Find Massage Therapy Universities in the United States and Canada. Preparing future practitioners for exciting natural healthcare careers, massage therapy universities provide extensive training and education in a wide assortment of body work modalities.

Massage therapy universities extend general training in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. The main difference is in the specific massage techniques that are offered. For example, most massage therapy universities provide hands-on instruction in Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, but a great many of these healing arts schools have begun integrating more advanced classes including sports massage, acupressure, medical massage, geriatric massage, craniosacral therapy, infant and prenatal massage, seated massage, among many others.

Minimum training at massage therapy universities entail at least 300-500 hours. 300 hours are necessary to become locally certified, but to acquire National certification, students will need to earn at least 500 hours. In some cases, massage therapy universities with expanded curriculums will also afford candidates with supplementary training in herbal medicine, natural healthcare, holistic nutrition and skincare, CPR and first aid, and general business ethics and management.

Additionally, a number of massage therapy universities will provide extracurricular education in spa and salon management. Instruction may encompass aromatherapy, spa treatments, essential oils and body wraps; and in some massage therapy universities, students may have the option to acquire dual education in esthetics or cosmetology. Furthermore, massage therapy universities extend continuing education opportunities to graduates, as well as holistic workshops and seminars.

What’s more, successful graduates from one of several massage therapy universities can enjoy personally and professionally rewarding careers as certified and/or licensed massage therapists - according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook is favorable; and though incomes vary in line with education and experience, therapists can earn over $30 per hour.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy universities, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto= holisticjunction.com/search.cfm Explore career school programs near you.

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Take a deep breath. Smell that? In recent years, aromatherapy has taken off in Western culture. Chances are that you have inhaled an aroma purported to calm, soothe, energize or balance. True to our capitalistic roots, this ancient healing art has become big business. Aromatherapy is now used to market everything from room deodorizers to laundry detergent. What’s behind this sensational trend and why the booming popularity?

Aromatherapy is commonly used in alternative medicine. While many forms of natural medicine can be traced to our neighbors in the East, aromatherapy is a product of the French. The modern term aromatherapy is often traced to French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse. It is said that Gattefosse burned his hand in the lab and thrust it into the nearest liquid which happened to be lavender oil. His hand healed without scars and he began to investigate the healing and psychotherapeutic benefits of essential oils. During World War II, another Frenchman, Dr. Jean Valmet, used essential oils as an antiseptic, and aromatherapy later achieved status as a holistic therapy due to the efforts of Madame Marguerite Maury. We can also thank Madame Maury for the use of essential oils in massage therapy.

There is no denying that scent plays a significant role in our lives. Our sense of smell can help us to detect danger, signal us to eat, and affect our mood. In 2004, the Nobel Prize was awarded to U.S. researchers Linda Buck and Richard Axel for their discovery of 1,000 genes and receptors for the sense of smell. In awarding the coveted prize, the jury noted, “A unique odor can trigger distinct memories from our childhood or from emotional moments—positive or negative—later in life.”

Aromatherapy practitioners use essential oils to treat digestive disorders, aches and pains, and psychological disorders. In many countries, essential oils are regulated and can be prescribed by physicians. Japan, Germany, Russia and the United States do not recognize aromatherapy as a valid branch of medicine. Detractors, while not minimizing the role of smell in the human life, refute the healing powers of oil. Yet, both the scientific and the nonscientific communities agree that aroma does have an impact. For most of us, it does not take scientific evidence to validate the connection between aroma and our brains. The fragrant aroma of certain foods makes us salivate in seconds, the smell of baked goodies can evoke feelings of comfort, and peppermint has the amazing power to refresh and reenergize.

In the West, scent therapy has less to do with healing disease and more with healing mood, thus the popularity of adding scent to household items. Lavender oil has a calming effect and is linked to male sexual response. The sweet, spicy smell of basil improves concentration and lifts depression. Tea tree oils noted for their antimicrobial properties are frequently found in hair and skin care products. Even skeptics accept that mint and eucalyptus relieve stuffy noses caused by colds and flu. The perfume industry has always marketed the mood-invoking power of scent. Scents are marketed as sensual, sexy, calming, refreshing, natural, and romantic. Shopping malls use scent to create a mood. During the holiday season, the lighting and aromas are all designed to put you in a holly, jolly shopping mood. And, of course, there is no denying the difference that scented oils make during a massage.

If you are interested in true aromatherapy, it is best to visit a trained professional, such as a holistic physician. Oils can be very potent and when used inappropriately they can irritate the skin or cause more serious reactions such as liver damage or seizures. If you simply enjoy certain fragrances and the way they make you feel by all means indulge your passion. Even detractors cannot refute that if a particular scent or smell makes you feel better, by all means burn it, spray it, or lather up in it. Whether scientifically validated or not, feeling good is a worthwhile benefit.

Karen D. Swim is the President and CEO of Words For Hire, a Content Creation and Marketing Firm. Karen helps clients develop articles, whitepapers, resumes, bios and other content that increases their visibility and credibility within their target market. She brings a passion and commitment to every project and clients frequently comment on her ability to “get it right.” You can email Karen at mailto:karen@wordsforhirellc.com karen@wordsforhirellc.com.

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A recent article in the paper talked about a couple of senior women who were pumping iron for their health. One of these women recently competed in a national weightlifting competition, in the 65-69 age group. The other, 59, also competed in this national event. The older of the two lost about 80 pounds after getting into an exercise program that included strength training.

Strength training is important as you age, both to keep your mobility and to keep bones strong. It is also important for keeping your metabolism elevated and losing weight. Whether using weights, tubing, or just the weight of your own body as resistance, strength or resistance training is necessary to help fight anti-aging.

This is important for both men and women. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends strength training with weight-bearing and resistive exercise for all age groups. If you want to reduce your chances of falling or losing your mobility as you get older, you need proper strength. You definitely need to work on your mobility and flexibility to keep your muscles and joints from getting stiff.

Strength training is also important in staying lean. Your muscles burn calories all day long and can keep your metabolism from slowing down too much as you age. You will lose some muscle mass no matter what, but if nothing is done, you will lose more than necessary.

I remember seeing a report on aging a while back that featured a woman who was 101 years old. She exercised on a regular basis, including strength training. She was very mobile, independent, and energetic, still singing in her church choir. She led a busy life and appeared no older than 80. So is exercise and proper strength training a good way to fight the aging process? Maybe you should ask 92 year old fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne. The guy looks pretty healthy to me.

While the two women mentioned earlier were involved in weightlifting competitions, that isn’t necessary. Working your muscles against some form of resistance that challenges them is what’s important. That could be dumbbells or just your own bodyweight. It doesn’t require expensive equipment. Ideally, at least half of your training should occur in a standing position, because this is where movement occurs, on your feet. When standing, you work on your balance at the same time you build strength. Only working on machines where you lie or sit down takes away the balance aspect, which is important to avoiding falls, no matter what your age.

Strength training will make it easier to go up stairs, get up from a chair, or bend over and pick something up, things that give some seniors problems. Problems that can be avoided by most with just a little work on their part. Remember, the focus should be on prevention!.

Brian Morgan is a strength and conditioning specialist and massage therapist. For more information on posture, mobility and flexibility training, go to brianmorganfitness.com brianmorganfitness.com. or posture-n-motion.blogspot.com posture-n-motion.blogspot.com

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What is an essential oil? Basically, a purified liquid taken from the different parts of plants that are quite beneficial to health and well being. Believe it or not, they are not oily feeling. Essential oils typically take 20 minutes to be absorbed through the skin however once they are the effects last usually for 6 or 7 hours.

Most are so potent they need to be diluted. Lavender is one oil that has many uses. If you have trouble sleeping, put a few drops in a warm bath. The combination of the lavender water and the wonderful aroma will have you sleeping like a baby. Lavender in a cool bath will revitalize and refresh you. It is also used for treating acne, eczema, insect bites, and burns. It has also been know to help with depression. Lavender does not have to be diluted and the benefits of this essential oil are many.

Chamomile is a great oil that can be used for dry skin, rashes, acne, and allergies among others. It is a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. Certain properties in chamomile will give the immune system a boost and get rid of bacteria. Chamomile should be diluted with almond oil. Almond oil is a carrier oil. This means it carries other oils to the skin. Chamomile can also be added to your shampoo to give your hair a silky, healthier look.

Geranium oil is a mild pain reliever, helps sores to heal, is a great oil for balancing skin that is too oily, and is helpful for menstrual cramps. Geranium oil can stop bleeding, help rid the body of cellulite, and helps with bruises, burns, and bites. Geranium oil, like the above mentioned, should also be diluted.

Jasmine Absolute is one of the most sought after and precious oils we use. It takes 8,000 hand picked blossoms to make one single gram of jasmine oil. This oil is sought after for it’s capacity of promoting an optimistic outlook and the aroma is said to be a romance enhancer. 10 or 15 drops added to almond oil will make a great massage oil.

Tea Tree Oil has a multitude of uses. It does not have to be diluted and can help heal athlete’s foot, rashes, burns, and warts. This oil is said to be good at killing and ridding the body of lice. Instead of the expensive treatments at your pharmacy, use this liquid to dissolve the bugs. It is also used as a natural insect repellent.

These are just a few of the essential oils that can have profound effects on you to rid you of unwanted ailments. If you believe that natural resources are the best at fixing whatever your problem is within limits, of course, then try essential oils. There are many more that will help you feel better, treat problems, rejuvenate, or relax you. Check into the wonderful properties of essential oils.

Read about other important and unique ideas for essential oils in the realm of personal hygiene at electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm

electricalbody.com/product/oils.htm Pristine Tooth Oils

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