Anatriptic Alchemy is about advancing the profession of Massage Therapy through research-informed, evidence-based continuing education.
- We endeavor to meet our students where they are – and not trying to superimpose a personality or three letter technique into their existing practice. We bring our knowledge and experience to the table, helping our students refine their technique, refresh their knowledge, and recognize the different ways they can adapt their strategies to facilitate the health of their clients.
- We teach Massage Therapists to work with the body, not just on the body.
- We believe that there is no such thing as ‘medical massage’ because all massage can affect health. Until someone can name a pathology, condition, or issue that is not negatively exacerbated by stress, we will hold to this belief. Also – if there was such a thing as ‘medical massage’, wouldn’t that mean that there is ‘non-medical massage’? We know – this is a huge discussion – Anatriptic Alchemy instructors understand that where this may not be an accepted view across the entire profession of Massage Therapy, we need to engage the debate.
- We also believe in research. Peer-reviewed research such as found in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. We support the Massage Therapy Foundation. We encourage you to do the same.
- We firmly believe in the study of the human body – and the sciences that explain it’s processes. We also understand that some beliefs that many have held, can and may be challenged. Beliefs such as Cancer is an absolute contraindication for massage, Therapeutic Massage flushes toxins, and vaccinations cause Autism are some of the theories that science has proven wrong. They won’t be the last. Any study of such a dynamic topic as the human body will evolve. We get that. It is just as important to revisit our understanding as it is to invest in our knowledge. Anatriptic Alchemy is just as committed to continuous learning as it is about teaching what experience has taught them.
- We do not believe in raising the bar; we believe in raising the floor of the profession of Massage Therapy. Opportunities in Massage Therapy are rapidly evolving, and as professionals, we need to be sensitive to the changes and environments. We approach every student in every setting as equal. There is no need to segregate our profession by educational levels at this time; we need to recognize that regardless of where Massage Therapists practice, we all need to respect the science, develop tactile skills, and be intellectually confident that we can responsibly deliver a health care service. That’s not just setting a standard; it is shifting a paradigm.
- We believe that Massage Therapy Continuing Education needs to be affordable.
- We understand that not everyone learns the same way, and we endeavor to use every method possible, when prudent, to ensure our students own and understand (or Grok) what we teach.
- We understand that Massage is healthcare, and as such, we need to carry ourselves with the same care and focus as other professions: namely, we need to stay within our scope of practice, we need to act in the best interest of all of our clients – maintaining our vaccinations and getting the most recent shots as not to be an agent of contagious diseases.