Appalachian Medical Massage Associates

Written by Amber Vachon

We have just returned from an information-packed week in Cambridge and Boston, MA. The First International Fascia Research Congress was held at The Conference Center of Harvard University Medical School.

The Congress was truly international in nature, as there were more than 700 attendees from over 70 different countries and is set to be rebroadcast at over 40 universities and medical centers around the world. We feel fortunate to have been able to attend this sold-out conference.

Leading scientists in fascia research from around the world came together with professionals involved in the therapeutic manipulation of this structural fabric that weaves its way throughout the body. The result was absolutely amazing. We’re saving our pennies for the Second International Fascia Research Congress to be held in Amsterdam in 2009

Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, a renowned French hand surgeon, presented his amazing video: Strolling Under the Skin in Search of Living Matter. To see living images of this constantly changing organic fabric was phenomenal.

To learn more about the Congress and fascia, see an interview with Dr. Tom Findlay, the organizer of this Congress, on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8rKSmIk2FI

Ann Sleeper, a registered massage therapist in Canada, covered the Congress for MassageTherapyPractice.com. Go to their site to read the article.

The IASI Symposium 2007 followed in Cambridge. Sponsored by the International Association of Structural Integrators, it was a continuation of the conference devoted to hands-on practitioners of Structural Integration. These sessions were fabulous as well.

Among the many amazing people who we had the pleasure of meeting was Dr. Joseph Heller, a student of Dr. Rolf and the founder of Hellerwork.

At the conclusion of the Symposium, for the first time ever, the Certification Exam in Structural Integration was given. 113 structural integrators (Paul included) sat for the exam. (NOTE: We are pleased to announce that the results are in . . . Paul passed the exam and is now qualified as a “Certified Structural Integrator”. Way to go Paul Vachon, CSI!