Anatriptic Alchemy

12/01/2025

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We are honored to welcome Xerlan Deery, LMT, BCTMB to the Mid-Atlantic Conference 2026. With over 35 years of experience in hospitals, cancer centers, and private practice, Xerlan is one of the nation’s most respected voices in oncology massage.

Since 1990, Xerlan has been a pioneer in the field—bringing compassionate, research-informed touch to clients navigating cancer and complex medical conditions. She currently serves on the Integrative Care Team at Paoli Hospital’s Cancer Center and provides oncology massage services at Phoenixville Hospital.

As an NCBTMB-Approved and S4OM-Recognized Educator, Xerlan teaches evidence-informed continuing education through Anatriptic Alchemy, shaping the next generation of oncology massage therapists.

Course Offering at the Mid-Atlantic Conference:

An Orientation to Oncology Massage - Friday, March 20, 2026
This essential introductory course helps therapists understand the needs of clients living with cancer—focusing on safety, compassion, adaptations, and the evidence behind oncology massage. A must-have foundation for any therapist who wants to support medically complex clients with confidence and care.

📍 Mid-Atlantic Conference 2026 • March 20–22 • Ocean City, Maryland
Learn from one of the true pioneers in oncology massage. You won’t want to miss this transformative class.

11/27/2025

We are so grateful we get invited to teach. Looking forward to seeing the AMTA Maryland & AMTA Delaware Chapters this spring.

We are excited to welcome Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB to the Mid-Atlantic Conference 2026. With nearly 30 years in practice and a powerful history of leadership in the massage profession, Christopher brings a dynamic blend of research literacy, clinical expertise, and educational excellence.

Christopher trained at the Massage Therapy Institute of Oklahoma, graduating in 1996 and completing Instructor Training a year later. A former AMTA National President and the current NCBTMB Board President, he has helped shape the direction of massage therapy on a national level.

As co-founder of Anatriptic Alchemy alongside his wife, Xerlan, Christopher teaches innovative, research-informed curricula in sports massage, pain science, and advanced manual therapies. His teaching style blends critical thinking, clinical precision, and a passion for elevating professional standards across the field.

🎓 Christopher’s Courses at the Mid-Atlantic Conference:

Sports Massage Beyond the Technique: The Paradigm of Power Saturday, March 21

Communicable Disease for Massage Therapists Sunday, March 22

📍 Mid-Atlantic Conference 2026 • March 20–22 • Ocean City, Maryland
Join us to learn from a true leader, educator, and advocate for excellence in the massage profession.

09/25/2025

This is amazing! A Huge Thank You to the Massage Therapy Foundation! Thank You CHOP!

Massage Therapy Foundation is excited to announce the award of a $299,465 Research Grant to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for their three-year study, “Myofascial Release Therapy in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.”
This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the impact of abdominal myofascial release—a gentle, manual therapy—on symptom relief, quality of life, and bowel function in adolescents with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Funds for this groundbreaking research project were provided by American Massage Therapy Association - AMTA, in alignment with their shared mission with MTF to advance the art, science, and practice of massage therapy.
Read the Press Release: http://bit.ly/41XHBtC

09/18/2025

09/01/2025

Sometimes you have to rinse and spit a couple times before you really get into the groove though.

08/13/2025

We watched this a couple weeks ago. It is worth your time! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18KFxgVePf/

The film Audrey's Children, which tells the incredible true story of CHOP trailblazer and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans, will be available on Peacock TV starting this Friday, August 15th across the U.S.! Watch as Dr. Evans creates the first ever staging system for neuroblastoma and revolutionizes how we care for children with cancer.

08/12/2025

If you ever wished you could learn more about massage research.............

Because you don’t need a PhD to understand research—just curiosity, calm breath, and a good cup of tea.

08/10/2025

If you know Chris and I you know we are always reading, saying we need more research, more education and awareness. Here is a news story about a rare cancer you may not have heard of.

At just 21-year-old, Chester County’s Kylar Kelly passed away after being diagnosed with Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma, a rare form of cancer. NBC10’s Matt DeLucia shares their story. And, For more information visit www.fightehe.org.