I feel so very fortunate to have attended the Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT) in Boulder, Co, for my massage education! There are many, many schools out there that offer certificates that qualify an individual to become a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT). There are also many, many schools out there that are doing a great misjustice to the field of Massage Therapy. Anyone can get a certificate but not everyone can receive a top notch education delivered through scientific based curriculum. BCMT is frequently referred to as: "The Harvard of Massage Therapy Schools," and I believe it lives up to that reputation: )
I graduated with 1000+ hours which were earned through the study of various modalities, kenesiology, anatomy & physiology, clinical hours, internships, volunteer programs, as well as a host of other avenues of education. Being a massage therapist is not rubbing someone's shoulders with a nice smelling lotion.... Being a knowledgeable CMT is knowing what muscles make up (for example) the rotator cuff (shoulder) and their actions, where their attachments are, and how to access those muscles! A good therapist will be able to do this with the various muscles groups in the body.
I like being able to educate my clients on the work we are doing in a relatable manner. I think it is important to answer my clients questions about the work we are doing and why. If I get stumped, I won't make something up: ) I will look to my many resources to find an answer and get back to you. Continuing education has also been very imprtant to me.
In the fall of '08 I spend 2 months in Chiang Mai, Thailand studying Thai-Yoga Massage. What a great experience! Eastern practices like acupuncture, shiatsu, thai-yoga, and table massage all work toward a similar goal, just going about it in different ways. For about the last 3,000 years, modalities like these have worked toward keeping our body's energy (chi, ki prana, vital life force, etc...) moving in a balanced manner. It is my personal belief that these practices have stood the test of time for a very good reason...THEY WORK!
Please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question and I will happily get back to you in a timely fashion!
Thanks for reading: )
Beth McVay, CMTMember AMTA
I feel so very fortunate to have attended the Boulder College of Massage Therapy (BCMT) in Boulder, Co, for my massage education! There are many, many schools out there that offer certificates that qualify an individual to become a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT). There are also many, many schools out there that are doing a great misjustice to the field of Massage Therapy. Anyone can get a certificate but not everyone can receive a top notch education delivered through scientific based curriculum. BCMT is frequently referred to as: "The Harvard of Massage Therapy Schools," and I believe it lives up to that reputation: )
I graduated with 1000+ hours which were earned through the study of various modalities, kenesiology, anatomy & physiology, clinical hours, internships, volunteer programs, as well as a host of other avenues of education. Being a massage therapist is not rubbing someone's shoulders with a nice smelling lotion.... Being a knowledgeable CMT is knowing what muscles make up (for example) the rotator cuff (shoulder) and their actions, where their attachments are, and how to access those muscles! A good therapist will be able to do this with the various muscles groups in the body.
I like being able to educate my clients on the work we are doing in a relatable manner. I think it is important to answer my clients questions about the work we are doing and why. If I get stumped, I won't make something up: ) I will look to my many resources to find an answer and get back to you. Continuing education has also been very imprtant to me.
In the fall of '08 I spend 2 months in Chiang Mai, Thailand studying Thai-Yoga Massage. What a great experience! Eastern practices like acupuncture, shiatsu, thai-yoga, and table massage all work toward a similar goal, just going about it in different ways. For about the last 3,000 years, modalities like these have worked toward keeping our body's energy (chi, ki prana, vital life force, etc...) moving in a balanced manner. It is my personal belief that these practices have stood the test of time for a very good reason...THEY WORK!
Please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question and I will happily get back to you in a timely fashion!
Thanks for reading: )
Beth McVay, CMT
Member AMTA
