HEELING with Kate McBride

Heeling massage is a technique that uses the therapist’s feet as massage tools. This takes the burden of the work off the upper body and places it on the lower body. These muscles are larger, stronger and have more endurance. Plus, you have the added benefit of the weight of your upper body and gravity working together.

Using the techniques you will learn on this instructional video program will enable you to give longer, more effective massages with less strain on your body. Clients too can benefit from this often-overlooked technique. Instructor Kate McBride has clients with long-term chronic pain problems discover that this surprisingly effective massage technique provides effective relief.

ABOUT KATE McBRIDE:
Kate McBride, is an award-winning writer who has studied esoteric massage techniques in the Philippines, India and Thailand. A massage practitioner since 1985, Kate graduated from the Energenesis Institute in Ojai, CA, where she learned deep connective tissue massage, the Alexander Technique and body- oriented psychotherapy. Many of Kate McBride's clients who have had long-term chronic pain problems have discovered these problems disappear after one session.

KATE McBRIDE
Q and A

How long have you been a massage practitioner? What made you decide to
enter the profession?
Although I've been earning my living as a massage therapist for 20 years, I've
actually been practicing for over 30 years. My introduction to the healing aspect
of touch took place when I was only nine years old. My father had been seriously
injured in an industrial accident and was receiving home care that included
massage. I was curious, watched closely, and filled in one day when the
therapist couldn't come. Also, my parents were members of the Association for
Research and Enlightenment and guided me towards non-mainstream healing
modalities. Healing circles and exercises for developing one's intuitive and
psychic abilities were everyday occurrences in our home. My attraction to
massage seemed perfectly natural. Then one day, I received a massage, just
simple forearm work, and something really clicked for me. Until then, I hadn't
realized that it was possible to alter a person's physical health and life
experience by human touch. I guess it's safe to say that I was hooked from
that moment!

What are your credentials, and how did you earn them?
I graduated from the Energenesis Institute in Ojai, California, where I studied
Body-oriented Psychotherapy and several other disciplines: Reichian work,
Gestalt, Alexander Technique, Aikido, Rebirthing, and NeuroLinguistic
Programming. At the Los Angeles Chiropractic College, I completed an intensive
study of anatomy that included cadaver work. Through these studies, I've earned
certifications in Conscious Connected Breathing, HypnoBirthing, and Yoga.
Also, I've traveled a great deal, and by virtue of receiving massage everywhere
I've gone, I've studied all over the world: the Philippines, Thailand, India, Central
America, Europe, and Eastern Europe. I lived briefly in Manila and studied within
the Psychic Surgeon community there. Probably the richest source of learning for
me has been other experienced practitioners. By the time I was 18 or 19, I had
developed my innate talents sufficiently that other therapists wanted to trade
with me, and I learned an enormous amount from them.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming a bodywork practitioner? To someone who is contemplating specializing in heeling?
Get massaged! Having a massage is one of the best ways to improve your
mastery of the craft. By receiving, you learn what works for you and, by
extension, what works for others. Bodywork practitioners should be able to
deduct the cost of any massage services they receive. The cost should be
considered a continuing education expense for massage therapists! Also,
remember that massage is a service industry, the giving of oneself for the
betterment of others. Do it because you love doing it, not to get rich. If you
don't have a passion for the work, your performance will reflect this, and you will
have trouble building a strong client base. In addition, no matter how much your
services are in demand, I recommend that you not overbook. I usually limit
myself to three sessions a day. Then each massage has maximum effect, and
I don't stress myself. Finally, it's important to find your true talent, and then hone
that talent. For me, it was heeling. If you want to specialize in heeling, make
certain you develop your sensitivity to this newfound strength. You must tread
with caution and great care on another person's body. In addition, using your
peds puts your feet in a new light, and they should receive special attention.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Connecting to my higher power and having that power work through me to
create a one-of-a-kind benefit for my client. I enjoy helping another person
achieve profound change or find relief from discomfort or pain. For me, there
is tremendous reward in this therapeutic service.

Is heeling massage more beneficial for the recipient than the conventional
hands-on variety?
I believe heeling is more beneficial because the therapist is able to access and
apply a greater degree of strength with the feet than is possible with the hands.
Also, the heeler is able to perform twice as long without becoming exhausted
and weakened. Heeling is actually less work for the therapist. So what might be
a 60-minute conventional massage becomes a 90-minute heeling massage. Not
only is the massage longer, but also it is more effective. Clients love getting
more—depth, time, attention, pleasure, results. All for the same cost.

What sets you apart from other therapists?
Knowing that I have the ability to make another person feel good or, at least,
better with only my touch and my heart is a very powerful reason for living. I
believe that human touch can heal or help scores of ailments. This belief and the
attitude it fosters are my defining characteristics as a massage therapist. Also, I
know exactly how it feels to receive a massage. I'm on a constant search for the
perfect massage, and this search has probably added more to my skills than
anything else. In essence, when I work on another person, it's almost as though
I am giving myself a massage.

< back to Video Collection