Find Reflexology Programs in the United States and Canada. Today, students interested in learning a unique form of massage therapy can enroll in anyone of several reflexology programs that are designed for the future natural healer in mind.

Reflexology programs vary in length and instruction modules, however; students can take introductory classes to get a feel for this ancient healing art; and can then proceed to more advanced levels of training should they choose to pursue professional fields in reflexology. In addition to foot reflexology, it is also good to know that there are several reflexology programs that offer training in hand, body, ear and face reflexology therapy as well. Of course these programs are sometimes included in comprehensive career training programs, as well as electives, home-study courses, and continuing education classes.

Typical reflexology programs range in duration. While some may be completed in as little as a few months, other reflexology programs are more in-depth and may take up to a year to complete. Practical training in reflexology includes studies in anatomy, physiology, reflex areas and application of reflexology to the body, ear, feet and hands; pathology, energy healing concepts (i.e., Reiki and chakra balancing), among other related training. Students who successfully complete all coursework earn a certificate or diploma of completion. Other natural health therapies that are offered through reflexology programs may sometimes include supplemental training herbology, botanical medicine, hot stone massage, and other holistic therapies.

A number of advanced reflexology programs are available to graduates who have earned certification as a reflexology practitioner. In addition to more in-depth reflexology methods, future teachers are taught how to effectively communicate with students, develop quality curricula, time management, business and marketing skills for the entrepreneur, and other associated educational matter. Additionally, holistic health practitioners or massage therapists who are seeking to expand health services to clients, find that completion of any one of a number of reflexology programs can be beneficial to expanding already established, and client services.

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

Reflexology Programs Today

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Realize your professional dreams as an expert massage practitioner when you complete your healing arts training at the Academy of Massage Therapy. Situated in Hackensack, New Jersey, the Academy of Massage Therapy is Accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), and is an important educational resource to all those seeking comprehensive training to become a certified massage therapist or certified clinical massage therapist.

The 1,149-hour clinical massage therapy program at the Academy of Massage Therapy can be completed in just 12 months. Students enrolled in this in-depth course of study receive hands-on training in a vast assortment of natural health sciences and massage modalities; including anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, CPR and first aid, pathology, neurology, deep tissue massage, sports massage, hydrotherapy, medical massage, Swedish massage, chair massage, prenatal massage, foot reflexology, and even Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), among many other studies.

In less than nine months, students can complete the 614-hour massage therapy program at the Academy of Massage Therapy. In addition to anatomy and physiology, students participating in the massage therapy course acquire practical training in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, chair massage, hydrotherapy, prenatal massage, and much more.

Some of the various educational electives and continuing education programs that the Academy of Massage Therapy offers its students include instruction in Anma (Japanese deep tissue massage), foot reflexology, hot stone massage, raindrop technique, manual lymph drainage (MLD), Reiki, Shiatsu, Thai massage, and Trigger Point Therapy, among others.

As part of its strong commitment to students and alumni, the Academy of Massage Therapy provides essential career assistance services and participates in a number of financial aid programs. Now is the time to put your healing hands to work for you and achieve the profession for which you are destined — learn more about the Academy of Massage Therapy.

Featured School the Week: Academy of Massage Therapy

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The CollegeBound Network

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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.

Massage therapy has been around for hundreds of years. If you need to relief from muscle pain or stress, you can choose from one of the ten best types of massage therapy around.

1. First is Swedish massage therapy. This happens to be the most common type to find in the US because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

2. Next is aromatherapy and the reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. You will just have to select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

3. There is also hot stone massage. Here, heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

4. Then there is deep tissue massage. This type is designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

5. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. Here, the masseuse will use localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

6. Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don’t do anything except go with the flow.

7. For women that are expecting, they can opt for pregnancy massage. It is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Reflexology is also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. Those who practice this believe that the foot corresponds to certain organs and systems so if you are able to work on that, you have also done it in the whole body.

9. Then there is sports massage that is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

10. Lastly is back massage which usually lasts 30 minutes. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

Of course there are other kinds of massage therapy aside from the top ten most popular ones mentioned. Given that these are the only ones available in spas, perhaps you should just stick with the best sellers.

Whilst many just use the phrase “massage”, there are in fact many different types of massage available which concentrate on a particular part of the body or a particular method of administrating the therapy. Listed below is a brief description of the top ten types of massage offered today by masseurs.

Swedish massage therapy: This is the most common type to be offered by masseurs because it is very gentle and relaxing. The masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. The result is a refreshed, calm and renewed feeling for the body.

Aromatherapy: The reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. During the session, you will select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

Hot stone massage: Heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy points in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

Deep tissue massage: This type is designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

Shiatsu: This massage therapy originated from Japan. Here, the masseuse will use localised finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

Thai: As it also aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific parts, it is similar to Shiatsu. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don’t do anything except go with the flow.

Pregnancy: For women that are expecting, they can opt for a specialist pregnancy massage. It is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

Reflexology: This is also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. It is believed that the foot in fact corresponds to certain body organs and systems so if this is worked on therefore the whole body will benefit.

Sports: This is designed for people involved in sports activities. Professional atheletes benefit from this treatment the most but anyone who is involved in sport should consider this as it assists in helping to prevent and treat injuries.

Back & Neck: Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back and neck caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

Learn how to do a Japanese shiatsu massage of the sacral hole with expert massage therapy tips in this free health video clip. Expert: Richard Neil Bio: Richard Neil is a licensed, certified massage therapist and has been trained in deep tissue, Swedish, shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology, and kinesiology. Filmmaker: Nili Nathan

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