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Patchouli – Essential Oil for October

The signature oil for Scorpio /  October is Patchouli which parallels with the nature of Scorpio. Patchouli is one of the ‘deepest’ oil in aromatherapy with a very distinctive aroma. Patchouli has an aphrodisiac property which reminds us that Scorpio is a sign profoundly linked to sexuality. In aromatherapy, Patchouli is used to assist with different kinds of sexual issues with the idea to bring it back to balance and enjoyment. Scorpio starts from 24th October to 22nd November. The medieval astrologers referred to Scorpio as Mars’ ‘Night House’. Maybe because Scorpio is the deepest, most secretive sign in the entire zodiac. Scorpion or The Stinger can get bad press due to the projection of strong emotions and moodiness. Scorpios tend to have a small circle...

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The transition from Massage Student to Massage Therapist

Craig you recently completed your  NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage at Wellpark College. How ready were you for the transition from student to practitioner. Did you feel that the programme had prepared you well enough to start practicing as a Massage Therapist? Yes, the 6 months spent in the Prema Clinic (Wellpark College’s Student Training Clinic) dealing with clients was great in preparing you to work in an actual working clinic. That combined with other papers gave you a great grounding to go into the industry. The skills taught in meeting clients and giving professional massage appropriately were invaluable to working as a therapist. You recently moved to Tauranga and are working 4 days a week for Hands to Heal, can you tell us about the practice you...

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Mature Student – It’s never too late to learn new skills.

[caption id="attachment_11802" align="aligncenter" width="219"] Craig-bennett-massage-stident-wellpark-college[/caption] Craig Bennett was faced with the decision to take early retirement or return to study as a Mature Student. Looking for a way that he could give back to his community Craig decided to enrol onto the 1 year NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage at Wellpark College and six months into the programme he has come to realise that rather than retire he now has the opportunity and skills to take his life in a totally new direction and help people on their journey towards wellness and better health. Craig you came to study at Wellpark College as a mature student, what prompted your decision to learn a new set of skills at this stage of your life? I had just hit 60...

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The Thoracic Therapist – Running a successful home Massage Therapy Practice

From a career in dance to setting up and running a successful home practice, Massage Therapist and Wellpark College Graduate Shannon Leticia took time out of her busy day to talk to us about her career journey and why she loves Massage and working from home. What first attracted you to learn more about massage?  Back at Unitec where I trained in contemporary dance we were always exchanging massages as our bodies were in constant fight or flight often resulting in acute injuries training for upcoming performances. At some stage, I became “best hands” and was receiving daily lolly bribes and flat whites in exchange for lunchtime back massages. I guess a seed was planted way back then.  What made you decide to change careers and focus on getting a...

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2022 NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage Students

The August 2022 intake of Massage Students at Wellpark College are now 4 months into their Diploma programme, (The NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage). We caught up with senior Massage Tutor Barbara Fleming to find out how the students are going and what they have been learning over the past 2 terms. The Massage students who enrolled in August to study the NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage are now 4 months into their programme what have the students been learning over the past few months? The August 2022 NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage cohort have been steadily learning their art in the application and principles of Relaxation Massage. Combining both theory and practical skills in-class, they have been introduced...

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Dancer to Massage Therapist

Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage student Otis Herring is a dancer and choreographer. Otis decided to study at Wellpark College so that he could combine his love of performing arts with his interest in Massage. His goal is to graduate and forge a career where he can help performers with training, recovery and relaxation. Otis explains why Massage therapy is so beneficial to dancers and performers and how Wellpark College is providing him with the skills to achieve his career goals. Otis, you come from a Performing Arts background, can you tell us how long you have been dancing and why you love performing? I have been dancing professionally since 2007, so almost 15 years now. I have also been acting professionally for almost 5 years. I love performing because it...

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Kaupapa Māori research – guest talk from Dr Anne. A Hiha

On August 11th Wellpark College was lucky to have Dr Anne. A Hiha talk to our students and staff about Kaupapa Māori research. Dr Hiha has a vast range of experience and expertise which includes pedagogy and research, in particular Kaupapa Māori research. Research methods and critical thinking are weaved through the curriculum at Wellpark College, and the students learn about different research approaches including quantitative, qualitative and Kaupapa Māori methodologies. Having Dr Hiha present was a wonderful way to deepen the students and staffs understanding of the taonga that is Kaupapa Māori research.  The first year naturopathy students compiled a list of questions for Dr Hiha in their class Introduction to Research and Critical Thinking. Topics the students were particularly interested in were sent to...

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Essential Oil for September

Essential Oil for Libra - Geranium Libra starts from 24th September to 23rd October. The only sign represented by an inanimate object – a pair of scales. So, it is understandable that justice, fairness and balance are very important to Librans. Libra is the diplomat and peacekeeper of the zodiac with impeccable taste and appreciation of beautiful things.  Due to their sense of balance, Libran are less likely to overindulge. Librans should be mindful of health issues concerning their lower backs and kidneys. Librans needs to watch out for overwork, overindulgence and mental overload. The signature oil for Libra is Geranium, this is a super balancer in aromatherapy to create harmony. Geranium has a strong aroma, which not everyone could tolerate. Mix it with a more ‘mature’ aroma such...

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Top Tips for studying during a Lockdown

Studying during Covid 19 Lockdown Restrictions is difficult for so many reasons. Bel Sweetman Jones was studying at Wellpark College for her Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage during the first New Zealand Covid 19 Lockdown restrictions. We asked Bel to reflect on that time and give current students her advice, suggestions and tips on surviving lockdown as a student, on staying well, motivated and establishing routines that keep you learning and on top of your studies. Bel has since graduated and now runs Kowhai Kauri Massage Therapist How did you approach learning in lockdown last year? "I was Optimistic, and positive…I took this as a chance to focus on making my time management balanced for e.g- how much time I dedicated to work/revision, spending time with family and also...

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Essential Oil for August

Lavender ~ August Essential Oil of the month. Virgo runs from 24th August to 23rd September. Virgo means a young woman; originally associated with mother-goddesses, suppliers of food and nurture. Not a surprise if Virgo is also associated with the sign of service and work as well as health and healing. Virgoans are highly organized people, precise with strong attention to details manner. They work long hours.  Many Virgoans are chronic worries and extra liable to stress, therefore, to help them re-establish their strength, it is important for Virgoans to be nurtured by others in return for their generosity to give. Lavender is a perfect signature oil for Virgoans. It is calming, soothing, antidepressant and promoting restful sleep and nurture. August Lavender Blends Rest and Relax Regular massage is beneficial for...

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