When you attend massage therapy school, you will learn what a massage is and how it helps people. A massage is the special treatment that is given to various parts of the body that include rubbing, stroking, slapping, and kneading. Massages are performed to relieve muscle spasms or stiffness and can also help with cramps, anxiety, and tension. You will also learn the connections that touch therapy (massage therapy, the two terms are used to mean the same thing) has with memory. It has been stated that because a person can relax and give in to a massage that their mind will be at ease and their memory will be short-termed improved. Massage therapy works in two basic ways that helps the client. The basic massage includes stoking, rubbing, and kneading. It will stimulate physical and emotional healing power. The physical part of a massage allows the muscles to relax and not feel so tight. The stimulation will allow a person to feel the relaxing or healing power that they are receiving. As for the different types of massages that you will learn, there are so many that most schools will only touch base on. It's up to you to learn them and master them so that you are prepared for a job or for your own business opportunity. Massages that originate from the East are Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Polarity. They all involve the client's body energy and help them release negative energy while you, the therapist, give them positive energy. In most massages that are eastern or evolve around the person's energy do not evolve any touching at all. Some massages actually. Some of the Western types are Swedish, Escalen, Neuromuscular therapy, trager, and other deep massages that are used to release tension from the muscles. As for the western massages, they are based on the understanding of the body and the muscles that are located in the body. Some of the descriptions for certain massages include some of the basic strokes or rubbing techniques and add a twist to them. Example, the Swedish massage includes long strokes and kneading in circular movements. It is very gentle and relaxing. It also adds the use of lotions or oils. Aromatherapy is much like a Swedish by it incorporates scented oils that address certain skin needs. Hot stone is very unique because it applies smooth, heated stones to points on the arms, legs, chest, and back to release any muscle tension and balances the body's energy. When it comes to a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist uses slower strokes that will often make people feel sore for a couple days after massage. As for shiatsu, it is a form of Japanese massage and uses finger pressure in soothing rhythm. They are firm, but relaxing. Tai massage is something that you will probably learn. It incorporates yoga into massage. There are plenty more types that you can learn and master. |
