Ben Thompson asked:


It’s not hard to sell most people on the benefits of massage therapy – who wouldn’t want to lose themselves in an hour of therapeutic relaxation? But since it does carry some moderate expense, it helps to know about the many benefits.

Some people seek out the services of a massage therapist simply because they need some down-time to relax and refresh; certainly, this is enough of a reason to frequent the massage therapist’s office in itself, but there are also many health benefits; an increasingly large number of clients find their way to the table in search of relief modern medicine has been unable to manage. Likewise, clients also seek massage therapy services to supplement and enhance both modern and alternative medical treatments.

The Many Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Regardless of the impetus, clients find numerous incomparable benefits; it is not at all uncommon for a client to come into massage therapy for the treatment of one symptom or condition, only to find wide ranging benefits that treat a number of other conditions.

The most notable advantages include:

* Improved blood circulation

* Stimulation/relief of muscle pain due to lack of activity (often caused by sedentary jobs)

* Increased alertness

* Decrease in back pain (one of the leading reasons for seeking massage services)

* Improved mood

* Reduced stress levels

* Reduced instances of stress-related illness including tension headaches

* Decreased muscle stiffness/increased mobility

* Improved ability to heal (in part due to circulation/stimulation improvement)

* Reduction in muscle spasms

* Increased physical performance/athleticism

* Improved deep breathing

* Improved posture

* Strengthened immune system

* Reduction in anxiety levels

* Lower dependence on medication

* Improved joint flexibility

* Lessened risk of depression

* Promotes healing of soft tissues, including scars

* Improved delivery of oxygen and nutrients

* Increases pain tolerance by releasing endorphins (natural pain killers of the human body)

* Eases pain of childbirth

* Relieves sleep loss/insomnia

* Increased energy, reduction in frequency and severity of fatigue

Netting The Biggest Benefits

Even a one-time visit to the massage therapist can net excellent benefits; but for the most lasting benefits, regular sessions are recommended. Regular therapy ensures that the body continues to enjoy the increase in circulatory health and relief of muscle tension which directly contribute to the benefits. Over time, the expense of sessions is easily mitigated in increased health and well-being, and in a large number of cases, in the savings enjoyed between decreased use and cost of medications, doctors’ visits, and time lost from work.

Munya Chinongoza asked:


Whether it is to get that moment of relaxation or to retain relief from that aching pain, there are many wonderful benefits of this type of therapy. Massage therapy is something that people of all ages can enjoy and benefit from. It relieves the injured, the ill or stressed and those who just want to enjoy a nice relaxing massage.

If given by a professional, it can be a very pleasurable experience which reduces the stress and tension in ones body. It may calm an individual’s nerves allowing them to clear their minds. A study has shown that after medical students in New Jersey were massaged before an exam, there was a decrease in their anxiety and it also stabilized respiratory levels. In general it improves your mood whether people are sad, angry or depressed. Another study showed that women who have suffered the recent death of their child were less depressed after receiving a massage.

In addition, it has been discovered that this therapy also encourages our metabolism. A study concluded that office workers who were massaged were more alert and ready for action at work, compared to those who were not massaged. By reducing spasms, tension and cramping is also helped those who play sports, making players play more effectively lowering the risk of one of the injuries stated above during a game. By receiving a massage, we also improve the efficiency of our movements leaving us less stiff and creating sufficient blood flow complimenting the actions of the heart.

This will lead to increased stimulation to the lungs and other parts of the body, while nutrition distribution takes place to the body.

Whether its just to benefit one of your major systems, reach relaxation and peace of mind or to help our bodies heal a lot faster massage therapy works. There are many massage therapy benefits to senior health so why not enjoy some of them, today?

Corbin Newlyn asked:


People lives are filled to capacity with numerous different kinds of problems, which if allowed to accumulate over a period of time will induce stress; with stress we then have a whole new spectrum of disorders that can happen if not attended to properly.

Indulge and Relax

First discovered back in ancient China, massage therapy and herbal oils have been used extensively to treat many illnesses. Kings as well as Queens delighted in the pleasures of massage therapy to lessen their stress as well as restore their overall sense of well being. Nowadays however, we are fortunate to be able to have access to massage therapy practically anywhere in the world so that we may enjoy its many benefits.

There are numerous kinds of different massage therapies which are specifically created to target a particular area of the body in an effort of relieving stress, which the majority of us end up requiring at one time or another.

Who Does Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is only done through professionals in businesses specific to therapeutic massage and salons who are certified. It is important that a person seeking this type of therapy go to a professional qualified to handle this type of activity as parts of the human body are fragile even if they don’t appear to be so. They can easily be strained particularly when you are in a relaxed state. It is best to allow the masseuse to do as he or she knows best.

Nevertheless, if you wish to give your spouse or significant other a massage to help them relieve stress after a long day, it is better to a take some lessons or a few tips from a professional so that you don’t damage any of his or her muscles while you are doing it.

Massage therapy when completed correctly, can help in relieving stress, giving you the ability to deal more effectively with daily routines and problems. It also removes cramps and tones your muscles and nodules that are created because of stress.

There are numerous kinds of massages that can relieve pain and are recommended by various doctors as well. Keep in mind that any type of therapy should complete it’s cycle in order to work, particularly if you are attempting to overcome any type of illness or some type of pain but additionally when you are having to deal with a stressful type of situation.

By giving massage therapy a try you will have a chance to see how it has the ability to improve your lifestyle, mind as well as your body in as little as one session. You might soon after become addicted to it and wish to return in order to maintain the well being of your mind and body.

Ben Thompson asked:


With a range of national massage therapy professional regulations, and states with little to no professional therapy requirements, it is easy for consumers to get lost. But quality licensed massage therapy as performed by a true professional is essential to getting not only the best results, but the safest as well.

Many people looking for massage therapy services are not even aware that they should be looking for licensed professionals. The incongruity between state requirements and a lack of federal regulation has resulted in confusion for the massage-buying public. And though it is in no way practical for a potential client to research every detail of his or her state’s laws regarding the requirements for licensed therapists, there are some questions a consumer can ask of a prospective therapist before committing to his or her care, and there are some additional steps that can be taken to further research qualifications for a given therapist.

Questions For Consumers To Ask

Starting very simply, ask outright

* Are you licensed in massage therapy?

* Who granted your license?

* Is your license valid in this state?

* Where did you complete your training in massage therapy?

* What did your training include?

* If you are interested in specialized massage therapies, ask about the therapist’s background in specific types of massage. You might ask, do you specialize in any types of massage? Do you have specialized certifications?

* Are you certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)?

It is important to understand that not all states have a requirement for licensure to practice massage therapy; only 37 states and the District of Columbia have requirements regulating it. While this means that a therapist may not be legally required to hold a license, it does not mean that receiving therapy from an untrained “therapist” or “masseuse” is a good idea. If the answer to the first question above is ‘no’, ask ‘why not’, and continue to ask what training and certification (such as an NCBTMB certificate) proves his or her professional abilities and expertise. Certification by the NCBTMB and membership in a professional organization (namely, the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA) can be taken as a respectable substitute for a state license, as these are the standards that are used by most states that require licensed massage therapy for the licensing of massage therapists (just be sure the certification is current and in good standing).

Certain safeguards online can be used to double-check information as provided by a massage therapist. In most states, licensing status for licensed massage therapy providers is accessible through state databases, and the AMTA can also be queried regarding certification status of individuals. Of course, an easy online search is a quick way to determine whether a training program looks legitimate as well.

Surely, taking the steps to learn about licensed massage therapy does take some added effort, but the time is worthwhile; after all, more than relaxation is at stake, health and safety are as well.

Janette Lindz asked:


More and more individuals are beginning to realize a real desire to learn a good massage therapy technique. Gone are the days when the skill of massaging was viewed as a simple way to help people relax. Today, various massage techniques are a seen as therapeutic methods practiced by licensed earning professionals.

Why Learn a Technique

There are several reasons why anyone would want to learn massage therapy techniques. For some people, massage therapy is simply a rewarding way to use one’s skills to help others achieve optimum health, freedom from pain and absolute relaxation. Practicing a massage therapy technique is simply an internally rewarding experience in itself.

Massage therapy has more benefits other than psychological wellness. Learning a massage therapy technique can help you build an enjoyable lifetime career and a thriving business. This is the right time to get into a massage therapy course because people are growing stressed out with modern life and more and more of them are turning to massage therapy as the best natural, non invasive method to help ease chronic pain conditions.

Choosing a Technique

Massage therapy has over a hundred different techniques. The techniques are also divided according to western and eastern techniques. Each massage therapy technique application will also depend on the condition of the patient, age of the patient, medical requirements and the desired outcome. You would, for example, have to match your massage therapy technique depending on whether your client is an infant, an athlete, a pregnant woman or a chronic back pain patient. How do you choose the right massage therapy technique to learn?

Reputable massage schools usually offer courses with techniques. In a comprehensive course, you will be able to learn many different techniques as well as when you should use them.

A full course and a license will allow you some freedom to practice a number of techniques. Naturally though, there are more technical and specialized techniques like the craniosacral technique that may require more extensive and specialized study and training.

If you want to focus on a specific category of the population such as the elderly, infants, athletes or if you want to practice only a specific technique like acupressure, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and Thai massage, a massage specialization can be a good option. The choice will depend mostly on your interests, your aptitude, financial capacity and career goals.

Professional Practice

Compared to relaxation purposes, learning a massage technique for medical practice will take more time, effort and skills to master. If you truly wish to do so however, you would have to pursue it to the point of taking a licensure exam. All patients who seek a massage therapy technique practitioner want to get better and are therefore inclined to look for a licensed and reputable practitioner. Make sure that the curriculum you are enrolled in can help you prepare for the board exams.

Janette Lindz asked:


Massage therapy is not just a wonderful way to help people kick back and relax their tense muscles. Massage therapy is also a healing art that can help people live normal, better and more comfortable lives. If you are more than just a client or a fan of massage therapy, then you should consider the different massage therapy class options.

Massage Therapy Careers

People may enroll in massage therapy classes for personal reasons or for career options. Some are just curious while others would like to learn how to better achieve relaxing and bonding moments with loved ones. There are however quite a lot of people who are interested in massage therapy class options because of the wealth of career opportunities massage therapy can provide. More and more Americans are simply growing conscious of their health and studies show that massage therapy is the perfect answer for a variety of conditions.

As a graduate of a massage therapy class course, you can put up your own facility or you can work in clinics, hospitals, spas, sports centers, cruise ships, nursing homes, companies, resorts, fitness clubs and health centers. Even without your own clinic or facility, you can still hope to earn a minimum $10-$15 for an hour’s work. That’s not bad at all.

Informal Classes

Massage therapy class courses can vary greatly. Most of us know that there are now numerous schools that specialize in massage therapy class courses. But before you decide to make a career out of massage therapy, you could at least try out a few informal sessions just to see if you like the job.

Ask around in various health centers and community organizations and medical colleges about any offerings of an introductory class on massage therapy. An introductory massage therapy class would typically give you an idea of how massage therapy began and what various techniques are there. Some classes will also give you an overview of various muscular and health problems that can be treated with massage. Of course, you will also learn the most basic massage forms and movements and when they should be used.

Formal School

As previously discussed, there are several schools that offer different types of massage therapy class options. Not all schools are the same though. Different schools offer different subjects, different class hours and training hours. You may have to meticulously check a school’s program and curriculum before enrolling.

Before enrolling in the school, check if their curriculum can give you the right number of hours and the proper training for the board exam. A serious practitioner should take the board exam. Some schools will clearly provide details on how their program can prepare you for the board exam. It would be a good idea though to check state regulations first so you can see for yourself if a school is good enough.

You should expect, though, to deal with more than just the many different kinds of massage when you enroll in a formal massage therapy class. In a formal massage therapy class course, you will also be taught pathology, medicine and business. This last aspect is crucial in any good curriculum because it is necessary to enable future practitioners to build lucrative businesses.

CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd asked:


As we have learned, massage therapy can be very beneficial in relieving stress, reducing pain and improving circulation; but did you know that some forms of massage are just as effective on animals as they are human beings?

It has been established that massage therapy has been used across the centuries as a natural healing medicine, and in the case of cats, dogs and horses, it is becoming recognized as a complementary treatment to enhancing muscle tone, improving range of motion; and in the reduction of inflammation, joint swelling and decreased pain. One massage therapy in particular, animal acupressure is founded on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and is practiced using firm pressure along the medians (energy channels) of the animal’s body.

Another form of animal massage therapy includes myofascial release. This particular modality involves stretching and hands-on touch therapy to release fibrous band (fascia) tension from connecting tissues. As with human counterparts, animal myofascial release massage therapy can be helpful in increasing mobility, restoring posture, reduction of pain from arthritis, sprains, and other health problems.

Sports massage therapy for dogs and horses is also a common treatment for a variety of health issues, including preventive healthcare, improving blood circulation, reducing stress and removal of body toxins. Furthermore, cranial sacral massage therapy is yet another form of bodywork that is used on our animal friends. This specific massage technique is comprised of light, hands-on touch therapy to membranes of the cerebrospinal fluid in the skull, sacrum and coccyx. When stress is removed from the spinal cord, spinal fluid flows more freely and can be helpful to motor coordination, and orthopedic conditions, among others.

Overall, massage therapy for animals is an integrative part of animal healthcare, and with the growing trend of clients seeking alternative and natural health treatments, one can be certain to find a holistic veterinarian that offers massage as part of the treatment regimen for your cat, horse or dog.

Stay tuned for Massage Therapy Overview – Part IV of this series of articles.

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

View Massage Therapy Overview – Parts I and II at HolisticJunction.com

Massage Therapy Overview – Part III

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.

Fabiola Castillo asked:


Touch is considered one of our most basic needs. Many times, we can tell the difference between a “good touch” and a “bad touch.” Do not be misled into thinking that these kinds of touch are purely sexual in nature. When we go to a professional massage therapist or body worker, we can detect something special about his/her quality of touch. However, it can be difficult to explain what makes his/her type of touch so unique. For the massage therapy client, it is helpful to know the four levels of touch:

* spiritual

* mental

* emotional

* physical

On the spiritual level, our touch can be driven from our nature in ways that connect our spirit to something else and emphasizes our innate connection with our environment. When we pick up a baby, for instance, we can convey essential qualities like love, compassion, clarity, strength, and peace in the touch we give to that person. On the receiving end of touch, we can connect with our essential natures as well as with the Universal Intelligence, the Great Being that created the universe….God if you will. During or after bodywork, massage therapy clients can feel peace, connection, and rejuvenation. Obstructions to one’s true being may be determined and changed during a massage therapy session.

On the mental level, touch can be fueled by our thoughts and beliefs. We can bring our textbook knowledge of myology (study of muscles) and neurology (study of the nervous system) to mind in such a way when we touch one another. When we touch one another during a handshake, for instance, we fire off neurons in ourselves as well as the other person and automatically determine if that touch was pleasurable or not. This helps us make preconceived notions about the person we first meet. Right away, emotions arise in response to receiving touch. We may make judgments about our bodies, rekindle old memories, or have sudden insight on an idea when we are touched a certain way.

Emotionally, our touch can convey feelings such as pleasure, surprise, anger, fear, and sadness. For the receiver of touch, certain emotions can surface when getting touched. For instance, many massage therapy clients have experienced deep emotional releases during or after a bodywork.

Physically, touch can include a plethora of experiences ranging from superficial to deep, smooth or abrupt, fast or slow, etc. There are various physical effects that can occur on the massage therapy client’s body whenever they are touched. The massage therapist can scratch the skin; promote or remove bruising; dissipate scar tissue; distribute warm, soothing oils; and generate immune or nervous system responses in the client.

When you go to an expert massage therapist, make a mental note of what is going on in each of these levels. Having knowledge of these various qualities of touch can help you determine what feels “good” and “bad” to fully achieve your deepest needs in each of these four levels.

Paul Fitzgerald asked:


Therapeutic massage has been carried out for thousands of years by all the civilizations and now the benefits are even more enhanced as you can be sure of the quality of the massage you’re getting. That is because we now have licensed massage therapists who embark upon massage therapy degrees or other similar courses at massage therapy schools or massage therapy colleges.

Massage therapy schools are widespread and the long or short term study at such a massage therapy school has become a common approach for becoming a licensed massage therapist and embarking upon an exciting career in the many massage therapy jobs now available. Further training at massage therapist school can enable you to specialize in reflexology massage, hand massage, acupressure, sports massage and other forms of therapeutic massage.

There are huge mental and physical benefits of therapeutic massage, for both the clients and massage therapists. Therapeutic massage can be used for treating many ailments. Massaging is generally done on the face, arms, legs, forearms, shoulders and nerve endpoints. Therapeutic massage is generally done by hands, legs and other mechanical devices along with some herbal medicines or oils and a massage school course will teach you many techniques.

These massage techniques which are all widely taught at massage therapy colleges and massage therapy school can be classified as Swedish massage, Aroma therapy, Reflexology, Hot stone technique, Shiatsu, Watsu, Thai massage, Deep tissue massage, Ayurvedic massage etc. There are various mental benefits of massaging and they can be ascertained by the massage practiced.

Massage schools will tech you how massage is used for lowering tension, anxiety, depression, and strain. It improves the alertness, concentration, optimism, emotional responses, awareness, calmness, creativity and peace of mind of people receiving the therapeutic massage. The massage also instills a feeling of well being and induces self confidence. It also helps in removing the addictions for smoking, alcoholism, tobacco consumption and certain medicines.

Acupressure is a Chinese massage which helps in increasing concentration, memory, clear judgment etc. Swedish massage on the other hand helps in relaxing the mind, improves circulation of blood to all parts of the brain, thereby revitalizing and energizing the body. This creates a sense of well being. It gives an enjoyable experience to both the client and the massage therapist.

Aromatherapy stimulates the limbic system in the brain and thereby helps in influencing emotions, increasing memory power, relieving stress and tension. It brings about emotional and physical balance immediately.

It helps in curing insomnia which is sleep-walking. Shiatsu on the other hand helps in concentration, decision making, discrimination, creative thinking, memory, metabolism, clear thinking, vitality, energy flow, tolerance, emotional interaction, intellectual focus, clarity, freeing emotions, and distribution of fresh energy throughout the body.

Watsu is a combination of Shiatsu and Water. This treatment is generally practiced in water where the licensed massage therapist clings on to the patient’s body in the water and flexes the muscles. This generally gives relief to mental tension by increasing the emotional level, promoting trust and connection. It gives relaxation to the brain and also soothes it in the very first session of therapeutic massage. Prolonged massaging can increase a sense of optimism and helps in overcoming fear of water. It increases courage and decision making levels as well.

Reflexology deals with the massaging of the nerve endpoints. This directly deals with the nerves and the brain. Hence this helps in relieving stress and strain by balancing the nervous system by releasing endorphins. It involves a flow of energy throughout the body thereby revitalizing the body parts. It is also known to cure insomnia and in removing fear.

Ayurvedic massages deals directly with the energy of the body. Marma points are present in the body which are stimulated with herbal oils and physical pressure. This refreshes the body and mind by energizing it. There are also ****** massages done with oil to help relieve stress and head ache. Shirodhara is a treatment which helps in relaxation by pouring herbal oils over the forehead. This synchronizes the brain waves and helps in coordination of mind, body and the spirit.

This form of therapeutic massage improves memory, nourishes the body and releases tension and stress. This method also helps in opening the senses by sensory stimulation and removal of toxins. There creates an overall improvement in the mental health by instilling a refreshed sense of well being, optimism, clear thinking, memory, concentration, breaking down the adhesions to allow free flow of energy. The kundalini or hidden energy in a body is brought out by this massage.

Hence therapeutic massage taught in massage therapy schools to enable people to become licensed massage therapists not only helps in invigorating the physical functions of the body, but also helps in refreshing the mental well being of the individual

Jane Crosier asked:


You’ve probably heard about how effective massage therapy for elderlies is by now, but you probably don’t know why it is considered so beneficial. Well, although massage therapy has been practiced for a long time, the general public has only recently started to open their minds and hearts to this technique in recent years. It is now known, and proven, that touch therapy and massage helps reduce stress in elderlies – someone who is given the massage and touch therapy sleeps deeper and longer.

Massage therapy provides elderlies with a very nurturing feeling and it is especially helpful for adults with medical or physical problems. The more times they experience your touch, the calmer they will become. The calmer they are, the better they are able to deal with the medical interventions that they have to go through at their old age!

Massage therapy and touch therapy have a lot in common because they have a lot to do with motion of the hands over various parts of the body. The technique involves a lot of touching, stroking, and massaging of body parts. Massage therapy might even be a little bit on the painful side – but for elderlies, this is not the case.

Some nursing professionals offer massage therapy services to elderlies they deliver. Professional nurses who offer these services will provide the technique to critically or seriously ill elderlies. These nurses work closely with the elderly’s doctor and other nurses to ensure that the persons health is in no way endangered at all.

Elderlies who are not medically challenged will also benefit from massage therapy. It has been shown that elderlies who are given massage therapy from an early age tend to age more alert, smarter, and healthier in general. Make sure you treat your parents right by giving them a free massage gift!