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Everything Broad Ripple HomearrowRandom Ripplings Homearrow2012 04 27arrowColumn

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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n09)
Gettin' Ripped in Ripple - Guest columnist Karena Halman - by Laura Minor
posted: Apr. 27, 2012

Gettin' Ripped in Ripple header

Take Time for You

I was excited when Laura gave me the chance to write for her column because it gives me the opportunity to share a bit about my passion. I don't know about you, but I am constantly trying to find that happy place in life where everything is in balance. We seem to be juggling so many aspects of our lives; family, fitness, work, "me" time and more. Figuring out what is out of balance can be challenging enough, in addition we need to find the tools to make it happen. Let me give you a hint on one of those tools. . . Massage Therapy.
Up to the age of 23 I lived in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. . . I know I know, you are thinking WHERE? Canada is where I trained and started my career as a Massage Therapist. I attended a school with some very talented instructors and after 2200 hrs of education and passing the provincial board exam. I found my first Massage Therapy job working at a clinic with 4 chiropractors, an herbalist, an acupuncturist and another massage therapist; clinics like this are common in Canada. It supports a holistic approach designed to help our patients get better and maintain good health. I guess because most alternative therapies are covered by the Canadian health care system you see more people utilizing both eastern and western medicine. Working in this environment I was exposed to many different cases; from car accidents to sports injuries and job related pain to postural imbalances I dealt with a full range of issues and they came from all age groups. I loved the variety and opportunities that were presented to me because I continued to learn and it helped me grow as a therapist.
When I moved to the United States, I assumed that I would be able to find a similar environment in which to work, unfortunately I was mistaken! Sadly, here in the mid-west massage therapy was and still is viewed by many as a luxury. Is it a luxury to have your body function to its best ability without pain? I think not! Massage does not just affect the muscles, but all of the bodies systems, things we cannot see nor do we think about. We just continue through our days with mental and physical stress, pushing to give and do more and assume our bodies will just keep performing for us. It happens in Canada too, of course, but since moving here I have observed more of this give give go go lifestyle and it is wearing us all out! STOP! Take care of you once in awhile because no one else is going to make your health and well being their priority. I have lived in Indiana for about 13 years; slowly people are starting to view alternative therapies and eastern medicine as viable options for treatment and maintenance. Even though it is not the 'quick fix' that this culture wants, more people are seeing its value.
So, don't feel guilty, take some time for YOU! With so many options: fitness, nutrition, massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation and more, there is sure to be something that will help you prevent injury, sickness and burnout. Also, take the time to find someone that is well educated and licensed in their field, it is your body and money after all.
In closing, I just want to say that being a Massage Therapist is my passion, but it has been my privilege for the past 17 years to help people feel their best. In turn, they are able to give their best to the people around them. It's WIN - WIN!

Karena Halman is an independent Massage Therapist in Broad Ripple and also works as a fitness instructor at So.Be.Fit. She has a passion for helping people find total body wellness, through massage, fitness and food. You can contact her at massagebykrh@gmail.com and checkout her weekly recipe post on the So.Be.Fit facebook page.



Laura Minor owner and operator of So.Be.Fit. Personal Training and Fitness studio located at 54th and the Monon. She is passionate about teaching others how to "FIT" exercise and physical activity into their daily lives, and have fun while doing so! Visit her website at www.sobefitindy.com or e-mail laura@BroadRippleGazette.com




laura@broadripplegazette.com
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