(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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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The Perfect End to Warm Weather Work is a Relaxing Massage

Many kinds of massage have blossomed in recent decades and a glossary at www.massagetherapy.com helps consumers find just the right treatment as well as a qualified massage therapist. According to national consumer research by Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), most people try their first massage on the recommendation of a medical professional; another third do so because they received a massage as a gift. Consumers report overwhelmingly positive experiences with their first massage, making a gift certificate a winning choice.

The following are some things to know about trying massage or giving it as a gift.

Spa Specials
More than ever, spas are offering bonding experiences for those celebrating special events like proms, graduations, wedding showers and wedding days. These promote fun for family and friends, and ensure everyone from flower girls to mothers-of-the-bride will look smashing and feel great on the big day. Massage is a key part of the package for smoothing jittery bridal nerves or as part of a wedding shower or spa party. Don’t forget couples’ massage — ABMP reports more than ever, men are trying massage and this can be a wonderful gift for when the hectic wedding day is over.

Weekend Warriors
Sports massage isn’t just for professional athletes and you don’t have to be injured to use massage as part of your athletic regimen. Weekend warriors working themselves back into shape can enhance their sports performance by using massage before, during and after events.

Professional athletes use vigorous massage before sports events to loosen up, bring blood to critical parts of the body and support muscle memory while they visualize their optimum athletic performance. Immediate after-event massage shortens recovery time and disperses toxins and waste from muscles. Both can be done fully clothed. Massage can also help if you truly overdo it, as muscles near an injury tend to tighten up and create a ripple effect that spreads discomfort, tightness and even muscle spasms.

Massage: A Vital Honey-Do
The home do-it-yourselfer is another good candidate for massage therapy after cleaning out gutters and garages, painting the house, mowing the lawn and being hunched over in the garden. Many of these activities engage muscles rusty from disuse that may not sound any alarms in the body while being stressed. It’s afterward they express their displeasure. Taking frequent rest breaks, stretching and changing positions while working can help up front; massage therapy can help with after effects.

A gift certificate for that hardworking homeowner could be just the ticket — ABMP research reveals wives often underestimate how much that special man will appreciate a massage gift certificate. Men already seem to understand that massage as a gift will be appreciated by their significant others.

What to Expect
Here’s how to enjoy massage yourself and give it as a gift:
* Find a qualified massage therapist at www.massagetherapy.com and you’ll work with a professional. At this Web site you can choose the massage method you prefer and use the zip-code finder to locate someone convenient. Ask whether they offer gift certificates.
* Many people worry about modesty. You’ll undress only to your level of comfort and will be covered under a sheet or towel for the entire massage session except for the area being worked on. You’ll undress and dress in privacy.
* You’ll be massaged only on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. Tell your massage therapist about any aches and tightness and whether the pressure is comfortable.
* Drink plenty of water after your massage to help clear away lactic acid and toxins.
* The average price of a massage has remained steady at $60 for one hour in recent years, a bargain when you consider the rising prices of flowers, home wares, food-and-wine gifts and travel. Tipping is appreciated; 10 to 20 percent is customary.
* Most people find quiet is conducive to relaxation, but it’s okay to chat and ask questions if you wish. Just don’t feel obligated to make small talk – the focus is on your relaxation and it’s perfectly polite to be quiet.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Firm Mattress

A massage table needs to have a firm mattress in order for both the therapist and the person being massaged to experience an effective session. A mattress for the massage table that is too soft can give way when the massage therapist pushes or kneads the muscles. The masseuse expends effort but since there is a giving way of the mattress, there is little effect for the person massaged. At the same time, a massage table with a hard mattress can also be detrimental to the efficacy of the masseuse. The person being massaged will experience pain due to the pushing and kneading.

The Right Height

The massage table also needs to be of the right height in order for the masseuse or therapist to be effective. Some tables come with adjustors for the height of the masseuse or therapist. This is necessary to give the masseuse or therapist the right leverage to knead and massage the muscles with the right amount of force necessary. If the massage table is too high, the therapist strains to expend force but at the same time losses it due to the angle of the arms. If the massage table is too low, the therapist might strain his or her back due to unnecessary bending.

Strong Enough

A massage table also needs to be strong enough to be able to take the weight of a more than average person. Spindly legs will almost always ensure a fall or a weakening of the legs when someone heavy enough lies down on it. It is not only the person’s weight that needs to be considered but also the pressure that the masseuse or massage therapist puts on the massage table. This is especially true for a portable massage table.

Space for the Head

Most tables used for massages have the space that a person put his face through when being massage at the back. This is something that actually makes the person being massaged feel more comfortable and lessens the risk of a stiff neck.

A massage table will need the abovementioned to be able to make both the person being massaged and the therapist feel more comfortable. This makes the massage experience more enjoyable for both.

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“Instead of enjoying themselves, a lot of people get overwhelmed by it all because they don’t take the time to just unwind and relax,” says Susan Stevenson, director of the massage therapy program at Florida Metropolitan University’s (FMU) Orange Park, Fla., campus. Every year around this time, she finds herself having to constantly remind everyone in her office, and the students she teaches, to just slow down and take time for themselves.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but if you’re constantly racing around trying to get things done, going from task to task and not taking time to just relax, you’re setting yourself up for trouble,” says Stevenson. “Stress, if left unchecked, can cause such physical problems as muscle dysfunction, spasms, headaches and cricks in the neck.”

People with those symptoms and more show up in droves at the school’s reduced cost massage clinics every holiday season, where students practice what they’ve learned on real-live clients. The clinics are held not only on the Orange Park campus, but at FMU’s North Orlando campus too where Kevin Ward teaches.

“An hour massage at a professional salon costs anywhere from $60 to $80 per hour, and more at a resort spa. FMU students charge just $10 per hour because we want to be accessible to everyone. You can’t beat that,” he says.

Numerous studies have been done on massage and they all show it’s of great value as a stress reliever. Not only does it relax tense muscles, it also calms the mind, has psychological benefits, promotes a feeling of general well being and releases natural endorphins that make you feel good.

But getting regular massages isn’t the only thing you should do to reduce stress in your life. “Everyone carries around stress and the holidays do nothing to relieve any of it, but the fact is that many illnesses are actually caused by or made worse by stress so you have to find ways to manage it,” says Debra Lynn Penman, D.C., massage therapy program chair at Bryman College in the City of Industry, Calif. In addition to getting regular massages, she recommends people also make sure they’re getting plenty of rest, keeping up with exercising and staying well hydrated.

“Another strategy that works is taking frequent breaks throughout the day,” adds Stevenson. “Put down your work for a while and take a walk around the building, stop by the break room to chat with coworkers, or leave the office and meet a friend for coffee.”

“And keep in mind, the holidays are supposed to be fun. It shouldn’t feel like a chore to get the shopping done or the meals made. Laugh and smile a lot. A good attitude goes a long way,” says Ward.

In order to obtain a certification in massage therapy, which is valid in all 50 states, students are required to complete 750 hours of class time and 30 hours of hands on clinic. They must also pass state and national board exams. The entire program takes 9 months for a full-time student to complete.

Florida Metropolitan University and Bryman College are part of Corinthian Colleges, Inc. one of the largest providers of post-secondary education and training in North America. For more formation about FMU’s Massage Therapy Program, log on to www.fmu.edu. Information about Bryman College’s program can be found at www.bryman-college.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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