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Massage
Therapy provides By:
Kristin Snellback Dr.
Laurie Steelsmith, a highly respected naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist at Kahala Natural Health Center,
discovered the healing power of touch while attending college in the
Pacific Northwest. Her studies led her to seek training to become a
licensed massage therapist. Steelsmith learned the importance of our
largest organ – the skin – in enhancing a person’s overall well-being.
She remembers a quote by Ashley Montagu, “The skin, like a cloak,
covers us all over, the oldest and most sensitive
of our organs, our first medium of communication. Touch is the parent
of our eyes, ears, nose and mouth.” Steelsmith
practiced as a massage therapist while she continued her education. During
naturopathic medical school she worked in a busy Seattle cooperative
massage clinic. This continued until she completed her degree in
naturopathy – a discipline that works with natural medicines and
promotes the body’s innate self-healing capability. She attributes much
of her success as an acupuncturist and naturopathic physician to the
practical experience she gained as a massage therapist. “I became
totally comfortable with touch, confident in palpating muscles, and
assessing the client’s problem areas. I learned about professional
boundaries, client rapport, and how to focus on the needs of others. I was
able to hone my intuition working with my hands rather than exclusively
using my mind.” Steelsmith,
a regular columnist with the Honolulu Advertiser, says, “Some forms of
massage therapy are generally recommended for relaxation and stress
relief, while others are more strictly used for medical purposes. Often, I
prescribe massage to help my patients with specific structural or muscular
problems.” She goes on to say, “Massage is extremely beneficial for
many men and women. For some people massage may be the only non-sexual,
caring touch they receive. It can be an important part of a person’s
health, well-being and ability to manage stress. Massage is truly a gift,
on many levels.” Hawaii
Healing Arts College, School of Massage Therapy and Massage Professionals
are located in the Kailua Medical Arts Building. For more information call
266-2462 or visit www.hhacdirect.com. |
