Becoming a Massage Therapist at Age 70
Notes on Learning Western Massage and Chinese Tuina
by
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The Ocean Roaring, sighing, murmuring, sloshing Endlessly pushing and crushing; Folding, kneading, stretching, bubbling Dashing against the mossy-pitted rocks, Splashing, spraying, foaming, spitting Erasing the footprints on the sand. No trace that I have been here Or that we’ve met in Port Dickson, St. John, or La Jolla And on other shores. Breezes cleansed away the cobwebs of my mind, Brought “what’s in the future?” in my solitude. Lost in the sparkling ripples with reflected brilliance, Their dazzle too piercing for sight. The gloomy grey of yesterday was gentler, more sublime, On which one could gaze beyond the mist To probe the source of turbulence unknown. Why are you so full of energy? Unpredictable yet constant over the years! Your snoring moans, Your laughing groans, Your blue grey wetness stretching across the horizon, Farther than the eyes can see. Is my home across on the other shore? But I am here! No amount of my yearning can take me back there – I cannot return. This is my home! What you heard from me Will you keep them secret deep within Or haunt me with replays, Sneering at my lost opportunity, My detour in the wilderness? I know I am going nowhere, Do you know where you are going? If your destiny is to have constant motions And stay put, What is my destiny?
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About the Book
Why does a man who is well into his retirement take up a new career as a massage therapist? What can massage offer to society? How does one go about learning it? Sam Wong deals with these and other intriguing questions in this book. He provides an authentic account of learning and blending Western massage and Chinese tui na, highlights the role of inspiring teachers in helping him to become a massage therapist, and documents the effectiveness of massage as an alternative treatment for fibromyalgia and other chronic pains. Sam’s insights on tui na in traditional Chinese medicine are fascinating and unique.
About the Author
Sam Wong began formal study of massage therapy in Northern Virginia Community College in 2010 after his retirement from government service. He is trained in Western massage and Chinese tui na. He has created the Virginian Stretch and Yin Yang Touch and has adapted massage to treating fibromyalgia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and scoliosis. Primarily a research massage therapist in private practice, Sam is a board-approved continuing education provider and board-certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork. He promotes caring for caregivers as essential for healthcare and provides free massages to veterans and their caregivers in the DC area.