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Massage is the manual manipulation of the soft tissue of the body. When properly applied, it helps balance the body, assist with posture, relieve aches and pains and increase the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the blood and bones. Massage techniques range from a basic working of tight muscles for relaxation and stress reduction to extensive treatments (some that don't even involve physical touch) to alter and affect the body's energy. There is a wide range of massage techniques, so you'll need to decide which one best addresses your needs. Whether you just need help with a back spasm a couple of times a year or want to incorporate the tenets of massage into your daily life, there's a technique that's right for you.
Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. In Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced continually since ancient times. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet" as the appropriate treatment for -complete paralysis, chills, and fever." It was one of the principal method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. Julius Caesar was said to have been given a daily massage to treat neuralgia. "The Physician Must Be Experienced In Many Things," wrote Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, in the 5th century B. C., "but assuredly in rubbing.. . for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid."
Swedish massage, the method most familiar to Westerners, was developed in the 19th century by a Swedish doctor, poet, and educator named Per Henrik Ling. His system was based on a study of gymnastics and physiology, and on techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Physiotherapy, originally based on Ling's methods, was established with the foundation in 1894 of the Society of Trained Masseurs. During World War I patients suffering from nerve injury or shell shock were treated with massage. St. Thomas's Hospital, London, had a department of massage until 1934. However, later breakthroughs in medical technology and pharmacology eclipsed massage as physiotherapists began increasingly to favor electrical instruments over manual methods of stimulating the tissues. Massage is now used in intensive care units, for children, elderly people, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes. Most American hospices have some kind of bodywork therapy available, and it is frequently offered in health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics.
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Acupressure is an ancient healing art which uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin and stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. Based on the same principles of Acupuncture, with no drug-induced side effects, acupressure is an excellent way to complement conventional medical care and to promote health and wellness. It helps to prevent or relieve a wide range of conditions such as Musculo-Skeletal dysfunctions, physical pains, headaches, insomnia, menstrual problems and psychosomatic stress related disorders.
The Alexander Technique involves gently mobilizing parts of a patient's body that appear to be strained. Massage Therapists also explain how to relax and move the body properly. The technique is designed to improve the mechanical relationships among body parts, and to align the head, neck, torso, and spine.
AMMA Therapy is an integrative form of massage therapy that combines Oriental Medical principles based on the balance and flow of energy with a Western approach for assessing organ dysfunction such as blood tests , X-ray, MRI, EKG, etc. AMMA Therapy, like Acupuncture, focuses on the balance and movement of energy within the body. Whereas the Acupuncturist inserts needles into the energy pathways to stimulate and move the energy, the AMMA Therapist relies primarily on the sensitivity and strength of the hands to manipulate the life energy. AMMA Therapy techniques include both deep tissue massage that is used in other forms of therapeutic massage, and the stimulation of energy movement that is the basis of Chinese Medicine.
The use of plant oils to promote psychology and physical well-being. The ancient Chinese were thought to be the first to use aromatherapy, but it has been widely practiced by virtually every civilization in recorded history. In the early 20th century, French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé became the first person to study aromatherapy’s benefits from a scientific standpoint, and it is now widely accepted that the use of essential oils has direct benefit to the body. Oils are usually infused with steam into the air, applied directly to the skin, or ingested in a tea. From a massage perspective, aromatherapy is normally used in conjunction with techniques like Swedish or hot stone therapy.
Ayurvedic massage combines energy work on the marman points (subtle energy points) with the use of medicinal oils to promote the health and well being of the subject. One of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, Ayurveda views the human being as intimately connected with the environment and all other life forms. Ayurvedic massage works on both the physical and mental levels, transmitting a life-giving energy that assists all systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. Practitioners concentrate on the marmas, which respond to gentle physical manipulation, and work with the needs of the different body types.
An energy-based massage formulated around Buddhist Tantric philosophy. It utilizes massage strokes of moderate pressure both with and across the grain, moving outward to the extremities to help rid the body of stress and tension. The massage strokes focus on the seven charkas, or centers of energy, within the body. Often, some of the stretching techniques of Thai Yogic massage are included. It seeks to help balance and harmonize the energies within the body. Typically performed on a draped or undraped client on the floor.
Bowen Therapy is a subtle muscle/nerve/connective tissue technique developed in Australia by Tom Bowen . The work is gentle, non-invasive and performed through the clothing. It consists of a specific sequence of gentle, rolling "moves" done across superficial muscles, tendons and nerves.. The results are profound and lasting, and usually apparent within two or three sessions. Bowen Therapy is a completely new concept in bodywork. It is neither derived from nor similar to any other physical modality. Unlike massage or other manipulations that try to force a change, Bowen simply resets your body to heal itself.
Although extremely gentle, these stimulations are so powerful that it's necessary to let the patient rest and "cook" a few minutes between segments in order that they completely integrate the neurological changes. The entire process is so soothing that most patients will fall asleep at least once during the session.
It's a massage given to a client sitting in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged.
This technique uses a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the cranial-sacral system -- comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft massage touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the cranial-sacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Just like it sounds, it's a deeper massage technique which releases muscle tension/pain through slower strokes and deeper pressure across the grain of the muscles. This Technique often employs breath and movement as a way of releasing muscular tension. It is an aggressive system of manipulation of muscles and facia (connective tissues) to free the flow of lymphatic fluid, which supplies oxygen to the muscles and carries away toxins. Typically performed on a draped client with oils or creams, using a table.
Its style is basically Swedish. What sets Esalen Massage apart from other types of massage is the philosophical approach. For the massage therapist, the work is a meditation, a time to quiet the mind, and attend to his or her intuition, and to be fully present in the moment with the client.
This technique involves a slow and gentle sequence of movements to help people develop a heightened awareness of their bodies, improve mobility, and break habits of poor posture and inefficient motion that can cause pain and discomfort. No attempt is made to alter the structure or alignment of the body.
Hellerwork is a series of one-hour sessions of deep tissue bodywork and movement education designed to realign the body and release chronic tension and stress. Verbal dialogue is used to assist the client in becoming aware of emotional stress that may be related to physical tension.
Hellerwork is organized along eleven sections and each section can take one or more sessions to accomplish the desired result.
Hellerwork is an integrated system designed to recondition the whole body. It is a process in which people are moved from their current "average" state to an optimal state of health and well being. This optimal state of health is the body's "normal" and natural condition.
Jin Shin Do is a unique synthesis of traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classical Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist philosophy and breathing methods, and western psychological theories including Reichian segmental theory.Jin Shin Do, developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden during nearly two decades of professional therapeutic study and work throughout North America, Europe and Japan, uses firm finger pressure at acupuncture points to induce muscular and emotional release. During a Jin Shin Do session, the client lies fully clothed on a treatment table as pairs of acu-points are held. As tensions are released, the body is able to rebalance and function more fully.
La Stone Therapy uses specific stones of various temperatures during the massage therapy to bring about certain healing responses in the client. The smooth heated basalt stones glide quickly over the body, warmth penetrating deep into the skin and muscles. As the stone cool, more stones are placed over the skin maintaining a continuous flow of heat throughout the body. Cold marble stones may also being used.
This is a system of massage that utilizes very large, broad movements. Two-handed, forearm, and elbow application of strokes, which cover a broad area, is characteristic of lomilomi. Similar to Swedish massage in many aspects, this system uses prayer and the acknowledgment of the existence of a higher power as an integral part of the technique. Lomilomi — Hawaiian for rub rub — is described by teacher Aunty Margaret Machado as “the loving touch — a connection between heart, hand, and soul with the source of all life.” Aunty Margaret was the first to teach lomilomi in a formal, classroom situation; previously the training was passed on within the family by Kahunas or shamans. Oils are used in the application of cross-fiber friction techniques. The practitioner often uses the forearm and elbow in the application of pressure.
It blends soothing, gentle, rhythmical, precise massage-like movements to accelerate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. This massage technique can benefit those coping with general fluid retention, poor circulation, lowered immunity, swelling through injury, cellulite, arthritis and skin disorders reflecting congestion.
Massage is sometimes defined as medically necessary massage, which is usually prescribed by a physician. Medical massage is generally practiced in relation to a specific goal focused on improving health of patients. According to the American Medical Massage Association (AMMA), medical massage is: A system of manually applied techniques designed to reduce pain, establish normal tissue tension, create a positive tissue environment and to normalize the movement of the musculoskeletal system. Medical massage is a scientifically based method of manual therapy that seeks a clear understanding of the scientific principles of physiology that affect connective and soft tissue healing and treatment.
A gentle blend of stretching and massage, myofascial release therapy uses hands-on manipulation of the entire body to promote healing and relieve pain. Just as its name suggests--myofascial comes from the Latin "myo" for muscle and "fascia" for band-massage therapists use the technique to ease pressure in the fibrous bands of connective tissue, or fascia, that encase muscles throughout the body.
This consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds.
Orthopedic massage describes a comprehensive system of treatment rather than one particular technique. It's able to integrate a variety of massage techniques in the treatment of soft-tissue dysfunctions, pain and injuries. According to the Orthopedic Massage Education & Research Institute, four component parts characterize the system of orthopedic massage: orthopedic assessment, matching the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of treatment, treatment adaptability, and understanding the rehabilitation protocol.
A holistic approach to health combining Eastern-style massage focusing on the energy patterns in the body, with diet, exercise, and self awareness. This trademarked variety was developed by osteopath Randolph Stone, who studied Ayurvedic Healing in India and ancient Chinese medicine from a Western scientific point of view. He theorized that the “energy flow” described in most Eastern medicinal philosophy was actually a series electromagnetic patterns that surround our body and are affected by physical and emotional stresses. Polarity Therapy uses massage to treat energy points in this electromagnetic field, using both light, stimulating, and deep touch. Yoga-like stretching, similar to Thai massage, is also used, as well as diet evaluation and psychological counseling. Practitioners must be licensed by the American Polarity Therapy Association. Massage is performed on clothed or draped clients on a table.
A body-centered therapy that uses touch, deep tissue massage, energy work, awareness skills and a particular client-practitioner relationship. Developed by Jack Painter in the late 1960's it is based on his personal development and experience in Rolfing, Bioenergetics, acupuncture, yoga, breaththerapy, neo-Reichian bodywork , Gestalt and Meditation. Postural Integration doesn't claim to be a psychotherapy or a therapy for all ailments although the benefits affect the whole person in his psycho-physical totality . It is above all a method for Transformation and Personal Growth.
Reflexology is the study of applying pressure (massage) to specific areas on the hands and feet to promote positive changes elsewhere in the body. There over 7500 nerve endings in our feet, 2500 nerve endings in our hands and 350 in our ears. Evidence suggests that reflexology (foot massage) has created physical changes that bring about balance in the body, ease and healing
The treatment follows a traditional pattern of hand positions resting on the body without pressure. Reiki is pure energy, and brings about deep relaxation and healing.
This is used to align the major body segments through deep manipulation of the fascia or connective tissue.
This technique involves very gentle, direct touch, using trained hands to “listen” to the body and apply healing and relaxation. As the client’s body begins to relax, he may experience the emergence of unconscious thoughts, feelings, memories, and attitudes, which must be released in order for the body to fully relax into its natural posture, which fosters a greater sense of well-being. Practitioners must be certified by the Rosen Institute. Performed on draped or undraped clients without creams or oils, on a table.
This massage is primarily for athletes who train continuously. It focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity. It also may include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury, and reduce recovery time.
Shiatsu is an old, traditional, Japanese healing method. Shiatsu means "finger pressure." But unlike the massages of the West, where kneading and friction is used, in shiatsu pressure and stretching is the key. The shiatsu/massage practitioner uses palms, fingers, thumbs, knuckles, elbows, and knees to work on the body's acupuncture points, along what they consider the body's meridians or energy channels. It helps to balance a person's energy flow, and strengthen the vital organs.
Swedish massage includes long, relaxing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well-being. Swedish massage helps release the body of unwanted strain and stress.
The massage work consists primarily of pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements. These stretches affect the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body's natural energy to flow more freely.
The Trager Approach uses gentle, rhythmical touch combined with movement exercises. The massage therapist feels how the client is holding his or her body, then applies various rocking, pulling, and rotational movements to the head, neck, torso, arms, and legs. Practitioners ask their clients to focus not on the effort of movement, but on the pleasure of it, so the body can become an instrument of self-expression.
The massage therapist locates and deactivates trigger points, which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or have acquired a reoccurring spasm or kink. Pressure is applied focally to induce blood flow into the affected area. The pressure applied to trigger points can be briefly painful, but is ultimately relieving.
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Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 650
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 16 hrs/2 yrs
www.almtbd.state.al.us
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: Written - NCETMB
Maintenance: 25 hrs /2 yrs
www.massage.state.az.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist (Master & Instructor)
Required Hours: 500 hrs + written and practical exam
Exams Required: State board or NCETMB
Maintenance: 6 hrs / 1 yr
www.state.ar.us/directory
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
www.californiahealthfreedom.com
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: Written - NCETMB
Maintenance: 24 hrs / 4 yrs
www.dph.state.ct.us
Required Credential: License/Certification
Massage and Bodywork: LMT 500 hrs.
Massage/Technician: CMT 300 hrs
Exams Required: Written (LMT) - NCETMB
Maintenance: 24 hrs / 2 yrs (LMT) and 12 hrs/ 2 yrs CMT
www.professionallicensing.state.de.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500 hours and exam
Exam Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 25 hrs CEU's /2 yrs
www.dchealth.dc.gov
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 20 hrs CEU's /2 yrs
www.doh.state.fl.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500 hours and exam
Exam Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 25 hrs CEU's /2 yrs
www.sos.state.ga.us/plb/massage
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 570
Exams Required: Written exam
Maintenance: Written exam/2 yrs
www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/pvl/boards/massage
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
www.3state.id.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exam Required: Written - NCETMB
Maintenance: 24 hrs CEU's /2 yrs
www.ildpr.com
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 12 hrs CEU's/2 yrs
www.idph.state.ia.us/licensure
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 600
Exams Required: NCETMB Written exam
Maintenance: 24 hrs CEU's/2 yrs
http://finance.ky.gov
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: Written NCETMB & oral
Maintenance: 12 hrs CEU's /1 yr
www.lsbmt.org
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: Annual license renewal Fee - NO CEU
www.state.me.us/pfr/olr/categories/cat26.htm
Required Credential: Registration / Certified- Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500 hrs. + hrs
Exams Required: Written or practical/CMT
Maintenance: 24hrs CEU's/2 yrs
http://www.mdmassage.org
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
http://www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/mt/index.htm
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
TBD
http://www.state.mn.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 700
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 12 hrs CEU's / 1 yr
www.msbmt.state.ms.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500 + written exam
Exams Required: NCETMB or NCCAOM
Maintenance: 12 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
http://pr.mo.gov/massage.asp
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 1,000 hrs
Exams Required: NCETMB + practical
Maintenance: 18 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.hhs.state.ne.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: Written Exam accredited by NCCA
Maintenance: TBD
http://health2k.state.nv.us/BLC/
Required Credential: License - Massage Practitioner
Required Hours: 750
Exams Required: NCETMB and practical exam
Maintenance: 12 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.state.nh.us
Required Credential: Certification - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: Written - NCETMB or NCCAON
Maintenance: 20 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/nursing/know.htm
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 1,000
Exams Required: Written exam
Maintenance: TBD
www.op.nysed.gov/massage.htm
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist & Bodywork Therapist (LMBT)
Required Hours: 500 hrs.
Exams Required: Written - NCETMB
Maintenance: 25hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
http://www.bmbt.org
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 750 hrs.
Exams Required: Written & Practical - NCETMB
Maintenance: 18 hrs CEU's / 1 yr
http://www.ndboardofmassage.com
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 600
Exams Required: NCEMTB
Maintenance: TBD
www.state.oh.us./med
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB + practical exams
Maintenance: 25 CEU's/ 2 yrs
www.oregonmassage.org
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: TBD
www.health.state.ri.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500 hrs.
Exams Required: Written - NCETMB
Maintenance: 16 hrs CEU's / 1 yr
http://www.state.sd.us/doh/massage
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 25 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/0870/0870.htm
Required Credential: Registration - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 250 hrs. + 50 hrs internship
Exams Required: Written & Practical exams
Maintenance: 12 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.dshs.state.tx.us/plc/default.shtm
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 600 hrs
Exams Required: Written & Practical - NCETMB
Maintenance: TBD
www.dopl.utah.gov/directory.html
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
Required Credential: Certification - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 25 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.dhp.state.va.us
Required Credential: License - Massage Practitioner
Required Hours: 500 hrs + written
Exams Required: NCETMB
Maintenance: 16 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
www.doh.wa.gov/massage
Required Credential: License - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 500 hrs.
Exams Required: None
Maintenance: 25 hrs CEU's / 2 yrs
http://www.wvmassage.org
Required Credential: Certification - Massage Therapist
Required Hours: 600 and exam
Exams Required: Written - NCETMB
Maintenance: TBD
www.drl.state.wi.us
No state laws and regulations.
Contact your local court house to see if any regulations exist at the city/town level.
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