Many (about 90,000) people in the United States claim massage therapy as their part-time or full-time job. Most are self-employed. A large percentage of these workers are of part-time and self-employed workers. Most states in the United States require some sort of a license to practice massage therapy. If a state does not have any massage laws, then nothing is required and a practitioner need not apply for any sort of license with the state. To train in the US where a license is required it involves 500-1000 hours in length, resulting in a certificate, diploma, or degree depending on the particular school. In the United States there are about 90,000 massage therapists.
With any massage, special equipment is used. As these therapists are self-employed, he/she will have her own equipment consisting of a table with a horseshoe shaped head support for ease of breathing while lying face-down. It has a padded surface which is easy to keep clean and remain hygienic. Mats and pillows are also used for additional support. With the increased interest in massage therapy, this job field is growing.
Ergonomic chairs serve a similar function as a massage table. Chairs may be either stationary or portable models. Massage chairs are easier for the practitioner to transport than massage tables, and clients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Due to these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.
Do you have aches, pains, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure? Maybe your ailment is diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, quitting smoking, depression, found what ails you yet? Perhaps it's lower back pain, maybe arthritis? All of these, as well as a tremendous amount of other ailments can be treated by a massage therapist.. Many physical rehabilitation programs accept this as an acceptable form of treatment. Millions of people the world over vow that massage helps relieve these symptoms, as well as the tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
The art of massage involves rubbing the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. When done properly, is has been known to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Think this is something new? No, in fact it dates way back in many cultures. It has been documented by the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians. They all used massage therapists for a wide variety of illnesses, aches and pains. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. If you are interested in finding how this art of massage is practiced, get started with your research! There are so many different methods, over 250 to be precise, are used.
Massage therapy became popular in the US in the 1800's and grew in popularity until the 1930's and 40's. The development of modern medicine discounted its benefits, and use dwindled. It made a re-appearance in the 1960's and 1970's when nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility. If it can be used in the Olympics, don't you want it. Go ahead, find a massage therapist!
Nothing feels better than a hot bath, or the feeling of warm sun or sand on the back. I love this feeling. There is something great about this warmth. This relaxes our muscles and feels great on the skin and bones. There is a way to have this feeling through a trained massage technician. She/he will perform a hot stone massage. I was a little nervous at first when I heard about it - not to mention surprised, but I tried it. I loved it and make one part of my weekly routine.
This will be done by a professional and is very sanitary. Your masseuse will keep the stones in boiling water. This is done in order to avoid bacteria growing on them. They will be removed using a glove or another sanitary tool when they are required in order to give the massage.
The tools used for hot stone massage are basalt stones. Throughout the ages, these have been used because they retain heat and are believed to have energizing properties. Practitioners of hot stone massage prefer these ancient stones to any others.
And while we're on the subject of hands and tools, a hot stone massage is much easier on the hands of the therapist. These stones are used to apply pressure, so the massage can be customized to suit individual needs. The sanitized hot stones are laid on each side of the spine. Heat is delivered to the body. Then, other parts of the body are rubbed with oil then with hot stones. I don't need much pressure applied as my muscles aren't so tight, but my husband prefers a lot of pressure. This relieves tension and helps promote blood flow.
The art of massage became popular in the US in the 1800's. It had a surge of popularity until the 1930's and 40's. Not only regular massage, but also hot stone massage. When modern medicine came to the forefront, the art of massage therapy became discounted as "lesser than" . Suddenly, it became popular again in the 1960's and 1970's when nurses began to use it to relieve pain in patients. It again gained credibility when, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was used as core medical service. Are you convinced? Do you want what's good enough for an Olympian?
Do you have a favorite massage therapist? Many (about 90,000) people in the United States claim this as either their part-time or full-time job. Most are self-employed. This occupation includes a large percentage of part-time and self-employed workers. In the United States there are about 90,000 massage therapists. Most states in the United States require a license to practice massage therapy. If a state does not have any massage laws, then the national certification in massage therapy is not required and a practitioner need not apply for a license with the state. Training programs in the US are typically 500-1000 hours in length, and can award a certificate, diploma, or degree depending on the particular school. If you are looking for a hot stone massage, either talk to your massage therapist. If you don't have one, check your local spa. Check out the credentials and consult your doctor. This may even be covered by insurance in some cases. Whatever you choose to do long term, at least check into this. It works for me, it will work for you.
