Why You Need to Attend Massage Therapy School

There are plenty of people who are interested in massage therapy, but have a doubt in their mind as to whether this career path would be fruitful. One thing's for sure: If you're good at your job, you would always have a long client list.

These days, it's not just people on vacations that are enjoying massages; many people after a tiring day at work choose to call in their masseur or visit them. So, when it comes to scope, this field is definitely set to bloom. But, should you attend massage school?

Reasons as to why you need to attend massage school

You may say that you could learn the art of massage just by watching a masseur do his or her job; but, that's completely wrong. If at all you want to learn a skill, you're going to need to learn it right. In order to do this you would need to attend massage therapy school. Some of the key reasons include:

You learn a lot about the human body

There's a lot that you need to know when it comes to massage and the most important aspects include Kinesiology as well as the overall anatomy of the human body. Physiology is another aspect that you need to be familiar with.

You would need to know where the major organs, tissues as well as muscles are located in the body as you would need to know how to massage in order to ease a particular kind of pain.

Management skills

When it comes to massage therapy, you need to have amazing management skills as well because you would need to retain your clients and gain more. So, apart from being a fine masseur, you also need to be a perfect manager.

Touching people

Most people hate touching other people and still dream of becoming a masseur. When you go to ta professional massage school, they give you an opportunity to massage real people and therefore you get to touch people!

If you're not comfortable with this, you would either get used to it or would realize that the job isn't meant for you. Therefore, it's really helpful if you attend a massage therapy school - if needed you may get a sort of psychological talk to help you get over this phobia.

Communication skills

Another important factor that you need to develop is your communication skill; without it you're clients would be bored and they would eventually leave you. Hence, these soft skills are really crucial for any professional masseur.

Anti Aging Tips: Hot Stone Massage

Modern Science has revealed that we humans are responsible for 80% of our aging. The other 20% is determined by our genes. It was also discovered that we do age much more rapidly due to the many body toxins trapped within our body for days, months, sometimes even years. One of the causes of body toxin production is stress. The other causes are alkaline-poor diets, environmental toxins and medication.

Stress is with us almost on a daily basis, sometimes more and sometimes less. It creates body toxins that the body needs to neutralize. For that task it needs minerals. If it doesn't get those minerals from food it takes it out of bones, scalp, capillaries, etc. Once those toxins are neutralized we need to aid the body in flushing them out by drinking plenty of water and through movement in form of some exercise or massage.

One of the most successful toxin-removing treatments are manual lymph drainages. For the purpose of providing you with anti-stress and anti aging tips, I am going to introduce the hot stone massage. Whether you are looking for your fountain of youth or simply want to decrease your stress level, a hot stone massage makes your perfect companion. It is a fascinating combination of energy work, massage and the soothing effect of hot stones. It is an old traditional treatment method in which the well-being can be increased to a physical, mental and spiritual level.

A hot stone massage is more than just a regular massage. It is the luxury version of a typical Swedish massage. Once you have had a hot stone Treatment you won't really want to go back to a normal massage.

A hot stone massage will loosen adhesive tissue promoting flexibility, remove toxins and increase circulation and lymph flow to help you gain super vitality. The warmth and the energetic power of the basalt rocks will penetrate deep within the body unblocking stagnated energy. It is the stagnated energy stuck deep within our bodies that cause physical as well as emotional restrictions. It does take special techniques and a trained and institutional therapist to remove such stagnated energies.

Most people will report being extremely relaxed and rejuvenated with less weight on their shoulders after a hot stone massage. You don't have to do anything but just lay there and enjoy this fantastic treatment while the therapist will help you unwind and the warm rock's energy guide you into deep relaxation. And relaxation is necessary to promote healing.

There are plenty of anti aging tips to follow. A lot of times we do get overwhelmed and not certain where to start. It is best to evaluate your health. How is your diet? How about your stress level? An anti aging supplement won't necessarily do the job if all the other aspects of anti aging aren't balanced. Learn to balance your health first, step by step.

Basic Tantra Massage Guidelines

Tantric massage is only one aspect of learning and practicing tantra. Other vital components that the tantra teacher will instruct his pupils in are tantric yoga, meditation, breathing and sexual techniques.

One of the most basic fundamentals of tantra massage is that the giver and receiver must have a pre-existing emotional bond. By this definition, all commercialized tantric massage services fly out of the window. It is almost impossible for a woman or man to enjoy and benefit from a tantra massage if she or he receives it from a stranger. The element of trust and intimacy is paramount in all tantric techniques, tantra exercises and tantra rituals.

A tantric massage must take place in a setting that is conducive to complete relaxation and whatever intimate contact may follow. Obviously, it must also provide complete privacy and freedom from potential disturbances. Therefore, all contact with the outside world must be cut off. The surface on which the massage will take place should be equipped with a comfortable mattress or mat with a freshly laundered sheet. Rolled-up towels to support the neck and knees are essential.

For the tantra massage, only high-quality massage oil should be used. Ideally, the intimate atmosphere should be further enhanced with incense, candle light and soft devotional music. I personally recommend a prolonged musical recitation of the Avalokitasvara Sūtra, which is commonly chanted at Buddhist temples in East Asia. It is the perfect musical backdrop for a tantric massage.

Begin this tantric ritual with the recipient lying on his or her stomach. Start with a gentle foot massage and then shift your ministrations to the neck and shoulders. These areas have vital pressure points which, if attended to with light but firm massage strokes, release relaxation throughout the body. The masseur can then proceed to massage the upper middle and lower back, continuing in these areas until all the knots and tension have been worked out from the muscles there. Then gently turn the recipient over so that you can work on the front.

Remember that this form of massage is not just about relaxation but also about building up the tantra energy in the recipient's body. As this energy is liberated and begins to flow, Kundalini is awakened. This energizes and balances the chakras - energy centers that are distributed along the central axis of the body. By energizing the chakras, you unleash various physical and emotional benefits in the recipient.

It is perfectly alright for the massage to be followed by sexual activity, but at least half an hour of patient massage should precede such activity. If your partner is fully relaxed as a result of the tantra massage, the lovemaking can indeed be spectacular.

Health Benefits of Shiatsu Massage

For those who have tried getting a massage as well as trying out acupuncture, you might also want to try out Shiatsu massage. This method is described to be using acupressure. This means that it has put together the techniques that both acupuncture and massage can provide. But does this indicate that the benefits that you will receive are also doubled?

Your skin might be able to display the most obvious results. If you have indeed benefited from Shiatsu massage, you may notice that your skin is a little bit softer and smoother. This is because of the fact that massage can help improve circulation throughout your body. When there is adequate circulation, the nutrients from the food you eat and the nourishment that you get are appropriately distributed to the body's cells.

Older individuals can have Shiatsu massage in order to alleviate pain caused by osteoarthritis. Even those who are suffering from an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis may undergo massage in order to reduce the pain that they are feeling. It may be necessary for you to seek the approval of your doctor before you allow yourself to undergo a massage therapy session for your inflamed joints, though.

Those who are suffering from migraine headaches might likewise take advantage of what Shiatsu massage can offer. When the body is relaxed and when there is good circulation all throughout the body, headaches may be effectively averted.

If you are stressed from having a tough and busy day or week at work, you should be able to de-stress with the help of massage. Stress can be reduced when the body is able to relieve the tension that it is harboring. The effects of massage are not only towards the physical body. The person can feel emotionally relaxed. This is ideal for those who are emotionally stressed. A good massage can make them feel lighter and refreshed.

The increase in circulation will also affect the digestive system. With this, a person can expect better digestion. Elimination of body wastes can also become regular and without any problems. Stomach ages and indigestion can be prevented effectively.

Women who are pregnant cans get pregnancy massages. At some instances, Shiatsu massage may also be good for them. This type can help reduce the suffering that women get from morning sickness as well as swelling. The lower extremities can be greatly affected by this swelling. And since the mother might have reduced physical activity, a little massage can help the body cells function and eliminate unwanted body fluids. Pregnancy massage, however, is not ideal for women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. However, there are those who use massage to induce pregnancy to mothers who are overdue.

The pressure points that are triggered by Shiatsu massage are believed to greatly cause the results. The use of touch can likewise add to the relaxation that a person gets. So, if you are still deciding which massage therapy method to try out, you might want to look into Shiatsu massage.

Top 10 Complaints About Massage Therapists

Are you a massage therapist who's new or old in your practice and wanting to increase your client base? Many therapists may be unaware of certain things they're doing to sabotage their massage practice. If you find that some of these complaints apply to you, take it as a learning experience and make behavioral modifications. This will benefit both you and your clients and help to improve the professional image of massage therapy as a viable wellness practice.

1. Massage therapist who don't return phone calls. If you take too much time returning calls, chances are that the potential client will find someone else to take care of them. This can also happen with regular massage clients. If you think you are the only massage therapist out there for your clients, think again. If you keep them waiting too long, you'll be one client short.

2. Routine massages are boring and they make you boring. People know when you have a routine and its boring. They know you're bored and they will also be bored. People are smart and they know when you're interested in what you're doing. Make each massage unique to that particular client and their needs.

3. Don't forget their needs and or special requests. When someone says they have pain, ask them when, where and why. Ask them how much time they want on a particular area and give it to them. When you take care of people and they feel better, they will recommend you to others if they're willing to share you!

4. Unpleasant body odor is a big turn off. Seriously folks, you are working close to people so please smell fresh and clean. Keep your breath fresh and wear deodorant. Smokers, sorry but non-smokers would rather not smell your smoke break. Please wait until after work to have a smoke. No joke, this really upsets people. They may not say anything, they just won't return no matter how good the massage was.

5. Please be on time for your clients. Whether you're meeting at an office or going on-location it's important to be on time. Sometimes other clients will run late but let them know in advance that its important to begin on time so that the rest of your appointments will also be on time. You need to practice good time management and be clear on time tables. Let them know that if they are late, you still have to end on time. It's unprofessional to be chronically late to appointments. Traffic is not a good excuse, it shows you didn't plan well in advance.

6. Who doesn't dread a Chatty Kathy? Everyone relaxes in a different way. Some people sleep and some people talk during massage. Follow their lead but be sure to let them lead or dominate the conversation. Don't talk their head off. Remember that this is their massage and not true confessions!

7. Ouch, that's too much pressure. I can't remember how many people have told me about massages that left them bruised. Since the training requirements are so different from place to place, there's different views on how much is too much pressure. Listen to your client. If they say "Uncle" its time to ease up.

8. Wimpy massage is a bummer. If your client keeps asking you to go deeper and you can't, it may be time to lower your massage table. Having your table lower will require less power from your hands as you can lean in with your whole body. Your clients will be amazed at how strong you are and you'll save your hands.

9. Sharing personal problems is inappropriate. Nobody wants their massage to turn into a session of Dear Abby. If your client is conversing with you during massage, please keep the conversation light and geared towards them. If they ask questions about you, keep it brief, general and remember to turn the conversation back to them.

10. Making inappropriate comments make your massage clients uncomfortable. Sometimes you see something on someone's skin that may be a concern. But be careful not to make the client embarrassed or stressed during the massage, it sort of defeats the purpose. If you see a mole or something that you think should be brought to the client's attention, why not wait until after the massage and ask the client if they have someone to keep on eye on it? Also, when working on people of the opposite sex, certain comments can be easily misconstrued so be sure to avoid sending the wrong message to the person on your massage table.

If you're wondering why your clients are not coming back for more, one of these top complaints could be the culprit. Think about how your clients see you through their eyes. This is a great exercise in self-examination and a wonderful tool for personal/professional growth in your massage practice.

How To Make Your Massage Clients Relax Fast

In order to give a great massage, it's imperative to help your clients relax as soon as possible. I've found that over the years of my practice, these techniques done in a certain order are very efficient and extremely effective in getting your massage clients to relax fast. Helping to guide your clients into relaxation quickly will enhance their massage experience and make your job much easier in the long run. If you perfect these techniques, your massage clients will know that when they come to you, they can count on you to take them away and to a better place fast! There are a few key points you want to implement and you'll find that if you do them in this order, things will run very smoothly and get you the results much quicker than if you don't.

1. Put them in the comfort zone. Whether your client is a first timer or a regular, always greet them and ask them what are their specific needs today. Do they need pain relief, to relax or a little of both? Tell them that you are going to give them a great massage or that you're going to take great care of them. Confidence helps to put clients at ease because you are telling them that their needs are going to be taken care of so they can stop worrying about it.

2. After you've discovered their treatment needs, ask them how much time they'd like for you to spend on those areas and then do it. In fact, work on those areas first so they know they've been taken care of. Working on the areas of interest first puts them in relaxation mode fast because they don't have to wonder or worry about when you're going to get to it. I can't tell you how many clients have complained to me about other therapist just doing a routine. Every massage client is unique and so should be their treatment.

3. Use visual words/cues to help them relax. I personally never ask my clients to "Relax". Asking someone on your massage table to relax can come across as a little condescending. Instead, I prefer to use words they can see. When I'm moving an arm or a leg around, sometimes they have trouble letting me. They want to help or they may be unaware of the holding pattern. When they are holding something tight, I will ask them to let that area to be soft. If that doesn't work, I'll gently shake it out, and this time I'll ask them to be soft and fluid. This usually works but if they need a little extra help, I'll throw in some humor. You can say something like "Hey you're on vacation, let me do all the work!" or "I appreciate the help but you're on break right now!" Come up with your own line but be careful not to insult your client while they're on the massage table. Sometimes a little light and tasteful humor is all that's needed to help your clients to laugh and let go!

Remember that your clients are coming to you for assistance with pain or stress and its our job as massage therapists to guide them and get them where they need to go. Try practicing all these techniques in this order and you should find your massage practice to be more enjoyable for you and your clients.

Tips For Choosing A Massage Therapist In Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is one of the best places to stay in America today. It has been fondly called "The Biggest Small Town in America." Its perfect mix of urban, suburban and rural elements makes Columbus a very attractive place for people to live and to do business in. This city is a confluence of many different cultures, thus many different therapeutic practices are available for you. In Columbus, choosing a masseuse based on your preferences is a very easy task; you just need to be able to discern the different kinds of massage and ensure that the massage therapist you choose is qualified to perform them.

The only thing that you really have to check for any massage therapist is that they have a license from the State Medical Board. Other certification from training and for the massage that they are specializing in is also a plus. Referrals from other massage enthusiasts and from the city’s health offices are also an integral part of your search process. Good massage therapists generally have good feedback readily available, so check online in places such as Google Places or Yelp for reviews from past customers.

Here are some of the common types of massage available in Columbus, Ohio and nationwide:

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage or classic massage is the most common kind of massage available. Swedish massage reduces pain, and may be able to relieve joint stiffness. Swedish massage is actually just simple hand movement and kneading.

Deep Tissue Massage

Unlike Swedish massage, deep tissue massage is aimed at the deeper structures of your muscle tissue and fascia (connective tissue). Deep tissue massage is more intense than Swedish and may actually cause you to be sore the next day. This type of massage can help relieve muscle knots and deep tension.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is any massage taken after an athletic activity to relieve any pain by stimulating the body’s production of endorphins, the natural pain killer. It can also be used to enhance warm-up and cool-down activities before exercise to ensure that you will not have any torn ligaments or muscles.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages makes use of heated round basalt stones placed above key points in the body to relax the muscles. While the hot stones produce an effect similar to the massage itself, adding reflexology or shiatsu massages will double the effect.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the use of massages to certain zones or regions in a person’s foot or palm to relieve the tension in another part of the body. It is commonly coupled with oils and aroma therapy to soothe the target body part. Reflexology derives its theory from the Eastern medical notion of meridians and qi, which basically states that the reflexologist redirects the flow of energy within the body to provide healing.

Qualified massage therapists may use any combination of the above techniques when performing massage therapy services. For example, you may be needing sports massage on a particular day, or maybe even some hydro therapy (hot and cold treatment) for a flare up of tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. With the right massage therapist in Columbus, Ohio, the possibilities are endless!

Zero Gravity Massage Chairs - What The Technology Is And How We Benefit

The thought of Zero Gravity was created out of the NASA space program to be able to deal with the particular problems of large compressional forces felt by Astronauts while they launch into space. Astronauts have been plagued with exhaustion during the launch procedure due to Gravities natural compression upon the human body especially the human backbone. As a result of extensive research NASA has perfected the "Neutral Body Posture" position that's perfect for evenly distributing constraints on the human body (entire body rather than the backbone) as well as subsequently putting the human body in to an enhanced condition of- relaxation. This specific discovery in dealing with gravitation forces may be applied to numerous facets of health and wellness therapy.

Technology
The "Neutral Body Posture" is the ideal posture for an individual aiming to become thoroughly relaxed. Our bodies requires a reclined position elevating the feet above the heart as well as creating a torso-to-leg angle of roughly 128 degrees with a variation with +/- 7 degrees. This position has also been termed as the "Anti-Gravity" in addition to "90/90" position. As a result of considerable investigation was done from the Research Center for Sports and Healthcare Technology at Ritsumeikan University the "Natural Body Posture" position has been proven to be the perfect posture for physical relaxation.

Benefits
Zero Gravity Loungers have taken total advantage with the relief in addition to relaxation made possible when the body assumes the Natural Body Posture position. With these innovations a number of other relaxation benefits in addition to health benefits happen during this posturing. The human body encounters much less pressure around the backbone simply because of the distribution of forces all through the body, reduced muscle tension because of the natural relaxation effect of the posture, significantly less strain around the heart as this has to work significantly less to pump blood throughout the body, enhanced lung capacity due to the fact of the expanded lungs within the neutral position, and improved circulation in addition to blood oxygen levels because of the ripple effect of greater lung capacity in addition to reduced tension within the heart. All of this really is made possible by just raising the legs above the heart as well as assuming a zero gravity position taking major stress of off the backbone.

Listed Below Are These Ideas in Greater Depth

Maximum Relaxation in the Neck and Back
A person's spine is designed in an 'S' formed curve and separated into three regions i.e. neck, upper back, as well as lower back. When there isn't stress within the muscles with the spine at any curve, we achieve a natural position of the backbone. In a Zero Gravity Lounger, the torso and thigh's are in excellent position, the feet relaxed above the level of the heart and head, in addition to the hips, also the ankles develop a ninety degree angle between them. This results in a neutral position with the spine, where gravitation forces never affect this. Its design supports the natural shape of the backbone combined with the upper and lower back. Thus the neck and back are free of muscle strain and pain.

Relief to Muscles
In a range of relaxation postures we unconsciously put tension on our lower back (think sitting at a workspace all day, then sitting on a chair at your home.) Any time a person goes into a Zero Gravity position the muscles are released from this strain and oxygen rich blood can relax the muscles entirely.

Lung Expansion
When ever an open angle is generated between your torso and thighs, more space is created for the diaphragm to expand. This leads to an increase in oxygen from the air and expanded lungs.

Significantly less Stress on the Heart
In a zero gravity position the blood circulation through the heart actually changes. When a human is in an upright position this requires the heart to operate against the gravitational forces pumping blood up from the legs. In a very reclined position the situation is clearly reversed. Blood flows into the heart with the assistance of gravity as opposed to against this, essentially accommodating the heart's natural function.