American Massage Therapy Association^®

COLORFUL TOWELS FOR YOGA

Yogitoes is offering Skidless towels in seven bright colors to put over yoga mats. The microfiber product of polyester and nylon is intended to prevent slipping by putting an absorbent layer between you and the mat.

Take it to the gym or studio to cover the mat you pick off the stack before class. Afterward, just throw the lightweight towel in the washer and tumble dry. Soft and pliable, the Skidless mat can double as a blanket during savasana (the “corpse pose” of full relaxation that concludes each yoga class) blanket or folded and used as a meditation pad.

Yogitoes also makes a hand-size towel of the same absorbent washable fabric. Perhaps best of all is the fabric-covered foam pillow in a unique shape that supports the head during savasana. Available from Yogitoes: 310-399-1780; www.yogitoes.com.

SOCKS FOR CHILLING OUT

Sol Socks offers a luxurious, one-of-a-kind sock. The product is made in the United States with soft, durable fleece. In business for just four years, the Sol Socks manufacturers describe their customers as people who wear what is comfortable, cool and cutting edge. The socks come in either lightweight or midweight fleece in a variety of colors. They are ankle high, except for a new lightweight mid-calf style in black. Good with flip-flops and sandals for men and women who enjoy the casual life. Available from Sol Socks: 410-366-0206; www.solsocks.com.

POSTERS PROMOTE MASSAGE

Information for People now has posters available that promote massage. They feature crisp photography, lively color and people of varying ages and cultures. The “Healthy Choices for a Happy Life” poster reinforces the benefits of massage with candid photos of people engaged in fun and relaxing activities, suggesting massage fits right in with a healthy lifestyle. The 18 in. x 24 in. poster is large enough to see from across a treatment room, yet small enough to frame and to fit into compact spaces. Information for People also has a postcard of the same image so the therapist who appreciates this message can bring it off the wall into a direct mail marketing program.
Available from Information for People: 800-754-9790; www.info4people.com.

HOT AND COLD MASSAGE BALL

Massage therapists have a host of new therapy options with a new supple ball that holds heat or cold in the thermal fluid at its core. The rubbery, “tacky” outer surface makes Icyball easy to grip, and it can be rolled and squeezed to conform to underlying muscle structure. The product can be used heated—simply follow the directions for heating in the microwave or in a Crock PotTM—or chilled by placing the ball into icy water or the freezer. Several balls might be employed in a session for both hot and cold therapy. Icyball comes in 8 oz. and 16 oz. versions for more massage options.
Available from The Kewler Company: 919-386-1118; www.icyball.com or order directly through the AMTA Shopping Mall.

TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC BALM

Ayurvedic traditions of healing continue their influence in the United States. Auromre Ayurvedic Imports now offers Neem Balm, combining the oil of the neem tree with mango ginger oil, sandalwood oil and olive oil in a beeswax base. This is a salve with a distinctly natural scent of earth and plants. In the ancient Ayurveda tradition, the curative and therapeutic properties of each tree, plant, herb, root,
mineral and flower are used to promote bodily health. Auromre suggests the Neem Balm as an allpurpose healing balm for the skin.

Available from Auromre Ayurvedic Imports: 800-735-4691; www.auromere.com.

SUPPORTIVE,MASSAGING SHOE

The new Gardenia Clog from Okabashi Brands offers a shoe designed with
reflexology principles in mind. Not only does it have great ergonomic support,
but it is good looking and fairly priced. The company’s shoe collections are designed to promote correct weight distribution and feature a therapeutically contoured insole with beaded surfaces at the instep and toes. The Gardenia Clog is designed for professionals who are on their feet most of the day and need a supportive shoe that eases aching feet and alleviates leg and back pain during work. The clogs are machine-washable and durable; they are also waterproof and slip resistant. The Gardenia Clogs come in a range of colors and sell online for under $30.

Available from Okabashi Brands: 800-443-6573; www.okabashi.com.