Are you a National Holistic Institute student or graduate interested in acquiring more clients? Are you a full-time massage therapy practitioner with little or no money to spend on advertising but need more massage clients? Do you have a limited amount of time for marketing and want to invest your energy in activities that have the highest potential return?

If so, consider, you should attending Holistic Buzz Camp, a four-hour interactive workshop designed to provide you with highly effective yet free or inexpensive word of mouth marketing tools and techniques to grow your massage therapy practice. This event will be offered on 4/28/11 at NHI Emeryville and 5/21/11 NHI Studio City. You will learn how to: [Read more →]

Health and well being are some of our most valuable resources. Without them it is difficult to enjoy life, to be productive and to flourish as individuals and communities. Yet often self care takes the back burner as we prioritize everything else in our busy lives.

National Holistic Institute, Petaluma Campus is offering a free monthly Community Education night. Our goal is to contribute positively to this wonderful community we work in, and to offer a respite from this busy hectic world we live in. Come and join us to learn about: [Read more →]

During the entire month of April, 2011, the National Holistic Institute will donate $1 to Doctors Without Borders every time somebody ‘likes’ our page, “National Holistic Institute,” on Facebook.

NHI’s history of responding to crises dates back to the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989.  The work that Jim Charlesworth and others did at that time laid the foundation for what would become the Massage Emergency Response Teams (MERT) (see our previous blog remembering Jim).

Since that time we have massaged the victims and emergency workers of numerous disasters around California and the nation.  Unfortunately, many disasters occur beyond the reach of our hands.  But that doesn’t lessen our desire to help; it just forces us to be more creative in raising funds and supplies.  For example, last year through donation clinics, NHI gave over $7,000 to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

With a devastating series of events in Japan, from a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, to a tsunami which took hundreds of lives, to uncertain conditions of multiple nuclear reactors, Doctors Without Borders is contributing greatly to the relief of the people affected. While the country of Japan is not struggling for funds like Haiti and many other countries have during times of crisis, there are still countless people who were affected by the disaster and have not been able to receive care.  Doctors Without Borders has been providing personal attention and medical assistance to individuals in Japan, but will use funds to provide care all around the world; wherever it is most needed.

All you have to do to help is to join a growing community of healers and helpers by clicking ‘like’ on the National Holistic Institute Facebook page. From injured and helpless families to power plant workers risking their lives and their health, your contribution will go toward a good cause.

We know there is a huge population of people whose passion is helping others in need and creating a positive change in our world.  The National Holistic Institute is constantly striving to connect those individuals and create a dialogue that will support people in times of crisis.  We hope our Facebook page can serve as such a meeting place.

National Holistic Institute is putting up the money; all you have to do is click ‘like.’ Already like us, or want to see us give even more? Share this with anyone who may be interested in helping those in need.  You can link to our page on your Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or any other social network that you are a part of.  Thank you for being a part of our helping and healing community!

You can also help us donate by receiving a massage during our donation clinic days!

Do you like feeling good from receiving a massage… AND feeling good about giving to others through massage?  Then you will want to hear this news.  NHI is hosting two massage clinics focused on raising funds for those affected by the earthquake in Japan.  All funds raised through these clinics will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.  Student and staff volunteers form NHI will be providing the massage sessions.  Clinics occur on 4/03 at the Emeryville campus, and on 4/10 at the San Francisco campus.  Appointment times are 2:00, 3:15 and 4:30pm.  Click HERE to schedule an appointment in Emeryville, and click HERE to schedule an appointment in San Francisco.

About Doctors Without Borders  (MSF)

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization working in more than 60 countries to assist people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. MSF’s work is based on the humanitarian principles of medical ethics and impartiality. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF will be using funds all over the world; wherever they are needed most. Click HERE to learn more about MSF

Disclaimer:

The National Holistic Institute (NHI) will donate $1 for every new ‘like’ we receive on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NHImassageschool between 4/1/11 and 4/30/11.  Users who already like the page will not raise funds by un-liking and liking again, but may instead share the page with their friends and followers.  NHI will donate funds upon the close of the promotion up to a maximum donation of $1000.

I am always pleased to see the reaction on people’s faces when you offer them FREE massage. There tends to be a moment of disbelief followed by complete gratitude. It is amazing how 15 minutes of compassionate skilled touch can completely change a person’s outlook for the day. It is a privilege to be a part of that.

The new Whole Foods in Santa Rosa has been designed to support public awareness and health education. The experience of offering massage there has been phenomenal on so many different levels. One of the most exciting aspects for all involved has been the opportunity to connect with a lovely community of individuals, be it the customers or Whole Foods staff. As a massage therapist it has been wonderful to make connections with individuals that are interested in health and well being from a holistic perspective, including nutrition, supplementation, energy healing, massage, stress management, etc..

As an instructor it is so fulfilling to see the students and graduates of NHI at work. While we are there we get to talk to people about massage and share our passion for therapeutic touch. One student stated as she arrived for the day that she was very nervous about talking to people and “marketing” herself. By the end of the day she had networked with several customers and even booked a massage for her private practice!

Next we will be offering a workshop at Whole Foods on the value of infant massage. Imagine what this world would be like if we all started off getting massage on a regular basis! I wonder if we could change the world one massage at a time…

~ Breanna G.
Mentor, NHI Petaluma

We take our food seriously in the Bay Area, especially in San Francisco. This is the home of slow food advocates and we are dedicated locavores. We eat out all the time, read reviews, get recommendations from, and talk about food, with our friends. We tweet about our meals, post pictures of dishes on Facebook, and trade recipes at communal dinner parties. In short, we love food. But for all of our love of food, how much attention do we pay to the pieces that make up our meals?

A few years ago, while in school for massage, I was putting together a roast chicken dinner for friends and I realized that our main course has the same basic systems that we have. A chicken has a skeletal and muscular system as well as other similar anatomical and physiological structures similar to mine. I realized that what I was learning in school at NHI could be applied to the main course roasting in my oven.

Now that I am a teacher, anyone who has been in my Kinesiology classes will tell you that I compare our musculature to that of animals. Take our friend the chicken: humans have bones, ball and socket joints, tendons, ligaments, fascia and so on and so does a chicken. Slightly different sizes and configurations, to be sure, and the pieces correlate. Not that long ago, after giving my usual “if you want to understand muscles, make dinner” speech, the students asked me to show them. [Read more →]

Photo by Manny Crisostomo of the Sacramento Bee

As a positive energy fills the air surrounding NHI’s brand new campus in Sacramento, CA, the Sacramento Bee and the Press Democrat both put the massage therapy profession into a new perspective.  The Bee article covers the growing demand for massage in the state’s capitol even through a rough economy.  Steve Pierce of Massage Envy Spas told the Bee,

“I’ll tell you how things are. If  NHI Sacramento had 20 or 30 massage therapists ready to graduate, I’d hire them all right now,”

Check out the article here:  

The Press Democrat featured a similar story:

“The industry’s growth has been prompted by several factors, she said, including a greater acceptance by medical professionals of the value of massage therapy and new state certification standards.”

Check out the article here:  

Despite a growing industry, we feel it is more important than ever for every massage therapist to be interconnected and get the best education possible.  With a focus on community and personal development, NHI staff and mentors strive to give each individual student the tools that they need to succeed.

What makes a massage school successful?  National Holistic Institute panelists shared many secrets for success at last week’s American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) School Summit.  San Jose Campus Manager Beth McNeil moderated a spirited discussion among audience members and Vice-President of Education Linda Rikli, Petaluma Campus Manager Tiahna Skye, Vice-President of Admissions Jennifer Jhanda, Admissions Manager Raquel Rodriguez, and Dean of Students Ron Peat.  NHI President Tim Veitzer cheered on from the audience.  Hot topics included student retention methods, admissions policies for special circumstances, faculty training, and maintaining consistency across multiple campuses.

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 [Read more →]

As the debate surrounding health insurance reform in this country moves back and forth between Congress, the White House and the courts, one thing is clear: the future of access to health care is uncertain.  In this uneasy atmosphere we need not wait helplessly on the sidelines.  It is becoming increasingly clear that each of us needs to take responsibility for our own health — we cannot be sure that medical help will be available to us when we most need it.  We can take manageable, affordable steps to improve our overall wellness and reduce the possibility of expensive, invasive, and extreme procedures or drugs.

Some of the easiest ways to increase overall wellness are to [Read more →]

Massage and Valentine’s Day go together like Kermit & Miss Piggy, Ben & Jerry, or chocolate and…well, just about anybody.  Perhaps you’ve treated your Valentine to a massage, and maybe got one in return.  Debating who should get whom a massage?  Many spas offer couples’ massages so you can share in the experience together.

But did you know massage is actually good for that ultimate Valentine – your Heart?  With hearts abounding this time of year, why not treat your own heart to some love.  According to Massage Envy, “From head to toe, therapeutic massage offers many benefits that directly affect the heart’s function and promotes good health.”  Among the benefits are anxiety reduction, increased blood flow, and hormone regulation.  Click Here to read the entire article.
By taking care of your own heart, you’ll have much love to share for many more Valentine’s to come.

Being a massage therapist can look like a solitary profession at first glance – one therapist, often her own boss, working with one client at a time.  But look again and you see vast networks linking therapist to therapist, creating the rich tapestry we call our profession.

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?  [Read more →]

In our continued efforts to give back to the community that supports our students and graduates, the National Holistic Institute is proud to share the success of our Sports Massage Team.  Sports Massage is a growing profession that focuses on the application of a variety of massage techniques and stretching exercises to enhance athletic performance. The NHI Sports Massage Team was formed in response to student requests to provide massage therapy for the community. The team is run on a volunteer basis, and all massages given to the community by NHI students at sponsored events are free of charge.  If the event is for a charity, all student tips go back to the charity sponsor!

In 2010, we were active in 40 Outreach Events throughout California.  Over 300 students and graduates were trained in sport-specific sports massage and volunteered their time and skills at these events to perform over 8,000 complimentary massages!  We are proud to have developed relationships with amazing organizations such as Diabetes Foundation, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Team In Training, MS Society, Best Buddy International, and the American Heart Association.  We would like to thank them for their support and all of the positive work that they do.

In 2010, the team also touched smaller populations such the Native American Indian population at an annual Pow-Wow; a family whose daughter was critically injured in a car accident and a local rotary club who was raising money to fight diabetes.   Our program has been extremely successful and this has shown through high praise that students have received from event coordinators like Tri-Cal, Finishline Productions, Avanti Sports, LA Marathon and Kaiser Permanente, to name a few.  The students developed a supportive, proactive team and succeed in promoting the benefits of massage.

The Sports Massage Team not only benefits the public, but the students who volunteer are exposed to new and exciting situations that are only possible in real-life experiences.  They are exposed to a high volume of clients for an extended period of time and learn how to work together in a setting that many students have never been a part of.  Many students took it as a chance to look at their own fitness and began training for similar events and becoming involved in some of the charities that they had been benefitting. They also gained an understanding of how their participation in sporting and charity events can help them develop their careers as Massage Therapists and how important community outreach work is to their personal as well as professional lives.  We hope to be even more active and work with more wonderful organizations in 2011!

To learn more about the NHI Sports Massage Team visit our Facebook pages:
NHI San Jose Sports Massage Team
NHI North Bay Sports Massage Team

Wrapping up 2010 with a streak of good news, we are excited to share the success story of NHI’s long-time teacher and Training Coordinator, Melissa Wheeler. Melissa was just featured in Massage Magazine for being named the American Massage Therapy Association 2010 Jerome Perlinski Teacher of the Year.  In addition to congratulating Melissa for her dedication to massage therapy education, we would like to thank her for her continued support of all of the teachers, so many graduates and the current students at the National Holistic Institute.

“I will never forget walking into the doors of the National Holistic Institute and feeling the professional, fun buzz” says Melissa remembering her first experiences as a perspective NHI student . ”I knew instinctively that NHI was the place for me.  I loved every minute of my education at NHI and had so much respect for the teachers who gave their all to us students.  It is hard to believe that I became one of those teachers that people looked up to – truly, this award is as much for all the teachers and students from NHI as it is for me.  I did not get here alone.”

Here’s to Melissa and anybody else that thought they’d never make it to where they are today!  Individuals like her are making a positive change in the field of massage therapy, and we look forward to our graduates following her example. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy the coming holidays and that we all continue to support each other in everything that we do.

You can read more about Melissa’s achievement in Massage Magazine’s article here.

We are pleased to announce that NHI‘s very own Cynthia Ribeiro has been voted President-Elect of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

“I am very excited and honored to have been elected as President-Elect of AMTA! Thanks to everyone who participated in our election process, including everyone who voted and all of the candidates. It’s a very important commitment. I appreciate your kind wishes and hope to serve you well.”

As she moves ahead in this new role, we want to thank her for her dedication to the massage therapy industry. Her extensive [Read more →]

The National Holistic Institute (NHI) is excited to announce its expansion with the addition of a fifth location in Northern California. Classes are scheduled to begin at the new Sacramento campus in Spring 2011 with 150 students expected by 2012.  You can read details about NHI’s expansion in the San Francisco Business Times or the Sacramento Business Journal.                                                          

NHI has been exclusively focused on teaching massage therapy since 1979. NHI is expanding in terms of geography and curriculum as the massage therapy industry evolves. For instance, demand is increasing for [Read more →]

With Thanksgiving approaching and thoughts of helpfulness and selflessness on our minds, we thought it would be the perfect time to share answers to the simple yet powerful question, “Why Do You Do What You Do?”.  This self-inquisitive question has become a popular meme that is, as Google’s Evan Wittenberg mentions in a recent Wired Magazine article, “…a deceptively simple way to get people to connect to their core values and tell their story.”

 Check out the article by clicking the Wired link below!

 
At NHI’s San Francisco Campus, all of the Staff and Faculty post their responses to the question [Read more →]

National Holistic Institute Advanced Program Developer and Instructor Cynthia Ribeiro is currently running for President-Elect of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).  We encourage all NHI family, friends, and supporters who are AMTA professional members to vote for her.

In her candidate statement, Cynthia writes, “The immediate needs of AMTA, our growth and success, relate directly to the immediate needs of our members. It is important for us to help our members succeed by opening doors to a variety of opportunities as the economy, technology and profession change.”  She believes this can be done by looking “at different ways of supporting those needs through services such as social networking and internet-based business practices.”

Before joining NHI about a year ago, [Read more →]

A couple of recent headlines show the growing strength of the massage therapy profession.

First, Massage Today reports the breaking news that Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed AB1822.  Sponsored by the California Police Chiefs Association, this bill originally would have eliminated state-recognized certification.  In its diluted final draft, it would have added two law enforcement officials to the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) Board, an unprecedented act for a professional board in the state of California.  The bill will need 2/3 vote to pass now, a bar it’s unlikely to achieve.  The governor’s veto recognizes the size, voice and respectability of the massage therapy profession.  Click Here for the full article.

Also in the news, the Los Angeles Times ran a story about how a single massage can boost the immune system.  This story appeared in several media outlets and highlighted research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.  Click Here for the full article.

Thanks to the many individuals and organizations whose support of research and lobbying help make better working conditions for all massage therapists.

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, [Read more →]

Thanks to Petaluma Campus Manager Klayna Snider for this blog.

Petaluma held the first National Holistic Institute classes outside of the “Mother Ship” (in Emeryville), on July 27^th 2005.  The celebration activities included plenty of reminiscing, smiles, and expressed gratitude to the many members of the NHI community staff who contributed to our campus’ success. 

The campus buzzed with excitement and sentiment as we celebrated with stories of the pioneering days of start up and the wonderful expansion and growth of our campus. The Petaluma Campus halls were decorated with photos from the faces of over 240 grads that have gone through the program during the last 5 years! 

Included special guests were [Read more →]

 Big news from National Holistic Institute Encino … we’re moving!  After an exhaustive search and over a year of planning, NHI’s Los Angeles campus will relocate on September 10, 2010, to 10969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.

Look for the real sign soon!

 The new campus – in the Ralph’s shopping center at Ventura & Vineland – can be accessed conveniently by car or metro.  Parking is free, plentiful, and underground so your car stays cool.  Also, we’re an easy ten-minute walk from the Universal City metro red line station.

Our first classes and public clinics will begin [Read more →]