Massage therapy provides an overall relaxing feeling
By April Biswell
"Physically it relaxes muscles, increases circulation, reduces body tension, expands flexibility, creates proper posture, increases muscle tone, activates your immune system, promotes easier breathing, decreases headaches and eye strain and lowers blood pressure," according to IVCC instructor Cherie Weber.
"Mentally it creates emotional balance, a sense of belonging, relaxed alertness, clear thinking, a positive self image, relieves anxiety, and generates an overall feeling of harmony."
"It" is therapeutic massage, and Weber is the instructor in what is one of the college’s newest programs.
And as a result of the program, starting on Jan. 12, every Wednesday evening, students, faculty and the public will be able to enjoy a full body massage for $20 an hour. The clinic will be held from 4:30 - 7 p.m. Appointments can be made at 224 - 0599. Students enrolled in a clinical course will provide the massages.
Weber said the classes now being offered at IVCC are based on full body, Swedish techniques.
"The Swedish Therapeutic techniques are the most commonly used and they give an overall relaxing feeling," she said. "Therapeutic Massage has been popular on the coasts, but the Midwest has been slower in accepting this non - traditional method of relaxation and health promotion."
Interest in therapeutic massage is growing in the Midwest, Weber said.
"There is a lot of opportunity whether working independently or with others," she continued. "I have 23 students and there is a mixture of what they want to do, including chair massages, therapy for pregnant women and the elderly, sports therapy, spa masseuse and self – employment."
Weber and the students have been increasing the visibility of the program by offering chair massages on campus following the 7.5 K run on Homecoming weekend, during Therapeutic Massage Week, and at College Night. About 150 people took advantage of the opportunity for a free chair massage Oct. 27 and 75 on College Night Nov. 4.
Pre - admission to the massage therapy program includes passing Introduction to Therapeutic Massage with a "C" or better. To receive certification through the college, students can then continue in the fall semester with Therapeutic Massage Techniques I and The Human Body.
During the spring students must take Techniques II, Massage Clinic I and Musculoskeletal System. The summer courses include Therapeutic Massage Business Practices and Ethics, Techniques III and Massage Clinical II.