Acupuncture & Massage BLOG

Shiatsu the Japanese art of massage.
By Showanna Butler

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. It has been practiced in Japan for over 2000 years. Shiatsu was officially recognized as medical therapy in the mid 1950’s, but has been systemized during the 20th century.

Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese, “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure; which is also described as direct pressure. This massage usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is done on a mat on the floor fully clothed comfortably.

Before shiatsu massage takes place, the therapist takes a medical history exam, which involves knowing the client’s lifestyle, past illnesses, diet, and exercises habits. She/He also observes the client’s physical and emotional characteristics. After the medical history examination, the therapist touches certain areas to locate the client’s tension points to decide how he/she will lessen and restore energy flow.

In this particular method of massage therapy, the therapist uses fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure to the body’s main energy pathways. In the Zen Shiatsu, they use their whole bodies to apply pressure.

Being maintenance of health, Shiatsu prevents diseases and illnesses. Also promotes health and healing by correcting imbalanced energy and releasing it through the body. This typical massage lowers the levels on adrenaline and other stress hormones. It is known that if a therapist is working on areas caused by emotional upset, the client may feel like crying, this is not unusual. The therapist will act compassionate and supportive.

Shiatsu massage also relieves pain from arthritis, back, neck, and shoulders. Other benefits are improvement in headaches, which usually takes about 4 to 8 treatments, depending on the intensity level. Others are insomnia, constipation, and nausea. Overall, Shiatsu treats over 250 acupoints in the body.

In conclusion, Shiatsu massage therapy is more than just a massage, it’s a way through life: stress and pain free!

Showanna Butler is a student at the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC). AMC is one of the oldest Massage Schools in Florida to offer Shiatsu as its mainstay for its Massage Therapy program. For further information contact the Joe Calareso the Admission Director at 305-595-9500

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

What is Shiatsu?
By Andre Couture
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage combining ancient massage (Anma), acupressure, stretching, as well as Western massage and sciences. Shiatsu was originally formed when the Chinese medial theory of acupuncture was introduced to Japan in the mid-1800s. Although it has a surprising amount of knowledge in anatomy and physiology as well as many western sciences it differs in its treatment methodology. Shiatsu follows the Chinese meridian system, which are basically the energy pathways in the body. This is done in order to restore balance to the persons whole being.
The word Shiatsu means finger pressure and uses mostly fingers, palms, and thumbs although there are various forms, which incorporate other techniques. Massage and pressure are applied to various energy pathway points of the body as well as the musculoskeletal system in order to achieve physical and mental well-being. Shiatsu has been described as needle-free form acupuncture. The essence of Shiatsu is diagnosis and therapy combined since a therapist can detect irregularities, such as stiffness on the surface of the body, and to properly correct or heal these problems. Since Shiatsu is derived from Chinese medical theory it can therefore be described as holistic since it treats the whole person instead of only specific complaints.
Shiatsu has a very strong reputation for reducing musculoskeletal pain as well as reducing stress and all of its many symptoms. Most people simply aren’t aware of the symptoms of stress as they include any and all kinds of pain, headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, mood swings, sinus and allergies, digestive disorders, as well as reproductive issues. Shiatsu has been proven to eliminate these symptoms over time as well as the reversal or regression of many current problems. It has long been believed that shiatsu is believed to enhance physical vitality and emotional well-being.
As we age we begin to experience muscular and skeletal pain. They are caused by several factors such as physical inactivity, overuse of muscles, poor posture, and age. These factors lead to what is known as Arthrosis, which is the hardening of soft tissue, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body. Shiatsu is an ideal form of massage for these kinds of problems, as they tend to not only work on the musculoskeletal problem at hand but also on the person as a whole. Although these are only a few of the many issues that shiatsu can address, the therapeutic effects can go on and on. Look again at those symptoms of stress and ask yourself how many of them you see in yourself, your friends, and your family. Like any form of therapy one session is simply not enough to address problems that took years to develop in the first place. See for yourself what Shiatsu can do for you by visiting a therapist yourself, sitting down and talking with them about what is troubling you, and feeling the benefits that so many others have already felt.

Andre Couture is a massage student at the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC). AMC offers a 71/2 month Diploma program in Massage Therapy which has a specialty in Shiatsu from the Hoshino Schools of Shiatsu. For more information contact the Admission Director Joe Calareso at 305-595-9500

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

MASSAGE THERAPY REDUCES HAND ARTHRITIS PAIN AND INCREASES GRIP STRENGTH

Massage therapy is effective in reducing arthritic hand pain and increasing grip strength, according to a new study conducted by the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine.

The first of its kind on massage therapy and hand arthritis, the report examines the benefits of massage therapy in reducing joint tenderness and improving joint and functional ability. “While massage therapy has decreased pain in several pain syndromes including fibromyalgia, lower back pain and migraine, this is the first report of pain reduction in hand arthritis following massage therapy,” said Dr. Tiffany Field, TRI director. “Up to now, many other interventions to alleviate hand pain have been tried—medications, physical therapy and various forms of exercise. The results of this study are very encouraging for the application of massage therapy as a complementary alternative treatment for hand arthritis.”

In the study, 22 adults ranging in age from 20 to 65 with wrist/hand arthritis were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or a standard treatment control group. The massage therapy group received massage on the affected wrist/hand once a week for a four-week period. The standard treatment control group did not receive massage therapy during the study.

The massage therapy group had lower anxiety and depressed mood scores after the first and last sessions, and by the end of the study reported less pain and greater grip strength as compared to the standard treatment control group, which did not experience improvement on these measures.

The TRI, established in 1992, studies touch in relation to the promotion of health and the treatment of disease. Field has conducted more than 100 studies on the medical benefits of massage therapy over the last 30 years. “Put massage in the same category with proper diet and exercise as something that helps maintain essential health,” said Field.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

Massage Therapy and Hospital Massage

Massage therapy is currently the most frequently utilized nontraditional therapy offered in hospitals. Therapeutic massage therapy types included as components of patient health care within clinical settings include: Shiatsu, deep tissue, acupressure, Swedish, trigger point, neuromuscular, myofascial release, and reflexology. Massage programs are common on surgical, cardiac, obstetrical, oncology, and general medicine units.

Hospital massage therapy programs offer massage therapy to patients for pain management and comfort. Massage therapy is effective in alleviation of discomfort and assists in patient recovery. Many massage school programs are now offering medical massage therapy training and courses in massage therapy therapeutic techniques to enable massage therapy students to broaden their skills and ability to work with health care teams in acute health care settings.

Hospital-based massage therapy is the application of compassionate touch by massage therapists with a professional massage therapy training background. Massage therapy is utilized as a comfort measure, which is presently the goal of most hospital massage programs. Massage therapy patient applications might include: Myofascial massage therapy to ease a sore back, shiatsu massage therapy to increase energy, acupressure massage therapy pressure point techniques to relieve nausea, or Swedish massage therapy to induce relaxation.

Massage therapy supplements conventional medical treatment to improve clinical outcomes. Massage therapy training offered through massage programs at massage schools includes techniques which are effective in alleviating the symptoms of a number of medical conditions. Massage therapy training offered at several massage schools prepares massage therapists to effectively treat hospital patients in pre- and postnatal care, geriatric care, cancer patients, surgery patients, and those suffering from chronic pain conditions.

At the Acupuncture and Massage College we have a unique 607 hour
diploma program in Massage Therapy. Our program is the only diploma
program in the USA that offers Oriental massage as its major massage
technique. We specialize in the Shiatsu technique that was brought to the
US by Prof. Tometzo Hoshino in 1975. At the same time our students get
to learn and study Swedish Massage and Medical Massage. For more
information on our massage program contact our Director of Admissions
Joe Calareso at 305-595-9500.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

ACUPRESSURE THE ORIENTAL MASSAGE TECHNIQUE

Acupressure is a massage therapy technique based on the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupressure massage therapy is a potent form of energy work taught in several massage schools and massage therapy programs that utilizes finger pressure to mobilize chi, or life force energy at certain points on the body, known as acupoints, acupuncture points, or acupressure points. These points provide locations where chi can be accessed to release blocked or congested energy centers in the body, promoting unobstructed chi flow for health and well-being.

Varying rhythms, pressures, and techniques create different styles of acupressure massage therapy. Shiatsu, a Japanese massage therapy form based on ancient Chinese principles, is the most well known style of acupressure massage training. Translated as “finger pressure,” it can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to acupressure points. Shiatsu massage therapy programs at massage schools typically include comprehensive massage training in traditional Asian bodywork. It may utilize massage therapy stretching, special breathing techniques, and meditation. Shiatsu massage therapy practitioners can detect energy imbalances in the body before there are any ill health symptoms. Firm pressure, kneading, brisk rubbing and tapping are fundamental techniques incorporated into many acupressure massage therapy training schools and programs.

Acupressure massage therapy training and massage therapy schools review the two ways acupressure points work. Stimulation of a point in the same area where there is pain or tension is called a local point. That same point can also relieve pain in a part of the body that is distant from the point, in which case it is called a trigger point. Massage therapy training examines the triggering mechanism of certain acupoints and how this mechanism works through human energy channels called meridians. The meridians are pathways that connect the acupressure points to each other as well as to internal organs. A comprehensive acupressure massage therapy program at many massage schools will cover massage training in the meridian system as well as the location of acupressure points.

Acupressure massage therapy stimulates and activates the body’s own healing energies to prevent illness. Acupressure massage therapy practitioners will incorporate pressing on certain acupressure points to promote energy flow to a part of the body that is experiencing disease or discomfort, enabling it to heal more quickly.

Acupressure massage therapy is often an appropriate complementary treatment for use in conjunction with other health care modalities. It can also be an effective adjunct to chiropractic treatment. Acupressure massage therapy benefits a wide range of conditions such as physical pain, headaches, insomnia, poor circulation, sinus problems, arthritis, shoulder and neck tension, and is effective in preventative health care maintenance.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI MASSAGE

Lomi lomi is a Polynesian form of massage therapy that originated in Hawaii, traditionally practiced by the islands’ Master Healers, or Kahunas. While there are differing styles of lomi lomi massage therapy and massage training offered through massage schools, more contemporary massage therapy styles of the past few decades are referred to as Hawaiian Temple Bodywork, Temple Style, or Traditional Style Lomi Lomi Massage. The varying massage therapy styles of lomi lomi massage practiced today make up the clinical massage therapy form of the Hawaiian islands.

Lomi lomi massage training, massage schools and massage techniques vary greatly across the major islands of Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. Kupuna and kumu, or elders and teachers, provide massage training in small massage therapy workshops, rather than in larger massage school programs. Massage therapy training classes include a background in traditional Hawaiian healing and the Polynesian approach to health care.

A whole-body massage therapy form, lomi lomi massage treatments and massage training reflect traditional Hawaiian spirituality. Lomi lomi massage therapy techniques include long fluid strokes of forearms and hands. Lomi lomi massage therapy practitioners may also utilize volcanic hot rocks and native plant leaves for body treatment. A massage therapy treatment practiced by priests as a sacred rite of passage for thousands of years, lomi lomi is a holistic massage therapy health system that includes the use of medicinal plants, massage, breath exercises, and meditation.

Lomi lomi massage therapy emphasizes an optimum health state and personal empowerment through the accumulation and increase of Mana, or life force energy. The lomi lomi massage therapy practitioner uses varying techniques including massage, prayer and chant to activate the flow of Mana in the recipient’s body. Lomi lomi massage therapy emphasizes a mind-body connection. Its massage treatments affect the recipient on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.

The lomi lomi massage therapy practitioner’s mental focus is on manifesting the recipient’s desired state of physical health, which is discussed in consultation prior to massage therapy treatment. Prayer follows the massage session, and emphasizes the removal of all negative thought forms from the massage therapy recipient’s consciousness as negative mental energies are believed to effect physical health. Lomi lomi massage therapy aids in circulation, cleanses toxins, and produces a feeling of vitality.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

AMC’s Massage School

The AMC was founded in 1983 under the name of the Acupressure Acupuncture Institute. In 1987 the AMC established its first Massage School as part of its diploma programs. As we developed the program for our massage school we ask ourselves a few questions. Our first questions was what courses are now being offer by the existing massage schools, and what new and unique programs we would want to offer in our new massage school.

In 1987 there were approximately 15 massage schools in the state of Florida. Today there are over 50 licensed massages schools in our state. From the time the vocational schools discovers that there was a high demand for the study of massage therapy many many vocations massage schools made the change over to either a Massage Therapy program or the just bought out an existing Massage Schools.

When you decided to check out Massage Schools I am sure you had no idea there were so many massage schools to choose from. Your first question must be which Massage School is best for me. What is it that you are looking for in a Massage School?

My advise to you is to know that not all Massage Schools are for you, there are many Johnny come lately Massage Schools that have pop up to grab for your dollars and there are Massage Schools that have been around for over 20 years that offer Massage Therapy programs with excellent academic and clinical components.

At the AMC our Massage Schools we aim to provide you with an intergration of both eastern and western ideas of Massage Therapy. We want to train people who want to excel in the art and science of Massage Therapy. We are seeking professionally minded people who not only want to be the best but also want to cash in on this fantastic opportunity to get into the American healthcare system.

Our Massage School will provide you with a solid education with instructions in the western biomedical sciences: Anatomy and Physiology, Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Pathology. In addition you will be introduced to three modules of Massage Therapy. With over 120 hours of Japanese Shiatsu. This is our specialty. We offer the Hoshino method of Shiatsu. Hoshino Therapy is a specialized art form that was introduced to the United States by the late Professor Tometzo Hoshino in 1975. At the time he was 73 years old, he past at he age of 95.

You will also get the opportunity to study and practice Swedish massage, which as you will soon realize is the main stay of 99.9% of all other Massage Schools and consequently most Massage Therapist. When you graduate from our Massage School and go out into the business world you will have already developed a specialty technique, which will make you stand out from the crowd.

We will also give you additional instructions in Medical Massage techniques. These three courses in Massage Therapy will enable you to be truly employable. Our graduates are usually an asset to their place of employment. Being able to perform the basic Swedish massage as well as Medical Massage and finally being well rained in Shiatsu will give you an edge over the competition.

Some of the other classes in our Massage Therapy program includes Aromatherapy. Hydrotherapy, Ethics, State Law and Practice Management. Our massage training is conducted at our spacious 7200 square feet facility. Classes are held both day and night so as to be available to those who are early rises and to those who have to continue working while still in school. One of the best features of our Massage School is our modular schedule. Most of our classes are scheduled for a one-month period. That means you will never have to study more than one subject at a time. Isn’t that fantastic. We feel strongly that this is the model for the future in education.

Are you looking for a new and exciting career? Give us a call at 305-595-9500 and ask for Joe Calareso. You can be on your way to a new and profitable future tomorrow.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

STONE MASSAGE THERAPY

Stone massage therapy is a form of thermotherapy bodywork now included in many massage therapy programs. It is a form of massage therapy that involves the application of two sets of stones, heated basalt river or ocean stones and cooled marble stones to the body during massage therapy treatment. Stones may be used hot, cold, or in an alternating relaxing and reviving sequence during a massage therapy session. Stones are used in back layouts, as palm rests, between toes, and in the neck and shoulder area during a massage therapy treatment.

When combined with energy work, mobilization techniques, or muscle stretching, stone massage therapists may leave heated or chilled stones on specific body points for longer duration during massage therapy treatment to improve the flow of energy in the body. Stone massage therapy training at several massage schools includes stone massage therapy techniques effective in treating back pain, osteoarthritis, arthritis, stress, insomnia, and muscle spasms. Stone massage therapy treatment induces a state of deep relaxation.

Local and systemic changes in the body occur during stone massage therapy which are effective in the treatment of certain health conditions. Stone massage therapy training in massage therapy programs instructs on heated stone placement techniques to improve circulation and treatment of spot areas with cool stones to relieve inflammation. Heated stones used during stone massage therapy relax tendons and ligaments, allowing the massage therapist to treat muscle injuries with lighter massage therapy modalities.

Several massage therapy programs at massage schools offer massage training in stone bodywork in combination with a wide range of massage modalities and treatments. Massage therapy training may instruct on how to blend stone massage therapy techniques with Swedish, shiatsu, neuromuscular, deep tissue, craniosacral, reflexology, and aromatherapy modalities and treatments. Massage therapy schools and massage therapy programs may offer a concentration in stone massage therapy training that gears students toward spa massage therapy work.

NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE THERAPY

Neuromuscular massage therapy is a form of deep tissue massage therapy that utilizes constant, focused massage therapy pressure techniques on key areas of the body to aid in recovery from soft tissue acute and chronic pain conditions. Neuromuscular massage therapy training in massage therapy programs includes techniques effective in improving the functioning of joints and muscles to aid in muscle pain relief, stiffness and inflammation.

Neuromuscular massage therapy training in massage schools includes instruction in deep tissue massage therapy pressure treatment applied using the fingertips, knuckles, and elbows. Neuromuscular massage therapy uses a combination of effleurage or gliding, friction, petrissage or grasping, flexibility stretching, and strain/counter-strain massage therapy techniques. Neuromuscular massage therapy treats common conditions that may create or intensify pain patterns, including sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff dysfunction.

By applying static pressure to specific muscle areas, neuromuscular massage therapy practitioners work to dissolve trigger points, treat muscle tightness, improve postural distortion, relieve nerve compression, and correct biomechanical, or body movement irregularities. Neuromuscular massage therapy programs and massage therapy training prepares massage therapists to practice in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, dentistry, chiropractic, and osteopathic clinical settings.

Craniosacral massage therapy, myofascial release, and trigger point massage therapy may be used as integrative massage modalities with neuromuscular massage therapy treatment for increased range-of-motion and muscular flexibility. Neuromuscular massage therapy treatment is effective in rebuilding strength of injured or atrophied tissues and increasing muscle tissue endurance. Neuromuscular massage therapy may be part of a comprehensive treatment program, and is complementary to many other health care

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”

AMC’s Integrative Massage Therapy Program

Designed to enhance your own personal style of bodywork.

Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage Therapy program offers a massage training opportunity for individuals interested in exploring more than one form of bodywork therapy. The Massage Therapy program at AMC’s Massage School offers an integrated Shiatsu and Swedish massage training curriculum.

Massage therapy training at AMC integrates Eastern and Western natural therapies, providing students with a more comprehensive massage training than that of massage therapy programs offered at other massage schools. Specific integrative massage classes provide students with the massage training necessary to combine techniques from different massage therapy modalities into their own personal style of bodywork. Swedish massage therapy is taught as a massage modality framework into which other techniques from other modalities, such as Shiatsu, may be combined.

Deep tissue massage techniques are also incorporated into the massage therapy training at AMC’s Massage School, which enhance students’ ability to develop an intuitive sense for detecting painful or stiff areas in the deeper layers of musculature. Massage Therapy program graduates receive massage training that prepares them to enter into an integrative massage therapy health care practice.

Asian Healing Arts at AMC

Massage training at Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage School features a specialty in Japanese Shiatsu, a form of bodywork based on Asian traditions. Shiatsu massage therapy utilizes a mechanism through which touch applied to the surface of the body reflexes to the internal organs, releasing blockages and improving the body’s own healing power.

Asian massage therapies from China and Japan have a significant impact within current massage training and massage therapy professions. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage Therapy program blends Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and assessment with modern Western sciences.

Shiatsu is one of the main modalities within the larger profession of Asian bodywork therapy. It uses kneading, pressing, tapping and stretching techniques to apply pressure to the body in order to balance and harmonize the flow of “Qi,” or vital energy. Balance of energy flow is considered to be essential for health and well-being. Students at AMC’s Massage School receive massage training that includes learning a complete Shiatsu bodywork sequence.

The Massage Therapy program at Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage School provides graduates with the massage training necessary to become capable of identifying the nature of clients’ health issues using TCM theory and Shiatsu palpation skills while tailoring individual massage sessions to enhance client health care.
Why Choose AMC?

Students choose Acupuncture & Massage College’s Massage Therapy program over massage training at other massage schools because it offers:

• A holistic health massage therapy community of students of all ages and backgrounds

• Massage training suited to the student pursuing massage therapy knowledge in both Shiatsu and Swedish bodywork

• An opportunity to train in AMC’s Massage School Student Clinic that prepares students for success as bodywork therapists through clinic massage training which includes assessment, treatment planning and application, and extensive case study and discussion

• Ability to gain knowledge in both the Eastern and Western perspectives of therapeutic bodywork and massage therapy health care

• Anatomy, physiology, kinesiolgy, and pathology Massage Therapy program classes tailored to bodywork applications

• An integrative, comprehensive Massage Therapy program that exceeds the current standards for massage therapy training for national certification, providing a more extensive massage training foundation than that found in programs at other massage schools

• Massage training in a variety of healing methods preparing students to work in a wide range of professional settings

• Flexible class schedules with day and evening options

A New Career in Therapeutic Bodywork

Acupuncture & Massage College offers massage training that will enhance a present career or lead to a new one. Whether choosing massage therapy as your first career choice or as a transitional shift to a second field of work, AMC’s Massage Therapy program is designed to prepare you for a successful career as a therapeutic bodywork professional.

Careers in the field of massage therapy are increasing as more people discover the value of massage therapy and holistic health care for health improvement and enhancement. AMC’s Massage School provides students with the massage training necessary to establish a massage therapy private practice or to obtain work in the expanding market for massage therapy.

Graduates of the Massage Therapy program work in association with physical therapists, medical doctors and chiropractors. They work in corporate wellness programs, health spas, resort hotels, fitness centers, clinics, and on cruise ships. AMC’s Massage School training prepares students to enter professional massage therapy practice. Students receive massage training to become health care providers of service to their communities.

“Written by Rev. Dr. Richard Browne

http://www.amcollege.edu

http://www.acupuncturistmiami.com”