| Massage therapy is a manipulation of muscles, | | | | Hot Stone Massage: Warm stones are used on the |
| ligaments, tendons, skin, fascia, and joints in the | | | | body with gentle pressure to provide a soothing, |
| body. It is a practice that has been around since the | | | | therapeutic sensation. |
| beginning of peopledom. In fact, ancient techniques | | | | Infant Massage: Becoming more popular everyday, |
| are still employed in today's modern world. | | | | infant massage has been proven to help infants gain |
| The benefits of massage are extensive. Not only can | | | | weight and speed development. It is taught to |
| it help alleviate pain and aid in physical maladies and | | | | mothers as a way to bond with their new children. |
| day-to-day functioning, but it impacts mental and | | | | Other techniques include Chi Nei Tsang, Reflexology, |
| emotional wellbeing. Relaxation, awareness, anxiety, | | | | Shiatsu,Thai Massage, Amma Therapy, Alexander |
| and depression can all be aided and eased with | | | | Technique, Aston Patterning, Bioenergetics, Bowen |
| massage therapy. | | | | Technique, and Craniosacral Therapy. |
| Massage boosts the immune system, relaxes and | | | | Massage therapists are required to pass standardized |
| reduces anxiety, alleviates pain, reduces blood | | | | tests in order to receive a license and become a |
| pressure and heart rate, stimulates lesser used | | | | registered massage therapist. Training is often |
| muscles, increases endorphins, aids physical | | | | completed at a trade, vocational, or career college |
| rehabilitation, and improves circulation (blood and | | | | and is usually completed in 2 years or less depending |
| lymph). | | | | on the school and the program. |
| There are many different techniques and therapies in | | | | Massage therapy is considered a health field and |
| the field of massage. Some of these may be familiar | | | | massage therapy is often covered under many health |
| to you already, even if you do not know specifically | | | | plans because of its proven healing and beneficial |
| what they entail. | | | | results. |
| Swedish: Probably the most well known technique, | | | | Massage is private and safe. Depending on the type |
| and for good reason; it's quite popular. | | | | of massage you receive, partial body, full body, 30 |
| Acupressure is like acupuncture without the needles. | | | | minute or longer, you may have to undress |
| Specific points are targeted and pressure applied to | | | | completely or not at all. The room should be warm |
| create a therapeutic effect. | | | | and comfortable and there may be light music playing. |
| Aroma Therapy is often used in tandem with other | | | | If the environment makes you uneasy, do not |
| techniques. It consists of using fragrant oils for | | | | hesitate to inform your therapist; a massage should |
| healing benefits. These oils can be applied to the skin | | | | be a relaxing and pleasant experience. This is true if |
| or simply allowed to perfume the air thus allowing | | | | you feel pain during any part of your massage |
| those nearby to receive benefits nasally. | | | | experience. Some techniques are more intensive and |
| Canadian Deep Tissue Massage: A technique that | | | | may be a bit uncomfortable at times, but if you feel |
| focuses on a muscle group working with the fibers | | | | anything that makes you uneasy, do not hesitate to |
| of the muscle tissue to rejuvenate each level of | | | | speak up. |
| muscle including deep tissue. | | | | Whether you are considering a career in massage |
| Deep Tissue Massage works to invigorate and | | | | therapy or if you are just interested in finding out |
| stimulate the muscle issue on a deep level. It involves | | | | more information about what it is and how it can |
| more intense manipulation and can provide | | | | benefit you cannot deny the value of a good |
| tremendous benefits on many levels. Not only does it | | | | massage. |
| help release toxins from the body, it helps | | | | |