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

Tui na is a type of massage therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture and herbalism in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Tui na (pronounced "twee naw") translates into “pinch and pull,” according to the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality & Healing. … Read More

Traditional Chinese medicine is a fast-growing health care profession in the United States these days. More Americans are opting for a holistic approach to their health. They are incorporating acupuncture, massage and other natural practices into their lives on a regular basis as a way to stay healthy and treat illnesses. Americans may use complementary and alternative medicine as their primary source of health care or as a supplement to other treatments. In fact, Americans spend $30 billion annually on complementary medicine, which means demand for practitioners is up. … Read More

Update: Due to the popularity of this post, we have written a much more in-depth article about Yin-Yang and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The concepts of Yin and Yang are important intellectual aspects of chinese philosophy and chinese culture and they form the foundation for understanding traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The earliest reference to Yin and Yang is approximately 700 centuries bce in an ancient text called I Ching or the book of changes. According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation, Yin and Yang theory — considered the most fundamental concept in TCM — drives the understanding of health and wellness among practitioners of this ancient system of health care. The theory informs how diagnoses are made, and underpins the physiology, pathology and treatment of illness. It is an important part of the study of TCM. … Read More

Acupuncture is a safe, holistic therapy for the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's a natural treatment that alleviates stress and anxiety, depression, insomnia and other common PTSD symptoms. Many sufferers of PTSD may opt for treatment like cognitive behavior therapy, pharmaceutical prescriptions or stress-reduction techniques. However, increasingly veterans are opting to augment traditional medical health treatments with alternative and holistic therapies like massage, yoga and acupuncture. … Read More

Are you looking for a new career? Do you need a flexible work schedule? Do you yearn for a professional path into a field that's growing? Do you want to help people every day? If so, exploring flexible careers in holistic health makes sense. Find out some of the top careers in natural and integrative health fields that offer practitioners the ability to make their own schedules, choose from a variety of work settings, and otherwise customize their professional life to their needs, interests and desires. … Read More

Imagine the possibilities: Get a job in a spa, a hospital or in a corporate setting. Or maybe even start your own private practice. If you're looking at making a change and diving into the field of holistic health careers, massage is an exciting option with lots of flexibility. Focusing on massage for relaxation The professional path you end up taking and the setting in which you work will determine what type of massage therapy you do. Spa massage therapy typically focuses on treatments that promote relaxation and reduce stress. These job opportunities can be found not only in traditional spas, but also on cruise ships, in hotels and in resorts. Practicing massage therapy in a corporate setting also offers job opportunities — you could work onsite at a company, or at events and conventions. Employee massage programs have become more popular in recent years, creating opportunities for therapists. Pepsi, United Airlines, AT&T and Reebok are some of the many corporations that have instituted massage programs for their workers. Practicing medical massage therapy … Read More

Are you considering attending or planning to enroll in acupuncture school? If so, congratulations! You're well on your way to an exciting career helping people live their healthiest and happiest lives. But what exactly does a program at acupuncture school look like? What classes will you take and what will you learn? Each acupuncture school is likely to offer a program that's a little different from the others, but read on to learn about the basics of what you can expect. … 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

Most Americans believe that students should finish college with job skills and that institutions of higher learning should be helping to prepare graduates for the workforce, according to annual national survey results released by Public Agenda and the National Center on Public Policy and Higher Education. … 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

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of unknown cause that affects the body's muscles and connective tissues, causing pain and fatigue. Currently, the disorder affects as many as 5 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It has been reported to be two times as prevalent in veterans. Find out how acupuncture for fibromyalgia, along with other holistic treatments, may help alleviate the symptoms of this disorder. … Read More

More than a third of all Americans use holistic therapies outside of traditional Western medicine to maintain their health and well being, according to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health. They also spend about $30 billion annually on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to federal researchers. That breaks down to about $500 per person. … Read More

There are so many reasons to pursue massage therapy as your next career move, from the opportunity it offers to help people maximize their health and wellbeing to being able to avoid spending your work day behind a desk. But one of the best reasons is the flexibility it offers as a professional path. … Read More