Archive for December, 2010

Whether you are planning to make your career as a specialized therapist or you just want to be trained in different types of massage techniques, you will find the massage therapy training online very helpful. If you are one of those who have other engagements and cannot afford to join a regular course program, the online massage courses are perhaps the best choice for you. The great thing about such training programs is that they allow you to pursue your course right from the comfort and privacy of your home. What is more, there is no fixed timing. You can have your own schedule for study.

Work Scope

Once you successfully complete a specific course through massage therapy training online, you have plenty of career options to choose from. It opens the doorway of opportunities for you. For example, besides working in natural health care services, you may also find handsome work in hospitals, spas and salons, cruise ships, chiropractic clinics, health and wellness clubs, and other health-related facilities.

What Does The Program Comprise Of?

Different online programs have different focus. It is very important for you to understand that no two courses can be similar in course content. Massaging is a vast subject and when it comes to specialized programs, it is not just all about learning the different techniques. You are also taught about the legal aspects and other responsibilities of a therapist, and much more. However, a typical program may include basic studies in kinesiology, pathology, physiology, and of course anatomy. What exactly is the focus of your chosen course depends mainly on the online school you have chosen to go for. For example, if a school offers foundational courses in bodywork, the course content may include deep tissue massage, sports massage, and Swedish massage. However, the more advanced programs will offer you in-depth practical training.

Stand-Alone Massage Therapy Training Programs

These days, fascinating techniques are getting more and more popular among the massage lovers. Even many massage therapy training online schools are now focusing on teaching their students such stand-alone massage therapy training programs. Let’s take for an example, reflexology. It is a unique massage therapy that has become very popular in the recent years. This technique involves specific massage of ears, feet, and hands. Other such programs may include Indian head massage, trigger point therapy, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Rolfing, meridian therapy, Shiatsu (which is a type of acupressure), Tuina (which is a type of Chinese medical massage), and many others.

Length Of Program

Choosing the right length of program is one of the most important considerations while you are choosing the best massage therapy training online course for you. It is very important for you to understand that a foundation program usually consists of at least 300 hours. The more advanced programs may require you to study over 1000 training hours.

These days, many online institutions are also offering a specific course in an associate of applied science degree in massage therapy. Even vocational colleges and healing arts schools are offering such programs. Therefore, depending upon your choice, you may also like to go for that.

The massage therapy training online programs have been gaining rapid popularity. If you successfully complete such a course by fulfilling all education requirements and earn a certificate in specialized massage, you can easily earn an excellent hourly rate.

By: Fiona Bryland

About the Author:

I hope you found this article helpful! To discover the massive advantages of using a massage chair [http://www.onlinemassagetherapyguru.com/advantages-of-using-a-massage-chair], and to uncover the shocking facts about getting a Swedish massage [http://www.onlinemassagetherapyguru.com/what-can-i-expect-with-a-swedish-massage], then be sure to check out:

[http://www.OnlineMassageTherapyGuru.com]

Massage Therapy Programs – Career Training Opportunities Today

Find Massage Therapy Programs in the United States and Canada. Presently, students have many diverse massage therapy programs from which to choose. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 1,300 massage therapy programs throughout the United States alone.

In typical massage therapy programs, training begins with anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology, range of motion, business and ethics. Because there is such a wide variety of massage techniques, massage institutes and schools often differ in instructional methods. For example, base training in massage therapy programs usually includes practical instruction in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage. However, several healing arts schools offer expanded variations of these techniques with additional training in other natural healing modalities.

While most massage therapy programs range from 300-500 hours, a number of these courses exceed 1,000 training hours. Students who prefer to examine unique massage methods find that elective and focalized training is available. For instance, were you aware that there are over 60 styles of massage therapy? In addition to traditional bodywork therapies like sports, deep tissue and Swedish massage, students can enroll in massage therapy programs that provide training in specific modalities like acupressure, Trager therapy, Thai massage, reflexology, polarity therapy, prenatal massage, myofascial release therapy, canine/equine massage, chair massage, Tuina, Lomi Lomi, Structural Integration, and Zero Balancing, among several others.

Successful graduates may be eligible to take an exam through the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) to become nationally certified. Requirements for taking this exam include a minimum of 500 hours training from one of a number of accredited, state-approved massage therapy programs.

Health insurance companies are beginning to cover natural healthcare treatments provided by qualified massage therapists. This, along with the fact that massage therapy is gaining in popularity, are some of many excellent reasons why prospective students may wish to enroll in any one of several massage therapy programs to achieve gainful and rewarding employment as professional massage therapists.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Massage Therapy Programs: Career Training Opportunities Today
? Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

By: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

About the Author:

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for Massage Therapy Programs, Massage Colleges and Schools, and other Studies.

Massage Therapy Training With Bamboo

Bamboo-fusion massage therapy is the latest and greatest spa treatment to hit the industry in years! It is easy to implement and the massage therapy training can easily be provided at your location to minimize travel for your staff, thus keeping expenses to a minimum.

Massage therapy training classes are readily available across the country specializing in warm bamboo massage. Bamboo-fusion has been featured in top spa magazines and trade publications making massage training for bamboo massage in high demand.

Nathalie Cecilia, originally from Nimes, South France is the original source in the United States for a brand new spa treatment she calls Bamboo-fusion. This trademarked treatment is in high demand by luxury spas and is gaining in popularity. Ms. Cecilia uses bamboo pieces cut into different shapes and sizes as extensions of her fingers during a massage treatment. She also “warms” the bamboo to allow the bamboo pieces to penetrate and relax the muscles quicker.

She originally discovered this form of massage during a massage treatment where the client kept requesting “deeper pressure” on his upper trapezius (shoulders). At a little over 5′ and only 100 lbs, Nathalie began to experience pain in her hands within only 2 months of doing traditional massage. As a Thai therapist, Nathalie sometimes did back walking while using bamboo poles that are 6 feet in length for balance. “As I was working on this gentleman who was in a sitting position, my eyes caught the two bamboo poles that I used for balance when back walking. I had the idea to use one of the poles for tapotement on his upper trapezius. So I stood about six feet from him, tapping on his shoulders with this very long stick, and he told me it felt really great!”

Small repetitive movements performed by the massage therapist when doing traditional massage can result in repetitive use injuries such as carpel tunnel. With the Bamboo-fusion massage, the bamboo tools allow the massage therapist to easily address deep pressure requests. Ms. Cecilia explains that she has noticed that after a few bamboo massage treatments, the client’s skin can actually become more supple.

In 2004, shortly after becoming a massage therapist, Ms Cecilia first started using bamboo and rattan tools to perform a flowing Swedish type massage. Imagine a skilled therapist using warmed bamboo to dissolve knots and tension throughout your body. These hand crafted tools are custom designed so that even the smallest therapist can give an effective deep tissue massage that is easy on their body, hands and wrists. This ecologically sound and sustainable product is currently made by skilled woodworkers, however when Ms. Cecilia first began bamboo massage, she actually made the pieces herself by hand.

Her bamboo tool sets have evolved over the past few years and are now made with 100% solid bamboo which is pressed into different shapes and sizes to match her Bamboo-fusion massage routine. The new bamboo tool sets, designed for full body massage, hold heat well and are very comfortable for the therapist to use. In addition to making bamboo sets that are commercially available, she also offers massage therapy training to other massage therapists. Her massage training offering for top quality professional massage training is well received by high end spas that need to offer unique treatments to their discriminating client base.

“There is a beautiful quality to the material; both you and the client feel very energized and revitalized, but also more relaxed.” Her technique uses massage oil or cream when performing a full body massage on a client. Shorter pieces of bamboo work well for smaller areas such as around the scapula. A 16″ bamboo stick is also used to knead the muscles and do a “criss-cross” technique that stretches the fascia in all directions.

Unlike warm stone massage, the bamboo is easy to heat without the use of a roaster or crock pot. In the heating device she uses, the bamboo stays warm (which of course the clients love), and there is little clean up between sessions. During the Bamboo-fusion massage training classes, we also offer suggestions to incorporate the use of a few hot stones into the treatment for those that desire to mix bamboo and stones.

As therapists and clients continually search for new approaches to massage therapy, bamboo is at the forefront of the industry, offering the most basic solution. The use of a renewable and sustainable resource that connects us to ancient times allows our modern need for deep tissue massage to be addressed. Nathalie is the pioneer of bamboo massage and is a leader in the massage and bodywork industry. Massage therapy training in bamboo massage is great for seasoned massage therapists or for those in school or new to the industry. Massage therapy training classes in bamboo massage can be held just about anywhere. The bamboo sets are very lightweight and easy to carry making the massage training classes portable.

Many Asian countries treat bamboo with great reverence since it has played a significant role in feeding and housing them. It is very common for bamboo to be used in making musical and surgical instruments, furniture, eating utensils and storage baskets in addition to hundreds of other uses.

Bamboo is a highly renewable (sustainable) resource and boasts more than 1500 different species that grow naturally throughout most Asian countries in addition to South and Central America. The Chinese and Japanese have used bamboo since ancient times; however is just now becoming main-stream in the American culture.

In the United States, bamboo is primarily symbolic and is gaining in popularity due to the fact that it is a highly renewable resource. It is also beautiful and considered “lucky” by many people that possess bamboo stalks commonly arranged in a small vase. Many high end resorts and spas are now decorating with bamboo in the form of flooring, furniture, and artwork. Clothing and linens made of bamboo fibers are also very popular. Top resorts and spas take this a step further and incorporate bamboo into their spa menus as part of a new exotic treatment that feels luxurious. The massage therapy training class covers all aspects of implementation, ranging from the initial massage training to writing a description for your spa menu.

Nathalie and her team of instructors are in high demand by individual therapists and spas/resorts seeking massage training in this new effective treatment using bamboo. To address this demand, Bamboo-fusion massage therapy training classes are offered in various locations in the United States and are approved by the state of Florida and the NCBTMB for Continuing Education (CE’s) for license renewal. Classes are offered at several training facilities on a regular basis in Sarasota, Florida where Nathalie resides, as well as taught in Everett, Durham, and Cincinnati. She also offers onsite massage therapy training at spas and resorts across the country.

In addition to massage therapy workshops, Cecilia also offers DVD’s and specialized bamboo sets for each of her techniques which are for use on the table for full body massage and on the chair through clothing. In addition, Ms Cecilia just created a new French ****** massage called Bamboo-Visage which utilizes a delicate tool set hand crafted from bamboo and rattan. This treatment was introduced at a recent spa show in Las Vegas and intrigued massage therapists as well as estheticians and spa directors.

By: Mason Rainy

About the Author:

Just ask yourself these simple questions:
* Do you need training in massage?
* Do you need training in massage using a tool?
* Do you need training in massage using heat to help warm the muscles?
* Do you need training in massage that is easy on your hands and wrists?
* Do you need training in massage for either deep tissue or relaxation massage treatments?
* Do you need training in massage to earn CE’s?
* Do you need training in massage to help your practice blossom?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need training in massage with Bamboo-fusion.

Mason Rainy is the owner of Massage Training and specializes in Massage Therapy Training.

Pet Massage Training – Why Should You Consider Pet Massage Training

Although it is very well known that pets, just as humans, are exposed to stress on daily basis it a lot less known that just as humans also dogs could greatly benefit from the massage. Yes, pet massage could significantly improve the quality of our dog’s life and in this article we will look into the some benefits of dog massage and why all dog lovers should consider at least very basic pet massage training.

Can pet massage really improve quality of my dog’s life?

Throughout their learning process our lovely puppies also experience the pain, anxiety and most certainly the loneliness. Since our puppies learn by building associations between the behaviors and consequences it is fair to say that these behaviors as such must than be rooted in memories that such experience had created.

Think about this for moment. Are our puppies not emotional creatures? Don’t they have thoughts and feelings? Of course they do! Well, than if this is the case wouldn’t our pets benefits from the massage? Yes, they would. But in order to do massage one should consider at least very basic dog massage training.

It is believed that benefits of dog massage is about the same as one half hour walk in the park. In addition to the increased circulation it is believed that dogs massage also enhances our pet trust, connection and bond with their owners and humans in general which than in turn will have great impact on change in our pet behavior.

Dog massage resonates with our pet’s entire body and creates positive changes on both skin and internal organs as well. In other words the pet massage affects both the physical and the emotional aspect of our pet’s life. I am going to conclude this article with the question:”Should we than consider basic pet massage training?”

By: Lejla Zukic

About the Author:

If you would like to learn more about pet massage training please visit http://www.dogcitronellacollar.com