NLMTA News

Massage Therapists upset with Regulations

Massage therapists in the province are upset over recent restrictions implemented by the Workplace Health Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC).
Mike Pollard, past president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Massage Therapists’ Association (NLMTA), says although they’re in a legislated, regulated profession and physicians refer patients to them, new regulations that came into effect in June 2010 are essentially denying many injured workers massage therapy to treat soft tissue injuries.
Workers’ compensation now only covers up to six one-half-hour treatments and will only pay $25 per session.
In addition, massage therapy must be “in conjunction with an active treatment program, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, clinic-based occupational rehabilitation, worksite occupational rehabilitation or a progressive goal attainment program.”
Prior to this policy change, Pollard said massage therapy coverage was determined on a case-by-case basis.
Most therapists, he said, charge $45 for a half-hour session or $85 for one hour. But now under the new policy, where they have to bill for half-hour sessions, the cost for one hour is $90.
In some cases, Pollard said, an injured worker might want to pay the difference between the $25 covered by the WHSCC and the actual fee for their therapy, but WHSCC doesn’t allow the patient to pay the difference or the massage therapists to bill them for that amount.
“If you go to a dentist and your insurance doesn’t pay the full amount, you have to pay the rest,” he said. “So, why can’t Workplace Health and Safety do the same?”
In some cases, Pollard said, massage therapists who work in clinics with physiotherapists, chiropractors and doctors have to pay a percentage of the fees they collect for their services to the business owner.
“It could be 40 per cent that the business owner will take out of the contracting massage therapist,” he said, “so, someone who works for $25 for half-an-hour of treatment is not making very much money.”
Pollard said the massage therapists’ association has been in discussions with the WHSCC since 2009 about the possibility of streamlining its guidelines and procedures.
He believes the recent changes, however, are based on budgetary reasons, not on health-care benefits for the patients.
Pollard said the new guidelines won’t allow massage therapists to effectively treat workers because they’ve narrowed the parameters too much.
In two years down the road, he said, the WHSCC will likely say massage therapy isn’t effective, but the real reason it won’t be effective is because the commission has only allowed six half-hour appointments.
Leslie Galway, chief executive officer of the WHSCC, said costs were a factor in the recent changes.

‘They can’t go beyond our contracted rate’

“We’ve been looking at our costs and the use of massage therapy over a period of five years, 2006 to 2010, and over that period of time the number of therapy sessions have increased by 900 per cent and the costs have increased approximately 1,000 per cent over that five- year period,” she said.
As an example, she said, in 2006 the total annual expenditure for massage therapy was less than $50,000, but by the end of 2009, it had increased to about $450,000 a year.
“We pay attention to our health care costs and our trends and we look for signals that would come out of this analysis that would indicate that we need to do something different, that we can better utilize our injury fund for workers. That fund is available to pay their costs for the duration of an injury, which can be a lifetime for some and a few weeks for others,” Galway said.
In the past, she said, the WHSCC also found inconsistent numbers of massage therapy sessions required for a given therapy and the rates varied largely from $25 to $160.
Before establishing rates and restrictions, Galway said the WHSCC initiated a study across the country of what other jurisdictions were doing. In some, she said, massage therapy isn’t covered by the workers’ compensation programs and the Newfoundland Medical Care Plan also doesn’t cover massage therapy.
“We also noted that in several others, they didn’t accept massage therapy as a stand alone therapy, but if a physiotherapist or chiropractor wanted to do some massage during the session, that would be fine,” Galway said.
In some provinces like Ontario, she said, one-hour sessions are covered to a maximum of $50, so in Newfoundland and Labrador, the WHSCC decided to cover half-hour sessions at $25, “very similar to the rate Ontario is paying.”
“ … We also looked at the number of sessions for many of the injuries that were requiring massage therapy and we capped that at six,” Galway said. Extenuating circumstances, however, will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In response to the concern that injured workers can’t pay a portion of the fee charged for their therapy, Galway said that’s because of a legislative provision to ensure injured workers are not in a position where they would have to pay an additional fee over and above what the commission has approved to a particular therapy provider.
“We’re basically the contractor for the therapist, so they can’t go beyond our contracted rate,” she said.
With respect to the stipulation that massage therapy has to be in conjunction with another active treatment program, Galway said massage therapy is not seen as a primary, stand-alone treatment.
She said she’s aware of the concerns raised recently and the WHSCC is willing to have further discussions with the massage therapists’ association.
Galway said the WHSCC has asked the association to provide any medical and scientific evidence it has to indicate that massage therapy has a positive influence on an injured workers’ return to work and their functional capacity.
To date, she said, the WHSCC hasn’t received anything to support this, but its doors are open and it would welcome any peer-reviewed research the association can provide.
Pollard said the province’s massage therapists’ association has roughly 196 to 200 members, so financially it can’t afford to pay for a research study.
“But you know what, Workplace Health and Safety can and if they’re committed to the well-being of their injured workers and they want to see if this is an effective modality, then they should do a pilot project,” Pollard said.
The action WHSCC has taken is unfortunate, he said.

Link Text

Active members of NLMTA as of November 2011

Last Name First Name

Abbott (Hefferman) Tina
Anderson Heidi
Baird Amanda
Baker-Curlew Jamie
Ball Alicia-Rae
Barrett Susan
Barry Kimberly
Benoit Renee
Bolger Stephanie
Breen Paul
Brinston Sara
Bromley Christine
Budgell Suzanne
Bursey Pamela
Burt Krystal
Butler Heather
Butler Julie
Cake Amanda D.
Canning Stephen P.
Caravan Matthew
Carroll Julie
Carville Byron
Cheeseman Debra
Clancy Janine
Clarke Clayton
Cluett Chris
Cluett Lori Elaina
Coady-Pardy Janice
Codner Tina
Collett Debbie
Connors Kelly
Cook Treena
Cumby-Fraser Jennifer
Dalley Angie
Davis Heather
Day Glenda
Deering Krista
Delaney Darlene
Dillon Erin
Dray Katherine
Dunn-Pickard Coleen
Durdlle Natasha
Dye Darrell
Earle Jennifer
Earle Peggy
Eason Brian
Emberley-White Joanne
Emberley Tina
Fagan Jenna
Farewell Maureen
Felix Barbara
Fillier Jillian
Frampton Pamela
Francis Kayla
Furey Kristi
Furlong Denyse
Furlong Nora
Gale Alison
Gavin Angela
George Janaye
Gibbons Dawn
Gilbert-Cumby Sara Lynn
Giles Amanda
Gladney Rebecca
Goodyear Jenelle
Goodyear Jenna
Gordon Margot
Gordon-Butt Sherri
Goulding Susan
Green Anita
Green Denise
Green Susan
Griffin Danieal
Hallett Dana
Hann Katrina
Hayward Alicia
Hefferman William
Hefford (Stack) Heather
Hemmeon Holly
Hender Crystal
Hicks Colette
Hicks Tamara Lynn
Hillier-Sooley Jo-Anne
Hodder Amanda
Hodgson Pamela
Hulan Amanda D.
Hurdle Dawn
Hutton -Pinela Lelia
Jones (Noble) Darlene
Jones-Pollard Lisa
Jones - Russell Patty
Joy Sarah
Joyce (Luby) Kelly
Keenan Una
Keough Patricia
Kieley John Tony
Kielly Jocelyn
King Jana
King Pamela
Knight Carole
Lamb-O'Shea Tracy
Lane Tammy
Lesperance Melissa
Lindner Ingrid
Linstead (Foss) Rose-Ann
Locke Jonathan
Lomholt-Evans Mariann
Luther Terri
Lucus Jennifer
Lyon Colette
MacDonald Denise
Madden Brenda
Martin Allison
Martin-Kelly Dana
Matchim Connie
McCarthy Sherise
McDonald Trevor
Mercer Beverly
Meyers Katherine
Mifflen Vanessa
Miles Jessica D.
Miles Lee
Miller April
Miller Greg
Miller Lynette
Mitchell Megan

Monaghan Sarah
Moore Jessica
Moore Matthew
Mugford Kylie
Mullins - Costello Deanne
Murley Jennifer
Murphy - Biggs Celene
Murphy Jessica
Murphy Jodine
Murthy Natasha
Myers Paul
Neil Eric William
Norris Amy
North Crystal
Noseworthy Arielle
Noseworthy Jennifer
Parmiter Robin
Parmiter-Cunningham Trudy
Parsons Ashleigh
Parsons Geoff
Parsons Jessica
Peddle- Bisson Melanie
Pellerin Sarah
Piercey Samantha
Pike Nicole
Pilgrim Amy
Pinsent Paul
Poirier Leanna D.
Pollard Michael
Pond Kelly
Powell Stephanie
Power Allison
Power Heather
Power Jacqulyn
Power Jennifer
Primmer Michelle
Ramsden Katharine
Randell Tara
Reddy Danielle
Robert Danielle
Rodgers Spencer
Rogers Terri
Rose Alesia A.
Rumsey Kara
Rumsey Paul
Santuccione Catherine
Saulnier Heather
Scott Heather-Ann
Seward Bonnie
Sexton Sara
Sheppard Lesley-Anne
Simon Jody
Smallwood Jane
Smallwood Amy
Smith - Rodgers Chantal
Smith Fallon
Smyth Anne
Solo-Hollahan Anne Margaret
Spence Alyssa-Joy
Spurrell Andrea
Squires-Ennis Wendy
Stagg Carolyn Susanne
Stanford Myrle
Stanley Paula
Stapleton Natasha
Stone Michelle
Stuckless Katherine
Sturm Laura
Sullivan Karolyn
Theriault Danielle
Thoden Patricia Ann
Thoden Tina
Thomas Delyth
Thompson Kimberley
Thorne Sharon
Tiller Brian
Tiller Deborah Y
Tilley-McDonald Tina
Tobin Daynah
Vivian Jena Elizabeth
Walsh - Oakley Teresene
Ward Samantha
Warren Claudette Marie
Webber Janice
Wells Trent H.
Whalen Deana
Whiffen Karen
White Angela
White Kelly
Willett Stephanie L.
Windsor Geneva
Woolridge Allison C.
Young (Walsh) Barbara
Young Lesley
Melanie Moana
Kayla Sanaome
Amina Sebbi
Krystal Tilley
Rhonda Walters
Deidre Baker
Chantal Benson
Tracy Brown

National Pain Awareness Workshop (NPAW)

Nov 10, 2011 St.John’s, NL
7-10pm Sheraton Hotel
15 Cavendish Square
Info: chronicpain.nl@hotmail.com
Tel: 747-0744

Original Research:A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain

Original Research

A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain
A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD;
Karen J. Sherman, PhD, MPH;
Janet Kahn, PhD;
Robert Wellman, MS;
Andrea J. Cook, PhD;
Eric Johnson, MS;
Janet Erro, RN, MN;
Kristin Delaney, MPH; and
Richard A. Deyo, MD, MPH

• Author Affiliations

  From Group Health Research Institute and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont; and Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.

Abstract

Background: Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of massage for chronic low back pain.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 2 types of massage and usual care for chronic back pain.

Design: Parallel-group randomized, controlled trial. Randomization was computer-generated, with centralized allocation concealment. Participants were blinded to massage type but not to assignment to massage versus usual care. Massage therapists were unblinded. The study personnel who assessed outcomes were blinded to treatment assignment. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00371384)

Setting: An integrated health care delivery system in the Seattle area.

Patients: 401 persons 20 to 65 years of age with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Intervention: Structural massage (n = 132), relaxation massage (n = 136), or usual care (n = 133).

Measurements: Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) and symptom bothersomeness scores at 10 weeks (primary outcome) and at 26 and 52 weeks (secondary outcomes). Mean group differences of at least 2 points on the RDQ and at least 1.5 points on the symptom bothersomeness scale were considered clinically meaningful.

Results: The massage groups had similar functional outcomes at 10 weeks. The adjusted mean RDQ score was 2.9 points (95% CI, 1.8 to 4.0 points) lower in the relaxation group and 2.5 points (CI, 1.4 to 3.5 points) lower in the structural massage group than in the usual care group, and adjusted mean symptom bothersomeness scores were 1.7 points (CI, 1.2 to 2.2 points) lower with relaxation massage and 1.4 points (CI, 0.8 to 1.9 points) lower with structural massage. The beneficial effects of relaxation massage on function (but not on symptom reduction) persisted at 52 weeks but were small.

Limitation: Participants were not blinded to treatment.

Conclusion: Massage therapy may be effective for treatment of chronic back pain, with benefits lasting at least 6 months. No clinically meaningful difference between relaxation and structural massage was observed in terms of relieving disability or symptoms.

Primary Funding Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
3
Comments on This Article

Massage, back pain, and alternative medicine.
 Lonnie Hanauer
Ann Intern Med published online July 8, 2011
 Full Text

A Comparison of Massage Therapy and Usual Medical Care for Chronic Low Back Pain

July 4, 2011
** A Comparison of Massage Therapy and Usual Medical Care for Chronic Low Back Pain **

Heading

Low back pain is second only to cold symptoms when it comes to complaints that send people to the doctor. Sooner or later, back pain seems to get most of us.
Summary For Patients
Read a summary of the findings and their implications from the Annals of Internal Medicine.
A Comparison of Massage Therapy and Usual Medical Care for Chronic Low Back Pain
Now, a study in the July 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that massage is an effective treatment for lower back pain. In some cases, researchers report, the benefits of massage lasted for six months or longer.
Researchers headed by epidemiologist Daniel Cherkin, a senior investigator at Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, enrolled 401 people with chronic low back pain and no identifiable reason for the pain.
Study participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. One group received full-body relaxation massage. A second received targeted deep tissue massage. The third group got the usual care — medication and physical therapy.
In relaxation massage, often referred to as Swedish massage, a variety of maneuvers are used to promote a feeling of relaxation throughout the body and muscles. Structural massage, commonly referred to as deep tissue massage, targets specific pain related tissues, ligaments and joints.
After 10 weeks, the results were dramatic: Nearly two-thirds of the patients who received either type of weekly massage said their back pain was significantly improved or gone altogether. Only about one-third of patients receiving the usual care experienced similar relief.
"We found that both types of massage were equally effective in helping people improve their function and diminish their symptoms," Cherkin says. He says massage relieved the pain for six months or more.
Prior studies of massage for back pain had tested only structural forms of massage, not relaxation massage. But relaxation massage is more widely available, and it's often less costly.
'I'm So Very Lucky'
Peggy O'Brien-Murphy was among the study participants. In her late 60s, a retired state employee, O'Brien Murphy tried just about everything to get rid of the pain in her lower back. The massage therapy finally seemed to do the trick.
"I'm so very lucky," she says.
Prior to the study, O'Brien-Murphy says she had found herself increasingly debilitated by back pain. At one point, she says she could hardly get out of a chair.
"It was really bad," she says. "In fact, I was pulling myself up the stairs by the banister." It was difficult getting into the car. And she could no longer walk the hills where she lives. For an active person, this was devastating.
So when she came upon an ad in her HMO's newsletter, Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, she jumped at the chance to take part in the massage study.
After just two or three sessions with massage therapist Loretta Lanz, O'Brien-Murphy said she felt better. After each session she walked around the block, standing straighter and walking further each time. By the end, she felt "back to normal," with a "spring to my walk and some energy in it!"
For O'Brien-Murphy, the massage-therapy experience has been life-changing: She has traveled to China, where she walked all over without problems, and she's already planning her next trips.
No one knows exactly how massage works to relieve pain, says Dr. Richard Deyo of Oregon Health Sciences University, who also took part in the study.
"It may be that it helps with relaxation of muscles that are tense," Deyo says. "But it may also be there are simply more generalized effects of relaxation — in the caring and attention and someone laying hands on — that may all be important."
Researchers say future studies should look more closely at the benefits of massage and focus on cost-benefit analysis.
As for O'Brien-Murphy, she remains free of back pain, but not without some effort on her part. Other studies have shown that building strong and flexible muscles can help prevent back pain. O'Brien-Murphy never exercised before. But now she does weight training, muscle stretches and aerobic exercise — activities all shown to help prevent recurrence of lower back pain.

Posted by Janine Clancy, R.M.T. The Human Touch Inc.
Journal of Internal Medicine July 5, 2011

February 2011 Introductory Mitzvah Technique Workshop

Learn how you can help release tension and stress build ups and improve your postural alignment during massage and other activities. Earn up to 8 Category A CEUs.

Mitzvah Technique

• Dynamic method design to help improve postural alignment and release tension and stress
• Composed of gentle exercises and therapeutic table work
• Readily utilized before, during and after massage and other activities
• All ages and fitness levels benefit from the Mitzvah Technique

When

Introductory Weekend Workshop Dates: Friday, February 25-Sunday, February 27, 2011 - 5 Category A CEUs.
Individual Session Workshop Dates: Thursday, Feb 24 to Monday, Feb 28, 2011- up to 3 Category A CEUs

Where

Greenwood Inn and Suites, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador

Costs

Introductory Weekend Workshop $440.00, payment received after January 24, 2011 $500.00
Individual Session Workshop $75.00 per workshop, payment received after January 24, 2011 $85.00

Contact

Email: susangreen@sympatico.ca
Website: http://www.mitzvahtechnique.ca
Phone: 416-781-5126

Download Brochure

Introducing Lehcare®

Introducing Lehcare®, an important therapeutic breakthrough for acute and chronic pain now available to NLMTA members locally at a wholesale price. Please review the attached advertisement and visit the Lehcare website or if you have other questions please call New Energy Health and Wellness at 1-866-340-0278

Our staff has used this product, we have used it on our clients and we have sold it to our clients. Good results and great feedback! Excellent pain management solution and we have found it particularly good for decreasing post treatment tenderness caused by deeper therapeutic techniques. Most importantly it is a very natural product and FDA approved as 100% non-toxic.

This product retails from $19.95 to $24.95 and can purchased through New Energy (local distributor) for $12.95. Minimum order of six which includes, with the initial order, six 50g tubes of Lehcare and an attractive countertop display with brochures at no extra charge. Free delivery to members on the Northeast Avalon region, can be picked up or mailed at local postage rates to your area.

New Energy Health and Wellness
P.O. Box 1002
Spaniard’s Bay, NL, A0A 3X0
Phone: 1-709-786-0978
Toll free: 1-866-340-0278
Fax: 1-709-786-3224

"Achieving Health and Wellness Together"

BODY BALL BASIC WORKSHOP

By learning how to activate and strengthen the four primary unit muscles you will create a dynamic and powerful core. This will offer tremendous strength and stability for the low back, hips and lower extremities. Learn how to activate your core and how to test for stability. Use the body ball to correct posture and treat back and shoulder problems. You can eliminate body-based pain and discomfort for you and your clients. (7 CEU’s)

When: December 4 and 5, 2010
Where: St John’s
Cost: $399.00 plus hst
Email: info@gaiaadventures.com Website: www.gaiaadventures.com/bodyball.html Register online or call (604) 329-1257

New WHSCC restrictions

My name is Mike Pollard. I am a Registered Massage Therapist and also the president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Massage Therapists’ Association (NLMTA). I am contacting you today requesting your support in a matter concerning WHSCC new regulations with respect to injured workers receiving massage therapy.

As you are no doubt aware, often times a patient will require more than one modality of treatment in order to reach their maximum healing potential. As health care professionals, our ability to work together for the betterment of our patients is surely a testament to our mutual goal of helping our patients to heal, and to return to a life which is as pain free and productive as possible. In the recent past, massage therapy has been offered to injured workers through WHSCC on a case by case basis with no written memorandum of understanding between WHSCC and the NLMTA. Very recently, we (the NLMTA) have been contacted by WHSCC with restrictions they intend to implement as of June 22th, 2010.

Some of these restrictions include:

1. Massage therapy will be covered for six half hour treatments ONLY, and ONLY with a referral from a medical doctor.

2. WHSCC will pay $25.00 per half hour treatment, with no further reimbursement for the therapists’ time and expertise.

3. Massage will ONLY be approved if the patient is receiving other forms of care at the same time, i.e.: physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc.

As recent emails and phone calls to the NLMTA can attest, our members are nothing short of outraged and frustrated with these restrictions. Not only are they an insult to the educated and dedicated therapists, who strive to help their patients to the best of their ability, they are a slight to the injured worker in that they limit the amount of therapy they can receive. Every patient is different, every injury is different, and limiting ALL patients to six half hour treatments severely limits our ability to assist these people return to fully functional lives at work, and at home.

I am respectfully asking that you bring this matter to the attention of your own members, and support us with a letter to WHSCC, thereby assisting us in our protest of these new restrictions. Any assistance you can provide would be sincerely appreciated.

Letters can be forwarded to:

WHSCC
Dr. Carrie Commerford
146 - 148 Forest Rd.
P.O. Box 9000
St. John's, NL
A1A 3B8

Kind Regards,
Mike Pollard, RMT, Pres. NLMTA

Printable Appeal Form PDF | DOC

Soft Tissue Release Training Workshops

Soft Tissue Release Training is the “father” of all the recent “Release” techniques. These concepts are very simple, easily explained and quickly grasped by all. The entire body is covered in this one workshop.

For more information, please visit www.softtissuerelease.ca or download this brochure.

Martial Arts Academy Inc.

For more information on courses offered by Martial Arts Academy Inc. view one of the documents linked below.

• Martial Arts Academy Inc. Continuing Education Courses (PDF)
• Martial Arts Academy Inc. Continuing Education Courses (MS Word)

John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release I Seminar

Join the over 50,000 therapists trained in the John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach. Discover how this unique approach can help you develop the skills and confidence to provide consistent results for your patients. Participants will learn hands-on techniques that produce positive, structural changes in patients with acute and chronic pain and dysfunction.

Myofascial Release I
April 16-18, 2010

Seminar Site:
Crowne Plaza Fredericton
659, rue Queen Street
Fredericton, NB Canada E3B 5A6
506-455-3371

Contact: Myofascial Release Seminars
222 West Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301
1-800-FASCIAL (327-2425)
seminars@myofascialrelease.com

www.myofascialrelease.com

2010 Maritimes Reflexology Diploma Courses

Click below for an updated list of courses for 2010 Maritimes Reflexology Diploma Courses:

Maritimes Course Dates 2010

H1N1 Awareness

Visit http://www.TouchU.ca to sign up for a free course on H1N1 awareness.

There is no cost for this service, as this is a public health issue that we all need to pull together on.

If you would like to access the course, create an account at http://www.TouchU.ca and use the association discount code of GOV99ty88b43txpq on the last line of your registration. You will then be able to register for the Influenza course by "purchasing" it for free when you are logged in.

Important Reminder

We would like to remind everyone that when providing receipts to your clients there is some important information which insurance companies require:

1. Provider Name
2. Provider number
3. If charging HST, please provide your HST number and you also need to show how much HST is being charged.
4. All receipts need to be signed by the therapist.

Regards,
Mike Pollard, R.M.T.
Vice President

The Amethyst BIOMAT is an Amazing Therapeutic Healing Device that can help heal you and your clients.

The Biomat is an FDA licensed medical device that combines state of the art
Far Infrared light and Negative Ion technology with the healing power of Amethyst crystal.
This trilogy delivers professional therapeutic results in a home or professional setting.
The Biomat is a revolutionary healing tool, ideal for health care professionals or anyone
interested in improving their overall health and well being.

The Biomat is approved by the FDA as a medical device capable of the following functions:

* Improves immune system function
* Improves circulation and cardiovascular function
* Relieves pain
* Burns calories and controls weight
* Eases joint pain and stiffness
* Reduces stress and fatigue
* Improves skin
* Removes bodily toxins and assists in detoxification

Many insurance companies consider the Biomat as a viable treatment option for pain as well as other musculo-skeletal problems. The Biomat delivers the benefits of a Far Infrared sauna for a fraction of the price. This unique device delivers both Far Infrared as well as generating 6.8 microns of Medium "Human" Infrared. According to NASA research, Human Infrared normalizes a variety of important physiological functions, especially glandular functions. This Human Infrared feature of the Biomat makes the Biomat different from any other infrared device on the market.

In addition, traditional infrared saunas and devices use 120 volts of AC current. AC current has been proven to be highly detrimental to human health. AC (or alternating current) disturbs the human biological field. The Biomat protects the body from harmful AC current by providing a 5-tiered buffering system in which the AC current is converted into DC (direct current) which is bio-electrically compatible with the human body.

Far Infrared Rays

How are Far Infrared Rays created in the Biomat?

The method of generating Far Infrared Rays (FIR) through the Biomat is accomplished by putting pulses of energy (DC-Current) through a carbon ceramic material called the Japanese Kurera's Super Fiber. As the (FIR) passes through the Amethyst crystals, the crystals emit Long Wave Far Infrared Rays (8-12 microns) that penetrate 5-7 inches deep through the body. Therefore, the rays not only benefit the muscles on the surface of the body, but also all the cells, including blood vessels, lymph glands, and nerves in the deepest parts of the body.

What are Far Infrared Rays and where do they come from?

Far Infrared technology was first brought to us by nature herself. All living livings emit certain amounts of (FIR). Traditionally, we've gotten our daily dose of (FIR) from sunlight, which is composed of all the energy wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. Far Infrared Rays are a form of energy that are part of the electro-magnetic light frequency of sunlight that is not visible to the human eye. These Far Infrared Rays are safe, gentle, and beneficial - unlike the damaging effects of short wavelengths such as gamma rays and X-rays. NASA discovered how to generate (FIR) in the 1960's to keep astronauts healthy in space. (FIR) waves are the safest and most beneficial electromagnetic energy available to the human body.

What are the health benefits of Far Infrared Rays?

Far Infrared Rays relieve Pain and Stress:

Far Infrared Rays relieve pain and stress by expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation. Better circulation allows more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body and helps reduce pain and speed up the healing process. The (FIR) rays not only benefit the muscles on the surface of the body, but also at a cellular level, including the blood vessels, lymph glands, and nerves in the deepest parts of the body. These rays vitalize the biological function of our cells and relieve neuralgia, backache, and arthritis pain, as well as help eliminate toxins and carbon dioxide from our blood. In addition, Far Infrared wave treatments have been used for Cancer, Chronic Pain, Stress, Numbness, Joint Pain, Rheumatism, Low Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Asthma. The Far Infrared wave speeds up Cellular Metabolic processes, like stimulating the activity of microcondria, and triggering enzyme activity as well as the healing regeneration and normalization of damaged cell tissue. Also, light waves are essential for bone growth as well as preventing osteoporosis.

Far Infrared Rays Effect Hormonal Balance of the Body:

Dr.George Brainard found that light affects Hormonal Balance of the body, in the levels of melatonin, prolactin, cortisone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones, and that light is essential to the functioning of our entire endocrine system. Far Infrared Rays promote vasodilation, bringing nutrients and oxygen to soft tissue regions, stimulating the removal of toxins, and decreasing inflammation and edema from the soft tissue. Detoxification strengthens the immune system, revitalizes skin tone, and helps normalize eczema and acne. Additionally, Far Infrared Rays help reduce muscle spasm through heat, and reduce swelling, inflammation, and soreness through direct action on both free nerve endings and peripheral nerves. Other benefits include improving the balance of the blood pressure and blood sugar.

Far Infrared Rays Help Weight Loss and Eliminates Toxins:

You can safely get a full cardio workout and burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes with the Biomat. It is perfect for those who aren't well enough or disabled to get the daily exercise needed to stay healthy. Perspiring is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardio output, and metabolic rate. The process requires a large amount of energy and reduces excess moisture, salt, and subcutaneous fat. Fat becomes water soluble at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and the body sweats out fats and toxins. Far Infrared Rays support the body's natural processes of detoxification.

Amethyst Crystal

The Biomat is further enhanced with Amethyst Crystals, known for their calming and healing effects since ancient times. Amethyst crystal has come to be known as a power crystal with prolific healing powers that can be characterized as purifying, pacifying, and transitional. Known for its power to detoxify the body from alcohol and other harmful elements, Amethyst also produces Far Infrared Rays. These rays revitalize the biological function of your cells to relieve neuralgia, backaches, and arthritis. Amethyst has been deemed as "nature's tranquilizer" by many health practitioners because of its effectiveness in relaxing not only the mind, but also the nervous system.

The Amethyst Effect was scientifically demonstrated through spectral analysis demonstrating that a change in Infrared light when refracted through amethyst crystals. Scientists experimented passing Far Infrared Rays through a variety of substances, including various gems, glasses, and plastics. Amethyst was found to be the only substance which clearly changed the spectrum of Infrared light. Wave forms mimicked patterns similar to the human voice, according to scientists. While no theory has been proposed regarding the Amethyst Effect, scientists hypothesize that the infrared light passed through the amethyst releases over 20 million years of information which is made available to the human body for healing purposes.

The field for Far Infrared Crystallography explains this effect in further detail . Far Infrared Rays refracted through amethyst crystals organizes the Far Infrared Rays into geometrical patterns with higher bio-compatibility. Korean researchers propose that addition of the amethyst allows for greater increase in the utilization of the light by the human organism.

Some Key Benefits of Amethyst Crystal:

Clears blockages and aligns the Chakras
Violet Flame of Transmutation - Transforms lower frequencies to higher frequencies
Balances and stabilizes energies
Calms emotions and stress
Stone of Vision - heightens intuition and psychic abilities
Relieves posture, bone and joint ailments
Helps sleep problems and insomnia
Helps heal the central nervous system, convulsions, neuralgia

Negative Ions

How are Negative Ions created in the Biomat?

The Biomat features the Kurera Super Fiber from Japan. When the Kurera Super Fibers interact with a DC energy, the potential field surrounding the material is converted into a negatively charged field. When 1000 volts of electricity is slowed down and converted into a DC energy, the Kurera Super Fiber generates a discharge of Negative Ions into the air and converts positive ions into negative ions inside the body. When 600-1000 volts of negative potential is applied to your body, more calcium and sodium minerals are circulating in the blood stream. This process changes an acidified body to an alkaline body. Although it uses a high voltage, there in no danger because there is no current flowing. This devices is sometimes called a static electric treatment or high potential device.

What are Negative Ions and where do they come from?

An Ion is a particle which has electricity. Ions are molecules that have gained or lost electrical charge. They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water. You may have experienced the power of Negative Ions when you last set foot on the beach, or walked through a waterfall. While part of the euphoria is simply being around these majestic settings, the air circulating in the mountains and the ocean are said to contain tens of thousands of Negative Ions. At Yosemite Falls, you'll experience over 100,000 Negative Ions per cubic centimeter. On the other hand, if you are on the freeway or in your office, you will experience under 100 negative ions or maybe even none.

Why are they called Negative Ions?

Negative ions have a positive effect on people. Positive ions have a negative effect on people. An atom that has one of it's normal orbiting electrons removed are called a Positive Ion. An atom with an extra electron added is called a Negative Ion. So you see, its kind of backwards - the terms "negative" and "positive" are actually reversed. Its a misnomer that we can thank Benjamin Franklin for. Back in his time, electrons (with a "negative" charge) and atoms were not understood correctly. So we're stuck in the 18th century terminology, and that is why they are called "Negative Ions."

How do the Negative Ions affect the cells?

The human body consists of billions of cells, and each is enclosed by a cell wall. This cell wall performs many important roles, and some of these are absorbing nutrients, vitamins, hydration, and minerals. The cell wall is also responsible for eliminating acidic waste material and toxins. When the amount of Ions in the blood is increased, the function of the cell is activated. When there are more positive ions, the cell walls close and the cell's ability to absorb nutrition and eliminate toxins is disabled. Through research done by Dr.Tanaka in Japan, it was discovered that when Ionization is introduced, the Ions in calcium and natrium (salt) in the blood increases, and the blood is purified. The blood then becomes more alkaline. Why is that important? Well for one, cancer can't live in an alkaline environment.

What are the health benefits of Negative Ions?

Negative ions rejuvenate the cell channels.

Control the autonomic nervous system - restoring innate healing systems.

Acidic blood becomes more alkaline - cleans the blood.

Allergy/Asthma/Emphysema experiences relief through the dilating of bronchiole and cleaning of air

Charges the immune system.

Relieves pinched and stressed nerves.

Supplies cells with a negative charge - and defense against toxins (which are positively charged).

Nature's antioxidant, supplying neutralizing free radicals.

Nature's master power switch.

Ionization recharges the human energy field with the exhilarating force of an ocean wave splashing
the shore.

Is the Biomat Safe?

Kirlian photo of the body with a common heating pad
applied for 10 minutes. Only the skin surface is affected
in the area.

Kirlean photo of the body with the Biomat applied
for 5 minutes. Skin is penetrated 80x more deeply
than other kinds of heat. Because of this, it can warm
the body from the inside out, and stimulate the system.

The Biomat is safer than heating pads because there are no harmful electro-magnetic waves. Studies have shown that the use of common electric heating pads may cause carcinogenic cellular activity. The Biomat uses remote computer frequencies that generate far infrared light-waves and negative ions. Heat is created through these natural, beneficial light-waves from vibratory signals, and conducted into the amethyst crystal bed via its high-tech messaging system. This advanced technology works without electric coils, and functions through a state-of-the-art Electromagnetic Wave Interceptor. The Biomat energetics penetrate 80 times more deeply than electric heat.

Unlike an electric blanket, the pad does not get hot when its turned on. However, if you lie down on
it, it warms the inside of your body and the part of the pad making contact with your skin gets warm. When any part of the pad gets higher than the selected temperature, the sheet current is cut off by thermal sensors distributed throughout the pad. It comes with an external control box where the AC is converted to DC and you can adjust the desired temperature of the pad.

For more information please contact Janine Clancy, RMT @ The Human Touch Inc.
709-738-4325 or contact me at jmclancy@nf.sympatico.ca

COST:
Supplement your daily income and increase your health and that of your clients.
BIO MINIMAT is currently $550US. The BIOMAT Professional/pillow for your Massage table is $1650.00US Plus tax and Shipping.
I have sold 12 mats to clients thus far and they are really pleased with their health investment.I offer Biomat sessions in addition to my massage sessions for an additional $25.00 per massage session with the Biomat. Link Text