Integrative & Alternative Medicine
The Healing Touch: Errol Holmes And The Power Of Massage Therapy
An insightful dialogue with a holistic health pioneer about bridging traditional practices and modern wellness.
In this engaging episode of Equity in Focus, host Kevin E. Hooks sits down with Errol Holmes, a pioneer in the realm of holistic health and the founder of Atlanta Touch Therapy. Holmes shares his deep-rooted passion for massage therapy, which draws from both his professional experience and his Geechee heritage, offering a unique perspective on natural healing and personal wellness.
Holmes describes himself as a friend on the wellness journey, with over two decades of experience in massage therapy. His approach is deeply influenced by his Geechee heritage, which emphasizes natural and holistic methods of healing. This background has shaped his practice, allowing him to incorporate traditional healing techniques into his sessions, providing a more grounded and culturally enriched experience for his clients.
Holmes highlights the importance of his Geechee roots, explaining how the naturopathic approaches passed down from his ancestors play a crucial role in his methods. This traditional wisdom, combined with modern techniques, enables him to address not just physical ailments but also enhance overall well-being, making each session a comprehensive healing experience.
Impact of massage therapy on mental healthDiscussing the relevance of massage therapy in today's fast-paced world, especially post-COVID-19, Holmes stresses the critical role of massage in managing stress and promoting mental health. He explains how massage therapy can alleviate the accumulation of daily stressors that impact physical health, such as posture and breathing.
Holmes is committed to educating his clients on maintaining wellness beyond the therapy sessions. He advocates for simple yet effective practices like breathing techniques, stretching, and regular breaks from routine, which can significantly enhance one's quality of life. This educational aspect ensures that clients can continue to benefit from his teachings in their everyday lives.
Addressing misconceptions about massage therapy within the Black community, Holmes encourages a broader acceptance of therapeutic touch, which he believes can be transformational. He aims to dispel stereotypes that might hinder individuals from experiencing the benefits of massage, advocating for a more open embrace of these practices for health and healing.
Holmes's method involves a bespoke approach to massage therapy, tailoring each session to the client's specific needs. This customization is fundamental, as it allows him to address the unique conditions of each client, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the therapy.
Reflecting on his journey, Holmes notes significant growth in both his practice and acceptance in the community. From initial challenges as a Black male massage therapist to gaining respect in the field, his story is one of perseverance and dedication to his craft.
The future of massage therapyLooking forward, Holmes envisions a future where massage therapy is universally accepted and integrated into regular health and wellness routines. He sees potential for education and partnership across generations and communities, enhancing the therapeutic reach of his practice.
For those interested in entering the field, Holmes advises a deep personal commitment to the craft of massage therapy. He believes that successful therapists must go beyond learning techniques; they need to embrace the art as a calling and continuously refine their skills to provide the best care.
For those inspired to start their healing journey with Holmes, he is accessible through Atlanta Touch Therapy's various online platforms, including social media and their website. He extends an invitation to all, regardless of their background, to explore the benefits of massage therapy and join a growing community of wellness.
In conclusion, Holmes's interview with Hooks offers profound insights into the integration of traditional healing practices with modern therapeutic techniques. Holmes's dedication to enhancing holistic health through massage therapy not only fosters individual wellness but also encourages a broader cultural appreciation for natural healing methods within the community.
AI assisted in summarizing this episode of Equity in Focus.
Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
My clients value a therapist with a thorough understanding of clinical interventions while also recognizing that therapy is very individual work which involves more than just the mind. My clients seek to imbue a level of spirituality to their healing and growth, which I am happy to facilitate. Whether it's bringing integrative approaches such as walking therapy, or finding use and meaning of a clients own spiritual beliefs and practices, my clients are seen as a whole person.
While I have had extensive training and exposure to evidence based models such as CBT, DBT, and ACT; I have always found those methods to be lacking in depth of understanding a person as a whole. My approach is informed by classic treatment modalities but I feel integrating this work with holistic ideas and methods is what brings the work to life!
If you have never tried a clinically informed, holistic approach and are curious to see what it's about, give me a call. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
Call or Email Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy now for a free 15 minute consultation - (914) 670-5923 My Practice at a GlanceAvailable in-person
I offer a group on Thursday evenings and am available Monday and Tuesday evenings for individuals ( walking therapy or office)
I specialize in Spirituality
$180 Per Session
I see individuals, couples and groups
My Practice at a GlanceAvailable in-person
I offer a group on Thursday evenings and am available Monday and Tuesday evenings for individuals ( walking therapy or office)
I specialize in Spirituality
$180 Per Session
I see individuals, couples and groups
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. Email or (914) 670-5923
Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Check fees and, if listed, ask to verify your insurance coverage. Email or (914) 670-5923 Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. Email or (914) 670-5923 Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. Email or (914) 670-5923 Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Specialties and Expertise Expertise Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Ashley Faivre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Marcies energy is exactly what you need to assist you on your wellness journey. Her kindness and empathy shines through her radiant personality in a way that makes you completely comfortable and safe
Client Focus AgeAdults ,
Elders (65+)
ParticipantsIndividuals ,
Couples ,
Group
AgeAdults ,
Elders (65+)
ParticipantsIndividuals ,
Couples ,
Group
Treatment Approach Types of Therapy"
I use an eclectic approach, bringing aspects of different clinical modalities and integrative practices. I also run a group that incorporates evidence based and holistic methods. The link on this page takes you to the sign up site for my group.
Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (914) 670-5923 Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
"
I use an eclectic approach, bringing aspects of different clinical modalities and integrative practices. I also run a group that incorporates evidence based and holistic methods. The link on this page takes you to the sign up site for my group.
Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (914) 670-5923 Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
"
I offer a group on Thursday evenings and am available Monday and Tuesday evenings for individuals ( walking therapy or office)
Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
"
I offer a group on Thursday evenings and am available Monday and Tuesday evenings for individuals ( walking therapy or office)
Marcie Katz-Tucker Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Last Modified: 2 May 2024
Army Quickly Expanding Holistic Health And Fitness Teams Following Promising Early Results
The Army is fast-tracking the expansion of its Holistic Health and Fitness, or H2F, program as early results show soldiers in brigades recover faster, shoot better and have higher performance on critical fitness tests with the assistance.
The service began fielding roughly 20-person H2F teams to brigades in 2021, providing 28 brigades with coaches and experts on strength training, sleep, physical therapy, nutrition, postpartum recovery and mental health. By the end of this year, the Army is aiming for 50 brigades and hopes to expand that to 111 brigades by 2027, or about half the active-duty force -- a goal originally set for 2030.
The H2F teams will also be integrated into some National Guard and reserve units throughout the decade. The new fitness resources will also come with a significant investment in gym equipment for the units.
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"New weapons systems are pointless if you don't have the soldier to man them," Col. Jason Faulkenberry, the H2F program director, told Military.Com. "I love seeing this investment in soldiers because we know soldiers will always be used in any future conflict, versus investing in a technology that may or may not be used."
Internal data over the past three years shows promising results.
Behavioral health issues in units with H2F teams are down 14% compared to the rest of the Army, according to data provided by the service. In addition, musculoskeletal injuries are down about 30%.
The service also saw increases in the rate of soldiers passing the Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT; a reduction in substance abuse; and even an uptick in troops qualifying as experts in rifle marksmanship.
The positive results come amid a rise in overweight soldiers and musculoskeletal injuries in the Army. The H2F teams are efforts Army leaders have long said are obvious steps forward, setting up a structure that civilians outside of the service probably assume would already be in place.
Until now, it hasn't been easy for a soldier in the conventional Army to get plans from a formally trained coach on improving specific parts of their fitness test, or seek counsel on improving their diet -- resources that the special operations community has enjoyed for years.
Beyond the new initiative, the Army has made strides on how it keeps its troops fit for combat in recent years, with the new ACFT being at the center of that effort.
But the H2F teams and the corresponding doctrine view fitness as intertwined with metrics such as sleep, mental health, nutrition and spiritual health.
"It's not the equipment I get excited about, it's the subject-matter experts that come with the equipment," Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer said at a conference on the H2F program Tuesday. "To be honest with you, later in life I found the importance of the mental and spiritual component. The longer you do this job, the longer those will be at the forefront of your mind. Then the magic pillar -- sleep."
Related: Secretary Wormuth Wants the Army Combat Fitness Test to Stay as Congress Debates Its Fate
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