Mind Corruption in the Massage Field

From the Author:

In the pursuit of advancing our professional standing within the massage field and enhancing our ability to alleviate the suffering of others, I feel compelled to speak my mind. I offer these thoughts not as a personal attack but as an expression of my opinion.

I believe the term "corruption" encompasses a multitude of synonyms. Thus, in this discourse, I aim to be unequivocally clear when I employ the term "corruption," particularly within the context of the massage field.

It is my fervent belief that if massage therapists fail to grasp the fundamental premise that the science of massage is rooted in biomedical science and tailored for clinical application in massage therapy, then their professional integrity may be compromised.

Such practitioners are susceptible to distraction, lured by the allure of general scientific data that holds no relevance to massage practice and contributes nothing to the efficacy of massage therapy. A compromised professional mindset serves as a significant impediment to the advancement of our capacity to achieve tangible results. These individuals are also vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous "educators" who peddle pseudo-techniques without ever having practiced them, preying on the ignorance of massage therapists who fail to grasp the clinical essence of massage science. I intend to elaborate on this subject in a subsequent article.

Consider, for instance, the case of a practitioner who graduates from massage school, obtains licensure as a massage therapist, and becomes a member of a professional massage association, yet chooses to employ alternative terminology for massage therapy. Can such an individual truly excel as a massage practitioner? It begs the question of their state of mind.

Allow me to summarize my opening remarks. Throughout my extensive career, I have encountered and collaborated with MDs and PhDs who have dabbled in medical massage. Despite their lofty academic credentials, they consistently fell short in delivering safe and sustainable results. For reasons unbeknownst to me, they struggled to grasp the clinical application of massage science. In our profession, comprehension is paramount. I have witnessed numerous massage practitioners with less academic pedigree outshine their more credentialed counterparts in their ability to effect positive change. To feign intellectualism, to engage in intellectual demagoguery, instead of earnestly seeking to understand the physiological effects of massage and the conditions we treat, and to lack the passion to alleviate suffering, will inevitably lead to the corruption of one's mind and impair their ability to deliver results. Being a capable massage therapist is a blessing, not just for the practitioner but for those who are in pain.

Most concerning is the prevalent form of mind corruption within our profession. Engaging in professional discussions on social media and within massage professional groups presents a golden opportunity for learning. However, fear of asking questions, reluctance to share personal experiences, striving for political correctness, and blindly praising idols only serve to sow confusion and diminish our ability to achieve tangible results.

Allow me to share a recent anecdote. I recently launched my educational website and requested feedback from members of various massage groups on Facebook. I asked them to critique my site, highlighting three aspects they liked and three they disliked, and offering suggestions for improvement. While most responded graciously, one individual, who insisted on remaining anonymous, declined to engage in public discourse. Instead, she privately voiced concerns about the potential dangers of abdominal massage in cases of diverticulitis. When I urged her to publicly challenge me so we could engage in constructive dialogue, she balked at the suggestion. It is regrettable that she chose not to confront incorrect teachings, as such apathy is not only perilous but counterproductive to our professional development.

“BorisI've been following your blogs lately, and frankly, I'm growing tired of your constant promotion of your programs. It's becoming rather irritating.

I recently stumbled upon one of your articles, it's a and with all due respect, I must say I found it deeply concerning. You're advocating for abdominal massage in cases of diverticulitis? Are you even aware that this condition involves infection? By recommending such a practice, you're essentially advising people to inflict harm on clients ,potentially even putting their lives at risk.

I'd rather not embarrass you publicly, but if you continue down this path, I'll have no choice but to expose it for what it is: reckless and dangerous advice.”

What a shame? Refused to post publicly?

Allow me to address the assertion of the uninformed massage therapist. When you peruse my website, please bear in mind that it serves as an educational platform. My blogs disseminate information, and while I may reference my educational programs, the overarching aim is to share knowledge. Is there any reason to be bitter ?As for the issue of abdominal visceral massage in cases of diverticulitis, a thorough examination of our FAQ section would reveal the following please click and scroll down: Instructional massage programs

"Are the contraindications for medical massage different from those of other massage methodologies? Answer: No, they are the same contraindications: in cases of different viral and bacterial infections, a higher than normal body temperature, to avoid massage on new formations similar to lipomas and other tumors, etc. In cases of Thrombophlebitis, (DVT) deep vein thrombosis, avoid massaging areas of wounded skin."

Furthermore, I implore readers to watch my instructional video, where I demonstrate how we enhance arterial blood supply—a genuine therapeutic intervention, as opposed to relying on anti-inflammatory hormones—through hands-on massage techniques.

It is my suspicion that this particular massage therapist failed to grasp the clinical application of massage science and instead gleaned information related to diverticulitis from medical literature pertaining to pharmaceutical interventions. As massage therapists, we understand that unresolved inflammation in diverticulitis can progress to diverticulosis—a condition characterized by the formation of abnormal pouches in the intestinal wall—which can, in turn, trigger recurrent bacterial infections and serve as a precursor to colon cancer. Had she comprehended the intricacies of massage science, she would appreciate that our holistic approach to this condition encompasses the treatment of diverticular disease as a systemic disorder.

In conclusion, I believe we can all agree that shying away from challenge and discourse benefits no one. I welcome inquiries and challenges from all quarters. While I do draw upon my years of practical experience in my teachings, I am not exempt from scrutiny or interrogation. It is through such discussions that I, too, continue to learn and grow.

Best wishes, Boris