Even more impressionable was the time I spent with their Top 50 therapists from around the country.  Out of thousands of therapists, these are considered Massage Envy’s best.  They were a diverse group representing various ages and races, with anywhere from 2 to 20 years of massage experience.

Among this elite group was National Holistic Institute’s own Raymond Washington, a 2007 graduate of the Petaluma campus and one of many NHI grads who have worked for Massage Envy.  In talking with Raymond and the other therapists, they found Massage Envy as a place where they could thrive with their massage careers.  Some hoped to own their own franchises someday.  Others liked that they could just focus on massaging their clients while someone else took care of the business side of things.  All shared a common passion: they love what they do!

Joe Bob Smith, Raymond Washington (NHI Petaluma Grad, Massage Envy Regional Therapist of the Year), and CG Funk (Massage Envy VP of Industry Relations)

Massage Envy has little shortage of clients.  Consumers eager for more massage have helped drive the company’s growth.  While demand is relatively high, supply has proved a growth challenge – supply being the ability to hire so many quality therapists.

For the uninitiated, Massage Envy is the largest massage franchise chain in the country, employing more massage therapists (16,000!) than anyone in the world.  With nearly 700 locations in the U.S. and 200 more in the works, Massage Envy is readily fulfilling their mission of bringing affordable massages to the masses.

As demand for exceptional massage therapists grows, National Holistic Institute looks forward to continuing its work with Massage Envy and other massage employers to fill that need.  With 6 – soon to be 7 – California campuses, a nationally accredited 720-hour core program, a unique 400-hour Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program, and 32 years of “helping people have work they love,” NHI is fully prepared to educate the future of massage therapy.

-Joe Bob Smith

On March 20th, over 50 current and former NHI students braved the cold, wet, and windy conditions at the 2011 LA Marathon. As predicted, the weather bombarded runners and volunteers, who had to deal with the elements from mother earth.

For both new and veteran volunteers, we were in for one wild ride. The many surprises which we encountered did not deter us from ultimately giving the gift of massage to the thousands of participants who sweated out the 26.2 mile endeavor from Los Angeles to Santa Monica Pier. A number of runners tumbled towards our massage tent, hungry and tired, but mostly elated that they had finished and looked forward to a massage provided by us. We were positioned into teams of 2-3 massage therapists at each table, assisting runners in drying off and warming up. Many runners experienced hypothermia-like symptoms, but with the experience of the faculty who were present, led by Joe Bob Smith, Jan Takeshita, and Marianna Anderson, and the quick hands of the massage therapists, the runners were able to get back on their feet and into some dry clothes.

Although we were blasted with random gusts of wind blowing through the tent, a river of water that flowed ankle deep, and even a little bit of hail, the day turned out to be a huge success. Runners were extremely appreciative of the support provided by the massage volunteers, and we were happy to provide a little bit of warmth and care to each runner that passed through. Despite harsh conditions that started the day off as a challenge, we ended with plenty of smiles, laughter, and many memories. Here’s to another successful volunteer event at the LA Marathon. Until next year…

Because the record rainfall disrupted marathon operations, our volunteers this year didn’t receive the usual volunteer shirt or even lunch. To thank everyone for their hard work, NHI hosted a pizza and movie night on April 15 as a sign of gratitude. L.A. Marathon Coordinator, Steve Jackson, showed up with a stash of marathon shirts he had scored for everyone, thank you letters, and prizes commemorating marathons past. Everyone had a great time reminiscing about the rain, the runners, and the hypothermia!

Left to Right: Beth McNeill, Linda Rikli, Tiahna Skye, Jen Jhanda, Raquel Rodriguez and Ron Peat. AMTA Schools Summit NHI Panel

Several audience members expressed difficulties trying to place graduates while dealing with often slow state licensing processes.  NHI representative and California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) Board Member Joe Bob Smith explained how this wasn’t a problem in California since programs like NHI could help students apply for certification to work while they were still in school.  Michael McGillicuddy from Florida and Sally Hacking from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) shared their perspectives on the matter and encouraged everyone in attendance to get involved in their local legislation.  It was agreed that many lawmakers still need to be educated about the massage profession and the role of schools.

Some attendees raised the issue of training students with English as a second language.  Cynthia Ribeiro, NHI’s Advanced Curriculum Coordinator and AMTA President-Elect, shared her story of coming to America from Brazil and succeeding as a massage therapist.  Most all schools, like NHI, welcomed the challenge of training a diverse student body.

The purpose of the panel was to encourage all schools to share their best practices as a way of raising the bar for massage therapy education as a whole.  In addition to some of NHI’s wisdom, participants also got to experience a couple of NHI rituals including the chi pat and the infamous “Whoosh!”.  Ron Peat closed the two-hour session with words of wisdom that he often shares with students: 1) the only failure is the failure to participate, and 2) if you can’t be on time, be early.

This annual summit, held this year in San Francisco, gathers massage school owners, directors, and personnel from across the country to discuss their challenges and successes as well as the future of massage therapy education.

Nathan Luczynski, Ahmos Netanel and Lynda Solien-Wolfe at the NHI Studio City Expert Panel

What’s wrong with simply working alone?  Isn’t that what being your own boss means?  Yes and no.  Selecting your clientele, setting your own schedule, and potentially generating higher earnings are all perks of having your private practice. 

But what about business issues that arise?  Marketing costs, bookkeeping expertise, client retention, and learning new massage techniques can all be challenging on your own, especially when time and money are short.

So why not tap into the collective knowledge of those who have been and are currently in your shoes?  The problems you face are rarely unique.

There are numerous ways to get involved.

• Participate in local massage events.  National Holistic Institute often hosts free classes and events like Expert Panels (pictured above) for the massage community.
• Join a professional association like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).  Here you can link with other members, receive regular updates on the profession, take free or reduced-cost continuing education courses, access insurance coverage, and much more.
• Attend massage therapy gatherings like the California Massage & Bodywork Convention or the AMTA National Convention to be held this year in Portland, OR.  Mingle with old and new friends while wandering through exhibitors’ booths and taking continuing education classes.
• Join your local AMTA unit.  The Los Angeles/South Bay Unit, for example, holds many of its meeting and classes at convenient locations like NHI’s Studio City campus.  Volunteering with your local unit is a great way to market yourself while improving the massage therapy profession in your area. 
• Volunteer for local sporting events.  A recent blog about the NHI Sports Massage Team highlights some of the potential sports opportunities around.  These events allow you to practice your skill on actual athletes, witness different techniques from other massage volunteers, gain new clients, and often raise money for charitable causes.
• Take continuing education classes.  Look to local massage schools like National Holistic Institute for classes that will increase your skills, which means increasing your business.

As 2011 starts, hopefully you will make a resolution for the benefit of you and your massage career to pursue at least one of these networking tips.  Who knows the possibilities that await!

Scholarship winner Asad Khan with his sister and NHI staff Joe Bob Smith & Jan Takeshita.

Asad Khan, a National Holistic Institute student who began his journey with us at the Petaluma Campus before moving to the Encino Campus, has won the 2010 JoyLife Chair Massage Ambassador Scholarship.  Way to go, Asad!  His winning essay is featured below.

Each individual is a world onto themselves, and massage therapy has the power to bring vitality and harmony within each person. Massage therapists are able to reach into a person’s microcosm and create abundance by sharing touch. Whatever a person feels inside reflects to the macrocosm, the world we all coexist and function together in. The more people that receive therapeutic touch, the more we can foster a peaceful environment for all; and thus perpetuate a world where everyone can achieve homeostasis. In today’s economy people are investing and harnessing their energy towards their personal health and wellbeing. 

Many people who seek massage therapy often work in a high stress environment or suffer from severe pain and tension. Physical blockages tend to have emotional and psychological components. Massage therapy has the power to not only release certain physical blockages increasing circulation in the body, but also the ability to dismantle any stored energies correlating to that blockage. Massage therapy is a tool to bring conscious awareness to a person’s body. Often a person might not be aware that they have a decreased range of motion or realize the source of their pain. This form of therapy addresses these factors and seeks to alleviate the stress caused from this pain. Studies have shown that people release endorphins as they are being replenished by touch.

Every single person on this planet has the capability to access joy within their lives by being open and receptive to massage therapy. In our western society many people embody fear due to several influences, and initially there can be mistrust between the patient/therapist dynamic. Massage therapy eases into establishing trust through touch, a field beyond language. Essentially this will reflect in that clients every day life and interaction with the collective society, creating a haven of credence. A gentle nurturing touch usually is more beneficial than intense pressure. When there is stagnancy in the body the result can be: mental fogginess, decreased energy, and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Energy follows intention and as massage therapists we hold a great responsibility to bring a client back to their optimal health.

Massage therapy can change the world one client at a time by providing a nurturing touch that will transform people’s lives. This “healing” tool dissipates any fear, anxiety, and stress clients were projecting in the world as a result of holding onto their pain. Massage allows people to let go of the myriad of possible attachments they were carrying, stemming from early childhood trauma to current stressors. Massage therapy in general is considered a viable modality of therapy and has the potential to harmonize and create balance within each client; which not only betters the world within them, but also echoes and creates a better world to live in.

Asad explained his pursuit of a career in massage therapy…

As a child growing up I had many health issues and severe back pain. This pain followed me throughout college as I continued to neglect my health and wellbeing. By freshman year I had become overweight, and reached a critical point in my life. I was at a crossroads, where I knew I had to make rapid change if I wanted to live pain free. Through many synchronicities I transformed my diet and started implementing healthy practices, which allowed me to lose weight and bring balance back into my life.  Massage was an integral factor in helping me through my healing process. I would go twice a month to a nearby therapist who completely eliminated my lower back trauma.

Several weeks later I gave my mother a massage and she commented, “you need to make a career out of your hands, you have positive energy and it translates through your touch.” Her articulated response planted a seed inside me triggering an onslaught of “coincidences” that would lead me to search for massage schools online. I became interested in pursuing a career in massage out of a necessity for self-healing and to truly help people suffer less. I traveled all the way from New York to come to National Holistic Institute. Six months later, I’ve worked with several clients with severe trauma and conditions. After hearing positive feedback from them, I know that I have truly found my calling. I make people smile all day, and I am grateful.

In contributing to this blog, Asad added…

During my training at National Holistic Institute and healing path a mantra that continually echoed inside me was, ”Trust your process.” This mantra has been with me and cleared paths for me behind doors that would not open unless I completely surrender to the process. For me this means to let go of all expectation and in the moment experience all that is, which will lead oneself to transform into something greater. During my process and training at NHI I have met some amazing mentors, teachers, healing practitioners, energy workers, and most of these people have families. The inspiration I’ve felt has come from not only my own path, but experiencing it on a daily basis by being immersed with individuals who are the example of what it truly means to being master therapists. My experience at NHI has been fruitful because I will carry the light and integrate all my training into practice.

I am grateful to have also won the JoyLife Therapeutics Scholarship award based on an article I wrote this past August.  The article along with a brief summary of my healing path will be posted on their website during the next several weeks.  Asad may be reached at: massagingthesoul@gmail.com

Placement Coordinator Jan Takeshita & Teaching Assistant Suzanne Bose outside Bliss Spa.

A fortunate group of National Holistic Institute graduates and students got an exclusive VIP tour of Hollywood’s hottest new spa during a recent career night.

Since opening in January, Bliss Spa at the new W Hotel Hollywood has quickly become the go-to destination for the rich and famous looking to be pampered like a rock star.  In addition to the long list of celebrity clientele frequenting its legendary Hollywood & Vine location, Bliss has brought its unique “Spa-llywood” touches to over 40 high-profile events in just 6 months – awards shows, magazine fêtes, and movie premieres like Alice in Wonderland and Sex in the City.

NHI began its relationship with Bliss back in December.  While waiting for its fabulous new digs to be finished, Bliss used NHI’s Los Angeles facilities to train employees on its unique custom products and menu of services.

Additionally, Bliss broke its long-standing tradition of hiring experienced massaged therapists by employing 3 NHI graduates right out of school.  One of those, Michael Scola, joined us on our tour.  Having graduated NHI in January, Michael is one of Bliss’s top-ranked and most requested massage therapists.

Graduates & Students attend NHI's Bliss Spa Career Night at the W Hotel Hollywood.

Because of the professional success of our alumni, Bliss invited this latest group of NHI students and graduates to view their beautiful space, learn more about the company, and apply for a job.  On our tour we saw Bliss’s ground-level retail shop (they have their own complete product line); the 4^th floor spa complete with a luxe nail lounge, treatment rooms, and men’s and women’s lounges; behind-the-scenes areas where all the magic happens; and we even got to visit Drai’s private rooftop pool where many therapists go to give on-site massages.

We thank Bliss for rolling out the red carpet for us and look forward to sending many more of our graduates their way.

Bliss Spa Trainer Heather Moelter, Campus Manager Joe Bob Smith, and NHI graduates at Drai's rooftop pool where many on-site massages are given.

Melanie Burns & Joe Bob Smith (2nd & 3rd from left) join the Food Bank's Michael Flood, Flori Schutzer & Jeanna Kindle.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons, several National Holistic Institute campuses run food drives, offering discounted massages for donated food.  It thrills us to see the number of people coming in for massages, dropping off bags of food to help those in need.  But, once it gets picked up, we never knew exactly what happened to all that food…until now.

This past year, the Encino Campus doubled its previous donation by turning in over 1,200 pounds of food!  As a thank you, we were invited to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank headquarters to see where all the contributions actually go. 

On a recent spring day, campus manager Joe Bob Smith and teacher Melanie Burns trekked just south of downtown Los Angeles to Food Bank central.  Upon entering the building, we were greeted along with a half-dozen other donors by CEO Michael Flood and a few of his colleagues.  As we lunched on catered sandwiches, Michael told us some of the facts about hunger.  We were quickly blown away by the enormous number of people in need just in our county alone.  Enjoying a delicious and nutritious lunch when so many of our fellow Angelenos didn’t even know where their next meal would come from made it that much harder to digest.

Approximately 10 million people live in L.A. County.  The LARFB served 1 million of them in 2009.  Simple math says that roughly 1 in every 10 people living in L.A. County received assistance from the Food Bank.  Due to 12% unemployment, 20% of those seeking help had never been in a food line before.  To break it down further, over 400,000 were children and another 50,000 were seniors.

While the LARFB supplies its goods to shelters and soup kitchens for distribution rather than directly feeding individuals, it makes an exception for children.  Through the BackPack Program, qualifying children receive a generic-looking backpack at the end of school every Friday to take home.  That backpack provides 6 meals to help get them and their family through the weekend.  School administrators report that the nourished children return to school on Monday more rejuvenated and alert than before.

After hearing all the facts and stories that Michael and his colleagues shared, they took us on a tour of the facility.  Looking much like a Costco warehouse, food is stacked from floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall, including a banquet hall-sized refrigerator and freezer.  This 96,000-square-foot facility was filled with volunteers and employees working together to battle hunger.

It was especially nice to hear that the Food Bank does not accept donations from soda and junk food companies in general.  They instead encourage these companies to donate money for fresh produce and healthier, low-sodium, low-sugar items, which the Food Bank purchases at wholesale discounts.

Food is donated from local and national supermarkets, wholesalers, restaurant suppliers, and individuals like us.  Once the shipment of food is received, it is then sorted, inspected, and repacked for distribution to participating charities in Los Angeles County.  The day we toured, a large group of volunteers from Macy’s and Edison were assisting employees with many of these tasks.  Any one or any group can volunteer time to help.

Local charities can order and pick up the food they need on a weekly basis and serve it to hungry families and individuals free of charge.  Much like a grocery store or restaurant would depend on its regional warehouse for supplies, these neighborhood churches, shelters, food pantries, and soup kitchens – all 900 of them – look to the L.A. Regional Food Bank for their distribution.   

The LARFB was founded in 1973 by Tony Collier who collected food and stored it in his 2-car garage.  Thirty-five years later, its warehouse provides a whopping 54 million pounds of food to the community annually.

After this tour, NHI is even more proud to be associated with the L.A. Regional Food Bank.  Thanks to Melanie for recounting this inside peak at the donation process.  Expect an even more successful Food Drive next holiday season!

Dan Magro of Current TV’s Dan About Town recently visited the National Holistic Institute Encino Campus to find out what it takes to become a massage therapist.

After getting basic chair massage tips from yours truly, Dan joined a class where he received muscular realignment work from student Amber Mathieu and instructor Jan Takeshita.  By the end of his stay, Dan began to realize just how much training goes into making a professional massage treatment so therapeutic.

As with most families, at NHI the holidays are a time to gather and enjoy each other’s company…

Share laughs and memories of times past…

And wish everyone a joyous, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Enough voters mistook Leisha & Craig’s pumpkin for an Obama look-alike giving them 4^th Place with 10%…

The talents of John & Jen overcame the subject matter (yes, that’s my face on a pumpkin) to achieve 18% and 3^rd Place…

Jan & pinch-hitter Joe Bob drove Nancy’s idea home with 30% and a very close 2^nd Place…

And in 1^st Place…

(drum roll, please…)

With the help of props…

(drum roll, continues…)

And electric lighting…

(drum roll, a little more intense…)

Denise and Vanessa claim a 1^st Place victory with 33%!!

Congratulations to everyone!!