International Massage Week, July 20 - 26, is designed to raise public awareness of the benefits of therapeutic massage and encourage people to take the extra time to care for their health through massage.

Celebrate International Massage Week with a massage at Acupuncture & Massage College´s Community Clinic. Individuals interested in learning more about AMC´s Massage Therapy program are invited to attend a campus tour and receive a free massage. Call (305) 595-9500 today to schedule your tour and massage therapy treatment.

As a complementary therapy, therapeutic massage can enhance health care by providing a sense of well-being and strengthens the body´s healing process after surgery, illness or injuries. Therapeutic massage can be effective in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia, Parkinson´s disease, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, musculo-skeletal disorders, joint dysfunction, bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.

Physical effects of therapeutic massage include increased circulation, reduced muscle stiffness and initiation of the relaxation response. Increasing circulation improves tissue nutrition. Reducing muscle stiffness can improve mobility, balance and coordination. Eliciting the relaxation response improve digestion, eases breathing and reduces stress-related conditions such as headache and asthma.

Therapeutic massage has been integrated into many medical settings, health systems and conventional therapies for treatment of health conditions ranging from general stress to serious illnesses such as cancer. Therapeutic massage can reduce muscle strain, alleviate discomfort of ailments, restore balance to body and mind, rejuvenate, and maintain wellness.

Therapeutic massage may incorporate techniques from several massage therapy modalities including: Swedish (muscle relaxation, body fluid circulation), medical (for cancer or other conditions), Shiatsu (immune system boost, increase of blood, oxygen and circulation for energy increase), geriatric (relaxation, mental clarity, flexibility, range of motion), deep tissue (reduce chronic muscle strain, tendonitis), and trigger point (chronic sensitive area muscle pain).

Benefits of therapeutic massage include: Faster healing of sprained ligaments, reduced blood pressure, improved posture, enhanced post operative rehabilitation, improved skin health, decreased heart rate, and balance restoration.

AMC´s Massage Therapy Certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum of massage techniques. The program is designed for students seeking a career in the field of bodywork as well as practitioners who want to offer additional modalities to their patients. The Massage Therapy program prepares students to holistically practice massage therapy in a variety of therapeutic environments.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College´s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.