products, and there is sufficient reason for that. It is extremely nourishing and moisturizing for dry, cracked skin, sunburns and even gives improvement to conditions such as Acne and Psoriasis. It also can be clarifying for the hair, unclogging the follicles. It could be possible that it can help with baldness. Research has shown improvement with memory and mental function such as those with Alzheimer’s. Combined with Coconut oil and Vitamin E, it can act as a mosquito repellent as well.


Avocado Oil

This oil, when used topically, is amazing for inflammation, Arthritis, and Psoriasis. Believe it or not, those with Cancer, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, and Periodontal Disease would benefit from Avocado oil in the diet since it contains Vitamins A/D/E/B12, EFA’s and Antioxidants.

There are also several other carrier oils that have health benefits:

Evening Primrose- can help with inflammation and digestion as well as help various skin conditions

Borage- Aids in reducing pain and inflammation, itchy/dry skin conditions, MS, female fertility and health

Calendula- Acts as anti-inflammatory and is extremely moisturizing

Hazelnut- great for enhancing circulation, penetrates well with Vitamin E and unsaturated (good) fats and acts as an astringent

Hempseed- Very therapeutic and relieves pain and inflammation

There are even more oils out there. I encourage you to do your research and find an oil or two that might benefit you. Always be cautious of any sensitivities or interactions, but most are very safe.

transferred- original post date 04/21/2015