camclub September Articles

camclub September Articles

31/08/11
camclub

How on earth do you choose a massage course?

By Gill Tree Managing Director of Essentials for Health

What a headache! Deciding on a training course is quite confusing isn’t it! So many choices: different exam boards, course content, course length, locations and price- where on earth do you start?!

These factors should help you decide:

The helpfulness of the staff on the end of the phone and at the end of the e-mail
If they were helpful, friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and informative in the office and via their website, the chances are they are also that way in the classroom.

The availability of the staff on the end of the phone
Did you get through to a real live person or was there only an answer phone? Some schools of therapy are very small and do not have an office or office staff. If they are doing it all themselves, the chances are they are rushed off their feet and may not able to respond to queries and any issues you might have quickly throughout your course.

If you did have to leave a message, how quickly did they come back to you? An hour, a day, a week?

The qualification and experience of the teachers
I would suggest that you don’t want to be taught by someone who has only just qualified themselves, or be taught by someone who only has the qualification you are about to study. Ideally you want to be taught by an expert. Someone who has great knowledge they are willing to share both of the subject you are learning, and of what the job market is like once you’re qualified. And don’t just think of your massage teachers… what about the business studies teacher? And the A&P teachers? I would also recommend that you choose to be taught by someone who has trained as a teacher. It is one thing to know a subject, teaching it in an inspiring, creative and fun way is an entirely different matter!

The location
Is the venue, clean, light, bright, airy, modern, spacious and conducive to learning. Are refreshments and water available for you, on tap?

The track record of the company
Choose to be taught by a company that is hugely experienced, has a proven track record over several years and a great reputation within the industry as being a quality training provider.

The qualification offered
It is important that the qualification offered is recognised here in the UK. There are some overseas companies now operating in the UK whose qualifications are not recognised here, so be careful. If you want to work abroad, make sure the qualification will travel across.

The course content
Whilst it is important to get value for money, question whether a short course is going to short change you and make you feel you are missing out on content. The last thing you want be doing is wondering for the rest of your life- what would I have learnt if I’d done a longer course? How much more confident would I feel? What knowledge have I not gained? In some circumstances, cheap is expensive, if it means having to do the course all over again. And is it all taught in class, or is there some online learning you can do?

The timing of the course
Do you want a course that is weekend or fast-track Maybe part-time vs full-time? Do you have to attend everything or is there the flexibility to catch up or study online for part of the course?

The number of students on the course
When I study, I actually learn from others in my class as well as the teachers and I enjoy the social aspect and possibility of new friendships, so I felt happy to be in a group of 20- 30 people. I also like having lots of different people to practice on to build my confidence and experience. I know as a teacher that small groups of 5-8 people just don’t have the same energy and are not as enjoyable. If one or two people don’t get on, it can really spoil a course. In a larger group they can avoid each other!

Recommendations and testimonials
Ask for the e-mail of a past customer of the school and/or check for testimonials. A good school will have video testimonials on their website.

Meet the school before you commit
Go along to an open day, visit a class in action, do an introductory workshop or give them a call and talk it through with someone. Any good school will have put their staff through some of the courses at least so they really know what they’re talking about. Ask all your questions, get a feel for them and put your mind at ease.

What are the graduates of the school doing?
Find out how successful the school’s graduates are in their therapy careers and whether the school assists in informing their graduates of vacancies and supports them in their careers once the course has ended.

Is there a money back guarantee?
Any school that has complete confidence in the quality of what they offer , will be happy to provide you with a money back guarantee. If they are uncomfortable or not able to give one, question the quality of what they do.

What support does the school provide after the training?
Your relationship once you have finished your training with the school should not end there. There should be ongoing business support for you to become a successful therapist. – what else do they offer?

The price
Now if all of the above is satisfied you’ve got it! You don’t want to be spending the time until your course starts worrying about whether you have done the right thing. You want to be excited and certain. Choose quality and value over price for the peace of mind you get from choosing a course with a highly professional and successful school.

Essentials for Health
Gill Tree is the Managing Director of Essentials for Health, one of the UK’s leading Schools of Massage and Sports Massage, based in London and established in 1992. She is an award winning entrepreneur and therapy business expert, keen to support therapists with her business acumen and expertise so that you can focus on what you most love; working with your clients.
Essentials for Health, thanks to Gill’s 20+ years of therapy business experience, prides itself in being the School that Provides a Career not just a Course. Please visit us at the Cam Expo to find out about our courses on stand 1933 and hear Gill give her keynote speech “Essentials for Business Success” on Saturday 22nd October at 12.40pm.
www.essentialsforhealth.co.uk Tel: 01628 476100

CNHC appoints new CEO

CNHC has appointed a new Chief Executive. Margaret Coats takes up post as Interim CEO and Registrar on 1 September 2011. Her immediate past position was as CEO at the General Chiropractic Council, a position she held for eleven years. Prior to that her roles included that of CEO of the Occupational Standards Council for Health & Social Care and Head of the NHS Open Learning Unit.
Margaret brings a wealth of experience to her new role from both the health and occupational standards sectors. Having been working until recently in the statutory arm of professional regulation she looks forward to the challenges and rewards associated with managing a voluntary regulator.
Maggy Wallace, CNHC Chair, said “I know that I can speak on behalf of the whole Board of Directors when I say how pleased we are that Margaret is joining us. CNHC is moving into new phase of its evolution and we anticipate benefitting hugely from Margaret’s knowledge and experience. All organisations benefit from fresh eyes and approaches to help move them forward, especially at times of significant political and regulatory change, such as those we are currently experiencing.”
Maggy also expressed thanks to Maggie Dunn, who steps down as CEO on 31 August: “Maggie’s unstinting commitment to getting CNHC up and running as an effective body has been exemplary. Maggie has been a real pleasure to work with and we are delighted that she remains on the Board of Directors and will continue to build and maintain links with professional colleagues.”
Margaret’s experience will be particularly valuable in CNHC’s work with the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) as that body develops its own new role as the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care. CHRE’s remit is to bring all of health care regulation under the wing of the PSA and CNHC is already involved in the current discussions with the interested parties. CNHC has valuable experience to share from its work with, and experience in, the complementary healthcare sector. Margaret’s knowledge and experience can only enhance that which has already been acquired.
Margaret said: “I am totally committed to the public protection role of a regulatory body and have been very impressed with what I have seen so far of CNHC’s standards and policies. I am looking forward to meeting the many individuals who work so tirelessly on behalf of complementary healthcare and who have been so instrumental in supporting both the concept and the reality of CNHC, as the regulator for the sector.”
Margaret will be coming to this year’s camexpo for the first time and looks forward to meeting practitioners and colleagues there. CNHC encourages practitioners to come to its seminar on Saturday 22 October from 13:45 – 14:45 or visit the CNHC Stand 2536 to meet the team and find out more.

Herbal Medicine and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Herbal medicine is an ancient healing tradition, and one of many alternative natural therapies that people are increasingly turning to. This is largely due to the absence, or near absence, of side effects, as well its non-invasiveness.

What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that has only recently been given a collective term, given that it has a variety of symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting, bloat, gas and diarrhoea; amongst others. There are a number of theories as to what triggers the condition, and may include specific foods, nervous disorders and bacteria. Dairy products and foods containing gluten are also often thought to be the culprit. These elements are often excluded from an IBS sufferer’s diet in an effort to pinpoint the exact cause of the condition. Some doctors may also prescribe a course of antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.

What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine is an ancient healing practice that is utilised by cultures worldwide, and is increasingly being studied in an effort to identify the chemical constituents of effective plant remedies. All parts of a plant may be utilised, including the roots, stems, leaves and flowers. A number of plants can be combined, or just a single plant may be used to produce a remedy, which is intended to reduce or alleviate the symptoms of a particular condition. Herbal medicine is still used extensively in the developing world, and is increasingly used alongside conventional medicine.

How Can Herbal Medicine Help IBS?
Consulting a herbalist will typically involve an evaluation of an individual’s diet, lifestyle and general state of health. A remedy or combination of remedies, together with dietary advice, may then be prescribed. There are a range of herbal remedies that are well documented in their relief of IBS and other digestive disorders, and includes:
Chamomile – a sedative herb that is useful in relieving tension and stomach spasms
Fennel – fennel prevents gas and bloat as well as aiding in the relief of stomach aches and indigestion
Ginger – a powerful herbal remedy for the relief of IBS symptoms such as nausea and cramping
Peppermint – has a calming and anti-bacterial effect on the muscles of the stomach, reducing nausea

Ensure that your herbalist is accredited and registered with a national association. This ensures that their qualifications would have been vetted and also that they adhere to a code of conduct.
Find out about other effective natural treatments for IBS.

Like this article? Read hundreds of similar articles at Natural Therapy Pages www.ntpages.co.uk – the UK’s most visited alternative health

Exclusive interview: Dr Marilyn Glenville

In one of her two Keynote talks at this year’s camexpo, leading women’s health expert Dr Marilyn Glenville will talk on the highly topical subject of natural approaches to the Menopause.

Here she talks with us about the themes she will be addressing in her Keynote address

camexpo: You make the point that women often now live 30 to 50 years past the menopause. Do you think this is re-shaping the way we think about the subject?

Dr Marilyn Glenville: Yes because we now have to think more in terms of prevention (the main risks being osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer) and to put in place those preventative measures as early as possible in a woman’s life. It is important for women to be able to spend those years enjoying a good quality of life, with, perhaps most crucially, good health. This means living free from disease and having the energy to do the things she wants to do, being free from aches and pains, having good skin and hair, sleeping well, not feeling depressed, avoiding osteoporosis, enjoying a good sex life and being on the ball mentally in terms of memory and concentration.

camexpo: What are the symptoms of the menopause that cause women the most distress?

MG: Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptoms and can cause the most distress because they alter the quality of that woman’s life. They can cause embarrassment during the day especially when a woman is working because they may be visible and at night they can affect her quality of sleep which then changes her energy levels the next day. Some women are woken constantly during the night by the sweats and some have to get up and change their night clothes because they are so damp.

The other symptom which can cause the most distress but which is not talked about openly as much as the hot flushes and night sweats is vaginal dryness. Some women find intercourse so uncomfortable that it seems easier not to do it and this can have a devastating effect on relationships. Low levels of oestrogen cause changes in the vagina making it drier and less elastic and the tissue can become much thinner and more inflamed so friction during intercourse can sometimes cause bleeding. Some women I have seen in the clinic have become so dry and sore that they can’t even have a cervical smear because the nurse can’t get the speculum into the vagina.

camexpo: What are the treatments and therapies that give you most hope for the future?

MG: My passion is nutrition and for me this is we are going to see more research and evidence emerging as to how we can help women through the menopause. The scientists have been asking the question if there are cultures around the world where women experience less menopausal symptoms and have a lower risk of osteoporosis; let us learn from these cultures

The aim is to use nutrition to allow women to look forward to a natural menopause journey with the minimum of uncomfortable or debilitating symptoms. To help each woman to nourish her body well by following a healthy diet, adding in nutrients in supplement form and herbs if needed, then any problems really can rectify themselves.

camexpo: To what extent, and in what ways, can women prepare for the menopause?

MG: Many women will start to experience hormonal changes from around the age of 40. For some women, they can notice changes from the mid 30s onwards. These changes can be so subtle that the woman may wonder if it is all in her mind but rest assured that what she is feeling is completely normal. So the earlier a woman can prepare for the menopause the better.

The menopause is a time of change and the female hormones are going to be fluctuating up and down as she goes through this stage. The more gradually she goes through the menopause, the less hormone fluctuations she experiences and the easier the transition.

It is important to be realistic about the fact that a woman will experience changes around the menopause but she should also know that being prepared with knowledge means she can work on prevention or do something to alleviate those symptoms.

Many women also associate going through the menopause and beyond as becoming ‘old’ and linked to poor health and she may think that she will age very quickly as she goes through the menopause. But this is not necessarily the case. Of course, as we get older, more things can go wrong with our health but it is not inevitable that we will have poor health. The menopause is a natural stage of change in every woman’s life, not a stage of decline.

camexpo: Do you think mainstream medical thinking is now more receptive to natural approaches to the menopause?

MG: In my opinion, the menopause is simply a transition of moving from one stage in a woman’s life to another. It is interesting to note that in the US, HRT has been re-named Hormone Therapy (HT) omitting the word ‘replacement’ which could suggest that the drugs are risk free, which they definitely are not. It is also acknowledging that HRT does not replace hormones that should be there at that time in a woman’s life. There is a reason why the hormones are on the decline and it is not as straightforward as simply replacing like for like. In the talk, I am also going to clear up the confusion around bioidentical hormones.

Since the large Women’s Health Initiative Study in 2002 which really confirmed there is a definite risk of breast cancer from taking HRT, more research has been undertaken on the natural approach to the menopause. Scientists have acknowledged that if more women are not going to go on HRT in the first place and also now doctor’s are being told to only prescribe it on the short term for the vasomotor symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats then many more women are going to be turning to natural remedies.

camexpo: More generally, what do you currently see as the biggest opportunities ― and challenges ­― for natural health practitioners?

MG: The biggest opportunities are for us to help educate women so that they know what choices they have available and can make informed decision so that for example in the case of the menopause it is not HRT or nothing. And for many other areas like fertility, for example, we can offer an Integrated Medicine approach. So that women can have the best of both worlds - natural and conventional medical. For me the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive and both can benefit from each other.

The challenges are coming from the regulation where it will be more difficult to show what the natural therapies can do. We need to see this as an opportunity to get more creative and find legitimate ways to work around and within the new regulations, challenge where we can, and push forward because we know from our clinical and personal experience just how effective and beneficial the natural approach can be and people should be able to choose how they look after their health.

* Natural Solutions to the Menopause, a talk by Dr Marilyn Glenville, will take place in the Nutri Centre Theatre at camexpo on Saturday 22 October. For more information about the Keynote programme and the exhibition please visit www.camexpo.co.uk


European Shiatsu Week – 19th – 25th September 2011

This September, there will be a number of organised events taking place around the UK to support the seventh European Shiatsu Week* from 19th – 25th September 2011. The week aims to increase awareness of Shiatsu as a complementary therapy and highlight the range of benefits that the treatment can offer.

Shiatsu (literally meaning -‘finger pressure’) is a practical hands on therapy, which is gaining in popularity. The roots of the healing art of Shiatsu can be traced back many centuries and its base of knowledge in Chinese medicine makes it a dynamic and practical therapy which can help to reduce the stresses and strains of everyday life. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being - not just the physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level.

The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For various reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this can produce certain symptoms. Shiatsu practitioners use a variety of techniques to improve energy flow to relieve symptoms such as pressing with palms or fingers and when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.

The Shiatsu Society says “We will be running a variety of events around the country to mark our sixth European Shiatsu Week. During the week we are hoping to encourage people with an interest in health and wellbeing to try Shiatsu and experience the benefits first hand.”

The public can visit www.shiatsusociety.org for a list of special offers and events that are taking place during the week. Alternatively, they can telephone 0845 130 4560.