History of Massage Therapy & the Benefits of it

Massage has been an important part of medicine for over five

thousand years. It is also a major topic in the first medical

texts printed. The first medical texts were used by early

physicians who were primarily men. These men commonly practiced

the art of massage therapy when treating and caring for their

patients. I only mention this because I have spoke to many

people who find it surprising in today's world, that there are

men who are professional Massage Therapists. Today Massage

therapy is primarily a career chosen by women. Whether your

therapist is male or female should not be of importance, unless

you have a specific reason that makes you uncomfortable getting

a massage from a female or male therapist. What is important is

that your therapist is licensed or certified in the type of

massage that will help you most.

The massage therapy profession has been severely abused by

prostitutes that use massage therapy as a cover up for illegal

sexual activities. The places where they work are often referred

to as "Massage Parlors". That is why massage licensing and many

city ordinances were put into effect. Professional licensing

requires people who want to pursue a career as a massage

therapist to get a specified number training hours from a school

or college of massage. Most states also require that these

students pass a national certification exam that shows that that

person has the ability to identify specific pathologies and has

a good understanding of the human anatomy. This helps to make it

more difficult for illegal parlors to exist and helps to protect

you as a consumer. In recent history the profession has been

abused and still is in some places. If you are interested in

getting a professional, non-sexual massage you should not only

ask if that person is licensed or certified, but also be sure to

ask if they have had any specific training in the area you are

wanting massage for.

Hippocrates, who is considered "The Father of Medicine" was

highly respected in his findings. He is probably the most

respected man in medical history. That is why he is known as

"The Father of Medicine". I have read many historical books that

stated that Hippocrates said, "The physician must be acquainted

with many things and assuredly with rubbing" (Massage Therapy).

Hippocrates had an oath for Medical Doctors to take. I

personally feel that this oath is ignored often when it comes to

the use of Massage Therapy and other fine sources of alternative

health. One version of the Hippocratic oath is printed below if

you are interested in reading it. The first few lines of the

oath seem to be conveniently avoided or forgotten by many of

todays Physicians. I have asked many of my clients if their

physician has ever recommended they get a massage without being

asked about it specifically. Very few of them have ever told me

yes. I have had a few clients that asked their physician

specifically about the benefits of getting a massage in order to

help them with their specific condition or problem. My

experiennce has been that less than half of these people report

that they were ever told by their Physician to pursue treatment

by a Professional Massage Therapist. On the other side of the

argument, I have several Physicians and Nurses that are clients

of mine and they have told me that they often refer patients to

get Massages. Most of these Physicians and Nurses have told me

they feel the reason that their patients do not always pursue

their recommendation is because massage is seldom covered by

medical insurance. Over the past years there have been many

studies providing an abundance of proof that certain kinds of

massage therapy are very effective for treating many conditions

when used as either a primary or secondary type of care. Many

insurance companies have put an end to paying for massage

therapy because of a few massage therapists that have billed the

insurance companies for massages that were not considered the

appropriate type of massage for that patient or clients

particular condition. Insurance companies expect hard evidence

from clinical studies that have shown that a particular massage

modality or technique has helped with a specific condition,

before they want to reimburse anyone for it. I can't say that I

blame them for that because I would not want to pay for gasoline

if I was given a tank of water. Giving someone a simple

relaxation massage or Reiki treatment may be helpful, but isn't

necessarily the best type of massage treatment for someone with

a specific condition such as low back pain, frozen shoulder,

carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, lymph drainage, migraines, sciatica

and many other conditions. Whereas a professional Massage

Therapist with proper training in one or more of these areas

would be much more effective in treating a specific condition

that they have been trained for.

Most of todays society has been conditioned to believe that

drugs are the fastest and best way to get better. Our society

today wants and expects a drug or procedure that can be

prescribed and can quickly cure whatever is bothering them. I am

not against the use of medical drugs or Physicians. In fact I

highly recommend that you find a Physician who is knowledgeable

about the use of certain drugs and when it is appropriate to use

them. Find a Physician that will take the time to really listen

to you and explain what is wrong, what drugs or other treatment

or procedures you may need, and why it will be of benefit to

you. I say this because I have had several clients that have

come to see me about muscular pain that they have been having.

Muscular pain that they have often seen more than one Physician

or other professional about. These clients tell me that they

still have no idea what is wrong with them or why they have the

pain. Many of them come to see me as a last resort, because they

have exhausted all of their other options. I often ask what they

were told or how they were treated for the pain that they are

having. I often hear them reply that they were given a

prescription for some type of pain reliever and told to rest.

Most of these pain relievers will either help to relax the

muscles because of the effect on the central nervous system or

help to reduce inflammation. These pain relievers often help to

reduce pain and that is about it. What I have found with these

clients is that they have been taking pain relievers for a long

time and have tried many different therapies, rest, heat, cold,

traction, ultra sound, etc... without any lasting results. Many

of those treatments can be helpful for many people but do not

always solve the problem. Massage doesn't always solve the

problem either, but it has been my personal experience that many

of my clients have told me that it did do the trick for them and

that they are very thankful that they gave massage a try.

Sometimes, regardless of all they have tried, the pain continues

because the injury may have an excess of painful scar tissue or

keeps getting re-injured because of their daily activities. It

can even be because of swelling or tension in the muscle that

has caused a lack of blood flow to the area that causes it to

become ischemic (lack of blood flow). Blood flow is needed to

carry the cells that help to heal an area. Without good blood

flow it is unlikely to heal properly. Ischemic tissue may

collect toxins from the slow moving blood around it. Many of

those toxins cause trigger points to develop and cause pain in

the muscle.

So what can a professional Massage Therapist do that is

different for this type of muscular pain? The proper massage

given by a professional with knowledge of how to treat your

specific type of muscular pain may use friction and compression

to help reduce the amount of scar tissue in that area. Scar

tissue is not very flexible, but with massage it can be made to

be more flexible, thus reducing the amount of pain you may have

in that area. A good Massage therapist will be able to tell you

what muscle or muscles are likely to be causing your pain. They

should also be able to tell you what actions or movements these

muscles are responsible for making. This is important to know if

you need to rest the area, so that you do not re-injur it by

doing the same activities or movements that may have caused the

pain or aggravated an old injury. Massage will also help to

increase the blood flow in the affected area, allowing your own

blood to circulate better in the area of injury. This increase

in blood flow will carry cells that your body already uses to

heal injuries. These cells can then get to work on helping you

heal faster. The increase in blood flow will also help to carry

away any toxins from the affected area and help your body to

naturally dispose of them. In almost every case massage will

result in more flexibility, less formation of scar tissue, and

also help the area to heal properly.

So you see, pain relievers more often help to relieve the

symptoms and do not always treat the cause. Very few medical

drugs made will help your body to heal. They mostly cover up the

symptoms you are having. Although I have been told there are a

handful of drugs today that are used for specific conditions,

and I'm told that they can help the body to heal. Mostly they

are newer drugs and not commonly prescribed for everyday

conditions due to the expense and newness of them. Maybe in the

future we will have more medicines that will help the body heal

and can also be used on everyday conditions. But for now I

suggest that you have both a good Physician and a good Licensed

or Certified Massage Therapist on your side. Both that are

willing to work together to help you recover from whatever

conditions you may have. Your Massage Therapist as well as your

Physician should be willing to let you know if you have a

condition that requires someone else's expertise or a

combination of therapies and treatment. Massage is not always

appropriate for all conditions and Massage Therapists do not

diagnose or treat disease. Massage Therapists do not heal you

because they simply use their skills to help facilitate your own

bodies ability to heal itself. Massage therapists are not

Doctors, but a good Licensed or Certified Massage Therapist will

have the training and skills to know when it may be necessary to

refer you to see someone else.

Article by Dwayne Crandall, LMT Visit [http://www.massagevillage.com] for more original content like this. Reprinting this article is permitted with this footer included.

Shiatsu Massage Chairs Deliver a Full Body Massage at Home

You come home after a long day at work. You are tired, maybe a little stressed. Relaxing would be nice option or even better yet, how about a massage? Unfortunately, my house did not come with masseuse service. However, there is another option: A shiatsu massage chair. There is no appointment necessary, all you have to do is sit down, get comfortable, lean back, put the footrest up and push the start button. Ah, that feels great!

Massage chairs have come a long way over the years. The advance of electronics and mechanical systems has combined with massage techniques into the massage chair of today. You can find a robotic chair that is capable of massaging almost all parts of your body. These chairs can reach your neck, shoulders, back, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet and even your arms and hands. The best massage chairs have great technology to simulate many of the most beneficial massage techniques. Massage techniques such as a Shiatsu massage, Swedish massage or a Deep Tissue massage. These massage techniques have specific applications for your overall health and wellness.

For a truly technological marvel, the Montage Elite massage chair by Omega Massage, Inc. is an amazing machine. The Montage Elite brings sophisticated luxury with advanced technology giving you the healing benefits of a full body massage. The Montage Elite is equipped with full body heat. One can individually control the heat for the chair back, the seat and the footrest. Music is a great way to relax and the Montage has an MP3 player and headphones. There is a massage synchronization button that synchronizes the massage movements to the tempo of your music. Need a great foot massage? Look no further, the Montage Elite has a reflexology foot massage built into the footrest. Need to get stretched out a bit? Omega even included a lower body traction function that will stretch and elongate your lower body from the hips down.

The massage chair field is highly competitive and has major players such as Panasonic and Sanyo. Sanyo for instance has incorporated a technology to find your stress points throughout your back with the HEC-DR7700K. Sanyo has equipped the DR7700K with its GK roller system, which can reach out and touch you. These rollers are contained in the chair back and can extend forward to reach out and massage your neck and shoulders. The Sanyo shiatsu massage chair certainly a delightful and invigorating massage.

Panasonic has the EP-3222 provides a full body massage. This chair also has a lower body air massage with airbags built into the seat and footrest. The rollers provide a realistic massage with the Panasonic Swede-Atsu massage. The Swede-Atsu massage uses a blend of Swedish and Shiatsu massage which feels tremendously realistic. The Panasonic EP-3222 shiatsu chair can even memorize the settings you like for up to 3 different users. I can get used to a chair knowing what I like in a massage therapy!

The premier massage chairs built today integrate a multitude of capacities to provide relief in the areas you need most. Each advance of technology enables more and more realistic functions to be added to the chair. The shiatsu massage chairs is getting closer to simulating a skilled masseuse. These advanced chairs come remote controls allowing both manual and automatic controls. Pinpoint the massage to a trouble area on your back or choose an automatic massage and let the chair give you a vigorous total body massage.

There is a wide variety of massage chairs with many different features. You should take your time and educate yourself. It is important to know what types of massage therapy would be good for you. If you can, get out and try some massage chairs. Be sure the chair is comfortable to sit in. Try chairs from different massage chair brands. Invest a little time upfront to really find what is suitable for your needs. A shiatsu massage chair is an investment in your health and relaxation. Find the right chair for your needs. Then you can enjoy a full body massage in the privacy and comfort of your home.

Steve has tremendous expertise with Massage Chairs and knows the top brands and the premier Massage Chair Comparison models on the market today. Steve's Website Massage Unlimited carries the top brands on the market.

Massage Training in the 21st Century

Find Massage Training in the United States and Canada. While massage therapy has an age-old history, massage training today has taken this healing art to a whole new level by integrating a variety of bodywork modalities to meet growing health demands of people from all walks of life.

In addition to basic massage training, students enrolled in one of several massage therapy schools gain essential skills and knowledge to compete in the increasingly growing job market. Today, it is not unusual for students to learn fundamental theories and principles of the art, in addition to hands-on training in sports massage, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. Likewise, students enrolled in a massage training program will begin to comprehend kinesiology and the application, thereof. Advanced massage training courses often include natural health concepts, herbology, aromatherapy, nutrition, and progressive massage techniques.

Though a great number of massage training programs involve at least 300 class and clinical hours, more and more healing arts schools are beginning to present more in-depth training options, entailing upwards of 1,000 hours or more. In cases such as these, students will qualify for state certification and national certification as well.

One can expect to encounter a vast assortment of practical massage training classes as diverse as their names imply. For example, Tuina is a Chinese medical massage that integrates meridian therapy into bodywork. This massage training is commonly taught at Oriental medicine schools, as well at a number of massage schools.

It is no longer uncommon for major sports teams to have a sports massage therapist at the ready, so if you’re interested in helping athletes, specialized massage training in sports massage may be ideal for this career goal. Other fascinating massage training options that may be of interest include animal and equine massage. Since public opinion for natural healing techniques has favorably shifted in recent years, more pet and horse owners are turning to animal/equine massage as a non-invasive alternative for common musculoskeletal disorders and conditions.

The growing trend of combining mind, body and spirit medicine has become quite the phenomenon. For instance, students wanting to become entrepreneurs in the field will find that many massage training programs now carry extra education in spa and salon management. Common massage training classes in these programs entail aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage, spa and salon management fundamentals, essential oils, body wraps, facials, holistic skin care treatments; and an assortment of bodywork methods including facial massage, craniosacral therapy, hand massage, Swedish and Thai massage, as well as other related practices.

Overall, massage training is the modern complement to both conventional and alternative medicine and is quickly gaining leeway in the educational industry. In many cases, students who qualify may apply for financial aid programs and other scholarship options that are now afforded through a number of accredited massage colleges and schools. Once candidates have successfully completed all massage training and education, they have an assortment of work settings from which to choose – whether on the playing field, on the horse track, in a primary care clinic or on a sea-faring cruiser, massage therapists can enjoy both professional and personal rewards of the trade.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage training, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Massage Training in the 21st Century
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Training, Massage Schools, and other Natural Health Schools.

Ripple Massage - Baby and Infant Massage

Benefits of Infant Massage

o Massage releases both oxytocin and endorphins and therefore can assist in relieving discomfort from teething, congestion, colic and emotional stress.

o The abdominal stroking you will learn today can help relieve and prevent colic in babies.

o Some babies will sleep for longer periods of time following a massage (similar to adults experiencing sleepiness after relaxing Swedish style massage).

o Touch is a basic human need, like eating or drinking, and massage when done correctly can provide a reassuring and nurturing touch to infants.

o Aids growth

o Enhances the bonding process between parent and child

o Enhances body awareness and ability to say no to people touching their body.

Tips for Infant Massage

o Ensure before starting the massage that it's a good time for you and your baby. If your baby is very resistant to massage, stop and try again at another time.

o Do not massage infants less than 5 months in conjunction with bath time. This will be too stimulating for the infant, try to space these activities apart.

o There is no need to watch the clock. Let the massage go for as long as you and your baby are happy doing it, this could be two minutes it could be thirty. Go by your intuition. If you can see that your baby has had enough, stop. Allow your baby to say "no" to you and perhaps try again later that day or next day.

o Always begin by massaging the legs. This is a good way to introduce your touch to them.

o Use long firm strokes. Light feathery strokes can be irritating, just as they are for most adults.

o Never massage your baby while he/she is crying. (The only exception for this should be with colic and painful gas). Any arm movements going in and out from the chest indicate that you should stop the massage.

o Do not use normal massage blends with aromatherapy oils as these will be too strong for your baby. Ripple has a special infants and babies blend that is safe to use.

o Always use natural based oil such as sweet almond, never baby oil or other petroleum based products. These will nurture and nourish your baby's skin as well as providing the "slip" needed to massage gently. Olive oil is too rich and thick to be effective.

Contraindications for Massage

o Open or weeping wounds

o Infected skin irritations

o Fractures or other acute injuries

o Bleeding

o No massage over an unhealed navel

o Burns, including sun burn

o Undiagnosed lumps

o No abdominal massage if the infant has hiccups or has just been fed

The Massage

Choose a room that is warm and draft-free where you can sit on the floor or a bed with the baby in front of you on a padded pillow or blanket. Choose a moment in which you and your child are relaxed and calm. A half hour after the baby has eaten is recommended.

Take a few deep breaths to relax before you begin. Stretch and shake the tension from your body. Feel free to speak to your baby, do not inhibit yourself.

If the baby wants to change position let them do so. Do not force your baby to keep a position; you can go back to these areas later

Make sure your hands are clean and warm, remove jewelry and be sure to rub in a way that your nails don't scratch the baby's skin.

Warm the oil in your hands, enough to allow you to easily let your hands flow on the infant's skin. Begin with the legs and feet using slow gentle strokes. If your baby avoids your gaze, looks away or splays her fingers or toes your touch maybe too firm. If your baby clenches her fists in front of her chest she is not ready to be massaged there. Observe your baby's body language.

Start at the thighs and use long strokes down the legs to the feet. Think of the massage as a gentle, warm communication. Go slowly at the beginning so your baby can get used to the new sensations gradually. Stop if your baby cries.

"Milking". Start at the top of the thigh and very gently squeezing the leg in a milking motion down to the heel. Reverse and go back up the leg. Try to be symmetrical in your massage, repeat on opposite leg the same number of times.

On the sole of her foot, use a thumb-over-thumb motion to massage from heel to toes. Use your whole hand to stroke the bottom of her foot from heel to toes. Stroke the top of her foot. Gently squeeze and pull each toe. Massage around her ankle using small circles.

Stomach - Note: Avoid massaging tummy if the cord hasn't completely healed. Massage gently in clockwise direction (this is important to follow the colon and large intestine). This will help expel gas and help with colic. Follow up with small circles with your finger tips in a similar clock wise direction.

Walk your fingers around her navel, clockwise.

Hold knees and feet together and gently press knees up toward her abdomen. Rotate baby's hips around a few times to the right. (This often helps expel gas.) Place hand on tummy horizontally and rock your hand from side to side a few times.

Chest- With both hands together at the center of your baby's chest, push out to the sides, following the rib cage, as if smoothing out the pages of a book. Without lifting your hands from your baby's body, bring them around in a heart-shaped motion to the center again.

Arms - do some long strokes from the shoulder down the arms and to the palms. This is a shiatsu stroke often used on infants and is very relaxing. Hold her wrist with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape around baby's upper arm; stroke from her shoulder down to her wrist. Massage her palm, moving thumb over thumb from heel of her hand to her fingers.

Face - With your thumbs, stroke across the upper lip and then across the lower lip and into the cheek as if drawing a smile on your baby's face. This helps soothe the muscles used for sucking Cradling your baby's head in both hands, massage the scalp with your fingertips, as if you're shampooing. (Avoid the fontanel, the soft spot on top of baby's head.) Massage her ears between your thumb and index finger.

Trace a heart shape on your baby's face, bringing your hands together at the chin. Place your thumbs between your baby's eyebrows, and stroke out. Again with your thumbs, stroke gently out over baby's closed eyelids. Stroke from the bridge of the nose out over the cheeks. Using your fingertips, massage the jaw in small circle

Back - Place baby on tummy horizontally in front of you, or lay her across your outstretched legs. Keep her hands in front of her, not at her sides. With both of your hands on baby's back, move each hand back and forth (keeping them going in opposite directions) from the base of the neck to her buttocks. Hold your baby's buttocks with one hand and use the other to stroke down from her neck to her buttocks.

Using your fingertips, massage in small circles down one side of baby's spine and up the other. Avoid pressing on her spine directly. Massage her shoulders with small circular motions. Massage her buttocks with big circular motions. Holding your fingers like a rake, stroke down her back.

Pregnancy Massage is also a great way to look after both the baby and mother before birth, both physically (sore back and swollen feet of the mother) and emotionally (reducing stress and tiredness).

Alison Shaw is the owner of Ripple Massage and fully qualified remedial and pregnancy massage therapist. More details at http://www.ripplemassage.com.au or contact info@ripplemassage.com.au

Massage Therapy Schools - What Are They All About

Massage therapy schools can prepare you for becoming a member of the growing industry of healthcare providers, in a relatively lucrative, interesting, and varied field. But, what are massage therapy schools all about? You will be wise to do some research about massage therapy, massage therapy schools, and massage therapy educational programs before enrolling in a school or a course of study to learn this trade.

A solid massage therapy education may begin in a local vocational or technical school or community college, or you can take the plunge and attend one of the many massage therapy schools that devote all their energies to developing specialists in the field.

There are various types of massage and varying degrees of education to be realized in massage therapy education programs. The type of massage taught by an individual massage therapy school will depend on the fundamental orientation of that school. As a rule, massage focuses on relaxation of muscle and connective tissue to promote physical recovery from stress or injury. The Eastern approach to massage therapy, however, integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health through massage for the specific purpose of promoting wellbeing of the total human being.

Many massage school programs are quite basic, teaching methods of applying pressure, manipulating, and moving muscle tissue, soft tissue, and ligaments of clients to invoke relaxation with the use of gentle, medium, or intense touch. Massage done simply for relaxation or energizing a client is not considered to be true massage therapy, but simply massage.

True massage therapy is medical massage performed by a thoroughly trained practitioner who applies specialized techniques for effecting medical health benefits. Medical massage schools are often found in medical schools or four-year colleges and universities that contain specialized medical massage education programs.

Specialization in massage can actually take more than 80 different approaches! Schools that focus on Eastern approaches to massage teach the promotion of total body and mental and spiritual health and wellness. Massage therapy schools of this sort generally teach much more than massage techniques for promoting relaxation. Eastern massage therapy can incorporate herbal medicine, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, reflexology, acupressure, and many more variations of massage that induce beneficial mental and spiritual responses.

Swedish massage is a form of deep tissue massage that uses exaggerated strokes that may extend the length of the back, arm, or leg. Sports massage and neuromuscular massage are additional approaches to massage therapy that promote healing of injury or reduction of pain. Massage therapists often specialize in different modalities that require variations of techniques, such as quick, percussion-like strokes with cupped or closed hands, hour-long full body massage, or short five- or ten-minute neck or scalp massage.

The field of massage therapy is wide open. You can choose to become master of your own small operation, to work in a local gym, to work for an athletic organization, or to provide massage therapy in corporate offices, or to work in a luxury spa, an exotic resort, or on a cruise ship.

The type of massage you give depends on the type of client you choose to serve. The client's needs and physical condition are the key to the choices you make in this professional field. You can choose to specialize your practice to serve the elderly, athletes, those with physical injuries, or those who are simply seeking relaxation. There are also specialized forms of massage intended solely for prenatal patients or infants.

Whatever style of massage or massage therapy you choose to undertake, a session begins by conducting an informal interview with the client to determine medical history and the desired results. The therapist decides which techniques will be most beneficial to each client. Objectives, ailments, medical history, and stress or pain will determine the type of massage to employ.

Whatever you decide is the best type of approach to meet your goals, you can begin with a basic course to get started in the massage therapy business. Once you are established and have determined your long-term ambitions, you can on to a more in-depth program of study as you progress in your profession. This is a good approach if you are uncertain as to whether massage therapy is the ideal occupation for you.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Schools and even Online Massage Therapy Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Natural Healing Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Alternative Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

When To Choose Massage Therapy As Primary Health Care Modality

When would someone choose massage therapy as a remedial therapeutic healing modality?

The intent of this article is to provide insights to consumers when choosing a health provider. When is it appropriate to choose massage therapy. My motives are to market my clnic because I am a massage therapist, and partly to be helpful because the public doesn't know what services massage therapists provide. I also wish to take the burden off physicians, chiropractors, and physiotherapists who are being overtaxed for their services for some treatments which can best be perfomed by massage therapists.

When is it appropriate to go to the massage therapist?

For most muscular and joint aches and pains.

Some doctors don't think of massage therapy as a healing modality when they have a patient come into their office who may have other more serious symptoms.

Massage therapy has been shown to be beneficial in treating injuries which result from trauma, surgery, or workplace and vehicle accidents. The rehabilitation protocol for restoring full range of motion and strength to muscles and joints is practiced by qualified therapeutic massage therapists. Massage therapists have thorough training in assessment of muscle and joint imbalances and can successfully treat these dysfunctions and restrictions.

Massage therapy has its place in the healing forum. So How to Choose?

There are some healing techniques which physiotherapy performs better and some which massage therapy performs better.

How will you know which treatment is better at the time of rehabilitation? Massage therapy or physiotherapy?

Ask your local professional massage therapist and physiotherapist for a description of their different treatments.Then you can make an informed choice.

How will you know which treatment is for you?

It's sometimes difficult to decide. So trusting your professionals requries asking some questions!

Sometimes it comes down to training and experience with your particular condition!

Ask your health provider whether they've treated this condition before and what the results were.

Why should a consumer choose massage therapy as a healing modality?

Because it is a scientifically proven method of healing. Because it is established fact that massage therapies

are capable of providing relief from pain, relieving the patient of symptoms which either restrict movement

or limit range of motion of a particular extremity or body part. Because massage therapies are capable of restorative and maintenance functions in sustaining wellness. Because massage therapists are capable to treat patients in acute, sub-acute, and chronic stages of injury and healing. Because some massage therapists are trained in various modalities of hydrotherapy treatments which complement massage therapy and can be used integrally.

The health consumer's choice of healing modality depends on many variables.

The three most important factors which I will focus on are:

1. Time spent between the healer and the patient.

How much time does it take you to tell your health provider about your complete medical history?

Fifteen minutes!

Doctors, chiropractors, physiotheraists, massage therapists; all ask approximately the same questions, but each specialist goes about it with different means yet with the desire to achieve the same goal: to restore the patient to a state of health, balance or equilibrium.

Because of the ways in which doctors and chiropractors are paid, by billing the medical health authorities, contributes to the length of time which they spend with the patient: statistically an average of ten(10) minutes per patient. The massage therapist, on the other hand, is not paid by the provincial health authorities, but usually contracts with their patients for periods of a half-hour or hour appointments. These are either paid in cash or billed to a group insurance plan which covers massage therapies. It's not that they work by the hour, or for an hourly rate, but the therapist books that time slot with the patient to allow the necessary time for appropriate and adequate assessment and treatments. The patient pays for the therapist's training and expertise and for their manipulations, mobilizations, and other corrective techniques.

2. Determination of the most appropriate modality of healing for a particular condition, ailment, or pathology.

Another important feature in selecting a healing option is the determination of what type of healer is best suited for a particular type of dysfunction.Because each specialist has their different protocols, each will have a different set of ojbectives and tools with which to work.

a)The doctor examines the body from a systemic approach, examining the skin, circulation, respiration, eye/ear/nose complex, digestion, etc., reduces the symptoms to a limited number of likely pathologies, then prescribes appropriate medications which will help to eliminate pain and relieve symptoms, and hopefully restore systemic homeostasis or equilibrium. " If the pain persists past a week, come back and see me", is the common refrain. With a return visit the physician then proceed to perform a more lengthy and detailed examination and testing until a more particular diagnosis is obtained and a more specific prescription of medications can be given.

b)The chiropractor will manipulate the spine or joints to restore neurological functioning by re-aligning vertebrae which were subluxated, and restoring nutritional and circulatory pathways to the body parts being served by those spinal nerve roots. They will assess muscle texture abnormalities before and after manipulations to determine whether the treatments have been effective.

c)The massage therapist will ,like the doctors and chiropractors, take a detailed medical patient history, eliminate possible pathologies which the patient is known to have and claims to not have, performs assessment of joints and muscles to ascertain restrictions; utilizes deep tissue and peripheral joint manipulations as well as active and passive stretches and neural inhibition and stimulation techniques to help restore bilateral symmetry and restore tissue texture normality.

The massage therapist have their place in the medical professional community of healing. Their focus is both systemic and specific. It specializes upon the musculo-skeletal aspect of the patient but not excluding the other aspects which the doctor or chiropractor takes into consideration when assessing the patient. The massage therapist includes the medical pathologies which the patient reports into their patient history. The massage therapist takes into consideration the spinal and neurological dysfunctions which may be reported by the patient when assessing the patient and setting up a treatment protocol. The massage therapist then proceeds to perform a series of visual and palpatory examination of muscles and joints mobilizations and range of motions to discover restrictions and asymmetries, which many times are the causes of the aches or pains and the consequences of hypertonic muscles, restricted joints, or weak muscles having either a muscular or a neurological cause or origin. The massage therapist is capable through a range of techniques to restore normal resting tone and function to the muscles and joints while providing the patient with appropriate stretching and strenghening of muscles which are involved.

3. Cost of treatment or service to consumer

The method of billing and payment determines to a large extent when a consumer will choose their healing modality. The cost to the health consumer of the visit to the doctor is hidden in the provincial tax structure. The health consumer also gets a fixed nunmber of 'free' visits to the chiropractor with a 'topping-up' fee which chiropractors charge without which they would not be able to operate their clinics profitably. The massage therapist charges between $40.00 and $60.00 for consulation, assessment, and treatments which usually take between a half-hour to an hour, averaging 45 minutes.

This cost is borne by the patient and/or partially subsidized by a personal group insurance plan. Some of these plans such as Blue Cross, or Great West Life, Sun LIfe, Mutual Life, cover from 80%-100% of massage therapy treatments if covered in their particular employee plans.

The big difference in choosing a healing modality comes when one is involved in a motor vehicle accident"MVA".

In Manitoba only chiropractors and physiotherapists are able to obtain coverage for patients from either Autopac or

Workers Compensation in the event of a workplace injury. Therefore it is cheaper, much cheaper to visit a chiropractor or physiotherapist in these instances.

Therefore most of patients involved in these types of injuries choose the physiotherapy or chiropractic healing modality when in many instances massage and hydrotherapies would be beneficial in assisting healing and shorten the healing time with restrictions to muscles and limited range of motions to joints.

STANDARDS FOR MASSAGE THERAPISTS AND REGULATION OF THE MEMBERSHIP

In Manitoba massage therapists may work professionally once they belong to an association and obtain the appropriate licenses and permits which vary between municipalities and urban jurisdictions.

The minimum requirement in rural Manitoba is membership to an association. The three main associations which regulate massage therapists vary as to their requirements for membership. The London County Society of Physiologists and the Massage Therapists of Manitoba both require a 2200 hour course to qualify for their membership. The Association of Massage Therapists and Wholistic Practitioners requires a minimum 1000 hour course to qualify for membership.

The City of Winnipeg recognizes this minimum standard and provides licenses to massage therapists with this level of training.

Any complaints about professional conduct can be reported to the various associations and the discipline which will be enforced varies between associations. At the time of writing of this article there is not a provincial standard for massage therapists and there doesn't exist the political will at this time to enforce one.

There exists a national body which is attempting to consolidate the various provincial massage associations and the federal government has indicated that there is a desire federally to institute a national standard within the near future to allow for the movement of labour interprovincially. Currently a massage therapist may operate with a 400 hour course in Quebec, a 1000 hour course in Manitoba, and a 3000 hour course in British Colombia.

The standard will probably become the 2200 hour course nationally which approximates a two year full time or three year part-time curriculum.

So how does a health consumer know how to recognize the qualifications of a massage therapist in Manitoba:

Only by asking individual professionals with which association they are affiliated and what length of course have they achieved.

Roger Fontaine is a registered massage therapist who is operating a massage clinic offering therapeutic and stress-reduction table services and mobile service for chair massage in the workplace for special events, fundraisers, tournaments, celebrations, and any other function which requires a unique special feature. I have been operating at Shapes Fitness Centre at 12-1150 Nairn Avenue in Elmwood Winnipeg since 2004, previously having operated a home residential clinic since 1999.

WHEN TO CHOOSE MASSAGE THERAPY AS A HEALING MODALITY?
by Roger Fontaine, B.A., r.m.t.
http://www.healingmassage.ca/
204-799-3663

Massage Tools Gives Soothing, Relaxing Benefits - Right At Home

Now you can enjoy great spa-like benefits of massage tools all from the comfort of your home. Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years all over the world. Health improving and stress reducing benefits of massage therapy are many.

Scientific studies and research on massage therapy continues to prove massage temporarily increases circulation and oxygenation, frees lactic acid and toxins from the cells, soothes and warms muscles and soft tissues, relieves physical and emotional stress, and helps in injury recovery. With so many benefits, massage tools are a great way to promote and improve health.

If you've ever been to a massage therapy professional, you know how wonderful you feel after a massage. Daily tension and stress can be removed in just minutes with a good massage. Back pain, stiff joints, and neck pain all are all soothed by a good massage.

Going to a spa or a massage therapist regulars is not possible for most of us. Daily commitments and hectic schedules just don't allow the luxury of daily massage. You can now bring it all home and enjoy the benefits of massage whenever you please.

Advances in technology, and design now gives you the chance to get professional massage results right from the comfort of your home. From a full body massage to a more specific hand held massager, you can now get all the benefits of professional quality massage tools at home.

Improvements in technology now give you the ability to have massage tools to give you the massage you want. Shiatsu, compressions, kneading, rolling, and tapping massages are all available. Soothe away back pain, relieve tired aching feet, or get relief from your sore stiff neck...all right from home.

Massage chairs, neck massagers, foot massagers, and hand held massagers are all available for home use. The good news is that you can get high performance professional results from these great massage tools.

Don't hesitate to investigate the world of home massage tools. Reduce tension, relieve stress, and rejuvenate your body all within minutes with these professional massage tools

Specialty retail stores are a good place to shop for massage equipment. You'll find total body massage chairs with a variety of types of massage, neck massagers, foot massagers and hand held massagers all designed to give you luxurious massages at home. No longer do you have to dream about getting a great relaxing massage...just go home and turn on your massager.

[http://www.brookstone.com/store/category.asp?wid=17&cid=1702] Janet Smith, Freelance Copywriter

Your Direct Mail & Online Copywriting & Consulting Solution

janet@writersforyou.com.tld

Careers in Massage Today

Explore Careers in Massage in the United States and Canada. Today, careers in massage are expected to grow faster than average so occupational outlook is very promising. However, before you decide to pursue careers in massage, it is equally important to acquire the appropriate education and training in order to fulfill individual State/Province requirements for certification and/or licensure to practice.

Why careers in massage?

For starters, the ancient healing art of massage therapy is broadly used as a complementary medicine throughout the world. Besides its healing attributes, massage therapy is proven to relax and revitalize tired muscles and enhance overall wellbeing. In addition, there are well over 80 types of massage modalities in which one can specialize; so the field is wide open to prospective massage therapists desiring certification in more than just one particular therapy.

As an example, typical careers in massage are available to those who have completed a minimum of 300 hours in basic education (anatomy, physiology, pathology); and training in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage. However, to become Nationally certified, and to acquire more advanced careers in massage therapy, candidates seek courses that offer a minimal 500 hours training, in addition to specialty instruction in more massage modalities like acupressure, Trigger Point, craniosacral therapy, and the like.

What modalities are taught for careers in massage?

That depends on the healing arts school or massage school in which you enroll. While the vast majority of massage institutes offer general training in the top three modalities (aforementioned), a growing number of careers in massage therapy require professionals to expand on client services; thus, educational programs have begun offering a greater variety of modalities. Some of the many massage techniques offered to students pursuing careers in massage include animal massage (canine/equine massage), infant massage, prenatal massage, geriatric massage, chair massage, Tuina, Thai massage, reflexology, Trager therapy, Esalen massage, cancer massage, lymphatic drainage massage, and meridian therapy, among others.

Is learning other therapies beneficial for careers in massage?

One of the great aspects of acquiring a massage education is that many training opportunities exist at healing arts schools; aside from traditional massage instruction. For example, a number of holistic schools also provide training in kinesiology (muscle testing), energy healing (Reiki, chakra balancing, etc.), nutritional counseling, holistic skin care and nutrition, and other relevant subject matter. Of course the more you learn the better chances for your professional success.

Are careers in massage limited to massage therapy clinics?

Definitely not. Today, certified massage therapists work in hospitals, nursing homes, primary healthcare facilities, aboard cruise liners, resorts, sporting/athletic facilities, physical therapy offices, airports, day spas and other health and wellness clinics.

What earnings do careers in massage produce?

Though income varies according to education, experience and environment; professional massage therapists have the potential to earn over $30 hourly; in addition to gratuities.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in careers in massage, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Careers in Massage Today
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Careers in Massage, Massage Therapy Schools, and other Studies.

Schools of Massage Today

Find Schools of Massage in the United States and Canada. With the many varieties of massage therapy available today, schools of massage offer prospective students healthcare career training for the 21st century. Depending on particular interests, applicants can select courses from training in acupressure to Trigger Point therapy.

In addition to "human" bodywork, schools of massage will sometimes offer specialized training in animal massage and equine massage. These therapeutic programs are usually taught as electives, continuing education or as stand-alone courses for aspiring vet technicians.

Practical instruction in most schools of massage includes base education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and sometimes CPR and first aid. The differences in curricula vary from school to school, but most schools of massage follow standard educational guidelines to meet academic requirements for certification. In most cases, you will find that training hours range between 300 and 500; but may surpass 1,000 training hours.

Some of the many massage modalities that are taught in schools of massage include Chinese medical massage (Tuina), deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, esalen massage, reflexology, geriatric massage, infant and prenatal massage, lymphatic drainage massage, cancer massage, and Trager therapy, among several others.

While most schools of massage provide core training to become certified massage therapists, a number of massage institutes afford extensive training that enable graduates to take and pass the National certification exam through the NCTBMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork). To be eligible for National certification, graduates must have completed a minimum of 500 hours training in massage therapy. As well, schools of massage may offer associate degree programs in massage therapy (i.e., Associates of Occupational Studies Degree in Massage Therapy).

Introducing students to a broad assortment of massage modalities like medical massage, craniosacral therapy, and meridian therapy; additional studies that are offered at schools of massage include healing arts in vibrational healing, energy healing (Reiki), hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and herbal applications, among others. Whichever educational route you take in massage therapy, rest assured that the majority of schools of massage programs can be completed in under a year's time.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding schools of massage let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Schools of Massage Today
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Schools of Massage, Massage Colleges and Universities, and other Programs.

Product Review of the Omega Montage Elite Massage Chair

If you are looking for a massage chair, then finding relevant information regarding potential shiatsu chair candidates is important. Reviews and evaluations can point out the relevant aspects of each product. To assist potential purchaser researching massage chairs, we evaluate 5 key categories which include Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. Each category is worth up to 20 points. All points are added up to give a total score based on the 5 categories. A disciplined, systematic approach takes out bias and presents facts. We review the Luxury range of $4,000 to $5,000 and feature the Omega Montage Elite massage chair.

Warranty & Customer Service: Warranty and customer service come from the company that makes the massage chair. A warranty protects the customer and customer service must rectify issues one may have. With the Montage Elite, Omega Massage covers 5 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, 3 years labor and 90 days in-home service. Additionally, Omega has 1 year covering shipping. Omega provides a more comprehensive warranty well above the other manufacturers in this category. Omega only covers 90 days in-home versus others with 1 year. With this exception, Omega provides strong warranty coverage. On the customer service side, Omega overall is responsive and competent with minimal turnaround times. The Montage Elite is an 18 in Warranty & Customer.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Comfort and ergonomics are important design characteristic with a shiatsu massage chair. Omega designed the Montage Elite for comfort and relaxation. This shiatsu lounger is wheel chair accessible accommodating those that may have trouble getting in and out of the chair. Omega included the first wireless remote control with a lanyard allowing users to not have to get up to change the controls. The Montage Elite can accommodate taller users up to 6' 6" allowing most North Americans to fit in the chair. The comfort and fit of this shiatsu lounger is very good. Omega has accommodated many important ergonomics into this massage recliner. The Montage Elite is a 19 in Comfort & Ergonomics.

East of Use: Massage Chair manufacturers are building in more technology and features into their chairs. Users need to be able to quickly, easily and intuitively understand how to use of a product. The Montage Elite has many advanced features and many manual options. The main remote control has 5 auto programs and a wheel button for adjusting the footrest and chair back. This remote is fairly intuitive. The wireless remote is a distilled version of the main remote and is simple in design and allows for virtually all the controls of the massage. The only significant exception is the air pressure on the lower body can only be adjusted from the main remote. Like most main remotes, a side panel contains many manual controls including manual massages and adjustments to the lower body air system. The wireless remote is compact, convenient and now a must have. The Montage Elite is a 19 in Ease of Use.

Key Features: The most prominent features of the Omega Montage Elite are the Lower Body Traction and Footflex Reflexology foot massage. Omega built in a traction function to gently stretch out your lower back, hips, knees and ankles. The footrest is raised horizontally; the air system activates to hold your ankles and then lowers successively to 3 positions. As the footrest lowers your muscles and tendons are stretched throughout the lower body. The Footflex reflexology uses airbags to hold and gently squeeze your foot at the arch and the heel at your reflexology points. Omega has brought the lower body air massages up to par with the back massage technology. Omega has a thorough array of massage for the back, neck, shoulders and base of the skull. The Montage Elite is a 19 in Key Features.

Massage Therapy: The Montage Elite has both automatic and manual massage settings. Omega incorporates 5 full body automatic courses, 4 manual massage courses, and 4 massage speed settings for a total combination of 64 manual massage courses. The manual massage techniques include Kneading, Tapping, Finger Press, and Kneading & Tapping (Shiatsu). The kneading and tapping speeds can be individually control in the shiatsu technique. For instance, you can have slow kneading combined with fast tapping or vice-versa in 8 combinations. The lower body massage of this shiatsu massage chair is thorough and invigorating. Activating the lower body traction with the full lower body massage and full back massage can only be topped with the music-massage synchronization function. The Montage Elite is a full body therapy and relaxation machine providing a full sensory experience. The Montage Elite massage chair is a 20 in Massage Therapy.

We just reviewed 5 categories ranging from warranty to features to ergonomics. How does the Omega Montage Elite Score? Based on the 5 categories the total score for the Omega Montage Elite is a 95/100. The Montage Elite provides a thorough, comprehensive and full body massage therapy. The technology and simplicity of this shiatsu massage chair is what the luxury category is all about. Omega has one of the strongest warranties providing protection for the customer. The Montage Elite has brought all elements from music to foot massage to lower body traction into a wide range of massage therapies and sensory experiences. If you are looking at a luxury class massage chair, the Montage Elite is of the strongest contenders.

Searching for the Best Massage Chair to exceed your expectations? See articles, reviews and more about the premier massage chair brands like Sanyo and Panasonic. Find the Montage Elite Massage Chair by Omega.

Massage Lessons - Become A Massage Therapist

It is time to say goodbye to drugs and their side effects. Massage therapy is one of the easiest ways to relieve physical and psychological stress off the body. Now, one could beat their stress and tension with a gentle stroking of hands on their back and their heads. Practiced by certified and licensed Massage therapists, massage therapy is getting to be very popular amongst people.

How does one acquire knowledge about Massage Therapy?

One can take Massage Lessons from a variety of sources. Massage Lessons are important for people to understand different massage techniques to be applied on the recipient of the massage. Though, massage is performed by the massage therapists with their hands, body posture of the recipient and finger positioning of the massage therapist is extremely critical to the massaging process. Individuals can gain knowledge about Massage Therapy by taking an online course on Massage therapy. Individuals also have the option of learning massage therapy by attending massage schools. For people who do not have time at their disposal, attending massage workshops is an option.

What are subjects covered in Massage Lessons?

Human anatomy and Physiology - Prospective massage therapists need to understand the human anatomy as one needs to know the reaction of a part of a body when massage is performed. The same massage technique cannot be applied to different parts of the body which emphasizes the importance of people understanding human anatomy.



Different Massage Therapies - There are many massage therapies like - Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Lomi Lomi etc. Having knowledge of these massage therapies works to the advantage of massage therapist in catering to a wide range of clients offering a wide range of services.



Finger-positioning - Finger positioning is extremely important for a massage which meets the recipient's expectations. While most massages are performed utilizing all the fingers of both the hands on the recipient's body, some require the application of force by some of the fingers. Understanding finger-positioning for different massage therapies is extremely important for the massage therapist as a wrong finger positioning technique used in massage therapy may cause damage to the client.


Massage Therapy is a legal service with as many as 37 states in the United States of America mandating statutes for Massage Therapy. Massage therapists observe a lot of care in administering massages to the recipients as any untoward damage caused to the recipient's body may hold them liable for punitive consequences.

Though, one can learn massage therapies off online and classroom courses, education in massage therapy does not stop with a certification. Prospective Massage Therapists need to ensure that they practice the massage therapies for them to get complete expertise in this art.

Massage Therapy is an art. For one to perform this art, skills need to be acquired. One can learn about Massage Therapy by taking massage lessons from massage schools.

Scott Elliott owns and operates http://www.massage-lessons.com Massage Lessons

The Shocking Truth About Widespread Injuries To Massage Therapists

English Massage Therapist Saves Careers

In a recent survey conducted by English Massage therapist and trainer Gerry Pyves, a startling statistic was revealed:

'88% of Massage Practitioners who have been practising for more than two years and massage 5 or more clients a week indicated that they could be suffering from injury.'

Even more worrying to the Massage profession was the finding that:

'98% of Massage Therapists who have been practising for 10 years or more and massage 10 or more clients a week indicated that they could be suffering from injury.'

Gerry was prompted to create this survey after his own Massage career nearly came to a premature end when he sustained severe hand and wrists injuries caused through Massaging his clients. These injuries led him to create an alternative form of Massage known as NO HANDS® Massage that does not rely on the hands and wrists to create deep invigorating massage strokes. This saved his Massage career, after which he began to teach what he had discovered to other bodyworkers so that they never had to endure the type of injuries that could prematurely end their Massage career.

In the last 15 years Gerry has taught hundreds of therapists how to avoid injury caused by repetitive Massage. In the months of February and March 2007 he personally taught NO HANDS Massage to over 350 therapists in the UK - a record number. He also teaches regularly in Taiwan where he has featured on national television news.

In order to alert the Massage profession to the dangers they face and how to save their careers, Gerry has written the book 'Protect Your Massage Career'. This ground breaking book presents the findings of the survey he conducted amongst Massage therapists. He proves that there is a very real threat of injury to every Massage therapist.

Gerry explains the 'Seven Stages of Injury' model - from Stage One where little or no discernible symptoms are felt, to Stage Seven - permanent career-ending disability. He reveals strategies that can be used to prevent therapists reaching Stage Seven.

What surprises and concerns Gerry is how few Massage training schools alert their students to the injury dangers and how to avoid them.

In today's compensation-culture society the book looks into the legal responsibilities of Massage employers and training schools. Already there has been a landmark case brought against Virgin Airlines by a person employed to massage air passengers. The court was told that her repetitive strain injuries were caused by the ' abnormal posture' of doing the massage on seated clients and doing it too frequently.

Virgin Atlantic admitted it was at fault for failing to assess the perils involved and Mr Justice Tugendhat ordered it to pay the employee £109,252 for loss of earnings, pain and suffering, plus costs.

The firm has also paid £26,000 in an out-of-court settlement to another injured beauty therapist.

How has the situation come about where so many Massage therapists find themselves injured? Gerry traces the historical development of Swedish massage. His research finds that the person credited with founding the Massage that became known as 'Swedish Massage', Per Henrik Ling, used Massage as part of a holistic therapeutic approach. He rarely Massaged his clients for more than a few minutes at a time. This meant that his hands and wrists never received prolonged repetitive pressure. Gerry's conclusion is that therapists were never meant to use the traditional Swedish massage techniques for extended periods of time.

The 'Protect Your Massage Career' book is a part of the 'Let Your Massage Fly!' ebook trilogy. The other two volumes in the series are 'Building a Successful Practice! - a guide to building a Massage Practice - and 'Massage in the Workplace' a short book that therapists can give to their clients as a way to promote their business.

The books are available as downloadable PDF files from the website:

http://www.letyourmassagefly.com

For further information about Gerry's NO HANDS Massage Company go to:

http://www.nohandsmassage.com

The books are published by Shi'Zen publications:

PO Box 57, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 6WW, UK.

Tel: 0870 24 30 876 Email: enquiries@shizen.com

Gerry can be contacted at: gerrypyves@nohandsmassage.com

Massage School Opens A Million Dollar Career for A Therapist

Massage Parlors and Spa are common. People go there for medical massage and also for relaxation. You may consider it's a luxury but it has therapeutic value. This chain of massage parlors can bring a truck load of money for an owner.

A certificate from a recognized massage school is helpful to launch a successful career in this career option. Professionally trained massage therapists are given a license, which allow them to practice anywhere in the world. You can take the course not only from massage school but from community colleges. It is not at all difficult to locate a massage school in your locality.

Massage is a natural healing technique which is being practiced by humanity irrespective of age, sex, color, caste, or creed, since time immemorial. Cave paintings show hunting expeditions and massaging the hunters after the hunt is completed. Massaging has been practiced all around the world as the most popular, scientific, and natural way to eliminate bodily stress and strain. Ayurveda, Unani, Allopathy, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Tribal Medicine, and all forms of medical knowledge accept, and recognize the healing properties of massage therapy.

How to join a massage school

Interview some of the school's graduates and personally visit massage schools in your area. Discuss and satisfy yourself on their course hours, massage techniques, exams, and training facilities in classrooms, sanitary conditions, equipment for training, and the overall environment. This preadmission evaluation helps to determine which massage institute offer programs that are compatible with your own interests. You also need to know in detail licensing requirements and legal rules for the state in which you intend to practice.

The Department of Education of USA, UK, and Australia has approved several organizations to provide accreditation to massage schools. These accredited massage institutes get grants and federal loans through these organizations. Low interest education loans are helpful to would be therapist and also massage institute. Massage therapy business is big business requiring much investment. Hence, it is best to apprentice with a successful massage therapist to see if you really will like to practice massage therapy.

What You Should Know Before You Join Massage School

It is commonly known that conventional therapies like massage have only benefits with no side effects. This is one reason behind the increasing popularity of massage schools. Still, one must consider both pros and cons of massage therapy before deciding to become a massage therapist.

Massage therapy complements mainstream medical practices and adds a positive synergistic effect to patient treatment. Massage therapy is especially beneficial after a session of exertion like after a sports event, tiresome day work. A good full body massage session improves blood circulation; quickens the healing processes of the body; helps increased mobility in joints, releases toxins and alleviates pain.

A long massage session is a very challenging task and requires great upper body strength. A massage therapist usually has a fixed number of massage sessions they can handle in a day if they follow the classical massage practices. You can use latest massage tool and equipment to improve the massage quality.

To know more on massage therapy follow the link: http://www.massagetoolandequipment.info/massage/massageschool.php and To learn how you can start your business as a massage therapist follow the link: http://www.massagetoolandequipment.info/massage/massage_therapy_career_option.php massagetoolandequipment is an information site for you to get regular and scientific information on massage and massager.

Massage Classes- Basic and Advanced Training

Find Massage Classes in the United States and Canada. If you have chosen to apply to any one of several massage classes, it is essential that you examine the particular course of study prior to enrollment. If you are primarily seeking introductory massage classes, a number of healing arts schools and technical schools may provide brief workshops and seminars in which you may participate to get an overview of this healing art.

Massage classes and courses may vary. For the most part, general curriculums include in-depth massage classes in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; in addition to kinesiology, anatomy and physiology. However, more advanced massage classes are offered in lengthier educational programs that encompass over 500 training hours. In massage classes and courses such as these, students can learn about animal/equine massage, acupressure, Chinese medical massage, Thai massage, meridian therapy, medical massage, geriatric massage, among several others.

Some massage classes and courses introduce students to other alternative healing arts like herbology, natural healthcare, holistic nutrition, touch therapy and the like.

Dependent upon the school or college in which you choose to apply, it is always important that you review massage classes carefully to determine whether the course meets all criteria for certification and/or licensing. While the minimum standard for most massage schools is at least 300 training hours, some massage classes entail over 1,000 clinical hours. You will find, too, that a growing number of healing arts schools are beginning to offer massage classes, which are geared toward degrees and diplomas. These career-training programs encompass basic studies as well as more comprehensive training in a wide range of massage modalities - including massage classes in craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, Trigger Point therapy, Rolfing, shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, and more.

The best way to determine which massage classes are most beneficial to your professional aspirations is to visit your local massage therapist or wellness clinic and job-shadow a professional practitioner. Ask about the specific techniques that the massage therapist uses and what massage classes s/he took to perform his/her job. In many cases, these natural healthcare providers will be more than happy to explain the different types of massage, and which massage classes are best suited to specific bodywork careers.

Of course the more advanced massage classes one takes, chances are that this will only enhance overall professional aspects. Today, certified massage therapists can earn over $30 per hour - depending on education and experience.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage classes, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Massage Classes – Basic and Advanced Training
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Classes, Massage Schools, and other Natural Healing Schools.

Just What Is Massage Therapy?

Recently, the practice of massage therapy has grown remarkably in the United States. It has become more widely accepted as a medical practice by doctors as well as the general public. Massage is defined as: ...'the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping, and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits both physical and mental' (Beck 3).

The use of massage therapy has many benefits that even medicine or other methods of relief cannot offer. Historical evidence shows that massage was probably one of the earliest remedies for pain relief and for the restoration of the body.

The roots of massage can be traced back to ancient civilizations where many artifacts have been found to support the belief that prehistoric people massaged their muscles and perhaps even used some form of oil.

Early civilizations including ancient Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Hindu, Greek and Roman used some form of massage therapy treatment. With the decline of the Roman Empire, popularity of massage and health care in general also declined.

The Renaissance period brought back the interest in health and science, and massage once again became common practice.

In the following century, medical practitioners incorporated massage therapy into their healing treatments.

Early in the nineteenth century, Per Henrik Ling, a physiologist and fencing master from Sweden developed systems of movements that he found to be beneficial in improving physical conditions. Based on the science of physiology, his movements became known as Medical Gymnastics. Ling established the Royal Swedish Central Institute of Gymnastics in 1813. Ling's Medical Gymnastics was taught in his new institute and became known as the Swedish Movements. Per Hendik Ling became known as the father of physical therapy.

Mathias Roth, an English physician who studied at Ling's institute, established his own institute in England. Then Charles Fayette Taylor, a physician from New York, studied under Roth and brought the Swedish Movements to the United States.

In the beginning of the twentieth century, massage therapy once again began to decline. A reason for the decline was that many false practitioners, taking advantage of its popularity, gave poor treatment and hurt the reputation of all practitioners.

The advancement of new medicine also helped in the decline. "Technical and intellectual advances developed new treatment strategies that were based more on pharmacology and surgical procedures. The old ideas of treating disease through diet, exercise, and bathing gave way to the more sophisticated practices of modern medicine." (Beck 13).

In the 1960's, the popularity of massage therapy once again revived. The popularity boom was caused by the increased cost of traditional Western medicines and increased awareness of physical and mental fitness.

Massage therapy gained in popularity through the years and its recognition became official in 1992 when the first National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam was given.

Massage therapy offers many benefits to the human body without the use of medicines. "Massage therapy has clearly been shown to me to be very beneficial, particularly in areas where conventional medicine has not been as successful, including chronic arthritis, musculoskeletal syndromes and chronic headache, among others" (Fritz 56).

Massage is a natural and instinctive way of relieving minor aches and pains as well as nervous tension and fatigue. Direct benefits include increased blood circulation, stretching of muscle tissue, and loosening of scar tissue.

This results in the indirect effects of reduced blood pressure and the general relaxation of muscles.

Major advantages of massage therapy include the increased health of the muscular system, the nervous system, and the circulatory system. The stimulation of the muscular system and its circulation, nerve supply and cell activity encourages the nutrition and development of the muscles. "A muscle fatigued by exercise will be more quickly restored by massage than by rest alone because massage helps to remove from the muscle the lactic acid and metabolic wastes that cause it to tighten or become sore" (Thomson 43).

Injured muscle tissue will have a faster healing time and with fewer complications with the application of therapeutic massage because it prevents, or breaks down, the formation of scar tissue.

Massage also eases the pain of an injury to a ligament or tendon by dispersing the inflammation caused by an injury.

Because of the benefits massage therapy offers the muscular system, massage is an effective means of improving muscle tone as well as muscle stamina and strength. "Massage has the ability to prevent or at least delay muscular atrophy that stems from inactivity" (Fritz 102).

Massage will also help relieve, or even prevent, muscle cramps or spasms. The nervous system can be stimulated or soothed depending on the type of massage applied. Massage stimulates the nerve endings in the skin and muscle tissue.

As easily as massage can stimulate a nerve, it can bring about a sedative effect to the nervous system helping to induce deep relaxation and even relieve insomnia. A therapeutic massage affects the quality and quantity of blood flowing through the circulatory system. "Massage dilates the blood vessels, which improves the circulation of blood" (Beck 250).

An increase in blood flow causes an increase in the blood supply and the nutrients that muscles and other vital organs receive. Massage eases the strain on the heart by helping push venous blood and lymph toward the heart. It also improves the blood-making process, resulting in the increase of the production of red and white blood cells.

Through its long history of use, therapeutic massage has become a very popular method of relief that is fairly safe. Today massage is available almost anywhere including spas, health clubs, resorts, clinics, dentist offices and even airports. Massage therapy has proven to be an effective method for treating many conditions for thousands of years and it will continue to be used for thousands of years to come.

Bibliography

Beck, Mark. Milady's Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage. 3rd ed. Albany: Milady Publishing Company, 1999. Thomson, Ann. Tidy's Physiotherapy. 12th ed. Woburn: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1999. Fritz, Sandy. Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1995.

Eric Donaldson, C.Ht., L.M.P. is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Licensed Massage Practitioner, and co-owner of Inner Rhythms Healing Arts in Vancouver, Washington, USA. Eric has been published in many newspapers and magazines, and is available for individual consultation at 360-694-7721.

How Indian Massage Can Make a World of Difference in Your Life

Indian massage can be your solution for looking gorgeous, smelling splendid and feeling on top of the world! Read this article to find out how this ancient art of touch can help you in your complete rejuvenation.

Touch is the most basic mode of communication between two human beings. Massage involves this magic of touch; thus massage promotes health---both psychological and emotional.

How?

Massage improves circulation, supports neurological functions, helps in digestion by providing gas relief and strengthens overall immunity.

Massage act as stimulant for the skin receptors and the nerves and triggers off the 'feel-good' hormones, especially the endorphins. This helps the nerves and muscles relax. Massage also helps alleviating pain simply by refusing to receive pain signals from brain.

The end result is: you get a feeling of complete relaxation---both in your body and mind. With tensions and stresses gone, you gain back the keenness of your senses.

How Indian Massage Therapy is different from any other massage therapies of the world

Massage takes different approaches in different parts of the world. The Indian massage therapy or the Ayurvedic massage has been practiced since antiquity. Massage has always received a scientific perception in the writing of the Scholars of ancient India. This traditional Indian technique was based on Ayurvedic Doshas and Marmas---the pressure points in the Western reflexology. Here are some basic points:

The focal point in Ayurvedic massage technique is: different pressure points of the body. As a healing agent, Indian massage involves the use of:


Different types of touch

Pressure or flowing movements Ayurvedic massage is applied to the skin in a way so that the tissues underlying it are relieved of muscular tension and pains.

This form of massage may involve either particular parts of body---as for example, Indian head massage---or full body massage.

Indian massage often involves the use of different types of aromatherapy oils---hot or cold.

All of these result in relaxation of the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.

Indian Massage---an experience of lifetime

In the interior of India, you will get to see people receiving massage in the corners of the streets for a few rupees; although they often lack formal training, they have acquired the art as a part of community tradition.

But for a life changing experience, you should visit a luxury Indian spa where trained and experienced masseurs will offer you traditional Ayurvedic massage for a holistic rejuvenation. Here are some of the varieties of Ayurvedic massage you can experience in the different parts of India, especially in the Spa Resorts in Kerala, in southern fringes of the peninsula.

Panchakarma treatment

The gentle process that promotes deep cleansing without discomfort. This is a massage technique that helps eliminate toxins from the body accumulated in areas like the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Abhyanga Massage

The fastest toxin expelling technique - this is a luxurious full body indulgence with medicated oils containing herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies.

Ayurvedic Head Massage

The technique that ends mental fatigue - this massage is done with oils containing herbs that pacify the nerves and stimulate the brain for better functioning. This massage can be your ultimate solution for getting rid of emotional fatigue, confusions and for enhanced clarity of mind.

Full Body Steam

Expelling toxins with the help of steam - this is a full body massage technique, much different from ordinary sauna; here the steam contains vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs. However, the head and neck areas are excluded in this massage. In addition of relieving body from toxins, it also moisturizes and dehydrates the skin giving it a baby soft glow.

Shirodhara

The ultimate stress reliever - this amazing technique involves trickling of a warm stream of mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee over the forehead in a continuous flow. To enhance the effect, the treatment is carried on in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. If you happen to suffer from any one of these: chronic neuro-muscular disorders, hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches or restlessness---- Shirodhara is the technique you must give a try to get rid of these menaces for once and for all.

For generations, Indian massage has been trusted for having a powerful effect on the mental and emotional well being of the individuals.

Come and experience the difference yourself!

Tania Penwell provides information on Indian massage and other types of massage for Savvy Cafe - your guide to living life to the fullest!

Massage Therapy Education

For those who are interested in a Massage Therapy Education, comprehensive schools of massage and vocational massage schools have taken innovative steps to extend this unique healing art to students everywhere. In the United States alone, there are hundreds of natural healing schools that provide Massage Therapy Education in a vast assortment of massage modalities.

For inquisitive minds or career-oriented individuals who are seriously contemplating a Massage Therapy Education in order to establish a foundation for professional practice, it is important to evaluate all options prior to applying to the massage school of choice. With several massage techniques that one can explore, the selections are nearly unlimited. In today's Massage Therapy Education, students can choose to earn a certificate, diploma, or even a degree in massage therapy. In addition, curious folks can opt to partake in community workshops and seminars that also offer informal Massage Therapy Education. Clearly, the field of practical learning is vast and full of opportunity.

In a standard Massage Therapy Education, most students will encounter general studies in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, ethics, and hands-on training in deep tissue, sports massage, or Swedish massage therapies. In a more advanced Massage Therapy Education, prospective candidates may elect to learn more in-depth and varied styles of massage, such as acupressure, Alexander technique, Bowen technique, core energetics, hot stone massage, lymphatic massage, structural integration, tuina, reflexology, Rolfing, and zero balancing - to list just a small number of available applications.

With the field of massage continually expanding, a strong, quality Massage Therapy Education proves to be a valuable resource to meet and beat stiff competition in today's workforce. Whether students desire to open their own private day spa or practice, or choose to work in a health care setting, it is imperative that future therapists be prepared through an appropriate Massage Therapy Education. In particular, students who wish to work in an acupuncture clinic may consider a Massage Therapy Education that incorporates Chinese medical massage (tuina), acupressure, or shiatsu. A helpful hint for prospective sports medicine and rehabilitative clinic practitioners would be to gain an in-depth Massage Therapy Education in sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and cross fiber technique.

Other ideal techniques that can be learned through a Massage Therapy Education include lymphatic drainage and geriatric massage. Students who aspire to work in natural health oncology clinics and geriatric centers would find these studies to be quite useful in their career objectives.

Depending on the specific massage school, the Massage Therapy Education you receive may lead you through weeks or months of practical and academic studies. Some Massage Therapy Education institutes provide day and evening classes, as well as weekend classes. Students enrolled in a Massage Therapy Education will find that they will most likely have to sit for the National Certification exam to receive professional certification in massage therapy. In many states, this is preferred, if not required. While LMTs (Licensed Massage Therapists) who have received an in-depth Massage Therapy Education will almost always earn slightly more than regular massage therapists, the field of massage therapy promises to be rewarding no matter which choice of modality or Massage Therapy Education you choose.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Education and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Massage Schools, Massage Therapy Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

An Introduction to Aromatherapy Massage

Touch is important to all living beings, being one of first and most basic means of communication. Massage is just one way of communicating sensations, hopefully of a pleasant nature.

Just as the body stores up the tensions of the day, both physical and emotional, in the muscles of the neck, back, head and limbs, so massage is a way of removing these muscular tensions, and as a result associated mental tension should also be eased. In addition massage can stimulate the circulation of the blood: the intended purpose of the massage should always be considered - if a massage is given to aid sleep, an invigorating rub down may have the opposite effect!

Aromatherapy massage adds an extra sense - that of smell - to the basic benefit of massage. Fragrances have the power to evoke feelings and memories independently of conscious thought. Combining aromatherapy with massage makes for a powerful experience - essentially the massage giver passes on their energy and touch to the receiver.

Contrary to popular belief, massage is not complicated or difficult and can, by following a few simple rules, form an important part of the healing process.

Always massage with the flow of your body, which is towards your heart. When massaging the abdomen the flow is in a clockwise direction, using circular movements that follow the flow.

Be aware of the needs of the person whom you are massaging, to ensure that it is a both a comforting and soothing experience, especially where the young and the very old are concerned.

The following is a simple guide to the different types of massage and the strokes that can be used to ensure the best results.

What Will I Need?

Aromatherapy massage is one of the simplest ways of using essential oils, but it still helps to prepare your tools and working space in advance.

It is important to have a warm, draught free and quiet environment, where you won't be disturbed, and where all of your oils and accessories, such as clean towels, are easily to hand.

All essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier, or base oil, before being massaged onto the body or face. As a general rule of thumb the ratio of essential oil to base oil should be:

10 - 15 drops of essential oil in 60ml (12 teaspoons) of base oil.

(Click here to see our full range of carrier oils for use in Aromatherapy massage)

The Basic Massage Strokes

Aromatherapy massage requires long slow strokes maintaining contact on the body at all times, alternating with short fast friction rubs that warm the oils and help spread them evenly over the skin. Delicate areas such as the abdomen, pelvic region and bony areas should be stroked fairly lightly, while greater pressure can be applied to the heavier muscle areas such as the shoulders, buttocks and back. The basic massage strokes listed below comprise the main movements required for Aromatherapy massage.

Effleurage (Stroking Movements)

This is a series of gentle strokes enabling the massage oil to penetrate the body, helping to bring about a state of calm and relaxation. Use the whole hand to do short or long strokes, these can be firm or gentle depending on how you feel. This type of massage helps to increase circulation, relaxation of the muscles and relieve the body of stress and tension.

Petrissage (Kneading Movements)

Petrissage is gentle kneading movements, like kneading dough. The art of petrissage is never to cause pain or discomfort and should be performed slowly and carefully. It is usually used on the back, muscular and fatty areas, and is good for releasing trapped toxins, relaxing muscles and encouraging the lymphatic system to flow. As you perform each kneading movement put a slight pressure on your thumbs.

Friction (Circular Movements)

Especially beneficial for areas that are cold or of poor circulation. Rub the skin in circular movements with the flat of the hand in short, fast movements.

Raking Movements

Hold the fingers stiffly at the joints to resemble the ends of a rake, or as if to play the piano, and with fingertips touching the skin, make firm, raking movements with one or both hands, backwards towards your body.

Pummelling Movements

Make one or both hands into fists and, keeping fingers loose and relaxed while held in a fist, bounce them up and down the body in a fast drumming movement. Pummelling can also be carried out with the hands flat, and fingertips down, or with the sides of the hands, or even with the palms turned upwards.

The Five Main Areas for Massage

Hand Massage

Head, Neck & Facial Massage

Foot Massage

Shoulders & Back Massage

Full Body Massage

>> Hand Massage

This is especially appropriate for older people and people for whom back, foot or facial massages are not appropriate. Touching the hands gently can be very calming - the fingers are packed with nerve endings, and can be as attuned to different parts of the body as the feet.

A quick de-stresser is to gently stroke the recipient's hands, from wrist to finger tips, using a light flowing touch with all five fingers.

>> Head, Neck & Facial Massage

Place your chosen essential oils on your fingertips and use the fingers to massage around the head. Use only your fingertips to gently but firmly pass around and over the head in a smooth controlled movement.

For Headaches it's best to start at the base of the neck and work upwards to the base of the scalp. Use the fingers in firm, but not hard effleurage strokes. Continue for as long as necessary. It may also help to include the upper shoulder area which is also often tense, and may in fact be the cause of the headache.

A self- facial massage of the jaw line up to a point immediately below the ears can also help to prepare us for stressful situations such as sitting exams, interviews etc.

To continue the massage onto the neck area, move the hands to the base of the neck, placing a hand on each side of the vertebrae (never put pressure on the vertebrae).

Use small but firm circular movements, working from the base of the neck, and continue upwards to the base of the scalp and then down the sides of the neck. Work around the sides of the neck using gentle but firm movements.

>> Foot Massage

Massage in an upwards direction form the toes to the ankle; if you are lucky enough to have someone do this for you, thumbs should be on the sole of the foot with the fingers on top, if you are doing your own feet you may find it easier to have your thumb on top with you fingers underneath.

>> Shoulder & Back Massage

Before you begin the massage, ensure the recipient is comfortable, preferably lying face down on a well padded floor, bed or mattress, with a rolled up towel or bolster pillow under the upper chest, to ensure that the head and neck will be relaxed in the face down position.

Beginning with the shoulders, use the thumbs and palms to massage with effleurage and petrissage actions, moving from the base of the neck outwards to the shoulder. You may also find it beneficial to take in the shoulder blade area by making large circular movements around the top of the shoulder to just under the shoulder blade.

Moving down towards the lumbar region of the back, use effleurage strokes, placing one hand either side of the vertebrae, using the whole hand, flat against the back stroke up towards the shoulder around and over the shoulder blade and slide down again the sides of the back. Repeat as often as is wished.

Note: Do NOT massage over the vertebrae, as the spine is very sensitive. Always move the hands, fingers and thumbs over either side of the spine.

>> Full Body Massage

The full body massage should incorporate all of the above massages, while also including the arms, legs and abdomen.

The Arms - Using upwards strokes from the wrist to the armpit. Using petrissage on fatty and muscular areas as appropriate.

The Abdomen - using effleurage strokes, use circular movements in a clockwise direction only.

The Legs - always massage the legs upwards from the ankle to the thigh using effleurage strokes. Where appropriate use petrissage on the fatty or muscular areas. (Never over varicose areas)

Lower abdomen and hips - using effleurage strokes start at the lower back and slide over the hips, then slide each hand over the abdomen. Use the whole of the hand flat against the skin.

Margaret McGoverne is the founder of The Holistic Shop.com website http://www.theholisticshop.com where you can buy gifts and products for the wellbeing of mind body and soul.