(ARA) – Your shoulders are tight, your head throbs, your heart pounds and you don’t recall the last night you slept peacefully. Whether it’s because your 401(k) statement just arrived or you’re dreading the up-coming holiday shopping season, you – like millions of other Americans these days – are probably feeling economy-induced stress.

Whatever its source, prolonged stress can have serious health consequences – a well-known fact that may contribute to Americans’ willingness to spend money on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), like massage therapy. In 2007, Americans spent $33.9 billion on CAM, according to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics. And that was at least a year before most of us realized just how bad the economy had become.

“Even during these tough economic times, massage is thriving because more and more it is seen as a cost-effective way to influence your overall health,” says Grant Lessard, director of education for Cortiva Institute in Scottsdale. “For some who have had to make other sacrifices, massage is seen as an inexpensive substitute for more costly stress relievers such as vacations or extended time off from work.”

“Not enough has been written about the benefits of laying down and doing nothing for an hour in the day,” says Lisa Santoro, an instructor at Cortiva Institute – Boston. “Having someone work lotion or oil into the largest organ of the body, the skin, while relieving muscle tension at the same time, is an added bonus to just laying down.”

The professionals of Cortiva Institute, a network of massage therapy schools across the country, offer some helpful hints for easing your economy-induced stress:

Start with your eyes

“Many people are on computers during the day, whether for doing a job or trying to find a job,” Santoro says. “The eyes endure a lot of stress from staying focused on such a small area (the computer screen) for long periods of time.”

Santoro recommends giving your eyes a two-minute break every few hours. “Place your palms over your eyes to block out all light. If possible, lean back so the eyes can sink into the socket, which can be even more restful,” she says. “Do this for two minutes, breathing deeply. Just this simple two-minute rest can do wonders for increasing comfort and decreasing stress on the eyes.”

A getaway without going away

“Massage provides a positive and relaxing sensory experience,” says William Ensminger, co-director of the student clinic at Cortiva Institute – Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. “The rest of the world goes away and you get a mini vacation.”

“Massage therapy has been found to elicit an energy-conserving state and decrease the levels of pain and stress chemicals in the body, as well as decrease blood pressure,” says Deanna Sylvester, education director at Cortiva Institute – Tucson. “Your time with a massage therapist feels good because you are slowing down, and you continue to feel good afterward because of the physiological changes that occur due to the treatment.”

Make time in your day

Don’t have time or resources to get a massage? “Take a few deep breaths, grab your foot and start to massage,” Ensminger suggests. “Your feet take a beating. Give them a treat and pamper them yourself. Feet don’t care who massages them, and you will reap the rewards.”

If you’re at work and massaging your feet isn’t an option, you can relax by massaging your hands for a few minutes, he adds. “Concentrate on slow, deep breaths. Massage the whole hand – the palm, the fingers and thumb, even between the fingers.”

A professional massage might be more affordable than you think, and there are good reasons to invest in one. “Allowing yourself to get a massage regularly is not only physically and mentally beneficial, it will give you something to look forward to and motivation for completing whatever tasks daunt you,” says Kathy Lee, graduate resources coordinator of Cortiva Institute – Tucson.

To find an affordable massage therapist, check with massage schools in your area to find out if they offer a student clinic, Ensminger suggests. “It’s a great way to try different therapies and therapists to see what style you like best. You can also check with your chiropractor’s office. Many now have a massage therapist on staff.”

Another way massage can help you relieve economy-induced stress is by providing a challenging, meaningful and financially rewarding career, the Cortiva staff agree. If you’re out of work or just looking for a career change, you can achieve a professional credential and be prepared for a job in massage with as little as six months of training.

“Many people have taken mandatory salary cuts, and massage can be a versatile alternative to make up the difference in income,” says Jeff Mann, president of Cortiva Institute – Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. “They can ease their stress because massage therapy can provide the flexibility they need with a minimal investment. It works as a full-time or part-time career option.”

“Massage is a career that fits around your life, versus life fitting around your career,” Santoro says. “It is very flexible, every day is different, every person is different.”

To learn more about a career in massage therapy, visit www.cortiva.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: massage therapists’ secrets

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Purchasing a Shiatsu Massage Chair

A Massage Chair can be a great investment for those who lead hectic lives and need to relax and recharge after long days at work.  A Massage Chair can relieve both physical aches and pains and mental tension. Many massage practitioners and experts now recommend the purchase of Shiatsu Massage Chairs. These chairs are made to provide a personalized Shiatsu experience to the user. Shiatsu is a technique of Japanese massage known to facilitate healing by targeting pressure points in the human body. 

However, Massage Chairs are a major investment for most people, so you must compare what is available on the market today to make certain you find the best product for you and your budget. Here are some tips to help you in the purchase of your Shiatsu Massage Chair.  Make sure that your chair has therapeutic massage, kneading, rolling, compression, and tapping settings.

Shiatsu Massage Chairs should mimic the movements of a therapeutic masseur. Sit in one of these Chairs at least 20 minutes to ensure you like the speed and movements of the Chair and that it covers all of your problem areas.

Choose a Shiatsu Chair that comes with a footstool or raised ottoman. A good chair massage should also give you a tilt option. Foot and calve masseurs are also integrated in the finest of these products.

Massage Chairs are an investment, and as such should carry a strong warranty. Long, comprehensive warranties are usually great indicators of reliability and durability. Compare different guarantees before buying your Chair and make sure that they have the best coverage possible, including home repair as transferring these chairs to a service center can be difficult and expensive.  It is also a great idea to research the general cost of repairs and spare parts.

Take all of these factors into account, and you should find the best possible Massage Chair for mind, body and budget!

For more information on selecting a massage chair for your home or office, visit iShopit.com iShopit offers a large selection from brands like Sanyo, Panasonic, Prospra and more.

Tags: Shiatsu, Shiatsu massage, Shiatsu massage chairs

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(NC)—Spas and hot tubs treat many health problems through a combination of heat and hydrotherapy massage. Whether you suffer from arthritis, sore muscles and joints, or sports-related injuries, they all respond to the soothing warm water and hydrotherapy massage of a hot tub.

Immersing your body in the warm water of a hot tub – heated to a comfortable 37° C – 40° C (98° F – 104° F) – can also alleviate mental stress and strain by calming you down and forcing your mind – as well as your body – to relax.

Work-related discomfort such as a backache, stiff neck or sore feet can also be alleviated by taking a leisurely soak in a hot tub when you get home from work. A good soak in a hot tub is also a great way to recuperate after a long, frustrating commute home.

If you have trouble sleeping, a soak in a hot tub just before bedtime also acts as an effective, natural sedative that will allow you to enjoy a full night’s rest.

In fact, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis – the three most common types of arthritis – a brief soak in a hot tub will help you get through the day virtually pain-free by improving flexibility, strength and co-ordination. Moving joints, ligaments and muscles is made easier, allowing you to perform your daily tasks with ease.

Because soaking in a hot tub temporarily reduces body weight by 90 per cent, it also reduces the strain on your body, slowing down your pulse rate, dilating your blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body.

More information on the therapeutic benefits of hot tub soaking is available online at www.poolcouncil.ca.

- News Canada

Tags: hot tub soaking, hot tubs, spas

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Swedish massage is the basis of all modern massage therapy variations. It is often called Classic Massage. Various techniques used in a Swedish massage don’t sound English and for many of us their meaning is mysterious. Even English terms are hard to understand for many of us.

Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement. These are all massage techniques and the origin of these words is French. This article will demystify the meaning of these words for you.

Effleurage is a gentle massage stroke performed with medium to very light pressure in a sliding and gliding motion. It is also called gliding. The stroke has evolved in time, during the initial period of massage development effleurage was a very light stroke. This was necessary to avoid irritation of superficial skin. After the apparition of light massage oils and the spreading of oils on a large scale in the industry, gliding with pressure was possible.

Petrissage is a massage stroke technique that includes kneading, squeezing, or grasping the muscles. The most known is kneading petrissage. The therapist squeezes and pulls the muscle tissue in a similar way to kneading the dough. Historically the Kneading Petrissage was performed on limbs, neck and back. The use of massage oils makes it very difficult to knead the back. As a result, kneading as a back massage technique slowly disappears.

Tapotement is a set of rhythmic percussion movements performed with fingers, fists, palms, or the sides of the hands, (karate chops). Hacking, cupping, fist pounding, and tapotement pincements, (percussion pinching), are all different tapping strokes. Different tapotement moves can have different therapeutic purposes. Therapeutic applications of this kind of massage technique are loosening the mucus of the air passages, relaxation, stimulates muscles.

Friction is a more deep tissue manipulation. Initially this massage technique was performed in such manner that the hands of the therapist were manipulating only the tissue beneath the skin. The surface skin would move with the hand of the therapist like a glove. This would allow great amount of friction to be performed without irritating the surface skin. The modern massage has changed the technique to adapt it to the use of massage oils. A major progress is the apparition of cross-fiber friction technique.

Vibration is a massage stroke performed with a high frequency in a shaking manner. Rocking is a variation of vibration.

Other great massage strokes are:

Nerve strokes” – extremely light strokes for relaxing the patient, (effleurage nerve strokes and tapotement nerve strokes).

Compression is a massage technique used to reach the deep muscles, or to perform reflexology.

Stretching is used to restore the joints their flexibility.

There are other great massage techniques and therapists create new strokes all the time.

For more about massage techniques and a “how to back massage” step by step visit: Head-Massage.net.
Dorian is a Complementary Medicine therapist who is involved in promoting touch as a life changing instrument. He is contributing with articles at Head-Massage.net.

Tags: massage glossary, Massage Techniques, massage terms, Swedish massage terms

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(ARA) – The recession is turning out to be a great equalizer, rearranging our priorities so that recent college graduates and seasoned professionals now share a single top concern — job security. Many of them will likely find what they’re looking for in the health care industry, where overall employment is expected to rise 21 percent by 2016.

Many paths can lead to a career in health and wellness. Some emerging careers, such as massage therapy or home health aide, require less than four years of college to achieve professional status, and will experience high growth over the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

These health care fields provide ample opportunity for quick entry and job security. The bureau predicts top growing health and wellness jobs will include massage therapy, personal and home care aides, home health aides and medical assistants — all of which are expected to increase by double-digit percentages by 2016.

Some, like massage therapy, offer greater flexibility and variety in career opportunities. A massage therapist can achieve certification in approximately one year and work in a wide range of settings, from a chiropractor’s office to an upscale hotel or day spa. Growing consumer awareness of the benefits of massage, increased acceptance by the medical community, and Americans’ perception of massage as a health maintenance tool, rather than a luxury, are driving demand for therapists.

“One of the major aspects that attracted me to the profession is its flexibility,” says Jeff Mann, president of the Cortiva Institute-Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy. “Massage provided me with a career at a time in my life where flexibility of schedule was really important. It allowed me to travel, pursue other interests and be very involved with raising my daughter.”

Massage therapy careers can span many related industries. Traditionally, massage therapists have worked in settings that include:

* High-end spas or resorts
* Solo business or independent business
* Chiropractor’s clinic
* Athletic club

New opportunities are emerging, however, thanks to the increasing demand. Dina Boon, president of Cortiva Institute-Seattle, cites a few:

“We have graduates working as preferred providers within an insurance network, or as a corporate account vendor contracted to provide therapy within a corporate office setting on a regular basis,” she says. “Some of our grads have worked in hospice care, providing therapy to both patients and their caregivers, while others work in hospital oncology, maternity or post-natal care departments.”

“We’ve even had graduates who traveled to Antarctica on contract to provide massage therapy at scientific outposts for the ‘summer’ months in Antarctica,” Boon says.

Students at Cortiva Institute, a network of massage therapy schools across the country, cite common reasons for pursuing massage therapy careers, and growing demand is just one of them. Many like the range of options for a working environment. Achieving professional status following a relatively short education and training time is also a benefit, Boon says.

And the ability to pursue “meaningful work in the world” that both helps others and allows therapists to support themselves is a key attraction.

“I once had a client who had suffered a severe trauma at a young age and developed an eating disorder because of it,” Mann says. After working with Mann, the client also worked with a personal trainer, dietitian and psychotherapist, and the patient was able to drop more than 300 pounds in a little over two years and achieve a more normal life. “She told me massage therapy gave her the acceptance and courage to live within her own body. Where else can you help people like that?”

Anyone considering a career in massage therapy should look for a school that also provides students with hands-on experience. “Getting real experience in a safe, managed environment builds confidence,” Mann says. “Many times the only difference between a good therapist and a great one is confidence.”

Evaluate schools based on their accreditation and what the program covers, Boon advises. “Also, consider how long the school has been open, what texts are required, the background and specializations of faculty members, the size of the student body and the school’s job placement rate for graduates,” she says. “Last but not least, talk to or get a massage from one of the graduates of the program.”

To learn more about Cortiva Institute, visit www.Cortiva.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Cortiva Institute, Cortiva Institute-Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, Cortiva Institute-Seattle, massage careers, massage therapists

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Money Magazine lists massage therapy among its top 20 careers.

(ARA) – With high unemployment rates and a wide-spread recession, you might think jobs in a “luxury” industry would be in short supply. Yet many day spas have actually seen an increase in demand, and need qualified massage therapists, yoga instructors and other professionals to keep pace with business.

Penny-pinching Americans may not be willing to spend extra on some luxuries or comfort items, but a trip to the day spa can be seen as making sense for both economic and health reasons, points out Debbie Bates, a massage therapy and spa instructor at Everest College in Fife, Wash. People who once took long vacations and bought big-ticket luxury items are cutting back, but still want to feel like they are treating themselves.

“We find that many people have started indulging in affordable luxuries like massages and yoga,” Bates says. “Day spas aren’t competing with the local beauty parlor. A trip to the spa is seen as a luxury good, like a two-week vacation or diamond bracelet. But compared to a cruise or expensive jewelry, a 90-minute massage is a real bargain.”

There are well over 14,500 spas in the U.S, with about 80 percent of those being day spas, according to the International Spa Association’s 2007 estimates. With many day spas experiencing increased demand, qualified salon and spa professionals are needed.

Demand for massage therapists is expected to grow by 20 percent through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Money Magazine lists massage therapy among its top 20 careers. Demand for spa professionals has been growing for a while.

The industry has boomed since 1999, and 53 percent of salon owners had job openings in 2006, hiring nearly half a million new employees, according to a 2007 report commissioned by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. Despite industry changes, the future of the salon and spa industry is strong, and demand for experienced employees still exceeds supply at many day spas, the commission found.

Another factor driving increased demand at spas is the public perception of spas’ emphasis on overall wellness, Bates says. “Spas are not simply places for ‘pampering.’ Rather, they promote health and wellness. They really focus on helping clients relax and manage their stress.”

Americans’ stress levels have been rising for years. In fact, a 2004 APA survey found that 73 percent of Americans cited money concerns as the top factor affecting their stress level. “When times are tough, finding the right way to relax might be the best thing you can do for your health,” Bates says.

“Some see massage as a luxury, but in our Massage Therapy program at Everest Institute, we really emphasize how massage promotes overall wellness and can be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle,” says Erin Murphy, who also teaches massage and spa therapy at Everest College in Fife. She says that professionals find that even when times are tough economically, clients keep coming back for their massages because they know it’s essential to mental and physical health.

“There is no doubt that the recession is going to affect all sectors of our economy, but we have seen that the spa industry is quite resilient,” Murphy says.

To learn more about preparing for career opportunities in the day spa industry, visit www.Everest.edu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Everest Institute, massage therapist jobs, massage therapists, Massage Therapy program, spa instructors, spas

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Massage therapy is a must for holiday planning and shopping lists, both as a great gift idea and a way to take a break from extra-busy holiday schedules.

As Americans get into the full swing of the holiday season, massage therapy can be a winning addition to holiday planning and shopping lists. Massage therapy gift certificates are surefire holiday gifts; consumers love giving and receiving gift cards and certificates and first-time massage clients rate their massage experience as highly positive, according to consumer research sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and others.

What’s more, massage is a “green gift” — one that fits the increasing consumer preference for experiential gifts instead of more “stuff.” Massage therapy is right in step with what consumers say they want and these trends show no sign of slowing. Massage leaves only a small carbon footprint and prices have remained stable in recent years. It’s exactly the kind of gift Americans of all ages are looking for: One that fits their values and budgets.

Respite From the Rush
As well as making a great gift, massage is ideal for stressed-out shoppers, holiday travelers, party-givers and people hosting family gatherings. A bonus for these folks is that shopping malls and airports are increasingly offering chair massage — a quick and inexpensive remedy for shoulders and necks burdened by shopping bags and luggage. Chair massage is performed in a private or semi-private setting in a special, ergonomic chair and usually costs $1 a minute.

What You Need to Know
For best results, ABMP recommends finding qualified massage therapists from the thousands of practitioners listed at www.massagetherapy.com. A zip-code finder and search tool for different kinds of massage makes finding the right therapist a snap. Some massage therapists offer gift packages for a series of massage sessions. Most can sell gift certificates over the phone and mail them, and some Web sites even allow consumers to print the certificates themselves. ABMP is the nation’s largest massage membership association and has licensing and educational requirements for its 65,000 members.

Parties with Plus
Another holiday trend is the spa party, including massage and other services for those hard-working employees, family members in town or friends who want a new way to celebrate. This is a wonderful alternative to overindulgence in food and drink, or stress-filled activities that are unoriginal and time-consuming. Spa parties also strengthen bonds and create memories, while traditional events may soon be forgotten.

Thoughtful gift-givers can also create their own special days by scheduling appointments with independent massage therapists and adding excursions to favorite lunch spots, movie theaters or museums.

A Gift of Lasting Value
Massage will be the gift that keeps on giving as clients enjoy not only relaxation, but the health benefits of massage. In addition to providing relief from anxiety, pain and stress, research shows massage provides beneficial effects to the immune system and lessens the frequency of headaches. While massage may be perceived as a luxury by some, these health benefits are becoming more widely understood as medical professionals increasingly recommend massage for various conditions, especially back pain and sports injuries. More information on the health benefits of massage and how to get the most from a massage session (or a series of sessions) is available at www.massagetherapy.com.

A longer-term health and relaxation benefit will provide lingering memories of the experience and the gift-giver. The gift of massage therapy is something that can start people down the path to less stressful lives; that’s a very nice way to honor a friend or loved one. At an average $60 an hour, this makes massage an excellent value.

There are 250 types of massage therapy currently being practiced in the United States. ABMP encourages consumers to consult the glossary at www.massagetherapy.com to find just the right match.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: green gifts, massage gifts, Massage Therapy

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Although being an institution of higher learning is impressive in and of itself, that’s just part of what the New School of Massage has to offer those lucky enough to love in Chicago.  It offers workshops and classes open to the public and offers massages at a deep discount.

Frugal Delights

What keeps people coming to the New School for Massage is not the excellent facilities or instructors – it’s the chance to get a deep tissue body massage for half price.  Although some people refuse to let students touch them, there are still many tense Chicagoans who love to get massages from the students at the New School for Massage.  You do have to book an appointment for the type of massage you want.  Everything from Swedish to specialty massage for very expectant mothers are offered.

There are also special discounts and combined offers for steady customers of the New School for Massage’s students.  Very often, you can get another massage at an even cheaper price if you make another one within a certain time frame.  Check the New School for Massage for exact details.  And if you are too wary of letting the students work on you, sessions with the instructors are available, but at a higher price.

Workshops

The New School for Massage offers many workshops in subjects somehow related to massage to massage and healing.  For example, the courses offered for this year include CPR and Introduction to Massage.  This are usually all day affairs with a lunch break and often gives you some hands-on experience.  They are usually less than $100.

The School

And, if you’ve guessed by the name, the New School for Massage (which only opened its doors in 2002) is an accredited school for professional massage therapists.  It is recognized by the state of Illinois as a school that meets or exceeds their standards.  The undergraduate program, to help you pass your national certification exams, is about 600 hours long.

In addition to the workshops open to the public, there are special post-graduate courses and those for medical professionals.  These include such diverse topics as Indian head massage, Zen facial massage and aromatherapy.  The New School for Massage tries to limit classes to a mere twelve students in order to give intense training.  They are very proud to boast of a graduate employment rate of 98.1%.  In 2002, the Chico Tribune listed the New School for Massage in their “Chicago’s Best” list.

Tags: body massage, new school for massage

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A massage chair offers all the same benefits as a real live massage. Massage is much more than just enjoyable. It also helps to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation and well being, improves blood circulation which in turn delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body, and as well it stimulates the lymphatic system which carries away the body’s waste products.

Massage also helps by preventing and relieving muscles, cramps and spasms, reduces tension and anxiety, and can help with pain management in certain conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and more. Whether you have gone through massage school and need a massage chair for your business, or are just looking to get a massage chair for your home so you can give massages right in your house, there is a great importance to using a massage chair review.

With a massage chair review you will be getting a real, honest, firsthand opinion on a particular massage chair, done by a past consumer who has already purchased and used the chair. This is important because rather than just getting reviews from the store you are planning to buy from because obviously they are not going to give you any of the bad reviews. The best idea is for you to not just read one massage chair review but instead a few, so that you can get a broader idea of the different massage chairs that are out there and which is going to be best for you to purchase.

Where to Find Them

There are actually a few different ways to get a massage chair review selection to peruse through, but the best resource of all to you here will be the Internet. With the Internet you are able to browse through a multitude of different sites and companies so you can read through a variety of reviews and get all the information that you are looking for.

The point here is that even if you only read a single massage chair review you are really going to be doing yourself a great favor and make the process of finding and buying a massage chair as quick and easy for you as possible, and this is what really matters. A massage chair will be a great investment, and definitely something that everyone should at least consider. These days you can get luxury chairs so you can even have it right in your living room and it will fit right in.

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Massage therapy is becoming a very popular field, to which many people are entering into. Not only is it enjoyable to meet different people and know that you are helping to make them feel better, but as well it is a very financially rewarding career. If you want to become a massage therapist, one of the first massages you are going to need to learn is how to deep tissue massage.
The deep tissue massage is one of the most popular and commonly performed types of massage, and so learning how to deep tissue massage is going to be one of the first things you will have to learn here.

How to Deep Tissue Massage

The process of learning how to deep tissue massage is actually pretty simple, so you should not be worried. The first thing you will need to do is get a massage chair, so your client or the person you are practicing on will have a place to sit while you are giving the massage. If you are learning through a massage therapy course or class they should have these chairs already available for you.

Now to learn how to deep tissue massage, one of the first things you need to learn about is trigger point therapy. The deep tissue massage works by putting pressure on certain trigger points in the body, which results in temporarily stopping blood flow to that area of the body. It then releases it and flooding that body part with fresh blood. This leaves the area feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, and free from aches and pains. It also feels strange to the person because it will make them realize just how warm and powerful their blood is as it surges back into their veins.

Learning how to deep tissue massage can definitely take a bit of time but it is one of the first massages you will need to learn if you want to make this your professional career. As long as you go to the right school and work with a qualified and experienced teacher, you are sure to learn quickly and properly and be well on your way to becoming a certified massage therapist.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so you should not get frustrated if you do not get it right the first couple times around. You are going to have to practice and practice if you want to become really great at it.

Tags: how to deep tissue massage

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