Shiatsu is a Japanese word that translates to "finger pressure" in English. It's also an Asian bodywork therapy that was developed in Japan with influences from traditional Chinese medicine and some Western medical therapies. Getting shiatsu massage training is just one of the many ways you can focus a massage therapy career. … Read More

Are you new to studying massage therapy or considering it? Even if you're a graduate of a massage program or a practicing therapist, visual guides to massage techniques offer an excellent resource for anyone immersed in the field. Find out how. … Read More

Swedish massage is a widely practiced and popular massage therapy technique in the United States. This form of bodywork aims to improve blood circulation to the heart, among other positive health perks. As part of a Swedish massage session, a therapist will use the hands, forearms and elbows to manipulate a client's muscles using long, gliding strokes. Other techniques that may also be used include kneading, tapping, applying a circular pressure and stretching. … Read More

Massage therapy has become increasingly important in the field of athletic training. You can now regularly find massage therapists working at sports medicine centers, within collegiate and professional athletic training programs, and more. Massage for wellness and injury prevention prepares athletes for optimal performance by reducing muscle tension and swelling and increasing energy, among other benefits. … Read More

Many health benefits of massage therapy are well known, including increasing range of motion, improving coordination, and reducing stress and anxiety. But many people don't know that massage for wellness also serves as an important immune system booster. People who undergo treatment can experience measurable changes in their immune and endocrine response, making massage a great promoter of wellness and immune health. … Read More

Update for 2018: We have published a new article detailing the many benefits of Acupressure as studied in a clinical setting. The word "acupressure" sounds like it's related to the practice of acupuncture, but you might be surprised to learn that this natural therapy doesn't rely on the use needles. While acupressure treatment uses the same points on the body as acupuncture and shares some similar philosophies that come from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the practice involves manipulation of the patient using the hands. … Read More

Having a child often comes with many great changes, be they physical, mental or spiritual — or all three. One great way to help with any developments that might be uncomfortable or even painful during the nine months of pregnancy is to have a prenatal massage. Even if you don't have any pain, massage can help you feel your best during pregnancy due to its general benefits but also some specific reasons that it helps expectant mothers. … Read More

Stress can have a long-term impact on physical and mental health and many Americans grapple with the condition on a chronic basis. According to the American Institute of Stress, 60% of human illness and disease is caused by stress. Some 44% of Americans say they feel more stress than they did five years ago, and one in five experience symptoms of extreme stress, like heart palpitations, shaking and depression. Stress increases your likelihood of developing other health problems. So what can you do? Using massage for wellness is also a great way to minimize and alleviate stress. … Read More

If you live with chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be from day to day. You've likely tried to alleviate your suffering with many different treatments. You may know that many people turn to massage for wellness, but did you also know that it can help in managing chronic pain? Find out more about chronic pain and the ways that massage therapy can help. … Read More

Shiatsu massage is a form of Oriental therapy based upon the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It promotes health and wellness, while improving the body’s own ability to heal itself. Many patients opt for Shiatsu massage for wellness because the technique works to improve a patient's overall health by affecting the internal energy system. … Read More

Whether you're planning to get a massage or intend to pursue a career as a practitioner, it helps to understand the differences between some of the major massage therapy techniques used by professionals. One popular modality — an industry word for technique — is Shiatsu, a style of massage therapy developed in Japan. It was introduced to the country in the 6th century by a Buddhist monk, according to the Shiatsu Society. What is Shiatsu massage? The word literally translates to "finger pressure," which gives some insight into how practitioners use the technique. … Read More

There are many types of Asian bodywork that have roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Many massage therapists practice Shiatsu therapy, one of the many forms of bodywork recognized by the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). Some of the other forms recognized by the AOBTA include: … Read More

Whether you suffer from physical or mental health issues, massage therapy offers an essential primary or complimentary treatment option. Massage for wellness comes with many health benefits that help treat a variety of diseases and conditions, according to medical studies. … Read More

The chakras are the seven life-force energy centers of the body which receive, transmit and assimilate energy, often called qi (chi) or prana. The word chakra is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel of light.” … Read More

Shiatsu, a form of Oriental therapy based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, incorporates Chinese medicine theory and practice, Japanese massage therapy traditions, and Western physiology and anatomy. Literally translated from the Japanese as "finger pressure," the practice works to treat a variety of ailments and improve and maintain optimal health. Shiatsu is a holistic practice that restores not only the physical body, but the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the patient. … Read More