Ethical Guidelines for Touch:
The 15-Minute Stressout Program and Instructional DVD introduces and demonstrates safe, skillful, and appropriate touch as a means for teaching physical interaction, stress management, and self-care for individuals, groups, and families. In this health program, participants are given step-by-step instructions on applying skillful touch including hand feathering, acupressure point massage, and muscle kneading techniques. The program has clearly established boundaries and "Ethical Guidelines for the Safe Use of Touch."
The giver and receiver work as partners to connect the vitality of their breath with the power of touch while engaged in this experience of relaxation. (25 minutes, color) Heartbeat Rhythms, original background music by Karuna Warren and the New World Drummers, is also available for purchase.
For twenty years, students in my holistic family practice courses have given this intervention to over 20,000 students, staff, and faculty in the student center, dorms, classrooms, and offices. Additionally, several thousand more participants received the "StressOut", including soldiers and their families at Ft. Bliss, Texas, engineers and scientists at NASA White Sands Test Facility, public schools, rural health clinics, senior centers & nursing homes, and community social services.
Jerry Vest's website: http://jerryvest.pages.qpg.com/id1.html
Participants consistently reported the following results after receiving the 15-Minute StressOut Program:
o Reduced stress, anxiety and pain
o Reduced blood pressure levels
o Improved sleeping habits
o Relief from migraine and sinus headaches
o Enhanced breathing and better control of emotions
o Improved relationships
o Increased creativity and productivity
o Promoted trust
December 3,2009 Wounded Warriors will stressout Veteran of Wars past @http://www.15minutestressout.com/4.html
Cick here to Purchase an instructional DVD http://www.15minutestressout.com/index.html
Professor Jerry Vest,ACSW,LISW,LMT
On the website that identifies state laws requiring massage licensure or classes, most states do not include modalities such as acupressure or reflexology in their Rules & Regulations, eg. NM, TX, AZ, ME, NC. In some states local jurisdictions may include some modalities. http://www.reflexology-research.com/LAWS_1.html
Reflexology deleted from the definition of massage therapy during revision of Rules and Regulations review by Texas Department of Health. (Feb. 2001) "As a result of meetings with stakeholders and comments received during the comment period, the department (of Public Health) determined that including specific modalities in the definition is not appropriate because some of the techniques and modalities may not involve the manipulation of soft tissue for the purpose of body massage and the types of advanced techniques and modalities are too numerous to provide an inclusive list.
Additionally, the definition of `massage therapy' in the Act does not include a list of specific modalities. The department will continue to study alternate techniques and modalities on an individual basis to determine whether each constitutes the manipulation of soft tissue by hand or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage. The definition of massage therapy has been modified to delete reference to specific techniques or modalities. (The following website identifies all state requirements -- http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php )
The State of California does not govern licensing for massage therapy it is left to municapalities across the state. Riverside County Ordinance No. 596 regulating massage says the "Practice of Massage" means in part: "The performance of massage for compensation..." Therefore, the 15 minute stressout is always administered free of charge. Please check any local ordinances if you plan to practice in other areas of California.
What are the ethical standards for "Physical Contact" with clients and others?
"Social workers who engage in appropriate physical contact with clients are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern such physical contact." (NASW Code of Ethics - 1.10)
Givers of our "stressout" are required to introduce clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries as described above in our "Ethical Guidelines for the Safe use of Touch." Receivers are always invited to evaluate their experience so that we can maintain quality control and continue to improve our skill.
Ethical Guidelines for the Safe Use of Touch
1. Provide the option for participants to self-administer the program;
2. Always receive permission to touch and remind participants that contact is always in safe areas;
3. Have a witness or partner present to observe the "stressout";
4. Teach the activity to others so that they can be the giver and receiver;
5. Give participants an opportunity to evaluate the experience: and,
6. Encourage participants to use the teaching video and "Study Guide" if the worker does not choose to make physical contact.
Taos Dojo
To inquire about 15Minute-StressOut Workshops please email us:Administrator@15minutestressout.com:
***We will tailor and price a Workshop that best fulfills your groups needs***
http://www.15minutestressout.com/4.html for current Workshops