apex-retreat-seminars

Choosing Quality Continuing Education: An Investment in Your Career

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:23:13 GMT

In the wellness and bodywork professions, continuing education is not just a licensing requirement; it’s an opportunity to grow, refine your craft, and elevate the services you offer your clients,

Yet many practitioners approach continuing education with a simple goal: fulfilling the minimum CE hours required to renew their license. When that becomes the primary focus, education can turn into a checklist rather than a meaningful investment.

If our goal is to sharpen our skills and grow as professionals, we must be intentional and selective about the courses we choose.

Otherwise, we have to ask ourselves an honest question:

Are we growing as professionals… or are we simply collecting CE hours?

Are We Just CE Collectors?

Taking random courses simply to meet licensing requirements often leads to a scattered skill set that doesn’t truly support your business or professional growth.

While there’s nothing wrong with exploring different subjects, strategic learning creates far greater results than simply collecting certificates.

When we choose education thoughtfully, the knowledge and techniques we gain can:

Enhance the quality of our sessions
Improve client results and satisfaction
Help us stand out in a competitive field
Increase the value of our services
Strengthen the long-term sustainability of our careers

Continuing education should not feel like an obligation. It should feel like an investment in your future.

What to Look for When Choosing Continuing Education

Before enrolling in your next class, take a moment to ask yourself a few important questions.

Research the instructor.
What is their reputation in the industry? Do they have credible experience or specialized training in the subject they’re teaching? A great instructor brings both knowledge and real-world experience.

Is this topic relevant to my practice?
Will this course enhance your existing services or help you develop a new skill that supports your business goals?

Am I doing the bare minimum?
Remember: minimum effort often produces minimum results. Growth requires curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to deepen your expertise.

Are the practitioners actively practicing what they teach?
Some instructors teach techniques they no longer perform regularly in real-world practice. Learning from professionals who actively use their methods daily ensures the techniques are practical, refined, and effective.

Will this training help me deliver better results for my clients?
Ultimately, education should improve the experience and outcomes you provide.

Is there sufficient hands-on practice?
In a hands-on profession like massage therapy or holistic esthetics, technique mastery requires practice—not just theory.

Does the class environment support learning?
Large lecture-style classes can make it difficult to receive personalized guidance or corrections.

Does the training offer long-term value?
Will the skills you learn still be relevant years from now, or are they simply based on the latest trend?

Quality Over Quantity

At Apex Retreat Seminars , we strongly believe that quality education matters more than quantity.

Our instructors are thoroughly trained and actively practicing the techniques they teach in their own professional work. They have traveled across the globe to grow their knowledge and share with others. This ensures the knowledge shared in our courses is grounded in real-world experience, not just theory.

We also prioritize boutique-style, semi-private classes , allowing students to receive more personalized attention and meaningful feedback. Smaller class sizes create an environment where students can ask questions, refine techniques, and gain confidence in their skills.

And most importantly, we emphasize hands-on learning .

Because let’s face it- this is a hands-on profession.

The more time you spend practicing techniques with your peers and under the guidance of an experienced instructor, the more confident and skilled you become.

Collaboration Strengthens the Industry

We also believe that strong education communities are built through collaboration, not competition .

At Apex Retreat Seminars , we actively collaborate with and refer students to other trusted continuing education providers within our professional network when it supports their learning goals.

No single school can teach everything, and we believe supporting practitioners in finding the right training for their path benefits the entire profession.

Ongoing Support for Our Students

Learning doesn’t end when the class is over.

We are committed to being accessible and responsive to our students after their training. Many practitioners need time to integrate new techniques into their practice, and questions naturally arise along the way.

Our instructors provide continued guidance and support so students feel confident implementing what they’ve learned.

Because meaningful education should not only inspire you during the class...it should empower you long after the training is complete.

Invest in Your Craft

Continuing education should be more than a requirement; it should be a pathway to becoming a more skilled, confident, and successful practitioner.

When you choose courses thoughtfully, you are not just earning CE hours.

You are investing in your craft, your clients, and the future of your career.

So the next time you consider enrolling in a class, pause and ask yourself:

Is this course simply helping me maintain my license…
or is it helping me become a better practitioner?

The answer can shape the direction of your entire career.

Nurturing Pregnancy Through Thai Massage

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 21:14:04 GMT

Before I became a massage therapist, I trained as a doula and fell in love with all things pregnancy and birth. I was living in Ireland at the time, and then I spent two months volunteering as a doula in Honduras. In one town I taught childbirth education classes in Spanish, but in all three hospitals where I volunteered I offered labor and birth support. Sometimes I wondered how I could help when I myself hadn’t yet had children, but I quickly learned that it was all about being a quiet presence and supporting the birthing woman’s own natural process.

The following year I became licensed in massage and was excited to start working with prenatal clients. I noticed some of my co-workers at the spa hated getting booked prenatals, and I wondered why since I truly enjoyed the work. Over the years, chatting with colleagues helped me understand some of the things they didn’t enjoy about prenatal sessions:

They hated massaging in side-lying position.

They didn't like all the cushions.

They fumbled with the draping.

They were nervous they’d send their client into labor. (If only it was that easy!)

THEIR bodies hurt giving the massage.

In the beginning of my career I definitely felt physically uncomfortable giving some prenatal massages, like if my table wasn’t the correct height or my client’s back wasn’t close to the edge of the table. Sometimes I would contort my body to give what I thought was a good therapeutic massage.

As I deepened my Thai massage practice, I noticed my body started feeling so much better than it ever had before. Working on a mat on the floor allowed me to use more of my body during the session and to deepen the work without having to overexert myself.

One of my Thai massage teachers, Homprang Chaleekanha, says in her classes that when giving the massage stops feeling good for the practitioner, the work stops being therapeutic for the client.

When I was pregnant with my daughter I received a Thai massage, but it was a bit too intense. The stretches went too far, the compressions too deep, and I felt very protective of my low back. After that, I assumed Thai massage was just something you couldn’t get when you were pregnant.

In 2022 and 2023 I went to Thailand to study womblifting with Homprang, whom I first studied with in 2019. She taught us how to make herbal poultices and use them during the treatments in a traditional way. (I wish I could heat clay pots over an open fire in my treatment room!)

Although womblifting is totally contraindicated during pregnancy, I learned so much about the approach of working with women where one of my jobs as the therapist is to nurture and support. Attending that training was deeply healing for myself after having had my first baby a couple years prior. Women need special attention in the prenatal and postpartum periods, and I love learning different holistic ways I can offer that.

Over the years, I started feeling much more confident doing Thai sessions with pregnant clients. I realized those sessions aren’t (only) about what not to do in terms of stretches and compressions, but how to nurture the pregnant woman with oils, gentle focused stretching, and warm herbal poultices. Although experiencing pregnancy is ABSOLUTELY not necessary to be able to give a wonderful prenatal Thai massage, I made note of the various changes my own body had made during pregnancy to help customize each and every session. Listening to the cues my clients' bodies give before and during the massage always helps me learn something new with each treatment.

Some of my favorite sessions to give are prenatal Thai massages! I love mixing the herbal blends, filling the treatment room with the sweet floral aromas before the client arrives, and creating an environment where the client can truly tune in with her body and relax mentally. Giving prenatal Thai massage on a mat allows for much more room for cushions and for the client to rest comfortably however she wants. The steamed herbal poultices are a soothing extension of my hands…not to mention MY hands feel amazing while working with the herbs.

As one of my clients once put it, receiving a prenatal Thai massage is like taking a nap in a warm cup of herbal tea!

I’m excited to teach Thai Prenatal Herbal Poultice Massage to therapists so we can help more pregnant women experience this deep and nourishing relaxation!

Why Everyone Needs to Be Talking About the Iliopsoas—And What You Can Do About It

info@healingfeelsgood.com (Fernanda Santiago) — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:05:02 GMT

I’ve seen it firsthand —day after day, client after client. When I first started in physical therapy over two decades ago, I worked in a practice where 70% of our patients were geriatric. I remember noticing that every waiting room chair had armrests. Why? Because many of our patients couldn’t get up without them. That detail stuck with me.

Fast forward to a new clinic years later, where I offered to donate a couch for the waiting room. I was quickly told, “We can’t have anything too low—our patients wouldn’t be able to get up.” And that’s when it really hit me.

Why is it that so many people lose the basic ability to get up and down from a chair—or worse, from the floor ?

Then I traveled to Thailand for advanced studies, and I saw a completely different reality. I watched an elderly woman in the countryside, probably in her 80s, casually squatting deep to smoke a cigarette. It was eye-opening. No armrests. No fear. Full-body functionality.

We have normalized dysfunction here. We’ve accepted chronic pain, reduced mobility, and disconnection from our bodies as an inevitable part of aging or living a busy life. But it doesn't have to be that way.

For the last decade, I’ve emphasized one key thing to my clients and family: you must be able to get up and down from the floor . Deep squats, flexibility, and awareness of your body’s alignment are essential—not just for athletes, but for everyone . Because if you lose that ability, you’re losing a huge part of your independence.

Just recently, I had a family member end up in the hospital because of severe pain that felt very deep in the low back region. It progressively got worse over the weeks. The doctors ruled out organ issues, but the pain remained. As I started to ask questions, everything about it sounded familiar. She said it didn’t “feel muscular” like other injuries—it was sharp, deep, and aggravated by sitting. I sent a referral to one of my mentors, a specialist in neuromuscular and orthopedic massage with decades of clinical experience.

And bingo. Just as I suspected, the sneaky iliopsoas was the culprit. After proper treatment, the pain vanished.

I’ve seen this scenario play out over and over again. This is why I take this work to heart. It's not just theory—it's real lives being impacted, pain being resolved, and people getting their lives back.

Over the years, I’ve worked with athletes, desk workers, chronic pain sufferers, and people with degenerative diseases. Many came to me after trying massage after massage, looking for relief. Some had low back pain, some groin tightness, others foot or knee issues that just wouldn’t resolve. And most of the time, the culprit was the same: the iliopsoas .

The deep hip flexors are often misunderstood and overlooked. It’s the root cause of so many pain patterns—but most treatments only address the symptoms. And I get it: not everyone wants to go deep. Some therapists fear causing discomfort or stepping outside their comfort zones. But real healing doesn’t come from staying surface-level.

When you treat from a place of heart, integrity, and skill, clients feel that. When you learn how to treat the iliopsoas in a way that is trauma-informed, respectful, and effective, you are offering something far beyond a temporary fix—you are giving them tools to reclaim their mobility and their quality of life .

That’s why I developed Iliopsoas Mastery: A Trauma-Informed, Neuromuscular & Thai Massage Approach for the Modern Therapist .

This training brings together everything I’ve learned—from neuromuscular therapy and working alongside European physiotherapists, to Thai massage and body mechanics. It’s integrative, it’s grounded, and it’s transformative.

Whether you’re a therapist who wants to go beyond symptom-chasing, or you’re ready to give your clients real, lasting relief—this class is for you.

Our expert team comes from diverse backgrounds and brings a rich blend of clinical and traditional approaches to share with students.

Dates to be announced soon!

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your skills, transform your practice, and help your clients in ways that truly matter.

Because the ability to rise—from the floor, from pain, from limitations—is something every person deserves.

Stay tuned—and get ready to master the muscle that could change everything.

The Discount Dilemma: Why Spa Businesses Should Proceed with Caution

info@healingfeelsgood.com (Fernanda Santiago) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 11:25:06 GMT

In the competitive world of spa services, it's tempting to resort to discounts and specials to attract clients. While creating seasonal offerings can be helpful to engage current clients, attract new clients and encourage them to try new services, we don’t want to fall into the trap of offering specials too often. While it may seem like a quick fix to fill appointment slots and boost revenue, this approach can actually be detrimental to your business in the long run. Here’s why:

Devaluation of Services: Constantly offering specials can devalue the perception of your services in the eyes of your clients. When clients become accustomed to discounted rates, they may hesitate to book appointments at full price in the future, leading to a decrease in overall revenue.
Attracting Price-Sensitive Clients: Clients who are primarily attracted to specials and discounts are often more price-sensitive and less loyal. They may shop around for the cheapest deal rather than forming a long-term relationship with your spa. This can result in a higher churn rate and lower client retention.
Erosion of Brand Image: Your spa's brand image is crucial for attracting high-value clients and standing out in the market. Constantly offering specials can cheapen your brand image and undermine the perception of quality and exclusivity that you've worked hard to cultivate.
Negative Impact on Profit Margins: Continuously discounting services can erode your profit margins over time. While specials may initially attract clients, the reduced revenue per service can ultimately outweigh the benefits of filling appointment slots, especially when factoring in the cost of providing the service.
Difficulty in Upselling: When clients are accustomed to discounted rates, they may be less receptive to upselling additional services or premium treatments at full price. This can limit your ability to maximize revenue per client and hinder the growth of your business.

While offering specials occasionally can be a strategic marketing tactic, constantly relying on discounts can have detrimental effects on your spa business. Instead, focus on highlighting the unique benefits of your services, building long-term client relationships, and maintaining the perceived value of your offerings to ensure the sustainable growth and success of your spa. In other words, work with what you’ve got!

The Power of Highlighting Services: A Strategic Approach for Spa Professionals

Here’s why we believe that highlighting your services creates a more sustainable and effective approach:

Value Perception: When you highlight a service, you're showcasing its unique benefits and value proposition. This elevates the perceived value in the eyes of your clients, making them more willing to pay full price.
Building Expertise and Trust: By focusing on specific services, you position yourself as an expert in those areas. Clients are more likely to trust your expertise and recommendations, leading to higher retention rates and client satisfaction.
Targeted Marketing: Highlighting services allows you to target specific client needs and preferences. This enables you to tailor your marketing efforts more effectively, attracting clients who are genuinely interested in the services you offer.
Filling Open Slots Strategically: Instead of resorting to blanket discounts that can devalue your services, strategically highlight services that have open slots on your schedule. By showcasing these services to your clients, you can fill those slots while maintaining the perceived value of your offerings.
Encouraging Repeat Business: When clients experience the full benefits of a highlighted service, they're more likely to return for future appointments. This fosters long-term client relationships and generates consistent revenue for your spa.

In conclusion, highlighting services offers a more sustainable and valuable approach for spa professionals compared to giving discounts or specials. By focusing on the unique benefits of each service, you can keep clients engaged, fill open slots on your schedule, and ultimately grow your spa business.

Unveiling the Benefits of Staff Education for Spa Success and Liability Prevention

info@healingfeelsgood.com (Fernanda Santiago) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:24:40 GMT

Unlock superior spa services and client satisfaction by investing in professional staff training—minimize risks and boost loyalty.

The world of wellness is fiercely competitive, and the key to triumph lies not only in a spa's serene environment but also firmly in the skillfulness of its staff. The adoption of thoroughgoing spa training importance signifies more than just advancing abilities; it represents an adherence to stellar standards and security—the very aspects clientele anticipates and are entitled to. This segment probes into the reasons why proprietors should regard investment in training as an indispensable asset rather than just discretionary spending. We will examine how meticulous education benefits practitioners with professional spa techniques that serve as essential strategies for liability prevention—ensuring your sanctuary of tranquility doesn’t inadvertently transform into a breeding ground for avoidable errors.

The Critical Role of Spa Training in Enhancing Service Quality

In the competitive spa industry, providing excellent service is key to success. Staff training plays a crucial role in ensuring guests receive top-notch care. When spa professionals are well-trained, they can exceed expectations and boost the spa's reputation . Training keeps them updated on the latest techniques, treatments, and technology, helping the spa stay ahead in a dynamic market.

Research shows that investing in employee growth leads to happier clients, repeat business, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and glowing online reviews, enhancing the brand's reputation. Training goes beyond just learning skills; it also covers sanitation practices, customer relations, and standard procedures, ensuring high-quality service.

Certain spa procedures require specialized knowledge that can't be learned from online videos alone. Formal training helps practitioners understand the body better and provide personalized care tailored to each guest's needs.

This commitment to professional development ensures that guests receive accurate, safe, and attentive service. Well-trained employees are more confident and deliver higher-quality service, raising the bar for interactions between guests and team members. This ongoing investment in education improves current operations and builds resilience against market changes in the long run.

How Investing in Staff Education Elevates Spa Client Experiences

Elevating the skills of our spa team through personalized staff education goes beyond routine practice—it creates unforgettable experiences for our clients. Our knowledgeable team crafts services tailored to each guest's unique needs, building intimate connections that foster loyalty and ongoing support.

Reducing Liability Risks Through Professional Spa Training Programs

Without thorough training, the spa industry faces numerous liability challenges. Staff members lacking precise expertise may inadvertently harm guests through incorrect treatments or misinterpretation of medical histories. Our training programs focus on professional spa techniques, ensuring our team is proficient in safety measures and operational protocols from the ground up.

Adhering to industry standards and regulatory mandates is essential in preventing liability issues in spas. Our educational programs emphasize strict sterilization practices and health criteria, safeguarding against financial penalties, legal entanglements, and license revocation.

A well-trained team is crucial in handling crises and providing immediate post-incident care. By diligently upholding standards and effectively resolving guest concerns, our staff strengthens relationships and maintains harmony between clients and the establishment, showcasing the importance of professional training in mitigating ongoing liabilities in the spa industry.

The False Economy of Skimping on Spa Staff Educational Resources

Many spa owners may consider cutting back on staff education costs, seeing it as an unnecessary expense. While this decision might save money in the short term, experience teaches us that it can lead to significant financial losses over time.

Employees without proper training are likely to provide mediocre service, leading to unhappy customers and a decline in clientele. The difference between casual learning methods like online videos and structured educational programs is profound—it's like skimming the surface versus diving deep into knowledge.

Research from the American Massage Therapy Association shows that 88% of people see massage therapy as vital for their health. However, therapists without proper spa training may struggle to provide this essential level of care, risking client well-being and trust. A tarnished reputation due to undertrained staff can have severe consequences that far outweigh any initial savings.

Neglecting solid educational programs also leads to higher turnover rates , as employees seek growth opportunities elsewhere. The costs of hiring and training new staff to replace dissatisfied workers quickly add up. On the other hand, investing in professional development creates loyalty among team members, encouraging long-term commitment to the organization.

In conclusion, investing in extensive spa training is essential for the lasting success of your business. Proper education for staff brings numerous benefits, improving their execution of spa techniques and ensuring compliance with industry standards. By prioritizing robust training, spa owners can significantly reduce the risks associated with subpar operations. This dedication to nurturing skills not only demonstrates but also reinforces a commitment to quality and client safety—a distinction that customers will appreciate.

Is your spa ready to elevate its service excellence? Our specialized team offers tailored, exclusive training to meet your unique needs. Experience the transformation in your spa's atmosphere and customer satisfaction. Don't wait— contact us today to begin this journey toward unparalleled distinction.

The Benefits of Specializing in Prenatal Massage

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:10:42 GMT

Most of us learned some form of prenatal massage when we were in trade school.

Maybe we learned a sample routine or 2, contraindicated acupressure points, a few positioning tricks, but then......that was about it. Believe me, there is so much more to this lucrative and fulfilling field of study.

According to the CDC, as of 2019, there were 3,791,712 births in the US. That means that as prenatal massage therapists, we could potentially have millions of clients nationally! Think about it! What an amazing time to be in an industry that can actually make a drug free pain management plan for this group of women who so desperately need it. Particularly because the average woman is having her first child later in life, which can present a host of biological challenges and physical concerns.

In my career, I have never once met a pregnant person who wasn't having some kind of physical symptoms that made her uncomfortable or in some kind of pain. And even if you get the rare unicorn that doesn't, the mental overload alone can be very taxing and put stress on her unborn child as well. The majority of women today do not get the luxury of laying around, having all the time and money in the world, and a full staff to plan for the needs of their child within a 9-month window. Women today often have other kids, a full-time job, schooling, household duties, and social obligations to meet-not to mention doing all these things in a post pandemic world with higher inflation, higher taxes, and more social anxieties. They're lucky if they can squeeze in an hour just for themselves!

Which is where we come in, the massage industry. We offer a rare hybrid of physical and mental health improvement, all within one hour. The benefits don't stop there either. Serotonin produced during a massage can last weeks after treatment, helping ease some of the pain receptors and mental anguish occurring for our prenatal clients.

Here are some of the essential reasons you should consider upping your prenatal game:

Pregnancy affects every system of the body. Skin, organs, circulation, nothing is left unaltered during the course of a pregnant woman's journey. This causes a variety of problematic concerns from skin stretching to strained occipitals to ankle swelling, all that can be managed effectively by a skilled massage therapist.
The retention rate is very high for prenatal clientele. At any point a pregnant woman comes to you during her 9 months, provided that it can financially be worked out and her schedule allows, she can typically become a regular customer for the remainder of her term. This is a great way for her to see her improvements as she goes along and monitors her progress. She knows she's investing in her health and once she settles down at home postpartum, she'll be eager to come back and get additional treatment to help her feel like herself again and continue the healing process. Postnatal massage is also a category that is booming due to our high C-Section rates year after year and becoming skilled in this field will extend that relationship with your prenatal client.
Prenatal massage is the best word of mouth. Choosing a massage therapist during pregnancy can be terrifying. You don't want to try just anyone, you're worried about hurting the baby, and so on. Being a skilled prenatal therapist with knowledge and techniques to share makes your pregnant client feel very comfortable, which in turn makes you more likely to be referred to other pregnant women. Pregnancy can be very community oriented and by making a good impression, you're guaranteed to obtain new clientele.
You're contributing to a pain management system in America that is moving towards a more drug free approach as it is and commonly does not offer fantastic choices for pregnant women due to limited medical studies in the field. With the opioid epidemic in America having swept the nation, the market for alternative treatments compared to pharmaceuticals has skyrocketed. 69.2 billion dollars was spent in 2019 on a variety of complimentary medicines and more traditional pain management solutions like yoga, acupuncture, tai chi, massage therapy, and many, many more. Numbers do not lie. Our American society has taken notice, which could potentially mean more necessary funding and research in the future of our industry, which has survived the test of time for thousands of years.

So, what's stopping you from taking the leap into expanding your career? You and your clientele are worth investing into for their bodies and the little ones growing inside of them. It is a precious thing, being able to take care of a woman with child. Enjoy the unyielding benefits that come from growing your prenatal practice.

Limiting Yourself is limiting your business

info@healingfeelsgood.com (Fernanda Santiago) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 19:13:17 GMT

Are you looking to take your massage therapy practice up a notch? Who needs to hear this today?

Your work is life-changing. We know that massage therapy is a great way to help the people around you to manage the pain and other physical ailments they may suffer from. It helps reduce stress, improve posture, and boost circulation in the body. It is also very beneficial for those with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia or arthritis as its relaxing effects on both mind and body will aid in reducing inflammation while improving their range of motion compared to without treatment at all. Massage therapy provides relief not only from the discomfort associated with medical treatments but also helps relax one's mind allowing them much-needed escape from everyday worries which can have positive impacts on overall well-being .

Now, we know all of the positive impacts that massage therapy can have on one's life; but is your business still struggling?
Do you notice any patterns in your business that you would like to change?

Heres some food for thought...
For those who personally always look for discounts or the cheapest option…

Is it any wonder their clients are the same?

Has this been your case?

For example ...
-If you have clients that don't see the value in investing in their self-care, are you investing in yourself care?
- If you are having a lot of clients that want to haggle you with pricing for your services, are you always looking for the cheapest options for continuing education, personal development, and wellness?
- If your clients are not committing to self-care regularly, are you committing to taking out the time to care for yourself?

Many of us have been victims of limiting mindsets. And what happens is that your clients will be the same, because they follow your patterns.

Once you break free of those limiting patterns, life becomes a lot more enjoyable!

Your business is like a mirror and is a reflection of your values. If you don't value self-care why would you attract clients that do? Because your clients do what you do. You set the example. If you're not willing to invest in yourself or your business...why would clients invest in your business?

Lead by example and take the steps first and see what will happen!

How to Handle Bad Reviews as a Massage Therapist and Business Owner

Clevercommentary@gmail.com (Jessica York) — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 18:01:14 GMT

We've all been there.

We go into our offices and suites, check in with our clients, do our massages, which we know feel great, check out our clients, rebook them, and leave our space feeling really good about what we've done.

But then, the unexpected happens.

Your pulse is racing, your heart feels like it's pounding out of your chest, you're dripping with cold sweat, and fear is now dominating your every thought.

You got a bad review.

But wait, that same client you know you checked in with their pressure, read their intake, paid attention to their body language, and saw their smile as they left. What happened?

Panicking, you run to post to social media or call a friend, replaying the situation in your mind over and over again, ripping yourself apart, figuring out how to respond.

Do you respond?

Do you ignore it?

What do you do?

Here are some helpful tips to conquer your inner monologue and get through this as unscathed as possible:

1.Make sure the details are correct-has this person been here before? Are they a competitor? Did they quote the correct time and service? If there are any incorrect details, address them in the review. If the review is fraudulent, flag and report it and have others do the same.

2.Is the review on your business for work you actually did or is it someone that just doesn't like you for whatever reason? If this is the case, report it as fraudulent to the site and have others do the same.

3.If the review doesn't align with what you believe happened-be clear in your response. Address the inaccuracies and clarify them in the review, be nice upon ending and welcome them back to have an experience that they resonate with more. Helpful, accurate details are good for anyone reading for future reference.

4.Understand that a bad review may have ZERO to do with you. They could have had a car accident on the way home. They might be trying to get a free service. They could be poorly communicating their needs. The reason for the bad review might be the way they are feeling at the time and any hidden motives.

5.If it's a 1 star, no review kind of post, ask for help from your community to write reviews, drown it out, and drag it lower in the feed.

6.If the review is justified, be polite. Offer a short explanation and apologize privately. You can always respond on the review that you will be messaging her directly for a resolution. You are human, so appeal to that connection with your client without serving up a bunch of excuses. Offer a discount, free service, or something that feels comfortable to you to rectify the situation. If you do clear up the situation, then ask them for an updated review.

Here is an example of a poor review and a recommended way to respond:

2 Stars

"Massage room was way too cold, I felt like I was freezing the whole time. I asked for deep tissue but feel like I didn't get it. Prices are way too high for what I got."

"Hi, I'm sorry you feel your experience didn't meet your expectations. The room temperature is set by the building, so while we can't control that, we do have blankets and a table warmer on the table, which I asked if you would like to have increased at the beginning of our session. We can always adjust table temperature or add additional blankets at any point for your comfort when we check in with you. At the beginning of service, we did ask about the pressure, and you stated that it was fine. We encourage feedback during your service to ensure your continued comfort. Our pricing is standard for the area, and we cross compare with other local establishments to make sure we are in a good price point. We value your patronage and hope you will give us a try again soon so we can curate your ideal experience."

Time will heal this matter. It is a truly awful circumstance that requires a lot of forgiveness, grace, and tact to navigate, but don't overthink it. Use these tips to address it and then move on to bigger and better things without your work or mental health suffering.

Marketing Deeper-Getting Past the Buzzwords in the Wellness Industry

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:33:52 GMT

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and I'm a massage therapist who's sick of the word, "Wellness".

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and I'm a massage therapist who's sick of the word "Wellness"-even though I host a city-wide Wellness Fair in Metro Detroit.

In a day and time where we see phrases over and over again (thanks social media!), an unfortunate thing can happen.

What can happen is that these keywords, these buzzwords, these hot phrases lose their impact, their meaning, their power.

Some of it is intentional, some of it a mere byproduct of fads or trends.

And instead of tapping into the core and the reasoning behind the word, we start tuning out.

The crazy thing is though, that the need is still there. We still need to prioritize our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. We still need others to do that as well, after all, our income depends on it. Wellness, the state of being well, is still something so many of us are working on and striving towards. So, if me, of all people, is sick of the word "Wellness", then how are we to convey the message at hand and keep encouraging people to prioritize the very thing we can't stand reading?

In my own desperate attempt to figure out a new way to approach this word, I compiled a list of 5 helpful marketing tips to convey your message and tap into people's core needs and desires a little bit more, sans the need for the use of the word Wellness.

1. A big issue with getting through some of these barriers is that things having to do with wellness and self-care are downplayed or not taken seriously-when it is serious. Let's follow through with a scenario, shall we? Say a concerned neighbor wants the police to come out and do a wellness check on an elderly woman who hasn't been seen leaving her house for a few days. Sounds innocent, just go knock on some ladies' door. But if she doesn't answer? They might break her lock, yell, kick the door in, bust the window open, etc. Now, they are most definitely concerned about life or death. A lot of people use the word wellness in a surface way. But in reality, it's a gateway to more serious problems if you don't prioritize it. That is where you come in with effective marketing. Oftentimes, we don't play the scenarios out for people. But we owe it to the public to play the whole thing out. What can potentially happen if we abandon our attention to wellness?

2. Synonyms for Wellness=robustness, shape, strength, wellbeing, fitness, wholeness, strength, verdure, and my personal favorite eudemonia, which means happiness resulting from reason ie. after my massage, I was in a state of eudemonia.

3. Talk about what has personally happened to you when you neglect yourself. What problems has prioritizing your wellness solved? I know when I'm eating crappy it affects my mental and physical health so bad, plummeting my self-esteem and creating inflammation beyond belief that affects my quality of life on a day-to-day basis. And that's just after a few days. How do you practice what you preach? Convey that to your clients and give them the whys.

4. Look up wellness events in your area and see what's missing. Is there a lack of professional therapy? Maybe no one is offering stretching or kinesio taping. How is it perceived in your region? Light and fluffy or a cohesive medical supernova? Fill in the gaps with your marketing. Explain how you are able to service a need that's lacking in your area.

5. Get really specific about details. Let's take a common phrase and dive deeper. Something like, "Massage is a great way to relax your body and mind, so treat yourself!". We can do better people. We can be more alluring, more attractive, more relatable.

"Massage is a great way to calm the endless monkey chatter that exists in your head after an exhausting PTA Meeting."

"Massage is a great way to subdue the rage you feel when you see the person at the grocery store just leave their cart in the middle of the parking lot."

"Massage is a great way to reconnect with your physical body and ground yourself after a difficult loss of a loved one."(Yeah I went kinda dark with that one, but it's true!)

I might be sick of the word Wellness, but I'll never be sick of what it represents and just how powerful our industry is when it comes to truly enacting the practice of it. It's up to us to convey the messages behind the hashtags and IG inspos. We know firsthand the impact it has, and I believe in our capability to enlighten people on a very real level. Maybe I'll see you at my upcoming wellness fair!

What words drive you nuts nowadays in the industry? Let's chat!

Connect with Jessica on her podcast, "When Survival Looks Like Success" or via her Metro Detroit business, Breathe: Bodywork and Beautification

What's New at Apex Retreat Seminars?

info@healingfeelsgood.com (Fernanda Santiago) — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:40:09 GMT

What's new at Apex retreat seminars?
As we are in the middle of a growth spurt, we have new and exciting things coming your way! From partnerships to ethically sourced Botanicals, to new class offerings and a new launch.

BARAKA IMPACT
We are in the process of partnering with companies that source their Botanicals ethically and pure. These suppliers are providing us with special coupon codes and offers that we can share with our community.
We have partnered with Baraka Impact -Handcrafted oils and butters straight from the source. Discover the benefits of natural products that are not only great for your skin, but have a direct impact on Ghanaian communities.
Every purchase provides the dignity of income to hardworking rural women in Ghana, and provides you with pure, natural, handcrafted ingredients.

VISIT BARAKA IMPACT HERE Use discount code: APEX for 10% off your orders.

For more offerings click here. Scroll down to see our Supply Partners.

NEW CLASS SCHEDULED: Thai Herbal Poultice Massage (Luk Pra Kob) - 8 CEs

Enhance your massage sessions with the herbal poultice!

Luk Pra Kob or Thai Herbal Poultice is one of the treasures of Thai traditional medicine for over 400 years.
Explore herbs commonly used in Thailand to help relieve repetitive strain, pain and discomfort in muscles and joints and much mor
Learn how to adapt these treatments using herbs found in the west.

Make Your Own Herbal Poultice

These steamed herbal balls have an incredible ability to soften myofascial tension, alleviating muscle and joint pain and restoring an over-taxed nervous system.
The treatment is comforting and sedating to the recipients while these anti-inflammatory herbs do their work.

Watch Video & Registration Here

Date: Monday September 18, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM
Location: Alchemy Wellness Center- 2515 Watson Avenue, Ste 107, Sanford, NC, United States, North Carolina

COMING SOON: Massage Butters, Balms & Infused Oils (5 CEs pending approval)
Do you want to make your own massage mediums using all-natural ingredients? In this class you will learn about customizing organic bases to the consistency you prefer for massage. Discover a variety of botanicals to make your own infused oils, butters and balms for your massage practice. Each student will leave with a Jar of herb-infused oil, massage butter, and a pain-relieving balm. A recipe book with ingredient profiles and instructions will be provided for future reference. This is a fun, hands-on class, so get ready to dive into the world of formulation for massage!

Stay tuned for further announcements!

We have more to come. More workshops, locations, special offers and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates here.

Calling All Spa Directors: The value of Investing in Spa Staff Training

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 20:05:06 GMT

Investing in employee training can have a number of benefits. It can help to improve employee productivity and performance, reduce turnover and repetitive use injury, increase customer satisfaction, and enhance workplace morale. Additionally, in-house training enhances the efficiency of the business as a whole. Retain valuable employees while also providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to advance their careers.

Spa training Catered to Your Business

Spa training is specialized training that provides employees with the skills and knowledge they need to provide excellent customer service and spa treatments. Spa training typically includes hands-on instruction on topics such as customer service, massage techniques, skincare, and product knowledge. Additionally, spa training may include instruction on marketing and business management, as well as safety and sanitation.

Specialized staff training on location.

Our private training is catered to your business needs. Our goal is to help distinguish your spa from the competition. Increase both client and staff retention and enhance custom branding for your spa.

What makes us different: We don’t just share knowledge; we teach you how to implement it into your spa to monetize your trainings.

The Bonus: Continuing Education Credits for Your Staff

We are Approved by the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. (Also approved in FL, SC and GA with CE Broker)

Signature Spa Trainings Available:

o Holistic Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers- 16 CE

o Facial Gua Sha & Aromatherapy for Healthy Skin- 8 CEs

o Thai Sole Therapy- 12 CES

o Gua Sha Fundamentals (for the Body)- 8 CEs

o Comprehensive Table Thai Massage -12 CEs

o Thai Herbal Poultice Massage – 8 CEs

o Thai Herbal Facial Poultice- 5, & 7 CEs

o Synergy Stone Massage (Heat Wave)- Official Training- 8 CEs

o Integrative Spa Cupping- 7 CES

o Spa Facial Cupping- 4 CEs

o More options available upon request

Spa owners are able to add new services to the menu right away!

Ongoing support on new revenue streams from our experienced trainers.

For Inquiries Call: 919-297-8445

or email us at apexretreat@gmail.com

The Best Oils for Massage

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:58:09 GMT

The Best Oils for Massage

Do you know what’s in your massage medium (lotion/oil/cream)? This is the question I ask the students who attend my Aromatherapy therapy trainings.

I often hear comments from therapists who have concerns and would like healthier options for their clients and themselves. Some haven’t realized that what you use on your clients you’re also exposing yourself to on a daily basis and at a much higher level from multiple treatments per day. After coming to this conclusion they often ask for different options.

Preservatives in Lotions & Creams
Many commercial lotions are packed with nasty preservatives. There has been a concern in recent years about what we put on our skin and it disrupting our natural skin’s microbiome.

Did you know… Probiotics don’t just exist inside our gut. Our skin contains good bacteria that serve as protection from the outside world. However, if we don’t take care of it or worse destroy it by the use of harmful chemicals, this can lead to skin problems such as eczema. # *

Why do lotions and creams often contain preservatives? Preservatives are a common ingredient in these products to extend the shelf life. Lotions and creams contain water and when you add water to a product you’re at risk for funky things growing in there!

Many therapists choose to use lotions and creams for different reasons. Sometimes it’s the concern of getting oil on the carpet. Also, they are worried about not having enough grip and being too slippery. But there are ways that you can adapt when you find the right oil base for your practice.

The Use of Oils for Massage
This post is specific for the use of oils for massage.
You can’t get any more natural than just using a pure vegetable base oil. The traditional way to perform massage therapy has always been with oil.

For specific neuromuscular or myofascial therapy to Swedish massage, oils can be adaptable when used accordingly.

If you’re looking for more grip and less glide then all you need is a few drops. Oils can go a long way!

With so many available oils on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose. As a certified clinical therapist and bodyworker for almost two decades, I’ve had hands-on experience with formulation giving me the opportunity to utilize a wide array of natural oils for massage therapy treatments.

These natural oils are rich in nutrients such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. By applying these oils to the skin we are providing “topical nutrition”.

You can blend a combination of these natural oils to make the consistency suitable to your preference.
With proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight), you can expect a good shelf life with these oils.

When purchasing your oils look for cold pressed and organic (always a plus).

Here are my top oils that are beneficial for massage:

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

This is my favorite carrier oil by far! A liquid wax with a light, fine texture, very similar to our own body’s natural sebum. It is rich in vitamin E which gives a healthy-looking complexion to your skin. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties are great for soothing eczema, psoriasis and inflammatory skin conditions. A wonderful all-around skin and body oil. Shelf life-up to 2 years.

Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)
This deeply nourishing oil is a wonderful skin conditioner with high amounts of Vitamins A, B, D and E, minerals, and also has beneficial amounts of lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower is a versatile oil that is readily absorbed by the skin and can be used in massage and in aromatherapy. Shelf life-up to 2 years.

Sweet Almond (Prunus dulcis)- A great all-purpose oil. Suitable for all ages and skin types. An excellent emollient and is known for its ability to soften and re-condition the skin. It is rich in proteins, Olein Glyceride Linoleic Acid, and Vitamin D, and is considered extremely nourishing to the skin when used regularly. It is nourishing, non-irritating and easily absorbs. Medium consistency. Shelf life -up to 2 years

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)– Skin protecting, Emollient (soothes and softens the skin). Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil. This saturation gives it a very, very long shelf life and greatly increases stability. If you need a light oil that will mix well with the other oils, absorbs into the skin easily and will moisturize without clogging pores, then fractionated coconut oil is a good fit. It is predominantly composed of Capric and Caprylic acids. Virgin coconut oil is suitable for massage as well. Melting it in a small bowl inside a towel warmer provides for a luxurious application of this warm oil. Shelf life – up to 2 years.

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)– A gentle emollient oil, suitable for all skin types especially great for dry, sensitive or inflamed skin. Rich in oleic, linoleic and palmitic fatty acids, as well as Vitamins A and E, it is known for its revitalizing, moisturizing and nourishing properties for skin and hair. Skin nourishing and softening with a light consistency. Shelf life -up to 1 year

Hemp Seed (Cannabis sativa)- Rich in minerals, proteins, amino acids, omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. Hemp Seed Oil is also said to closely match our own skins lipids and the essential fatty acids are readily absorbed into the skin. A natural protectant for the skin’s moisture barrier while improving the texture of skin. Shelf life – up to 2 years.

Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera)– A great all-purpose oil suitable for all skin types. Light green color, light consistency that israpidly absorbed by the skin, which makes it a good massage oil. Shelf life – up to 2 years.

I hope you find this information helpful. If you are using oils as your massage medium, what are your favorites?

Please share below! ��

Thai Herbal Compress Training

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:50:33 GMT

Thai Herbal Compress Training

Do you want to learn how to incorporate herbs into your massage sessions? Luk Pra Kob, translated as “herbal pressing sphere” is one of the treasures of Thai traditional medicine for over 400 years.

Learn about the uses and indications of these herbal bundles to help your clients. Discover a variety of herbs commonly used in Thailand to help relieve repetitive strain, pain and discomfort in muscles and joints, and much more. We will also learn about herbs found locally that can be adapted into these wonderful treatments.

Learn how to enhance your massage sessions with the Thai Herbal Poultice!

These steamed herbal balls have an incredible ability to soften myofascial tension, alleviating muscle and joint pain and restoring an over-taxed nervous system. The treatment is comforting and sedating to the recipients while these anti-inflammatory herbs do their work.

The herbal poultice can be integrated into different massage sessions. This is why you do not have to currently practice Thai Massage to take this class. With the new knowledge of these healing botanicals, you will be ready to add a new service to your menu.

Class Breakdown
• The first half of the day we will discuss, touch, and smell a variety of herbs at our disposal. Then we will make our own herbal Poultice for later use.
• The second half of class we will learn how to apply them to the body. Each student will receive a full-body herbal poultice massage. Your herbal poultice is yours to take home for reuse.

We will have these Thai herbal poultices available for purchase after class.

Click here to view our offerings.

Fernanda has been working with Arucha, an herbalist in Northern Thailand that makes these wonderful bundles for our practice, made to order.
Arucha has a disability called Neurofibromatosis type 2. Yet she works hard to create these wonderful bundles of herbs harvested from their farm with her mother. We are happy to support her while keeping these traditions alive while sharing this healing modality with our students.

Decrease in Low Back Pain with Thai massage Therapy

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:47:53 GMT

Decrease in Low Back Pain with Thai massage Therapy

Pain-intensity and functional-disability decreased significantly among people with chronic nonspecific low back pain after receiving Thai massage therapy twice a week for four weeks, according to recent research.

Low back pain is a debilitating global problem causing disability around the world more so than any other condition. * This chronic back pain is often caused by factors that are NOT due to an underlying disease. Instead they are a result of things such as overuse injuries, prolonged sitting and sleeping in uncomfortable positions.

Opioids are commonly prescribed for low back pain when patients seek medical assistance.

The effectiveness of complementary practices such as massage therapy have been shown to improve health and well-being overall.

In a research study conducted at the orthopedic outpatient department, Lerdsin general hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, 120 hospital outpatients were randomized into traditional Thai massage therapy.
In order to qualify for the study, subjects have to had low back pain that was intermittent, tolerable and without a specific cause for at least 3 weeks.
Herbal hot packs along with stretching joint mobilization and acupressure on the Sen lines was included in the treatment.

Results of the research revealed a significant drop in pain intensity without any adverse effects.

“The traditional Thai massage and joint mobilization used in this study were equally effective for short-term reduction of pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific LBP. Both techniques were safe with short term effect in a chosen group of patients.”

Improve treatment outcomes. Save your body. Learn Thai Massage for the Table at our live training!

Sources: Institute of Orthopaedics and Department of Academic Support, Lerdsin Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; and Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand. Originally published in June 2017 in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 10(2), 3-8
*Hoy D, March L, Brooks P et al. The Global Burden of Low Back Pain: Estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014 Jun;73(6):968-74.

Selfcare for bodyworkers food for thought

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 01:39:58 GMT

Selfcare for bodyworkers food for thought

Let’s just start out by saying that the burnout rate for massage therapists is outrageous!

We talk about self-care to our clients all the time. Yet, are we following our own advice?

All too often therapists complain that clients are not self-care compliant. And because we aren’t the energizer bunnies 24/7, how do we give our best, be present and hold space for others when we feel depleted? We know that actions speak louder than words and your clients follow what you do. So, the question becomes, how can we stay healthy and energetic for our clients consistently?

We are in the career field where we take care of everyone else, therefore it’s crucial that we do the same for ourselves. It’s time to stop “burning the candle at both ends” and remember to “stop and smell the roses”. Because your life can also directly affect your practice.

Here are some tips from a Bodyworker and business owner of almost 2 decades actively working in the field. We hope you find it beneficial and overcome burnout.

Recognize that rest and recovery is just as important than hustle and bustle. Form nurturing habits to nourish your being inside and out. Take time to receive bodywork regularly. Get out! Spend time outdoors, going for walks, reading, reflecting, feeding your body nutrient rich foods, getting a good night’s sleep, hydrating, minimize alcohol and processed foods … the list goes on and on. I find that going to a local massage therapist regularly as a client works better from me than depending on trading with other therapists and juggling schedules because I can do this regularly without interruptions. Also taking time to be creative on projects relaxes me and makes me feel good.
Remember that YOU have to make the time. No one will do it for you. Block your calendar, and don’t allow interruptions. Not everyone has the same needs. Most importantly is to find a system that works for you.

What is it that your body needs? What fills your cup?

Realize that selfcare isn’t a luxury, it is a priority. It is not selfish, its selfing.. Selfcare means being responsible for your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing so that you feel more grounded and balanced. When you take care of yourself, you show up differently in your life. From a place of abundance in energy and a more positive mood, you can give to others.

Delegate. The most successful business owners i know have no problem delegate responsibilities and different tasks. The things your not good at or dont like doing, you can help others while they help take some of the load off you! I have on multiple occasion seek out assistance from friends or family members that are responsible and will get the job done. From hiring a virtual assistant, scheduling out your social media and paying a high-schooler to do your laundry or helping out a single mom or someone who can use some side work can be your chance to serve others as well.

Try this exercise: The yes and no list

Many of us say Yes to a lot of things, but struggle with saying no . Sometimes because of this we allow our boundaries to get crossed.
Take a piece of paper, fold it in half and draw a line in the middle. On one side put the word “NO” and don’t the other “YES”
Now right on the list of things that are you are going to say no to and the things that you are going to say yes to. When you struggle with boundaries this is a great thing to look back at.

Monitor how and with who you spend your time.

They say you are like the 5 people you spend your time with. This means we are greatly influenced — whether we like it or not — by those closest to us. Ask yourself, “Am I spending my time with those you life me up, or bring me down?” Being around negative or problematic people can affect your thoughts and actions and take a toll on your emotional wellbeing.

On another note, with how we spend our time, we could include the trainings that we take. Are they relevant or in alignment to the demographic we serve? Are we mindlessly taking random continuing education classes or are we strategically choosing them for how they will enhance our practice?

If your practice is focused on helping moms through pre and postpartum work, infant massage etc., It might not be ideal to spend time in workshops focused on sports massage, etc. because that is a completely different audience than the one you serve. However, that can also change and as your practice grows you can monitor and adjust.

Keep a journal– Write it down: goals-daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. Thoughts, ideas action plans. Getting it on paper means its not bouncing around in your mind taking up room. It helps promote mental clarity and focus. Journaling has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety. #

Sometimes my best ideas come while I’m giving bodywork. For this reason, I keep a little notebook in my treatment room.

Ask for help- Know that you’re not alone. There are wellness experts you can add to your circle to help yourself and your clients. Who are your local nutritionist, exercise specialist, acupuncturist, etc.?

If you don’t like something, change it. Let’s face it, some things in life are out of our control. But I believe there is a lot that is in our control. If you are not happy at your current position, move. Don’t stay at a job bitter and miserable and reflect that on your clients. For those who work for themselves, if you’re not satisfied financially, change it. If you’re not fulfilled with the type of bodywork or clients you’re serving, you can change that too. Focusing on where you want to be and how you want to practice, rather than trying to be everything for everyone to the point where you’re not taken care of. Not being happy with your work life can take an emotional toll and also lead to burnout and fatigue.

Monitor and adjust
There are constant moving parts in life and in business. Learning to adapt to change and becoming more resilient will help you stay on target with your goals and progress. Being aware that things can change at any moment, may help you be able to better manage your lifestyle choices, make self care a priority, protect your boundaries, prevent or avoid unnecessary stress, and work towards a better quality of life.

Be kind to yourself – It takes time to lose old habits and incorporate new ones. Self compassion involves acting the same way towards yourself as you would towards others when times get tough. If your feeling drained, come back to this blog when you need reminders and share it with others too!

Learn Thai Foot Massage

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:32:01 GMT

Learn Thai Foot Massage

Keeping the Feet healthy is a very important aspect of holistic medicine. Massaging the feet not only feels good but is good for your entire being.

This centuries-old therapy involves applying pressure on each foot using a combination of the entire hand, fingers, knuckles, thumbs and tools. The Sen lines of the lower legs are also worked to clear up any energy blocks, improver circulation and relax myofascial tension. The entire body benefits from this complete holistic treatment that is invigorating at the same time .

Save Your Hands

Have you ever had a client request a long foot massage session and the tasks feel daunting because you think “my poor hands”? Many of the therapist we work with have shared this experience. They are concerned about the fatigue in there hands and excessive use of fingers and thumbs.

Did you know … Thai Foot massage is not only good for the recipient, but also for the practitioner. Yes, these powerful techniques have profound effects for the receiver and the methods used will save the hands of the therapist!

Thai Foot Massage, a therapy for your soles.

Learn how to give foot massage the Thai way. As they say in Thailand, “Sabai – Sabai”, ultimate wellbeing and happiness!

Check out our schedule for upcoming trainings in what we like to call “ Thai Sole Therapy ” and add this service to your toolbox right away!

Facial Gua Sha Training

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 17:29:06 GMT

Facial Gua Sha Training

Facial Gua Sha, a growing trend. Yet, Gua Sha is not new. It is an ancient healing practice that still lives today.

Excerpt from my book (coming soon):

“REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO MAINTAINING, STRENGTHENING, AND REPAIRING YOUR SKIN
I was first introduced to Gua Sha by acupuncture physicians that I worked with early in my career, around the same time I began my studies in Aromatherapy.

In my experience, they seem to work in sync. Facial Gua Sha has been a growing trend in the past few years. However, this ancient technique is nothing new. Gua Sha techniques performed on the body have been adapted to the face for its wonderful rejuvenating benefits.
Combined with botanicals to heal and revitalize the skin, it’s no wonder people love it!”

I developed this live training for bodyworkers all over who want to offer these wonderful treatments to their clients and enhance their sessions. Not only will therapist learn how do give a Facial Gua Sha treatment, they will also learn what botanical mediums we can use topically for optimal results. Learn how to use essential oils and other herb oils safely for the face.

In the workshop we also learn an invigorating scalp Gua Sha treatment to help alleviate tension headaches and it feels great!

Key Facial Acupressure points are reviewed as well to benefit yourself and your clients.

Tying it all together you will have a complete treatment to offer your clients right away!

apex-retreat-seminars

Choosing Quality Continuing Education: An Investment in Your Career

In the wellness and bodywork professions, continuing education is not just a licensing requirement; it’s an opportunity to grow, refine your craft, and elevate the services you offer your clients,

Are We Just CE Collectors?

What to Look for When Choosing Continuing Education

Quality Over Quantity

Collaboration Strengthens the Industry

Ongoing Support for Our Students

Invest in Your Craft

Nurturing Pregnancy Through Thai Massage

Why Everyone Needs to Be Talking About the Iliopsoas—And What You Can Do About It

The Discount Dilemma: Why Spa Businesses Should Proceed with Caution

The Power of Highlighting Services: A Strategic Approach for Spa Professionals

Unveiling the Benefits of Staff Education for Spa Success and Liability Prevention

Unlock superior spa services and client satisfaction by investing in professional staff training—minimize risks and boost loyalty.

The Critical Role of Spa Training in Enhancing Service Quality

How Investing in Staff Education Elevates Spa Client Experiences

Reducing Liability Risks Through Professional Spa Training Programs

The False Economy of Skimping on Spa Staff Educational Resources

The Benefits of Specializing in Prenatal Massage

Most of us learned some form of prenatal massage when we were in trade school.

Limiting Yourself is limiting your business

Are you looking to take your massage therapy practice up a notch? Who needs to hear this today?

How to Handle Bad Reviews as a Massage Therapist and Business Owner

We've all been there.

Marketing Deeper-Getting Past the Buzzwords in the Wellness Industry

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and I'm a massage therapist who's sick of the word, "Wellness".

What's New at Apex Retreat Seminars?

Calling All Spa Directors: The value of Investing in Spa Staff Training

Spa training Catered to Your Business

Specialized staff training on location.

The Bonus: Continuing Education Credits for Your Staff

Spa owners are able to add new services to the menu right away!

Ongoing support on new revenue streams from our experienced trainers.

The Best Oils for Massage

The Best Oils for Massage

Thai Herbal Compress Training

Thai Herbal Compress Training

Decrease in Low Back Pain with Thai massage Therapy

Decrease in Low Back Pain with Thai massage Therapy

Selfcare for bodyworkers food for thought

Selfcare for bodyworkers food for thought

Learn Thai Foot Massage

Learn Thai Foot Massage

Save Your Hands

Thai Foot Massage, a therapy for your soles.

Facial Gua Sha Training

Facial Gua Sha Training

Visit our schedule page here to check class offerings.

Do you have a Spa? We can come to you. We also teach private trainings on location.