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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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.

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.

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 will not 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.

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.