Massage
I wanted to become a masseur. Still working in the Jewellery trade, two courses later one under the Churchill Institute I achieved my ITEC qualification in Holistic Swedish Massage.
It was all very interesting and therefore easy to study. I found the A+P (anatomy and physiology) way more interesting than Biology at school. It covered all major systems and their functions, incorporating:
- Cell Structure, Tissue and Skin Cellular Composition
- Muscular and Skeletal Systems
- Cardiovascular – Heart and Blood Circulation
- Lymphatic System – Lymph glands and production of Tissue Fluid
- Neurological System – Brain and Nervous System
- Endocrine System – Hormone producing organs and role of hormones in the human body
- Respiratory System – Lungs and air pathways
- Digestive System
- Genito-Urinary System – Kidneys and water metabolism
- Reproductive System
It was an introduction to the Holistic side of things, possibly the first time I had seriously thought about looking at Mind Body and Spirit.
Hence, knowing the benefits I have always been a big fan of massage. They have helped me throughout my MS journey, helping to me to ‘feel’ connected to my body. I’ve found holistic massage to be very soothing and the sports massage less so but great to get legs and muscles working.
As a masseur, its easy to spot a very good massage treatment. Knowing whether they’re connecting to you as a client or just carrying out a series of manoeuvres. I have to say one of the best (i say one – it was three) massages I experienced whilst on holiday in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt. They recruited their clients while we were lazing around sunbathing and at the aloted time made our way down to designated tents where a ‘team’ of masseurs waited. I don’t know how many they fitted in to a day but it was obvious pratice made perfect.