Pass Your Massage Therapy MBLEx Certification Exam Now ! ]]> http://www.massageloop.com/massage-therapy-school/massage-therapy-schools-and-your-future-career-2/feed/ 0 http://www.massageloop.com/tennessee-massage-therapy/tennessee-great-state-for-massage-therapy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tennessee-great-state-for-massage-therapy http://www.massageloop.com/tennessee-massage-therapy/tennessee-great-state-for-massage-therapy/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:21:16 +0000 admin http://www.massageloop.com/?p=3256 Tennessee is one of the better states for a career in massage therapy. Massage therapy is booming in Tennessee and turning out more therapists every year. Why this is isn’t clear, but one thing is, its growing by leaps and bounds. To be a massage therapist in Tennessee required 500 hours of massage training in massage therapy school. Its one of the lower required states for hours, and maybe that has something to do with it. For example, states like New York require 1200 hours of massage training. Tennessee also accepts the MBLEx exam after graduating from massage therapy school and its acceptance for licensure to be a massage therapist. That also could play a role in the growth of massage therapists in Tennessee. Tennessee is also “massage friendly” unlike many states in the US. There’s people in Tennessee seeking therapists on a daily basis compared to more conservative, backwards states that are not as “massage friendly”. Bottom line, Tennessee is a great state to go to school for massage therapy and start your practice and career.

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In the profession of massage therapy, there is no one regulatory body that certifies/licenses for the practice of massage across the 50 states.

Since 1992 the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) has been certifying massage therapists as part of the credentialing process in many states. More recently (2007), the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) has also served as a credentialing organization in some states.   Many states accept the passing scores from either organization’s exams.

Currently recognized in 33 states plus Guam, the Virgin Islands, West Indies, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, as the credential for practicing massage in these states, the NCBTMB offers two exams, the NCETMB and the NCETM. The two certification exams are composed of 160 multiple-choice questions and are essentially the same except one of them, the NCETMB, has a component that tests on Eastern medicine (meridians, chakras, doshas, and the like). Roughly 42% of the questions on both of the NCBTMB exams test anatomy and physiology and kinesiology content. Twelve percent of the questions test knowledge of pathology of the body. Forty percent of the questions are devoted to therapeutic massage assessment and application. Professional standards, ethics, business and legal practices are the subject of the remaining 6% of the questions. Both of these exams costs $225. The test-taker is permitted two hours and 40 minutes for taking either exam and the test-taker “sits” for their exam at a PearsonVue testing center (www.PearsonVue.com). Results are given immediately upon completion of the exam.

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards is currently recognized in 18 states plus the District of Columbia. This 125 multiple-choice test costs $195 to take and is taken at a PearsonVue testing center. The test-taker is permitted 2, 1/2 hours to take the exam and the results are available immediately. The content emphasis is as follows: 25% anatomy and physiology, 13% pathology, 5% history of massage, 17% benefits and physiological effects of massage, 17% assessment and treatment of client with massage, 10% professional practices, and 13% on ethics, boundaries, and law.

To determine which exam is recognized in a state, the interested person should refer to the respective web sites of these organizations, www.ncbtmb.org for NCBTMB and www.fsmtb.org for the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam). In addition, it would be wise to check the state that you would like to practice massage in to confirm information found on these organizational web sites.

I have taken the NCETMB and the MBLEx in the past year. Although the American Massage Therapy Association supports the MBLEx as the “exam of choice,” I was not impressed with this exam for several reasons.

First, as an Ohio massage therapist, I am uneasy about the lack of focus on anatomy and physiology, especially the latter. As a person laying hands on people, I should know the anatomy of the human body but better have a good sense of HOW things work too. Otherwise, physiological effects are pretty hard to determine let alone understand. For comparisons, fifty percent of the content tested on in Ohio is anatomy and physiology. Forty-two percent of the questions on the NCBTMB exams is AP related.

Secondly, there were many common sense questions with obvious answers that would require no prior massage knowledge. In other words, the test is too easy. Why test at all if this is the case? A certificate or diploma from a massage therapy program of so many hours should suffice in this instance.

A third concern…If there is to be a national certification exam in massage therapy that, if passed, will permit people to practice massage, then let’s make the exam something that is rigorous enough that the passing rate isn’t so high that passing the test doesn’t merely serve as a right of passage to practice!

Before deciding the “route” you will take to get a national credential in massage therapy, do your homework and get full value for your commitment to the exam you choose!

Course certain areas of the country bode better than other parts of the country, but generally speaking, massage therapy so far has been recession proof and more massage therapy schools and training facilities are receiving more students that want a career in massage therapy. In all 50 states, massage therapy enrollment by students is up and climbing. This is good news from just 20 years ago when it was quite the opposite.  Now days people have more choices on where they can get a massage, and due to the competition it has lowered the price in people getting a massage and made it more affordable for someone needing a massage. Massage therapy is booming and getting bigger.

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MBLEx Topics:

• Integumentary System
• Upper Respiratory Tract
• Hydrotherapy
• Digestive System
• Rolfing
• Aromatherapy
• Lymphatic System
• Swedish Massage
• Basics Of Proprioception
• Muscular System
• Fascia
• Professional Liability
• Ligaments
• Endocrine System
• Circulatory Massage
• Oriental Massage
• Heat Applications
• Function Of Special Senses
• Chair Massage
• Therapeutic Techniques
• Metabolism
• Body Wraps
• Sagittal Plane
• Muscle Shapes
• Limited Liability Corporation
• Isometric Contractions
• Trigger Points
• Point Of Insertion
• Prime Mover
• Trapezius Muscle
• Serotonin
• Friction Techniques
• Coronal And Transverse Planes
• Pectoralis Minor
• Effleurage
• Anabolism
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Lumbricals
• Neuromuscular Massage
• Palpation Assessment
• Treatment Plan
• Latissimus Dorsi
• Biceps Brachii
• Depressor Anguli Oris
• Hypertrophy And Atrophy
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Tenosynovitis
• Deltoid Muscle
• Appendicular Skeleton
• Coracobrachialis
• Cross-fiber Friction

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www.massagewiz.com

Massage therapy is recognized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as a growing career, and one with benefits beyond the immediately obvious. The massage therapy education trains students to have a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which is essential for effective massage treatment. The scientific background of the massage therapy certification program allows students of massage to understand how different body parts and systems work together – and how, if one system is out of whack, a massage client can feel ill or out-of-sorts all over.

Schools such as the Certified Careers Institute, with campus locations in Clearfield and Salt Lake City, Utah, offer massage therapy education that prepares students to sit for a massage therapy certification. This education is popular with the younger generation, because it leads to a career with worker-defined office conditions. Young workers can choose what type of massage therapy they will specialize in, decorate their offices however they choose, and determine what kinds of massage oils, wraps, and techniques they will use on their clients. This generation of young adults, who grew up with technology, views “cool” careers like massage therapy in a positive light.

It’s a good thing, too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that as Gen Y’s parents – the Baby Boomer generation – age, there will be an increased need for professional massage therapists to administer their services as supplementary medical therapies. Generations X and Y enjoy massage therapy at work or after-hours. Today’s jobs can demand long hours, and some people must work two jobs to be able to meet their bills; so, massage therapy is a helpful accessory to a demanding career. It can also become a great career for a Gen Y student. This generation, more so than older counterparts, places emphasis on work-life balance, and many enjoy more flexible working arrangements, including flex time and telecommuting. Some massage therapists can set their own hours and delineate their own working conditions, making massage therapy certification an appealing career choice for the under-30 set.

This kind of treatment can also be beneficial to individuals who suffer from depression, isolation, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (side effects, after all, of our highly interactive -but ultimately, human-contact deprived – wired society). Many people eschew drug therapies for mental health issues – after all, modern antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have gotten negative press because of certain deleterious side effects. Massage therapy enables total body relaxation, which can effectively boost a person’s mood. In fact, certified massage therapists themselves can benefit from the health-conscious outlook their career field demands. Individuals who sell health services can market their services more credibly if they are actually healthy individuals, themselves – meaning, for example, that they eat a healthy diet, follow an exercise regimen, and refrain from using drugs or alcohol.

Millennials’ Boomer parents can benefit from massage therapy. Adult-onset (Type II) diabetes and heart disease are two major killers of older Americans – and the Boomer generation is aging and quickly closing in on their retirement years. The massage therapy education, such as that provided by the Certified Careers Institute’s Clearfield and Salt Lake City, Utah schools, teaches students massage techniques that can be beneficial in treating conditions affecting older adults: diabetes, arthritis, gout, and even cancer. Boomers, too, face career stress – after all, their generation was strongly affected by corporate mergers and downsizing. Massage therapy can help them shed the health-negative stresses of the modern workplace.

Finally – and perhaps most importantly – massage therapy education and certification addresses some of the commonest woes of 21st century higher learning and job market conditions. College tuition has soared over the past decade, necessitating that some Millennials take out substantial private loans to pay for their educations, and that others forgo college altogether. And, the modern job market is a volatile entity, with technological advances, outsourcing, and downsizing threatening every industry from computer sciences to journalism. Students today must make difficult choices when deciding upon careers – and, many of those choices come with sacrifices.

The massage therapy education, by contrast, is a relatively simple process – programs like Certified Careers Institute’s can take just weeks – and has fewer course requirements than a traditional four-year degree does. Therefore, acquiring a massage therapy certification is cheaper than getting a college degree. And, this particular career is expected to grow as it is increasingly recognized in the allied health field – making it a smart choice for people who want job security.

It’s no wonder, with all of these positives – cool job description, health-positive benefits, job stability, and a low-cost education – that Generation Y is turning massage therapy into a career of the future.

Touch is considered one of our most basic needs. Many times, we can tell the difference between a “good touch” and a “bad touch.” Do not be misled into thinking that these kinds of touch are purely sexual in nature. When we go to a professional massage therapist or body worker, we can detect something special about his/her quality of touch. However, it can be difficult to explain what makes his/her type of touch so unique. For the massage therapy client, it is helpful to know the four levels of touch:

• spiritual
• mental
• emotional
• physical

On the spiritual level, our touch can be driven from our nature in ways that connect our spirit to something else and emphasizes our innate connection with our environment. When we pick up a baby, for instance, we can convey essential qualities like love, compassion, clarity, strength, and peace in the touch we give to that person. On the receiving end of touch, we can connect with our essential natures as well as with the Universal Intelligence, the Great Being that created the universe….God if you will. During or after bodywork, massage therapy clients can feel peace, connection, and rejuvenation. Obstructions to one’s true being may be determined and changed during a massage therapy session.

On the mental level, touch can be fueled by our thoughts and beliefs. We can bring our textbook knowledge of myology (study of muscles) and neurology (study of the nervous system) to mind in such a way when we touch one another. When we touch one another during a handshake, for instance, we fire off neurons in ourselves as well as the other person and automatically determine if that touch was pleasurable or not. This helps us make preconceived notions about the person we first meet. Right away, emotions arise in response to receiving touch. We may make judgments about our bodies, rekindle old memories, or have sudden insight on an idea when we are touched a certain way.

Emotionally, our touch can convey feelings such as pleasure, surprise, anger, fear, and sadness. For the receiver of touch, certain emotions can surface when getting touched. For instance, many massage therapy clients have experienced deep emotional releases during or after a bodywork.

Physically, touch can include a plethora of experiences ranging from superficial to deep, smooth or abrupt, fast or slow, etc. There are various physical effects that can occur on the massage therapy client’s body whenever they are touched. The massage therapist can scratch the skin; promote or remove bruising; dissipate scar tissue; distribute warm, soothing oils; and generate immune or nervous system responses in the client.

When you go to an expert massage therapist, make a mental note of what is going on in each of these levels. Having knowledge of these various qualities of touch can help you determine what feels “good” and “bad” to fully achieve your deepest needs in each of these four levels.

The Native Americans years ago warmed stones and placed them in their bodies to feel better. It may have been the precursor of the modern hot stone massage, one of the most relaxing and pleasurable massage techniques today.

What is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage, as the name suggests, is one of those popular specialty massages that makes use of stones that are extra smooth and are heated before using to put pressure on the body. Massage therapists use many different kinds of stones, and the largest of these popular stones used for this kind of massage is basalt. Basalt is about the size of a baseball; it is a dark-colored almost-black volcanic rock that is known for absorbing heat well. Some massage practitioners opt to make us of use oil together with the basalt. There are also others who would place a cloth between the stones and the body. Whatever is used along with the stones and whatever variation, the ultimate aim is to provide relaxation through the warmth and the pressure from the stone.

How Hot Stone Massage is Done?
Most therapists use traditional massage first for about 45 minutes before using a stone; it can be one of the many types like Swedish and Shiatsu. Others pour and rub oil to the body. The massage therapist sanitizes the stone. Then the stones are heated in clean sanitized water between 120 to 130 degree Fahrenheit. After one stone is taken from the warm water and dried, the therapist will now massage a part of the body putting the right amount of pressure. The therapist always holds the stone first to ensure that the stone is not too hot. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another warm one.

The body parts massaged are usually muscles of the feet, legs, arms, palms, stomach, back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. The warm stones are used to melt away muscle tensions and in such a way to make the client feel the warmth permeate throughout the body. Soothing music is usually played to enhance the massage environment.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
There are many benefits that one can get from hot stone massage. One of the immediate benefits is improved blood circulation. Aside from the relaxing and soothing feeling one gets out of the massage, diseases may also be cured. It is claimed that the following diseases or conditions can be cured by the massage: osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, back and muscle pains, poor circulation, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, and tension.

The early practitioners may have discovered the pleasure of hot stone massage, but the present therapists have made it perhaps the ultimate in relaxation and massage.

Most people know massages can help you relax, manage stress levels, re-align parts of your body, and help you feel rejuvenated.

Massage therapy is something people feel is a luxury, which it often is, but treatments also have many medical benefits to help you maintain good health and live a balanced lifestyle.

Besides stress relief and relaxation benefits, below are some other benefits you can expect to experience with massage therapy.

1. Improves Posture. People who improve their posture tend to look better and can lead to more self confidence. Plus, better posture keeps your body aligned and will lead to less body aches.

2. Improves Circulation. When you get a massage, parts of your body that might have poor circulation like certain muscles and joints get stimulated which cause a better flow of blood in those areas.

3. Lowers Blood Pressure. A number of scientific studies have shown that massage therapy can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure along with decreasing salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels.

4. Improves Flexibility. By working on muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints, massage therapy stimulates the production and retention of our bodies natural lubricants between the connective tissue fibers, making stretching and movement easier, and keeping the body limber and flexible.

Scientific research also suggests massage therapy increases a body’s immune function and reduces the recovery time in many medical conditions including: allergies, depression, anxiety, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, bronchitis, circulatory problems, insomnia, a plethora of sports injuries, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and musculo-skeletal disorders.

With all the direct and indirect benefits of massage therapy, you should consider explore the benefits yourself to unlock a more healthy, energetic, and stress free lifestyle.

It does not take too much to convince a person on the advantages of a massage therapy for who wouldn’t like to therapeutically relax for an hour? However, massage therapy does cost a moderate amount of money and hence it is better to be aware of the various benefits of a massage therapy.

Some people hire a massage therapist because they just need to take some time out to refresh and relax. This certainly is a good enough reason to visit a massage therapist’s office as frequently as possible. However, there are also a number of health benefits of this therapy. There is a growing demand among clients for a relief that cannot be provided by modern medicine. Likewise, many clients also hire massage therapy services in order to enhance and supplement both alternative and modern medical treatments.

The benefits of the massage therapy

Irrespective of the impetus, clients of massage therapy find a number of incomparable advantages of the massage therapy. Usually a client starts the massage therapy in order to treat a particular symptom or condition, but goes on to discover the wide ranging advantages of this therapy that can treat numerous other conditions.

Here are the most common advantages of this therapy.

- An improvement in the blood circulation
- Relief/ stimulation of all muscle pain caused due to the lack of activity(caused due to sedentary jobs)
- An improvement in the mood
- Decreased back pain( the leading reason behind seeking massage services)
- A reduction in the instances of all stress related conditions including tension headaches
- A reduction in muscle stiffness and increase in mobility
- Improvement in circulation and stimulation in turn improving the ability to heal
- Reduced muscle spasms
- An improvement in physical performance and athleticism
- Improved posture
- Improved deep breathing
- Strengthened immune system
- Reduced anxiety levels
- A decrease in dependency on medicines
- Improved joint flexibility
- Improved healing of scars and soft tissues
- Decrease in risk of depression
- Increase in delivery of nutrients and oxygen
- Releases endorphins to increase pain tolerance (the natural pain killers)
- Relieves insomnia and sleep loss
- Eases childbirth pain
- Increases energy and reduces severity and frequency of fatigue

The biggest benefits of all

Even a single visit to a massage therapist can result in excellent benefits. However, it is recommended to take regular sessions if you wish to get the best benefit from massage therapy. Regular therapy will ensure that there is an increased circulatory health as well as muscle tension relief that is directly associated with the advantages of a massage therapy. Over a period of time, there is a mitigation in the expense incurred due to the sessions of massage therapy, as there is increased well being and health. In most cases, the savings is from decreased cost and use of medicine, visits to the doctors and time off from work.

However, do not be intimidated by the names of these techniques. They may sound rather luxurious, but in reality they are really suitable for all people despite their age, sex or body type. Commonly these treatments are preferred by female clients, but men are also welcome to try the techniques. Chocolate and honey massage therapy techniques have developed over time and have become fully accessible quite lately. They have their roots in the same massage techniques that originate from the ancient China and Japan, but in addition to applying pressure and carrying out movements, have a modern side also.

Still, one can doubt the usefulness of getting smeared with chocolate or honey. For some people this might even sound unpleasant – all the stickiness and sweetness. However, chocolate and honey are natural substances and they do not differ much from other essential oils used in massage sessions.

Therapeutic massage has dozens of health advantages for everyone of every age, but there are special benefits the elderly receive from hands-on therapy. I have listed just a few of the most important advantages, below.

1. Pain Relief
Massage increases circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while also carrying away cellular waste. This decreases pain in the muscles and joints, reduces swelling and water retention and helps to boost the immune system. All equaling less pain and improved health.

2. Improved Flexibility
Often times, the elderly have more difficulty with movement and flexibility. Sometimes this is due to the natural effects of aging or to conditions such as arthritis. Massage helps to keep joints lubricated and the muscles loose and supple, helping to prevent stiffness and keeping the body more limber and free moving.

3. Enhancing & Uplifting Mood
The many life changes that seniors experience, such as daily pain, death of friends and family, decreases in social life and sometimes, isolation – can all lead to high stress and depression. Massage increases and balances hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, the bodies ‘feel good’ chemicals. It also assists in releasing blocked emotions and allows the senior to feel and experience a healing, loving touch. Enhancing their well-being and uplifting their mood.

4. Faster Healing From Injury Or Surgery
As we age, our bones become more brittle and injuries can take place more often – sometimes requiring surgery. Massage eases stress related to the trauma, brings needed nutrients to the injured area for faster cellular repair and helps to alleviate the pain that comes with the injury or surgical recovery.

Physical, emotional and psychological changes take place during massage that can greatly enhance the quality of life for the elderly. However, there are also a few times that bodywork may not be appropriate. If you have any of these conditions, please consult your doctor before receiving a massage.

- If you are taking blood thinners or have a history of blood clots.
- If you have Kidney problems or heart issues.
- If you currently have any infections or contagious skin conditions.
- If you have or are recovering from cancer.

Massage therapy for the elderly is a tremendous healing tool with a great many health benefits, both physically and emotionally. Approached with care, it can truly be a huge boost in improving a seniors quality and enjoyment of life.

Trevor wrote:

Swedish massage therapy is comprised by a number of different techniques. It is designed to relax and heal your muscles. Rubbing and pressure techniques are
applied to the muscles in order to achieve this. A Swedish doctor, Per Henrik Ling developed this technique in the 1700s. This massage does many things including increasing the oxygen to the blood and releasing toxins from the muscles.

Benefits: It is especially beneficial for use after strenuous exercise, as it gets rid of metabolic waste in the tissues. Circulation is improved, without putting undue strain on the heart. Tendons and ligaments are kept suppler by stretching them with this technique. The skin and nervous system are stimulated with this method and your nerves are soothed and relaxed.

Techniques: Swedish massage therapy is made up of several techniques. These are combined, in sequence, to make the treatment more effective. They are:

1. Effleurage: This is made up of smooth gliding strokes using thumbs, fingertips and palms. Massage oil is sometimes used for enhancing this experience. Specific body parts sometimes require different procedures. There are light and deep methods of this technique.

Light method is used as a calming treatment for different ailments but especially for use when beginning therapy for healing. It is also good for reliving tension and stress.

Deep therapy applies firmer pressure on the soft tissue, plus increases circulation and lymphatic flow. This technique is used for healing injuries, and is especially good for athletes.

2. Petrissage: this technique uses hands, thumbs and fingertips to knead the muscles. With gentle rolling the muscles are lifted away from the bones, then they are rolled and squeezed. This method increases the blood circulation and releases toxins from the muscles.

3. Friction: this massage uses palms, thumbs and fingers to make deep circular movements, especially near the joints and sides of the spine. This therapy will break down adhesions and promote flexibility in joints and muscles.

4. Vibration: this method will shake the body with oscillatory movements with the hands.

5. Percussion: This is when the muscles are tapped briskly

6. Passive and active movements: This technique is when the muscles and joints are gently stretched and bent.

All these techniques are used in sequential order.
Swedish massage has many uses, two of which are helping a patient recover from injuries, and aiding in strengthening muscles. It will also help to cut down stress and tension. All the above techniques help to improve your overall health and well being.

The second type of massage we will examine – Acupressure massage – can be used by a layperson and does not require a professional therapist. It is similar to acupuncture, in that it uses various points throughout the body to relate to different sources of energy in the body. Instead of using needles; pressure or reduction is applied to these points.

Pressure: Pressure should be applied with a blunt object; the fingers are often the best choice. Sometimes you can use a fingernail or even a pencil eraser (one that is on the other side of a pencil). You are actually bringing energy to a point by pressing it. When trying out pressure points you can press them for only a 1/2 second if desired, but if you really want to get the full effect, 1-2 minutes is preferred. However if you are already weakened physically from ailments or advanced age, a shorter period may be preferred.

Reduction: Turning your finger, counterclockwise over a pressure point, performs reduction; this in effect removes a blockage of energy. When you do this you will release pent up energy and alleviate pain or tension in the associated area. You continuously massage the point in an counter-clockwise fashion for about 1-2 minutes, to get maximum benefits from this massage therapy.

Do not overuse points and try not to use the same places everyday. Overuse of a particular point may result in loss of effectiveness. You should use the corresponding points on each side of the body. Carefully monitor which spots are effective, for your particular problem. Acupressure points are only 0.5 mm in diameter, so you will need to be quite precise when locating the right area to use acupressure massage on. You can also try adjacent points for better effects. Tension can work against you and render this technique ineffective. It is best to be relaxed when using this massage technique.

Ear acupressure can also be performed. Sometimes small seeds are taped to the ear to give pressure for a longer period. You can also tape small balls over pressure points in the body. There are 3 important pressure points at the bottom of the ear, where it attaches to your head. One is behind the lobe , another to the right (left ear) and the third at the top of the base of the ear.

Acupressure is something you can do without a skilled technician. However you should try to educate yourself about this massage procedure first. There are good books available and websites that will give you more information on this technique. You can also use your local library.

It’s no secret that massage therapists are in high demand in Australia, however for the person looking to embark on a new career in massage, the multitude of study options can be overwhelming.

Should I complete a Certificate IV in massage? Should I commit long-term and complete a diploma in massage? Or should I just start out by learning 1 or 2 massage modalities and see if I like it? These are common questions that people considering a career as a bodywork practitioner find themselves asking.

In recent years a growing number of beginning massage students are actually choosing to ‘specialize’ in just 1 or 2 modalities as opposed to completing a full Diploma, and one of the more popular modalities is Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.

Are there any benefits to doing this?

Well, as someone who has built up a successful career in lomi lomi over several years, I can see 5 core benefits to the beginning student, in choosing to study lomi lomi over the other more mainstream courses.

1) Lomi Lomi Is A Very Thorough And Effective Massage Modality.

Because the forearms are primarily used in long, continuous, flowing motions along the body, at varying pressures, a much broader surface of the body can be massaged with each and every stroke.

Also, the continous flow and rhythm of the massage, as the practitioner moves up and down the length of the body, encourages the receiver to more easily ‘switch-off’ early in the treatment, resulting in very deep levels of relaxation.

After 90 minutes of this (the standard time-frame for a lomi lomi) its not hard to understand why 90% of clients feel like they have really had a thorough, complete and rejuvenating massage after receiving a lomi lomi.

It should also come as no surprise that many lomi lomi therapists, choose to learn it because they had a treatment previously and absolutely loved it.

That was certainly the case for me!

2) Lomi Lomi Can Be Learned In A Minimum Amount Of Time.

Depending on which lomi lomi school you choose to train with, it’s possible to learn how to give an absolutely awesome lomi lomi massage treatment in as little as 1 week, by completing an intensive ‘live-in’ course.

More mainstream massage modalities such as swedish and sports massage, are generally taught over a much longer period, with classes often spread over a period of weeks or months or even years.

Here in Australia, this is particularly the case with Certificate IV and Diploma courses.

There are of course more advanced lomi lomi trainings that can be undertaken, but these too can be completed in as little as 1 week per course.

3) Lomi Lomi Allows You To Earn An Income Almost Straight Away.

Once you’ve completed even just a 1 week basic level of lomi lomi, you will have learnt a complete system of massage.

This gives you the ability to start getting clients on the table almost immediately and depending on your level of skill and confidence, you can start charging for treatments as soon as your massage room is set up or at the very least you have a lomi lomi massage table.

This means that you can start to recoup the investment you’ve made in your lomi lomi training a lot sooner than if you were doing a Certificate IV in massage for example, which generally takes several months to complete.

4) Lomi Lomi Empowers The Body, Mind And Spirit.

Lomi lomi is performed as an energetic dance in combination with the breath. The movements of this dance (called ‘flying’) come from the core/centre of the body, supporting and even strengthening the practitioner while performing the treatment.

Also, as the primary tool of the practitioner is their forearms, stress on the hands and fingers is eliminated, unlike many of the mainstream therapies that tend to wear down on the practitioner over time.

I am yet to meet a lomi lomi practitioner with carpal tunnel syndrome!

Most times a lomi lomi massage will leave ‘both’ the giver and the receiver feeling relaxed, yet alive and energized.

5) Lomi Lomi Has Become Extremely Poplular With Massage Clients.

With more and more people experiencing such profound relaxation and rejuvenation as a result of receiving this amazing Hawaiian lomi lomi, the demand for skilled therapists is very strong.

In fact, in many of the top spas you’ll find that lomi lomi is one of if not ‘the’ most popular treatment on the menu.

This was certainly the case after I introduced the lomi lomi to the Spa At Versace on the Gold Coast.

In fact, I have been practicing Lomi Lomi for more than 10 years now and I have never been short of clients. I would even go as far as saying at least 8 out of 10 clients, say that lomi lomi is the best massage they have ever had! And guess what, they keep coming back for more!

In my experience, being a lomi lomi practitioner has been a very satisfying and fulfilling career choice.

Considering the above points, it’s clear that Hawaiian Lomi Lomi has much to offer anyone who is looking to embark on a career in massage and considering that massage has become a regular past-time for many Australians, there has never been a better time to learn.

The only pre-requisite to studying this beautiful hawaiian bodywork, is a genuine desire to learn, a genuine desire to give and most importantly, a caring heart. If this sounds like you, a career in lomi lomi may be just what you’re looking for.

The healing benefits of human touch are a positive experience that many people enjoy through therapeutic massage or bodywork. The effects of a good massage go much deeper than the skin’s surface. Massage can:

1) Help improve circulation of the blood and lower blood pressure.
2) Act as a detoxification system by propelling toxic waste products through the lymphatic system.
3) Help to improve muscle tone and prevent muscular atrophy resulting from inactivity or illness.
4) Reduce emotional stress and promote a sense of well-being.

How can something as simple as this hands-on therapy have so many positive benefits? A tense or painful muscle is one which is often chronically contracted. In an acute situation such as recent injury, the muscle can be in actual spasm. This contraction or spasm decreases the flow of blood to the muscle, which leads to a decrease in the nutrient and oxygen supply to the cells of the muscle and related nerves. A chronically contracted muscle will build up lactic acid, a sign of fatigue. This oxygen shortage and lactic acid buildup irritates the nerve cells, which perpetuates the contracted muscles. Massage can help remove the lactic acid and other metabolic waste products from the cells and reverse this process, interrupting the vicious cycle of pain-spasm-pain.

There are a multitude of massage styles which are beneficial, depending upon the individual’s needs and preferences. They include:

Swedish Massage: this is the basic “relaxation” style of bodywork, which uses long strokes, squeezing and kneading. The Swedish practitioner helps to improve circulation by working to loosen or relax the superficial layers of muscle. This type of massage is particularly useful for muscles which are already sore from stress or a tough workout, as it is often more gentle than other styles.

Sports Massage: this form of massage works on a deeper level of musculature or connective tissue. This style fits more with the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. The therapist uses slow, hard strokes and deep, sustained finger pressure to work deeply into the contracted muscles, fascia and tendons. This technique increases flexibility, encourages muscles to work at their fullest capacity, and speeds up the healing process by reducing swelling following an injury. It is especially indicated for athletes and “week-end warriors” who suffer from tight or sore muscles.

Shiatsu and Acupressure: rather than being simply relaxing, this form of bodywork tends to be invigorating. Fingers, thumbs, fists and elbows are used to apply pressure to points along acupuncture meridians, which are believed to be the energy pathways of the body. The focus of this type of therapy is on relieving blocks in the pathways and rebalancing the flow of energy.

Reflexology and Zone Therapy: reflexology works on the assumption that parts of the feet (as well as parts of the ears and hands) correspond to other parts of the body’s anatomy. In other words, stress or illness in a certain part of the body may show up as a painful or sensitive area on a specific area of the foot. Reflexologists apply pressure to the side, top or bottom of the feet to help reduce dysfunction in other parts of the body.

Not all techniques work for everyone, so make sure to inquire about the philosophy and style of the massage therapist you call. If your massage isn’t as satisfying as you had hoped, don’t give up. Try another therapist! Massage therapy schools are a cost-effective way to test out different styles of massage; senior students generally work for lower fees while they complete their internship.

There are a few conditions in which massage would not be a good option, such as marked inflammation, fever, significant swelling or very severe pain. But for the garden variety aches and pains that most of us experience, as well as for the general stresses of life, massage is an amazing way to treat ourselves to a positive, revitalizing experience.

Katie wrote:

What’s frustrating though is that along with your “little bundle” come uninvited side effects like aching lower backs, hips, legs, migraines, swollen feet & lets not forget about the throwing up.

What if I told you there was a massage therapy exactly for women who are pregnant that is intended to eliminate some of the discomfort related with pregnancy and even facilitate their labor and delivery?

Expecting moms don’t comprehend that their system is now not only holding them up…but it’s also carrying their unborn child too. This extra weight can have serious consequences on your body.

A professional prenatal massage therapist can direct those muscles that have been stressed to relieve some of the tension and strain associated with carrying a child.

This stress reducing technique can go along way when you are coping with the flood of emotions and hormones that come with your pregnancy.

What Do Physicians Have To Say Regarding This?

You might find it intriguing that Studies at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, show that just 20 minutes of pre-natal massage twice a week for five weeks:

a) Diminishes stress hormones in your body,
b) Regulates mood swings
c) Assists to promote better sleep
d) Reduce your anxiety and back pain.

But that’s only a few of the benefits…these studies report expecting moms who received regular massages during their pregnancy:

· Experienced lower rates of premature birth,
· Fewer obstetrical complications,
· Babies had fewer of postnatal complications.

What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Massage Therapy To A Pregnant Mom And Unborn Child?
The latest research show that they prenatal massage may:

a) Alleviate the worried anxiousness and despair that go hand in hand with the hormonal changes brought about by pregnancy.
b) Relieve stress on lower back, pelvis, and ankles, which are not in the habit to carrying a baby
c) Get rid of back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
d) Lessen back, shoulder neck pain caused by your muscles being out of balance.
e) Improve your blood and lymph circulation, which in turn helps to lessen swelling and improves the baby’s oxygen supply.
f) Unwind muscle knots that cause cramping, tightening, and stiffness.
g) Lessen your aches and pain and at the same time encourage relaxation, which can actually speed up your labor
h) Improve muscle and skin tone
i) Help you sleep more soundly so you don’t have to toss and turn all night

Do Experts Advocate It For All Women That Are Expecting?

Most specialists think it’s best if you wait until your second trimester so that your body can get adjusted to the pregnancy.

Prenatal massage is perfectly safe during your second and third trimester. The funny thing is the further along you are…the more you’ll appreciate the benefits!

Now please do not forget when you are pregnant, you should always talk with your doctor before experimenting with any new treatment or procedure.

If they think its OK to begin, contact a local pre-natal massage therapist and enjoy your massage. You deserve it!

Massage benefits individuals of all age groups and different conditions. Touch is as important to any infants and kids like eating and sleeping. Massaging involves loving, gentle stroking or kneading by a parent or caregiver on various parts of a child’s body like the face, head, arms, shoulders, neck, hands, back, legs and feet.

Use of oils on the body of your precious little ones to soothe, relax and heal affirms a strong, close bond conveying a comforting sense of trust and security.

Early infant massage enhances the development of the nervous system and stimulates all other systems of the body. It improves circulation, respiration, aids digestion and eases elimination of wastes from the body. It also makes your little one less prone to gas and colic ailments. Massage of baby in its growing years prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking.

Massage is a wonderful stress buster for children who are prone to all kind of stress. Like a child starting a school in a new area, health, fights amongst parents, exams or peer pressure, etc produce emotional, physical and mental stress. Massage reduces stress hormones and heals the body.

Each child responds differently to massage. Some may squirm, cry, or some might just appear more relaxed and calm and also fall asleep.

There is no fixed time to massage your baby. Find a time suitable for you and your baby. Some enjoy in the morning after their feed, some in the afternoon before or after their naps. Massage before bedtime can put a cranky baby to sleep peacefully. Follow the massage with a warm bath.

While giving a massage, sit straight either on the floor or on the bed or stand before the table. The room is warm enough as your little one can shiver when undressed. The place where you massage you baby should be quiet and away from distractions of all kinds.

Lay your child on soft surface like thick set of towels so it may not hurt it self when it wriggles or squirms. Keep aside towel, pair of wash cloths, clean diaper and baby clothes for use after the massage.

Oils are good for lubrication, helping your hand glide smoothly over your baby’s soft and rather delicate skin. Small babies have a habit of putting their hand or fingers in their mouth all the time, so it’s ideal to use oil that is of good quality. Use cold pressed (oils extracted by means of pressure) or unscented oils. Alternatively you can use baby oils produced by many companies which specialize in baby products. Grape seed oil has nice texture, apricot and almond oils are smooth, light and easily absorbable into the body. To massage your babies, use coconut oil in summers and mustard oil in winter.

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