10 Tips to Become a Successful Therapist (Part I)

Whether you are an employer or employee or working on a freelance basis, there are some qualities that make an exceptional therapist of you. Read on if you want to stand out of the crowd and make a sure and happy future of yourself.

1. Choose your trainer wisely – For an aspiring therapist, there is nothing worse than a ill-informed teacher. Half-baked knowledge will only make half-baked therapists who have no idea what they are doing. A trainer should be one who is always ready to answer questions, is available to you during and even after your course is over to share experiences, questions and guidance. Enrolling for a course may not be cheap, but it is a very good investment. However, like with every investment, be careful to do your homework and check if the course you are joining for is in your best interest. Read online reviews, meet the trainers beforehand, ask as many questions as you like, study the body language of the trainer and judge his / her genuineness. Take your time to decide and once you do, have full faith in your teacher.

2. Be genuine – Be honest in your interaction with your client. Do not take the client for granted. They can be even more informed and experienced than you and can make out how genuine you are. If they are happy with you, they will spread the word among family and friends and help you increase your business.

3. Be professional – If working in a spa / salon, there is no question of being unprofessional or casual. You must follow the rules of the trade, even when your boss is not looking. However, the problem arises when one is working as an individual or hobby. Many things are taken for granted. However, you can be different if you have a professional attitude. Not just the way you communicate with the client, but also your preparations, equipment, planning, etc. can be innovative and professional. For example, when going on house-calls or treating clients at your own home, keep a portable stereo with soothing music to create a mood and ambiance. Add some interesting twists or complementary additions to your therapy.

4. Learn by Experience – A trainer can only teach you the techniques and share their own experiences. However, real learning happens when you have experienced for yourself. So make sure the course you join allows you to have enough practical experience to gain confidence. Before beginning commercially, treat your family, friends and relatives for free. Get as much feedback and learning from them as possible. This will increase your field experience and confidence.

5. Hygiene and responsibility – Hygiene is extremely important not just for the client but also for your own health. Make sure you use sanitized equipment, sanitize your hands, keep your nails short and make sure that the client is not suffering from any infections or other disease that can be transmitted. It is your responsibility to ensure the client is fit for treatment and to see that no disease is spread to other clients through you. Explain patiently to the client the reason you have to refuse them in such cases. They will only respect the decision, understanding that you care about your clients’ safety.

(To be continued...)

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah, Founder and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy

To learn more about Pinakin Shah's Pristine Senses Academy . Click Here

Testimonial - Mr. Chirag & Mrs. Nikky Bhatia

Mr. Chirag Bhatia with Mr. Pinakin Shah

"Earlier I thought, massage is about knowing the right strokes and techniques. But at Pristine I understood that KNOWLEDGE is most important.

Through very comprehensive theory classes we accumulated lot of knowledge and in regular practicals we mastered the techniques.

TODAY I FEEL CONFIDENT.

Mr. Pinakin Shah and Ms. Ankita Shah have asked us to come back whenever we have any doubts. This leaves us with a very comfortable and relaxed feeling that they are always there to back us.

To sum it up : IT'S AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO LEARN MASSAGE."

- Mr. Chirag Bhatia

03.11.2012

Reflexology (Pro), 

Swedish Massage, Balinese Massage, 

Body Scrubs & Body Wraps

Ms. Ankita Shah with Mrs. Nikky Bhatia

"We came here to learn the program and are walking out as experts. I like the professional approach Pristine followed.

After visiting a couple of spas I realized that what I have learnt at Pristine is much more professional and ideal. I would rate Pristine as one of the best places to learn such healing therapies."

- Mrs. Nikky Bhatia

03.11.2012

Reflexology (Pro), 

Swedish Massage, Balinese Massage, 

Body Scrubs & Body Wraps

Testimonial - Vaman Kamat & Lalit Bane

Mr. Lalit Bane (l) and Mr. Vaman Kamat (r)

 "For a commerce graduate like me who has very little understanding, the teachings here were really helpful to make my fundas clear. The precision and dedication with which things are taught here is really commendable and a great help to all students to become effective therapist. We were taught like a child being taught in his own house - with a lot of zeal, enthusiasm, love and urge to make us grow. Thank you very much for all the help and sharing."  

- Mr. Vaman R. Kamat

13.10.2012

Reflexology (Pro)

"The course was very good. There was enough practice and I got to learn a lot. Anatomy and Physiology was very good and easy to understand."

- Mr. Lalit Bane

13.10.2012

Reflexology (Pro)

Testimonial - Tony Ilett (Swedish & Balinese Massage)

"I initially saw the advertisement for the Pristine Senses Academy online, I emailed for information and was impressed with the prompt response.  An interview was arranged and myself and my wife attended. The interview was conducted by Mr. Shah and his daughter Ankita (both tutors at Pristine Senses)  we were very impressed with the professionalism of both of them. I already had previous experience with Anatomy and Physiology and bodywork techniques, so after an initial discussion a package was arranged that took into account my previous experience.  

Instructors Ms. Ankita (l) and Mr. Pinakin Shah (r)
with Mr. Tony Ilett (c) and his wife.

The training sessions were one to one with either Mr. Shah or Ankita. The environment was very clean, hygienic and relaxing. On my first day I was given a pack that consisted of a handbook on Swedish massage (I was also given a handbook for when I did the Balinese massage course), notebook, etc. The techniques taught were very thorough and was explained at a good pace. With each session I was encouraged to get a helper that was of varying sizes and shapes so as to aid my massage experience. I think it was nice that my learning was incorporated into giving the helper a nice, relaxing massage.  While I was being taught the lights were dimmed and soothing music was played, this also served to relax me in giving this massage.  

Learning at the Pristine Senses Academy was an enjoyable and very relaxing experience, both tutors were easily approachable and more than willing to explain things.  Me and my wife would sit afterwards and have lunch with the entire staff or have chai. I would certainly recommend learning at the Academy, it is very professionally run, all correspondence was replied to immediately with either a phone call or email. By the end of my course me and my wife felt like part of the family. Even though I passed my courses Mr. Shah told me that if at anytime I was unsure of anything or needed advice that I should contact him immediately and would even give me another session free. I will shortly go back to the UK and look forward to putting into practice what I have learned here. I wish all at Pristine Senses Academy every success in their endeavors. God Bless.".

Tony Ilett,

U.K.

Swedish & Balinese Massage Therapy

(11/10/2012)

Reflexology and Reiki for PCOS

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Symdrome (PCOS/ PCOD) is not clearly known, although it is linked to hormonal imbalance. In PCOS, the ovaries contain multiple cysts which produce excess masculine hormone. This results in many symptoms like excess hair on the body, irregular menstrual cycle, infertility, overweight, Diabetes and Hypertension.

The condition as well as its medical treatment is emotionally harrowing for the patient as they have to undergo many hormonal treatments to conceive or even to reduce their symptoms. Alternative Healing Therapies like Foot Reflexology and Reiki help complement the treatments, help reduce side effects of medication as well as in some cases (based on claims of patients and practitioners) even help in curing the disease.

Reflexology for PCOS

Traditional Foot Reflexology involves stimulating areas on the feet that correspond to specific organ systems of the body. It is believed that all diseases are caused by an imbalance in energy flow of the body which is also affected by accumulation of toxins. This imbalance can be due to many reasons but one major reason is stress.

Many ladies who have received reflexology therapy around the world have claimed that Reflexology has helped them overcome the symptoms of PCOS and even helped them conceive. Reflexology focusing on the Endocrine System, helps regulate hormone levels in the body.

In fact, a pilot study conducted in Denmark by The Triangle Fertility Clinic and Forenede DanskeZoneterapeuter shows that Reflexology showed significant effect on:

•     Regulating the menstrual cycle.
•     Reducing the number of follicles in the Ovaries.

Irregular menstrual cycle and increased follicles in Ovaries are two out of three major symptoms of PCOS.

A well known Reflexologist in Devon, Jane Holt, has many clients who claim that Reflexology has helped them conceive.

Although the effects of Reflexology on PCOS and hormone balance in the body still requires further scientific and medical study, many people who have undergone the treatment claim effectiveness of the therapy. As is the case with most alternative / complementary therapies, it is always difficult to tell whether it was only the therapy or a combination of medicine, therapy and other lifestyle factors that helps cure a particular disease.

However, since Reflexology is a completely non-invasive therapy, it is worth trying the treatment on a regular basis.

Reiki for PCOS

Reiki has proven to be very effective for swellings, pain and emotional turmoil. It helps heal a person on all levels- physical, emotional and spiritual. It consists of positive healing energy of the universe passing from the therapist via the hands to the patient. Reiki is generally given on the Chakras of the body but is also given on a specific affected area.

Women suffering from PCOS undergo hormone therapy and many other invasive medical therapies that can be prove to be emotionally taxing. Medical practitioners do not have the time to counsel each patient for what they go through emotionally. This is where Reiki comes in. Through personal experience we have found that in any disease, Reiki provides a certain will power, strength and faith that are required to face the situation. The relaxation resulting from Reiki is “Out of this world,” in the words of many of our clients. Those who are anxious, stressed and undergoing rigorous medical treatment have trouble sleeping and Reiki helps in enhancing sleep and mind and body relaxation.

There are mixed claims of patients in regards to Reiki. Some say it helped cure them of PCOS while others say it did not cure them but helped relax and reduce the symptoms. However, again, Reiki is not a religious practice, nor is it invasive. Even those who did not believe in it, start having some faith in the therapy after experiencing its effects first-hand.

Writer:

Ankita Shah

Reflexologist, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher

Director & Trainer

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net

The Close Relation Between Stress and Diabetes

What Does Mental Stress Do to the Body?

When there is mental stress, the body perceives an unknown threat and reacts to protect itself. The body becomes stiff and tight, heart rate increases, blood pressure increases, digestion slows down and the Adrenal Glands secrete more Adrenalin (the fight and flight hormone) to combat the situation.

Effects of Stress on the Pancreas

The Endocrine System (hormonal system) is complex and all Endocrine Glands are inter-related. So, when a person is stressed, the Endocrine System gets disturbed and this causes a chain reaction in all the glands.

The Pancreas generally secretes ferments that are essential for digestion and absorption of food. It also secretes Insulin which is needed to regulate the sugar levels in the blood. In stress, the Pancreas may fail to secrete these in the required amount.

Moreover, even if the Pancreas does secrete right amount of Insulin, stress also affects functioning of each cell in the body. As a result, the cells may become insensitive to the amount of Insulin in the blood, thus affecting the blood sugar levels.

Blood tests then show presence of excess sugar and the person is declared a Diabetic. It is important to note here that sometimes we may be assuming a person is Diabetic even though Insulin levels in the blood are normal. It is the cells’ insensitivity that may be causing the rise in blood sugar.

How Does this Affect Digestion?

As mentioned earlier, due to stress, the Pancreas may fail to secrete right amount of ferments required by the digestive system. As a result the person belches, experiences a sour burning taste in the mouth and looks for medication and antacids for immediate relief. But pills do not help remove the root cause of the problem.

Medication

The pills taken for Diabetes artificially regulate the blood sugar levels, not giving the body a chance to correct or adapt to the situation on its own. However, after a certain stage, taking these pills and injections becomes necessary. But to avoid reaching this stage, we can try our best to control or reverse the condition through natural ways.

What is the Solution Then?

Firstly, we must understand that disease is caused by a disharmony in body, mind and spirit. We should treat ourselves on all three levels.

Especially in the starting stages, Diabetes can be reversed by lifestyle change, control in food habits and exercise.

Lifestyle & Exercise

• Incorporating some yoga exercises and relaxation techniques helps combat stress.
• Try and develop a hobby that involves physical activity. This helps quieten the mind.
• Try and avoid getting angry.
• Keep a positive attitude in everything you do.
• Morning walk of 45 minutes helps maintain health, weight and blood circulation.

Food Habits

• Eating Papaya is good for the stomach as it has enzymes that help in digestion.
• Restrict intake of Proteins and processed sugar.
• Avoid overeating and eating in between meals.
• Avoid drinking water with meals.
• Eat lots of roughage i.e. salad and raw fruits (which are low in sugar)

Alternative Therapies

Swedish Massage helps to relax the body and mind. It improves blood circulation, helping to prevent Neuropathy. It stimulates digestion and elimination, thus improving absorption of nutrition in the body and removal of toxins from the body. When emphasis is given on lymphatic drainage, massage helps in improving immunity and maintaining functions of the body.

Traditional Foot Reflexology has been found to be a great stress buster. It helps maintain blood circulation in the feet and stimulates organs for better functioning. It helps stimulate each Endocrine Gland and remove toxins.

A Diabetic patient needs to take care of his / her skin. Many a times, especially in the feet, a lot of dead skin accumulates. Body Scrubs help in removing it. Click Here to read more about it.

Body Wraps help keep the skin supple and taut and helps in breakdown of excess fat.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

www.pristinesenses.net

Reduce Fat with Body Wrap

People find it hard to believe that you can ‘reduce’ with something like Body Wraps. Most of them wave it off as a marketing gimmick.

However, if we look a little deeper into the science of Body Wraps, we might understand why such a claim is made.

Firstly, body wraps may not help you lose weight, but they do help in losing inches.

How Does This Work?

A body wrap contains certain special herbal ingredients like kelp, mud, chocolate, coffee or seasonal fruits etc. These add their own unique properties to the wrap and work on the skin. A generous layer of the wrap is applied on the whole body. The client is then covered with a warm sheet or blanket.

While the client relaxes for 20-45 minutes, the wrap slowly tightens the skin and makes its firm. It helps mobilize the thick layer of cellulite (fat cells) in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This mobilized fat dissolves internally and is removed by the body through natural ways.

Many times, results are seen after the first wrap itself. Regular wrap regime help maintain firmness, glow and health of the skin as well as aid in inch loss.

Other Factors for Inch Loss

Many clients ask or demand for a guarantee that a body wrap will help then reduce fat. At this point it is important for the therapist to explain as well as the client to understand that Body Wrap is an alternative therapy. It works slowly but surely.

However, there are other factors like lifestyle, diet, lack of exercise, stress, etc. that also contribute to fat storage in the body. If the client continues to follow wrong habits, fat will keep accumulating every time and Wraps would provide only temporary relief.

Small, positive lifestyle changes clubbed with Body Wraps, however, speed up the process for healthy fat reduction.

Writer:

Ankita Shah

Director & Trainer

Pristine Senses Academy

Mumbai