Many of us are working longer hours and working harder just to stay where we are at. This can lead to greater fatigue in the body. Fatigue leads to stiffness which eventually leads to aches and pains. These symptoms can persist for days, weeks or even years. Many of us simply do not take too much notice and probably do not seek adequate relief. One perfect way to relieve the aches and pains of the body is with a massage chair.

Massage chairs are a great way to receive many different therapeutic treatments. They are specifically designed for comfort and relaxation. Every detail of the massage has been thought through to bring you the most relaxing and relieving experience.

One of the important features of a massage chair is having a music player. It is Paramount to relax your mind. If your mind does not relax, then it is much more difficult to release the tension in the body. A relaxed mind helps ease the tension in the body.

Professional massage therapists use soft, rhythmic music to distract and quiet the mind during a treatment. This practice is also commonplace in massage chairs with the use of MP3 players and headphones. Playing of music reduces the ambient noise as well as quiet and calms the mind.

The technology of massage chairs continues to evolve rapidly. One of the great benefits is that practically every massage treatment of importance has been replicated in massage chairs. You can now find such massage treatments as Swedish, shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology and many more.

What would you prefer, a shiatsu massage or a Swedish massage right now? A massage chair gives you this choice of massage treatment whenever you like. It effectively penetrates deeply into the muscle tissue providing relief and invigoration.

A very relieving massage technique is compression massage. This uses gentle squeezing, holding and releasing to relieve tension and muscles. Massage chairs use airbags driven by an air compressor to provide a realistic compression massage.

If your feet are aching, take off your shoes and slip them into the foot wells. Activate the reflexology foot massage. The reflexology foot massage stimulates the 7200 nerve endings located on the soles of your feet. This provides great relief for someone on their feet all day.

Massage chairs come with specific of movements that are designed to stretch out, pull and elongate your muscles. Massage movements such as kneading are excellent for relieving tension and the back and shoulders.

One of the more relieving technologies which have been added recently is stretching. Many massage chairs now have the capability to stretch different parts of the body. Stretching is great for relieving tension, especially in the joints.

Another important therapy introduced in many massage chairs is heat. Heat therapy is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and to enhance blood flow. Just the comfort of heat is very soothing and of itself.

Getting effective relief when you need it is very important. Massage chairs provide you with the ability to get massage treatments on demand. They can be used to relieve your stress and tension when you need it most.

Effective relief is available when you need it most. Massage chairs provide you with the convenience of access anytime you want to massage therapy. They provide a range of different therapeutic treatments which relieve aches, pains and help you to relax. See how a massage chair can provide you effective relief when you need it.

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.

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Massage is a common practice used by everyday people as a means to relax and unwind after a tense week at work or a tiring holiday. Since ancient times, spiritual and natural healers have used massage therapy techniques to cure illnesses and heal injuries to the body or mind. Many of the most successful techniques have survived the ravages of time – passed on from generation to generation and refined by gifted therapists – to exist today.

Overview

The best thing about massage is that you don’t need a medical degree or a background in medicine or physiology-related education in order to learn and practice massage. It also does not require years of training to become a good massage therapist – only lost of practical experience to get really good at it. The training itself is very simple and very practice-based, and students have a variety of options when it comes to deciding which type or types of massage therapy they wish to learn and practice. The following are some of the types of massage therapy which are most popular and in-demand these days. Many massage therapy schools in Canada and the US (and all over the world) conduct regular training sessions on many of these types of therapy as part of comprehensive training courses and campus based programs.

The following are four of the several popular types of massage therapy taught most frequently at modern massage schools which offer complete massage therapy programs.

Swedish massage:

This is the most common type of massage used in most western countries, especially Canada and the US. Massage lotion and oil are usually used to decrease friction on the surface and therapists use their hands for long smooth strokes (in a kneading motion), tapping and circular patterns with pressure applied to muscles just below the skin (there are five basic strokes used). This type of massage is considered beneficial for reducing pain and joint stiffness, and improving blood circulation and helps patients with osteoarthritis.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is based in yoga and originated from the far-east and India (originally).The objective of this type of massage is to align the energies of the human body (eastern spiritual concepts are used). This involves stretching and compressing muscles and putting pressure on specific points (nerve-pressure points) of the body. It improves flexibility and range of motion while refreshing and energizing the body – it is therefore preferred by performers and sportsmen and women.

Shiatsu Massage (Japanese)

Shiatsu literally means ‘figure pressure’ and is based on the same concepts as acupuncture. It uses eastern concepts of the balance and flow of body energy. Pressure is applied by the thumbs, fingers and palms of the hand to ‘energy meridians’ – the same points of the body as with acupuncture. Variations of this type of therapy include foot-shiatsu (a famous method of foot massage) as well as rolling, brushing, vibrating and hand-grasping areas of the body as well as stretching.

Aromatherapy (based on Swedish/ Indian massage)

Aromatherapy is basically massage therapy with the use of scented essential oils to provide stimulation through the sense of smell – along with touch – during a therapy session. The human sense of smell is connected to the part of brain (limbic system) that can regulate the heart, blood pressure, stress factors, breathing, memory, digestion and the immune system. The human skin absorbs these healing essential oils while the scent and the massage motion regulated the condition – through the brain – according to whichever objective is to be accomplished. Some oil used to regulate condition; Calming oils; chamomile, lavender, geranium. For mood uplifting; ylang ylang, clary sage, rose, neroli. For energizing the body and cleansing; rosemary, and for decongesting; eucalyptus, pine and tea tree.

References:

Wikipedia – extensive reading
altmedicine[dot]about[dot]com/od/massage/a/massage_types.htm

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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.

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Of all body work techniques Shiatsu is commonly known to the western world as acupressure. Which is not completely accurate because acupressure involves using needle pressure. However there are no needles used in Shiatsu, instead you use the thumbs, heels of the hands, elbows, knees and even feet. Shiatsu is usually done on a mat on the floor and the client is always clothed. Different points along the body are compressed, working along the median of the body and the person’s Ki, also known as energy points. Often times a lot of the work is done on the soles of the feet and other acupressure points along the body that as a result stimulate different healing sensation. Always be aware of your own body when you are working on someone. Make sure that you are centered and you are not over reaching and that you are coming from a place in your lower abdomen. At all times during the massage you should maintain contact with the subject with one of your hands, which is called the mother hand. The are many benefits of the Shiatsu massage especially when we dealing with the fatigue, pain of the lower back, headaches , tension in the shoulders, anxiety and various other physical conditions. These benefits include increased circulation, more relaxation, easing tension and discomfort in the body. Bringing blood to the area helps release tension and ease knots. Other benefits are increased flexibility and range of motion and getting more in tune with ones body. Some people claim to have decreased their blood pressure from massage.

This article lets you know some of the available massage courses to which you can apply to. A massage course should be taught in such a way that you as a therapist should find it interesting and still give you all the knowledge you will require to be good at your job. This article has a few massage courses you could consider applying to as they are some of the most sought after ones in Australia right now.

An Introductory Course:

This simple course is a good starting point whether you want to pursue a career in massage or just want to add a skill set to assist friends or family. You will get to learn basic back, neck, shoulder and legs massages.

Relaxation Massage Course:

This is a very popular massage course through which you are taught a wide range of massage techniques to target the whole body. Students get to learn both the contraindications for massages. Techniques that you will learn are cross frictional therapy, effleurage, pettrissage, deep soft tissue therapy and vibrations. This is a great foundation course to apply to as you learn valuable hand skills which is useful in other massages.

Shiatsu

This popular Japanese massage is very beneficial for restoring the body s energy and revitalizing the mind and soul. It is taught in two levels:

Level 1

• Contraindication for Shiatsu Massage

• The Shiatsu approach to human body, disorders and diseases

• The five phases of Shiatsu

• Tzang and Fu Organs

• The energy channels and the movements of Ki (Chi)

• Essential energy channels (tsubo)and the indications for their use

• Techniques taught to students to enable them to carry out a full body Shiatsu which is then practiced by the students as well.

Level 2

• Developing and refining the diagnostic techniques used both on and off the body.

• Zen meridian extensions and their uses

• Combinations of energy points (tsubo)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine and its application in Shiatsu

• Techniques and body positioning for treating specific injuries, pregnancy, pathologies and ailments.

• Setai and Sotai Techniques

Tui Na

This is an ancient Chinese Therapeutic Massage is a part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). You will learn to:

Tui Na 1

• Treat and help reduce chronic disorders.

• Reduce and eliminate pain

• Improve blood circulation

• Improve nutritional supply to parts of the body

• Improve immune system and resistance to diseases

• This course is designed to introduce you to TCM theory and teach basic techniques used in Tui Na

• You will also be taught to deal with stiff necks, arm pain, lower back pain, headaches and shoulder pain

Tui Na 2

• It teaches you diagnostic techniques from a Tui Na approach

• How to choose energy points (acupressure) for specific problems and which techniques to use on them.

• Deal with spasms and diaphragm

• Deal with sciatica, arthritis, dysfunction and lumbar and shoulder pain.

• Facial Paralysis, Trigeminal Neuralgia, toothaches, headaches

• Application of cupping and Moxibustion

• Neurasthenia, Enuresis, Retention of urine and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Spermotorrhea and impotence.

• This course is an excellent opportunity to learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are many more courses like sports massage, pregnancy massage, etc. If you are interested in applying for any of these courses then you could consider applying to Copeland College of Massage Therapy. For more info please visit http://www.copelandcollege.com.au.

An increased awareness of the benefits of massage have prompted more people to explore the Shiatsu massage chair. In the past individuals could only get the benefits of a massage by leaving their home. Now that is no longer the case.

Many people are working in environments that create stress. This stress usually results in backaches and headaches. When they work at a computer all day they also suffer from neck pain at the end of the day. Making time to get a massage cannot be accomplished on a daily basis. Yet people find that they feel better when they receive a Shiatsu massage.

For people who cannot visit a massage therapist on a frequent basis, the Shiatsu massage chair is available for them. The chair provides all of the benefits of a professional massage in one’s home while blending in perfectly with the rest of the home’s furnishings.

The Shiatsu massage chair is designed to provide deep tissue massage from head to toe. Many of the chairs have adjustable calf and foot massagers which provide the same type of massage that one is receiving on their back, neck, and spine. The chairs have adjustable controls so that a person can set the width and speed of their massage.

The remote control that accompanies the chair allows an individual to choose specific areas for massage. There are also several pre-programmed massages that are available with the touch of a button. Using the remote one controls the actions of the entire chair. It is very easy to make adjustments for the width of area to be massaged. The Shiatsu massage chair that has a built in arm massage unit provides relief to people who work at a computer all day. The massage focuses on the hands and wrists of the user. This massage provides the deep tissue massage and heat that is helpful for carpal tunnel.

When selecting a Shiatsu massage chair you want to be sure that the chair is comfortable and durable. The motors of these chairs are very important to the overall functioning of the massage units. Some of the chairs have as many as eight motors running the chair. The motors should be quiet and provide smooth uninterrupted massage and reclining features.

When choosing the Shiatsu massage chair, make sure that it is easy to keep clean.  You will find that this is the one chair in the house that will get the most use, so keeping food and liquids away from the area is a wise idea to ensure that no spills occur that can damage the machine.

Reflexology massage involves the stimulation of the feet, hands and ears. This occurs when the licensed massage therapist puts pressure onto certain areas of your feet, hands and ears. The reason for reflexology massage being specifically carried out in these parts of the body is that those parts of the body have key openings into internal and external portions of the body. These areas can greatly effect and help your body refresh itself. Reflexology can be a slightly painful process, but it is also a helpful one if carried out by licensed massage therapists.

Reflexology targets points in your feet, hands and ears that control other parts of your body.

You may feel the effects of this particular therapeutic massage not only outwardly, but inwardly as well. One way to think of the pathways of reflexology, which you will be taught about in massage school, is by zones. Each part of your feet and hands has regions that affect your body. Putting pressure on these certain points will affect your shock system and make you feel like a new person. A good massage therapist school will teach you all this and more.

Another interesting aspect of reflexology massage, is that this form of therapeutic massage can help reconnect your body with your mind. It may sound outlandish, but many times your mind is not in sync with the rest of your body. Licensed massage therapists will be able to correct this problem for you and make you feel a whole lot better.

Reconnecting your mind and body through reflexology can truly help you feel better and more put together. It is commonly known that if your body is healthy and feels better, your daily performance will be better as well.

Why is it important? Reflexology is important, for instance, because your feet control much of your body. For instance, your body’s temperature is controlled by your feet. Reflexology carried out by someone who has studied hard at a good massage therapy school targets the pressure points that keep your body functioning properly.

What reflexology massage areas are found in your feet and hands? In your toes alone there are nerves that control your brain, voice and neck. The middle of your foot is connected to your heart and lungs; toward the bottom of your foot, pressure points affect your liver and kidneys.

Your hand controls you small intestine, bladder, spleen, and the sides of your head among other areas.

How was it discovered? Reflexology found its early development in the work of William H. Fitzgerald, M. D. around the 1900s. He decided to try these tactics on his patients. Further discovery was found by Eunice D. Ingham.

Some doctors today will suggest reflexology massage and may refer you to a licensed massage therapist, while others still prefer the traditional methods. There is no harm in reflexology; it is simply a matter of opinion. Some doctors are more open to homeopathic methods than others.

Licensed massage therapists who have studied at massage therapy colleges or massage therapy schools are the ones to perform this method.

Even though it may not be the main focus in a basic massage session, there is some kind of reflexology involved in most therapeutic massage sessions. In massage schools, massage therapists spend a number of hours studying reflexology. Some licensed massage therapists will even take additional courses to improve their knowledge and expertise in reflexology.

There are also official diplomas and massage therapy degrees that can be earned by a licensed massage therapist in just the study of Reflexology alone. Massage therapy jobs can likewise be obtained in just reflexology alone or in various aspects of therapeutic massage such as sports massage, acupressure and hand massage alongside reflexology massage.

Everyone would like to feel better. Massage therapists help make that happen and reflexology is another way to enhance your body’s mental and physical wellbeing.

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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Shiatsu is a japanese model of bodywork. The meaning of shiatsu is “finger pressure”, and it is sometimes described as per a finger pressure massage.

How does Shiatsu massage important?

Similar acupuncture, shiatsu is based on the holistic model of traditional Chinese medicine, where sickness is thought to effect from imbalances in the natural flow of power energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”) through the body.

Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways. As per a scientific clarification is that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous network system, which enhances circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and allays stress.

The shiatsu therapist applies force using the fingers, thumbs, and/or palms in a continuous rhythmic series.

The pressure or force experiences more localized, because different other forms of massage, the finger pads are conducted to apply pressure for most of the treating instead of the entire palm.

Confident pressure points may sense tender, which some people describe it as “good pain.”

If you feel any discomfort or ache during the cure, tell your therapist and he or she will adjust the force or pressure so that it is convenient to you.

Relaxation, Back pain, Headache, Premenstrual syndrome, Anxiety, Insomnia, Neck and shoulder pain, Tiredness, Recovery from injuries, Stress, Arthritis pain, Poor digestion, Constipation, Depression are conditions for using shiatsu massage. Moreover, it is not recommended for certain people:

Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor People with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before having shiatsu Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having shiatsu Immediately after surgery Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting any type of massage or bodywork. Shiatsu in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage. Shiatsu should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

So, the most people in the world say shiatsu is as relaxing as a classic system of massage therapy.

It has been found that reflexology massages can help to reduce your stress and anxiety.  We seem to take so little time for us to decompress.  We are under constant pressure that builds up in the body and needs to be released.  Do you know that a reflexology foot massage can relieve headaches?  It is also good to relieve back pain and help to reduce stress while inducing relaxation.  Did you know that the best massage chair recliners have effective foot reflexology massages?

Reflexology is about applying pressure in the feet and hands to relieve pressure in other parts of the body.  This technique has been known from many early peoples and was practiced as part of healing.  With the rise of science, these reflexology techniques have been more thoroughly tested and each specific healing area has been identified.  Foot reflexology is known to reduce back pain and even headaches by applying gentle pressure in particular reflexology areas on your feet.

Dr. Fitzgerald went on to map out these zones and created the first modern reflexology charts.  A foot massage uses certain strokes to relax the feet and the individual.  However, foot reflexology helps to increase the health and well being of the entire body.  As foot reflexology is applied, healing of other parts of the body began.  Sometimes, the healing was spontaneous, but more often, the healing takes periodic treatments to sustain.

Reflexology helps to reverse the process started by the nervous system.  When we are under pressure, most of the time it is mental.  We think this is the end of the world and then our body gets nervous and worked up, but our body does not physically have to do anything.  Stress from physical harm is the reaction that gets the body all worked up.  This stress helps the body prepare for physical action.  Mental stress is like a false alarm for the body to prepare for a fight.  This stress works the body up and foot reflexology on the other hand works the body back down.

Now with the advance of technology, effective reflexology massages are being integrated into the premier massage chair brands.  Companies like Panasonic, Omega among others have developed technology providing foot reflexology massage.  The Panasonic EP30004 Real Pro Ultra Massage Chair or the Omega Montage Premier massage chair both incorporate foot reflexology massage.  These massage chair recliners can provide daily relief of built up tension and anxiety.

Foot Reflexology massage has a lot of potential benefits, however, one important finding is that the benefits were a result of continuous applications.  In other words, getting a foot reflexology massage once a year will not have much sustained effect.  The reason for this is that stress is continuous.  Therefore, stress relief must be applied on a continuous basis to counteract the build up of stress.

A massage chair recliner is a perfect method to receive these health benefits on a continuous basis in the comfort and privacy of your home.  Not only does a reflexology foot massage feel great, but it also helps to reduce stress and anxiety from the build up of stress.  Many causes of back pain and discomfort are related to the posture and your feet.  Relieving the tension from your feet also helps to improve posture and minimize back pain.  Check out a shiatsu massage chair as a way to get continuous foot reflexology treatments to improve your overall health and well being.

Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands. Many studies have been done in relation to the effectiveness of reflexology. This paper will review the practice of reflexology, and the results of studies on the practice of this art.

First, what is reflexology? Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin build-up in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. Reflexology is safe and effective for everyone. Furthermore, it can be used throughout one’s lifetime.

So how can reflexology really help you? Research has found that not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, detoxification, recovering from surgery, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been shown to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems. Furthermore, in one study, women that had at least 10 reflexology sessions showed reduced labor times during delivery, and fewer complications of childbirth when compared to women who did not have the treatments.

Children can benefit from reflexology in many ways as well. A few of the most common reasons for conventional medical treatment today are ear infections, constipation, colic and bed-wetting. Reflexology has been shown to dramatically improve these problems. Research has shown that children with cerebral palsy who received reflexology work actually had increased growth rate over the kids who did not receive therapy. There are many additional benefits for children of the practice of this art.

In a society that relies on chemically-laden prescription drugs to cure the sick, especially in the elderly, reflexology provides success stories worth examining. Did you know that elderly patients that routinely get reflexology treatment reduce their levels of cholesterol, reduce and maintain lower blood pressure and treat painful digestion better than drugs? Elderly patients who have reflexology mats in their homes experience less pain and a greater sense of control when walking.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. For patients recovering from surgery, reflexology can be a dream come true. Studies have shown that patients that received reflexology treatment after surgery experienced far less pain than the patients that received painkillers alone. Moreover, reflexology was shown to be more effective than catheterization in patients with retention of urine after surgery.

Reflexology has made its mark in the world of alternative therapies because it works. Try it and see the results for yourself. Once you try it, you too will become a believer. Find yourself a good reflexologist, or better yet, learn the techniques for yourself. Having the knowledge to treat yourself and your family is one of the smartest things you can do.

Northern Arizona Massage Therapy Institute, better known as NAMTI, is one of the leading educational institutes in massage. As a school for extensive massage and bodywork trainiing, NAMT boasts accreditations and endorsements from numerous state, national and international organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), among others. According to Jeff McGrath, Director of NAMTI, accreditation from these massage and bodywork organizations is critical to the school’s success. “It ensures our graduates have the specialized set of skills that inherent them as a therapist. It’s quality control, ensuring high quality certified instructors, and the student’s ability to get the most out of the program. It differentiates [our graduates] from other practitioners.”

Located in Northern Arizona, NAMTI provides extensive massage and bodywork training to students seeking unique careers in the healing arts. For example, one of the many career-training programs is NAMTI’s 840-hour Massage Practitioner Program,* which is all-inclusive when it comes to massage diversity. In this particular program, students gain fundamentals in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology, in addition to hands-on training in Swedish massage, deep tissue techniques, reflexology, hydrotherapy and SoulStones (hot stones), Shiatsu, Tuina, Myofascial techniques, craniosacral therapy, ProprioSomatic Therapy (similar to Trigger Point therapy), traditional Thai massage, Tai Chi, Qigong, and more. Completion of this comprehensive course gives graduates eligibility for National Certification and State licensure. (Individual State licensing requirements may vary.) “(Students) receive quality vocational training to do this legally, but (the program) is also a transformational and growth opportunity for personal growth, personal health and wellbeing, in conjunction with training,” remarked McGrath.

If you are interested in pursuing Asian bodywork as a career, then NAMTI offers its 500-hour Advanced Asian Bodywork Certification program, which permits graduates to earn Practitioner Level Certification through the American Organization for Body Therapies of Asia (AOBTA); in addition to National Certification. This in-depth massage course involves education and training in anatomy and physiology, with an emphasis on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine); including bodywork instruction in Shiatsu (Namakoshi style), traditional Thai massage, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), Tai Chi and Qigong, among other essential business studies.

If you like foot massage, NAMTI has the right program for you as well. The 200-hour Professional Reflexology Certification program at NAMTI offers students practical training and academics in the foundations of reflexology, practice and documentation (i.e., research project and 40 documented sessions), and case studies, among other subject matter. Successful completion of this program allows graduates to take the ARCB (American Reflexology Certification Board) exam.

Consider continuing education at either one of NAMTI’s campus locations in Sedona or Prescott. In addition to foundational continuing education courses in anatomy, physiology, or pathology, both students and professional massage therapists have several alternative educational options from which to choose, including supplementary training in energetic medicine, ProprioSomatic Therapy, Shiatsu, and TCM Theory, among many others. NAMTI further supports its students and graduates with online courses in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology.

If you are pining for travel, NAMTI invites its students to travel abroad to Thailand to gain an even more enriching healing arts environment. Students opting to tour to Thailand with NAMTI not only get to experience the unique sites and sounds of this ancient land, but will acquire skills from Thai massage and Thai masters from the area! Currently, plans are in development for student travel to China, as well.

In addition to Veterans Education Benefits, NAMTI participates in a variety of financial aid programs and offers a job placement program to its graduates. If you’ve never been excited about a career in massage, then now is the time to get motivated and aggressively pursue your massage therapy education through NAMTI. “You’re not going to find another program in the country that gives you this much high-quality attention. Such a comprehensive blend of all these leading massage modalities demonstrates that NAMTI is one step ahead of the curve, and that will define the future of the successful therapist.”

*Upcoming 840-hour program starts in January, 2008 in both Prescott and Sedona campus locations.

Featured School the Week: NAMTI-Northern Arizona Massage Therapy Institute

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Couples Massage Secrets – Easy Techniques To Connect And Impress.

You may be surprised to discover just how many different forms, types and variations of massage there are. When you have a session with a professional massage therapist you won’t necessarily receive the same massage technique as the next client. Massage therapists train in different types of massages and use their expertise to determine which massage style will be best for you. Some of the most common massage techniques include:

Swedish Massage- undoubtedly the most common form of massage. Swedish massage is known for its ability to bring the body into a state of relaxation and is often the first massage technique that therapists learn. Swedish Massage does not involve deep tissue or layers but is reserved to the upper most layers of the skin and muscle.

Sports Massage- this massage is used to treat the injuries that are often associated with various athletes due to the sports they participate in. This type of massage is also effective in preventing sports related injuries as well as treating them. One of the best benefits of Sports Massage is found in the fact that muscles and ligaments may be stretched and lengthened during these sessions. This results in enhanced athletic performance.

Deep Tissue Massage- this type of massage is performed more deeply upon the muscle and tissue compared to other types. Due to the nature of this massage, it is very beneficial in treating various types of chronic pain. It is important to realize that due to the amount of friction used in this type of massage, patients may experience a slight degree of discomfort following the treatment.

Reflexology- many people refer to Reflexology as a foot massage, however it is more involved than simply massaging the feet. Reflexology is based upon the Acupressure points that reside in the foot. The belief is that stimulation and massage on these points will connect with various points throughout the body.

Spa Therapies- this type of massage is found in spas and resorts. It may be a combination of other types of massage and combine other elements that are being used in the spa. These may include aromatherapy, deep tissue, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and much more.

Thai Massage- sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage, this form of massage combines many of the stretching poses of yoga with deep, vigorous massage techniques.

Shiatsu- otherwise known as Japanese Massage, Shiatsu uses the same pressure points in Chinese Acupressure and Acupuncture to perform deep tissue bodywork.

Hot Stone Massage- this type of massage uses hot or heated stones that are placed on certain points in the body. The heat from the stones relaxes tight and tense muscles and is believed to bring balance to the body.

Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage- this massage is used to help promote circulation, relaxation, and reduce stress in expectant mothers. It is important that pregnant women use a professional to perform these massages as too much stimulation may have a negative effect on the baby. Pregnant women should also be in specific positions while they are being massaged as well.

Find Reflexology Courses in the United States and Canada. Making your selection to apply to one of several reflexology courses should not be too difficult. In most cases, healing arts schools that extend reflexology courses cover basic training in the practical application of reflexology and education on the various reflex zones that are found on the ears, hands and feet.

As both a complementary therapy and ancient healing art, reflexology courses don’t only offer the history and philosophies of reflexology, but also how this natural healing method is based on principles of meridian therapy and vital energy (Qi). When practitioners have mastered the skill of successfully administering reflexology, they discover the many healing capabilities that are enhanced through unblocking the natural energy flow in the body.

Students in reflexology courses learn that when energy is blocked, the correlating organ of the reflex zone can be affected; but equally stimulated through reflexology therapy.

To find out if enrolling in any one of numerous reflexology courses is right for you, you should schedule a reflexology session. Experience this natural therapy first hand and see if this is something you would like to pursue. While some reflexology courses are more in-depth for career-minded practitioners, other shorter courses may be appropriate for those who wish to learn practice for self, family and friends.

As far as credentialing is concerned, graduates of reflexology courses can earn certificates and/or diplomas of achievement/completion from the respective healing arts school; however, to further substantiate ones credibility, the ARCB (American Reflexology Certification Board) offers exams to students who have successfully completed training to gain national certification in reflexology.

Typically, reflexology courses range from six weeks and up. Additionally, continuing education in reflexology is commonly offered in 1-2 day workshops and seminars.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding reflexology courses, 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.

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