The East vs. West debacle has always been widely debated throughout history. And it still holds true today. New Yorkers enjoy the quick pace of their city, while Californians enjoy being laid back surfers. But that’s not the only East/West debate. In fact, there are two types of massage techniques that have their base within Eastern medicine and Western medicine. When considering a career in massage, which should you pick? Different massage therapy schools base their own curriculum on these different techniques. It’s something important to consider. With which method can you see yourself siding and working in day by day?

Western massage focuses on the digestive and nervous systems. Common types of Western massage include Swedish massage and myofascial release. The main focus is to create a sense of relaxation and muscle tension relief.

Eastern massage deals with balancing the body and its parts. Massage therapists use more vigorous techniques to treat patients. Tui Na and Shiatsu are forms of Eastern massage.

Read more about these types of massage therapy here, get started on your massage therapy career, and prepare to help others feel better soon.

-Amanda Fornecker

There are lots of opportunities within the massage field. When you attend massage schools, you’re able to get a broad understanding of the massage therapy field, as well as the ability to specialize in a particular spa or massage area. Here are five special massage techniques that you may choose to pursue once you attend massage schools.

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that aims to help the body’s immunity, as well as its ability to naturally heal itself. This massage therapy is generally effectively performed on a mat on the floor.

Chair Massage is often practiced in malls, nail salons, and other locations for a short period of time. In as little as a 10-minute period, these massage therapists are able to effectively ease the pain and stress of their client.

Prenatal Massage is especially for pregnant women and requires a special set of massage techniques in order to ensure the safety and comfort of the client. This type of massage therapy helps women relax, while also promoting better circulation and health.

Acupressure uses ancient Chinese pressure techniques to ensure that the body is freed from disease. Acupressure massage therapists know just the right pressure points on the body to relieve pain and problems naturally.

Myomassology is a massage therapy technique that involves treatment for a variety of ailments, which include pain and unbalanced energy. By earning a certificate you’ll be able to practice in places like clinics and spas.

-Amanda Fornecker

I love getting massages. They make me feel so relaxed and refreshed and good about myself. Every once in a while, I like to treat myself. Wouldn’t you like to be one of those individuals who make others feel good about themselves?

Massage therapists are actually in high demand, as more spas and salons continue to offer these services to clients. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that the massage therapy profession will grow faster than the average of all other occupations by the year 2016. People are learning about the benefits of natural therapies, such as massage therapy, and are beginning to take advantage of these services. And the good news is that the average massage therapists could earn up to $24.22 per hour after they’ve completed their massage therapy degree and licensure.

So how do you get started on this exciting career? And where can you get more information? There are a plethora of resources out there, but here are a few to get you started…

Costs of a Massage Therapy Degree
Massage Career on a Cruise Line
What You’ll Really Learn at Massage School
Your Top Five Questions About Spa Schools

-Amanda Fornecker

While the economy has suffered its share of losses, there’s a new industrial stronghold in play and it’s taking the nation by storm — massage therapy! According to a recent news report, the field of massage therapy has seen a dramatic increase in business; and that trend is not expected to slow down. In fact, the demand for professionally licensed massage therapists is expected to grow in these coming years, and there are several reasons why:

1. Massage therapy is a natural healing medicine that has been facilitated throughout the history of mankind. Whether you’re suffering from stiffness and soreness, or other muscle aches and cramps, massage therapy has demonstrated its efficacy in the modern world. Studies find that natural healing therapies like massage can be effective for a number of health conditions ranging from mental stress to fibromyalgia. In addition to treating common strains and sprains, massage has also been proven beneficial to newborn infants, geriatric patients, and cancer sufferers.

2. Non-invasiveness. As you are probably aware, massage therapy is dramatically less invasive than most conventional medicine treatments. Not only does this healing art feel pleasant to receive, it’s good for you, too. As opposed to taking pain-killing drugs that are often accompanied by harmful side-effects, the effects of bodywork treatments may result in relaxation, stress reduction, and decreased pain and inflammation.

3. Career prospects. Okay, we already know that CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are on the rise, but due to the demand for experienced and educated massage therapists – this is prime time to get the edge in your professional endeavors. Because competition is stark, you need to be ahead of the league by acquiring a variety of therapeutic skills. The more you know results in increased job opportunities as well as diverse services you can offer your clients. In addition to working in standard hospitals, massage therapist services are required in a number of health-related facilities including day spas, premiere health retreats and resorts, aboard cruise ships, at airports, home health services, retirement facilities, and more.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about bodywork and other natural healing therapies, let professional training within fast-growing industries like chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture, Oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore massage schools near you.