Smiling Back

Every massage therapist that is thinking about getting into this business needs to have the right massage equipment in order to perform their best and be successful in this business. While many massage therapists will prefer not to acquire the extra cost of acquiring all what that is needed, especially when starting out. But I can tell you from experience it dose pay off in the long run, I would not suggest to cut too many corners if you want to successful and look professional. Many people benefit from massage therapy. It is not just used to relax people anymore. When we think of massage, we often imagine luxury spas where people are pampered and spoiled. This is no longer the case massage therapy...

The line about how a picture can paint a thousand words couldn't be more true with a massage therapy picture. What exactly can you do with it? What You Can Use It For A massage therapy picture can tell a lot about what you do as a massage therapist and what you can offer in your clinic. Most people would naturally think that a picture can be used only for marketing and advertising. A good picture however is first and foremost an image and reputation building tool. You simply have to post a photo strategically to make the best use of it. The most common places to put it would be on a website, brochure, business card or promotional ad. Where to Get Pictures The truth is that some people use royalty...

This is a review of "Massage Therapy Success", the product by Amy Roberts designed to help the aspiring massage therapist wanting to run their own successful massage therapy business. Amy's promise is to teach you "how to get more clients and keep them coming back for the life time of your massage career". My first comment is that her course is extremely thorough. The complete package is made up of 4 manuals, which can be purchased separately but of course you get the best value by getting them as a package. And, quite frankly, for anyone serious about getting their own massage business off the ground, or getting their existing business growing to the next level, this is ALL essential knowledge...

When looking around at starting a career, massage therapist looks like a good choice. Clients pay between $65 and $100 per hour. There are not many tools needed - massage table, oils, sheets. Sounds too good to be true. If you are a massage therapist working for someone else, you are likely to be juggling working at the salon, doing massages in your free time to earn enough money to be comfortable and, oh yes your social life. Why not get rid of the bit where you are making someone else rich. See yourself as a business - you have the skills required. The main reason why massage therapists give in and turn to another career, is they are not making enough money to pay the bills. The first stage to...

Though massage is often thought of as simple bodywork, it is actually quite diversified and is branched into several massage modalities and techniques. When you enroll in a massage therapy school, be sure to review the hands-on curriculum. While a great number of massage therapy schools offer practical training in Swedish massage, many schools offer massage training in numerous other varieties, including chair massage, deep tissue massage and medical massage, to name a few. Some massage therapy schools prefer to provide an array of massage techniques to better accommodate the expanding field. For example, massage instruction can include deep tissue massage, which is unique bodywork used to release...

Today, there are so many options when it comes to stress management. There are those who opt for more advanced techniques such as using medications or undergoing some medical procedures. And there are also those who opt for more natural means of managing stress such as massage therapy. Effectiveness of massage therapy in managing stress Massage therapy has become a significant part of general health care for many people living in todays stressful world. Many professionals and even traditional healthcare systems all throughout the world recognize that traditional means of managing stress such as in massage therapy could be effective in treating chronic ailments caused by stress and could can and...

"Generally, most programs in massage run between 300 and 500 hours, but may be longer depending on individual and advanced training options." Find Programs in Massage in the United States and Canada.  With the growing number of alternative and complementary medicine schools, educational programs in massage offer prospective students a unique perspective into an age-old healing art that has been used for centuries for health and in healing. What some individuals do not realize is that programs in massage are not confined to just Swedish massage and deep tissue therapy; in fact, there are well over 50 different massage techniques in practice today.  Because of the vast variety of programs in...

No matter which part of the massage industry you work in, whether you work as a independent contractor, a employee of a salon or spa or you work as a mobile massage therapist in people's homes, professional massage liability insurance is essential for your business. Insurance can enhance your professional reputation and gives you peace of mind to both you and your client. Massage therapy insurance protects you while you grow your business and against day-to-day risks of the job such as accident and human error. Even when you provide consent and release waivers and educate your client's accidents can occur. No matter who you are or who you know or how professional you are someone could come in for a...

Today, healing arts colleges are broadly scattered across America. With healing arts colleges offering career training programs in a variety of natural and alternative health fields, students have a plethora of certificate, diploma and degree programs from which to choose. Find Healing Arts Colleges in the United States and Canada. Today, healing arts colleges are broadly scattered across America. With healing arts colleges offering career training programs in a variety of natural and alternative health fields, students have a plethora of certificate, diploma and degree programs from which to choose. Core natural health curriculums at healing arts colleges often include academics and practical...

Today, students have a diverse assortment of alternative health training prospects from which to choose. Among in-depth coursework in natural healing, future holistic practitioners have options to pursue both diploma and degree programs in alternative health, as well as holistic certification courses. Some of the various academic courses include alternative health training in reflexology, massage therapy, holistic health, herbal medicine, and Reiki, among others. Alternative health training in reflexology, for instance, teaches students how to apply specific pressure and touch techniques to the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. It is believed that reflex areas on the soles and palms...

If you've ever wanted to pursue a career as a natural health practitioner, massage therapist or doctor of natural medicine, now is the time to discover the infinite career-training possibilities at any one of several alternative health schools. As the demand for complementary and alternative medicine continues to be on the upswing, it's important to determine which course of study is right for you. For example, did you know that today's massage therapist can earn well beyond $30 hourly? In addition, the field of massage therapy is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, so today you have a prime opportunity to secure your professional future by attaining proper training and education through...

Holistic medicine is based on healing principles and treatments that are intended to prevent dis-ease; and maintains health and wellness by facilitating the body's innate abilities (to heal itself). As an integrative system of health intervention and maintenance, holistic medicine is comprised of mind-body-spirit medicine and natural health treatments like chiropractic, naturopathy, homeopathy, energy healing, and massage therapy. The philosophy (of all of these complementary therapies) shared in common is the belief in doing no harm and treating the "whole" person, and not just the "dis-ease." Holistic medicine like chiropractic is typically administered by an educated and licensed D.C. (Doctor of...

With so many large cities in California, it's no surprise California has many places to go when you're in need of a massage.  Here are some tips to find the right place for you that is offering the massage you are looking for. 1.  Know what type of massage you want.  Most therapists offering swedish therapy, aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, thai therapy, deep tissue therapy, shiatsu, reflexology, back therapy, sports therapy, and pregnancy therapy.  When you know what type of service you are looking for, it makes it easier to locate an establishment near you. 2.  Look in the yellow pages or do a local search online for massage therapy.  Find an establishment near you offering the type of...

Are you stressed? Then I recommend a hot stone therapy session. I've had five massages in my lifetime, and I want more. But the best one I had was the hot stone session. My very first experience with this type of treatment I had was a typical relaxation session, called the Swedish. I made the appointment with a friend, and the two of us went to the spa together. The therapist knew this was my first one, so she explained exactly what she would be doing. Although it was very relaxing, I did have some very tight muscles. She tried to work through the knots, and as you might imagine that deep pressure was a little uncomfortable. However, in the end, the entire session was very relaxing. I knew I wanted...

Massage therapists have more options available to them today than they did 20 years ago. As technology continues to improve and the demand for massage therapy continues to grow, therapy equipment has become more sophisticated. There are many different types of electric equipment for massage on the market today. One of the best electronic equipment for massage to come out recently are electronic massage therapy beds. These electric massage beds not only heat up making the client feel completely comfortable during the massage treatment, but have a soothing, vibrating effect. This can be quite relaxing for a client, particularly as many of them are nervous when first getting prepared for a massage...

Human Physiology versus Modern Living Human bodies have not changed much in the past 10,000 years; however, during the last 150 years, we have greatly changed our lifestyles. Our bodies deal with new chemicals, sleep habits, physical tasks, indoor lighting, noise, and other unnatural stimulation. The increase of psychological stress, repetitive tasks, and decrease of physical activity in modern lives has contributed to chronic pain. It is difficult to change a lifestyle, but trigger point therapy can be used to reduce or eliminate the source of various types of pain, without drugs or surgery. Pain Can Be Tricky The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2006 that over 25 percent of...

There are dozens of massage therapy types and techniques. Knowing what they are and what they do is sometimes confusing. It is hard to ask for a particular type of massage if you do not know what it is called or even what it will do for you. Here we will try to break the mystery into an understandable list of some commonly practiced massage types and what they do. Massage Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. It involves acting on and manipulating the client's body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Massage...

"...In the Oriental Medicine program* at AMC, students participate in an in-depth course of study, which is spread over four academic years, but may be completed in as little as 36 months..."   Now that you've decided to pursue a career in the healing arts, the next step is to find the appropriate school to meet your educational needs. Depending on your particular field of interest, the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC) situated in beautiful Miami, Florida, may just have what you're seeking. Whether you entertain the idea of becoming a professional massage therapist or are more intrigued by Oriental medicine, you can enroll in these and other related programs at...

Deep muscle therapy is performed by a qualified deep muscle massage therapist in order to assist free myofascial circumscriptions within the body. The theory behind this sort of massage is that when chronic knots (also referred to as adhesions) exist within the deep muscle tissues, the body’s natural balance is thrown out of wack. Until the natural balance is restored, wounded fiberous tissues can reason chronic joint and muscle pain, poor posture and coordination, as well as a plethora of other health ailments. Deep muscle therapy aims to relieve the chronic tension throughout the muscles and fiberous tissues within the body. It’s known to greatly increase flexibility and range of motion, and...

"...Interested in a personally and professionally rewarding massage therapy career? Today, the Texas Massage Institute can provide you with essential education and skills necessary to become a practicing massage therapist. Founded in 1999, the Texas Massage Institute boasts four campuses in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Plano, and Longview. .."   Interested in a personally and professionally rewarding massage therapy career? Today, the Texas Massage Institute can provide you with essential education and skills necessary to become a practicing massage therapist. Founded in 1999, the Texas Massage Institute boasts four campuses in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Plano, and Longview. With its...

Massage therapy has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Each year, more people discover the benefits that a good massage offers. While most people enjoy a deep, relaxing massage, Baby Boomers are realizing a unique need for them. As the Boomer generation grows older, their bodies become more susceptible to muscle strains and fatigue. Massage therapy provides them with a solution. This article will describe the benefits that Baby Boomers can receive from a good massage and why they should consider getting one. These benefits include: For healing bodily aches that result from physical activity and for increasing joint flexibility as the body ages. Massage therapy is also very effective...

Boasting five campus locations throughout Ohio and Kentucky, Southwestern College (part of Lincoln Educational Services) offers prospective students diverse educational opportunities in health sciences, business and Information Technology (IT), and spa and cosmetology. With an ever-expanding job market for natural healthcare therapists, becoming a professional massage therapist has never been easier. At Southwestern College, its in-depth massage therapy program provides hands-on training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, reflexology, and other massage techniques. After you've acquired a strong, educational background in massage therapy, you can achieve entry-level employment in a massage clinic...

Pains and aches are part and parcel of every pregnancy. Physical discomfort, muscular tensions, headaches, backaches, pains occur due to increase in weight, shifting posture and hormone levels. Pre natal massages aim to improve circulation, alleviate aches and pains, eases muscular tensions and other pregnancy related symptoms, perking up expectant mother's mood and mental attitude. Stress related areas which demand attention are back, neck and shoulder. Massaging the legs reduces blood pooling and full body massage to the head/scalp, feet, hands and face area provides relief from tensions and aches. All the areas should be massaged gently and pressure should be applied when needed. Experienced...

In the profession of massage therapy, there is no one regulatory body that certifies/licenses for the practice of massage across the 50 states. Since 1992 the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) has been certifying massage therapists as part of the credentialing process in many states. More recently (2007), the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) has also served as a credentialing organization in some states. Many states accept the passing scores from either organization's exams. Currently recognized in 33 states plus Guam, the Virgin Islands, West Indies, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, as the credential for practicing massage in...

Massage therapy licensure in Ohio is governed by the State Medical Board. This is unique. Most states, maybe none, have this kind of governance. If a person graduates from a board-recognized massage therapy program in Ohio, s/he would be eligible to "sit" for the licensure exam. There are also some schools outside of Ohio that one could graduate from and be "permitted" to sit for Ohio's licensure exam. Beyond this, what would you have to "do" to become an Ohio licensed massage therapist? Follow these steps and you should be well on your way to a legitimate massage therapy practice. Step #1. Graduate from a board-approved school with a curriculum of at least 750 clock hours and a minimum of a nine...

Body massaging is a therapy which can be done by hand or with an instrument to give a soothing effect to the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy is one of the best and most proficient methods of practice used today to improve the overall health and wellbeing. Good massage techniques will improve blood circulation, reduce any tension, un-strain the muscles and joints, and relax the body and the mind. Massage therapy will allow you to become more relaxed while driving away the everyday tension that is present in your busy life - even if for only a brief while. Basically, massage therapy requires a "soothing" or "special" touch when handling the body's soft tissues. A combination of stretching...

Massage therapy for the therapist is not just about making money - though the money that can be made from this profession can be a very lucrative living indeed, for the therapist it must be more of a love for human beings, their wellness, an understanding of how the body works on all levels and a knowledge of natural and alternative remedies. You will not get much repeat business if you concentrate on the money rather than on the person in front of you. It is also a fantastic way to make a living, imagine offering that secure, peaceful, relaxing place to those that crave it but can never seem to find it. Imagine being able to give the relief of the tension and stress to those that really need it...

Percussion Therapy is attached with various kinds of massage therapies techniques, all are highly regarded full ideal to different sorts of clinical practices. The numbers of medical percussion massages therapy tools are extensively being used worldwide by professionals and individuals for obviating the risks related to the body's internal systems and few common percussion therapies also involve respiratory therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, sports medicine and spas and salons. The line up of valuable ideas have been developed for reducing the stress, moreover to myofascial release, deep muscle therapy, trigger point reduction, pain relieve by inserting lactic acids, treatment for...

The art of massage therapy has been around for thousands of years which is why over the years many styles have evolved. Read on and learn how you can decide which style to choose that will fit your requirements. Swedish massage therapy is the most common type of therapy in the United States but was originally developed by a Swede, Dr. Per Henrik Ling. The therapist who does this uses a variety of techniques - kneading, friction, tapping, hacking, and vibration - that go with rubbing in the same direction of the blood flow to the heart with long but smooth strokes designed to relax the muscles. This massage is highly recommended for first timers and those who have chronic muscle fatigue because it...

It has become well known that a career in massage therapy can be very rewarding, and with over 80 types of massage therapy techniques and careers available there may be one that is of interest to you. With the many options of massage therapy specialties like chair massage, infant massage, medical massage, sports massage, and more, opportunities for a career in this trendy field are abundant. In recent years massage therapy has become widely recognized as a certified profession, and it is often recommended by medical professionals for a range of medical problems. There are a number of professionals including chiropractors, reflexologists, and holistic nurses that choose to obtain certification in...

Most of us are aware that therapeutic massage feels amazing; but massage also provides relief to a multitude of specific health concerns. Therapeutic massage has been proven beneficial in reducing muscular pain and tension; relieving lower back pain; lessening depression; giving K.O.'s to sleep disorders, lowering high blood pressure, increasing flexibility, and much more! Experts believe that 90% of stress accounts for 80-90% of illnesses and disease. As massage is a great stress-reliever, you can see that we can avoid a lot of current, stress-related illnesses via massage therapy. As mentioned above, there are several reasons why people seek massage. Below are the top ten reasons why most people...

How do we do this? By programming a mini troupe of AI Ewoks to cavort across your homepage every time someone visits your site? By offering a free back massage to every subscriber? (This would be more effective if you regularly stop traffic whilst out for a jog.) By hosting exclusive real time streaming of an underground Apple VS Google fight club? Yes to all the above. Though they might need some tweaking... Keeping your blog exciting and interesting is not always easy but is worth the challenge. Producing a blog can be vital for increasing search engine optimisation ranks and delivering important information clearly. From a search perspective, search engines thrive on sites producing fresh and new...

You should wait until you have graduated from massage school, passed the National Massage Exam (NCBTMB), and have your state license before applying for a massage job, right? WRONG! During these tough economic times it is important that you get an early jump on your massage therapy career. Waiting and waiting until everything is lined up just so may leave you with months of "free" time on you hands. The massage therapy education that you invested in will pay off if you take the proper steps. Use your time as a student wisely. Use the collective efforts of your school community to prepare yourself and to land a massage job while still a student. First begin by deciding what type of job you want. The...

Many debates have occurred on whether theoretical or practical massage therapy education is better. My preference is to get a good foundation but then go out and obtain some practical experience. You will learn much quicker about what works and what doesn't but also have enough theory and training to understand and properly execute the fundamentals. Regulations by States, Counties, and Cities vary as to the amount of training required before being licensed. Our area, Sacramento County California, happens to require 125 hours at the present time and Healing Arts Institute offers a qualifying program to match that. There are other schools that offer 500 hour and even 1000 hour programs. At first...