16/10/2023
This past weekend, Portland hosted the very first PNW Massage Showcase and Expo. It was to gather experienced massage therapists, those new to the profession, and students to share in our collective knowledge and experiences. There was a day open to the public as well, with booths set up to experience some of the bodywork and self care items and services. One of the organizers was our very own Karen E Weitz.
I was there to share about the benefits of Manual Lymph Drainage and the new findings on what we’re learning about the lymph system and treating those with chronic swelling and inflammatory conditions through ICG Lymphography. That information is changing the way CLTs and CMLDs work with applying pressure and redirecting lymph fluid.
I had a blast in the process!!!! It was great to see old friends, make new ones, and learn what my fellow LMTs have been up to in their practices and the innovations taking place in bodywork.
I got to be a body for one of the contestants for the collaborative competition to showcase innovations in massage and bodywork. Let me tell ya…. It was pretty wild. 🤯 I was told afterwards by spectators that it wasn’t even the most innovative one. What?!!! I’m hoping the pics get released soon. I was in my own little world experiencing the massage I was recieving that I practically forgot there was a conference room full of other massages taking place around me with spectators and judges. Due to that I didn’t peek at the other tables and the mat right by us. One guy was doing Thai bodywork!
My problem hip feels great after that by the way, and I was able to participate in an activity without pain that normally would cause that hip to cramp and seize up. Yay, Mary! She placed silver for Oregon.
I was impressed by the profesionalism, the willingness to share knowledge to help one another grow, and the creativity that was in abundance at the Expo. Karen and Patty Glenn did an amazing job organizing the event. I’m sure it was a lot of work. So much thoughtfulness and care went into every aspect of it. I look forward to the next one, and seeing it grow. It was all about community, and I felt that deeply in every moment I experienced.