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

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

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

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

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

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

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