Maureen Tabura was feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and stress-free Saturday. Nearly two hours of massage will do that for you. “It’s something I wish I did on a daily basis,” she said. “I wonder why I don’t do it more often.”
Maureen Tabura was feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and stress-free Saturday.
Nearly two hours of massage will do that for you.
“It’s something I wish I did on a daily basis,” she said. “I wonder why I don’t do it more often.”
The Kapaa resident was one of several people who received free sessions from students in the professional massage program at Kauai Community College. Tabura was treated to 50 minutes each of reflexology and shiatsu and called it a “wonderful experience.”
Those touches on tender areas let her know about hidden aches and pains and released tension, too.
“It enlightens you,” she said. “It makes you more aware of where your body hurts.”
The program is back after a two-year hiatus. Four students are enrolled in the nine-month, $4,300 program under the guidance of instructor Berna Akiona. She’s here because one, she believes in massage as a profession and operates her own practice. Once they completed the course, students can sit for the state board and become a licensed massage therapist.
Massage therapists can work at home, their office, spas, hospitals, chiropractic offices and travel to clients, which ever is necessary.
“It opens up a lot of doors for them,” Akiona said, “which a lot of people are not aware of.”
And really, all they need to work is a table and perhaps some soothing music.
“Basically, these are your tools,” Akiona said, holding up her hands.
Then, there’s physical and mental benefits.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of massage you get. It affects your whole body,” she said. “If everyone had at least one (massage therapist) in every family, everybody would be healthier today.”
Student Kealia Bell, who is studying nursing, is taking the massage therapy course because she’s passionate about health. It’s also a talent she can take anywhere.
“It’s a give and take. You give energy, you receive energy,” she said. “I feel really revived. It takes a lot out of you, but if you do it the right way, you get a lot back.”
Akiona refers to a massage therapists as “facilitators of healing.” She said a good massage can release unknown tension and pain.
“You don’t realize until someone touches you. Stress causes a lot of different things,” she said. “That’s why massage is really a benefit to anybody.”
In the KCC program, students are learning all about massage and basic body mechanics. Saturday, they demonstrated their skills in shiatsu — which focuses on using fingers and palms to apply pressure to certain points to improve circulation, and reflexology, which involves applying pressure to hands, feet and head.
“Your feet and hands mirror your body,” Akiona said.
Students are scheduled to complete the program in July because they’re meeting four days a week instead of three.
They’ll study other forms of massage, including Swedish, prenatal and lomilomi. They’ll also learn how to use hot and cold stones to better the body.
Massage student Mikela Sorano finds massage therapy rewarding.
“I like massaging people and like them feeling better after a massage,” she said.
Student Harley Ness said massage therapy has long been a passion and he hopes to make a career out of it. He said while it’s difficult, the more you practice it, the better you become.
“Once you get the right mechanics, it’s a lot easier,” he said.
Student Paul Pomroy said a one-hour massage goes by quickly. Each client has different needs, so it’s a matter of using the correct tools and appropriate method.
“You get a rhythm, you know what you want to accomplish,” he said.
Ideally, a person should get a massage at least once a month, perhaps more depending on how they feel and stresses they put on their body, Akiona said. Massages generally start at $65 or more for about an hour — well worth it.
“To find a good one, one you resonant with, it’s not so easy,” she said. “So the more therapists we have, the better.”
