Get to know the Real Deal on Day Spas!

As day spas are spreading and are increasing in their numbers, their services are becoming more and more flexible, client-friendly, and affordable. Get to know about day spas and what to expect fro them to help you and your massage therapist the beneficial result you yearn for.

As the popularity of spas and massage become more evident, and the demand of their services much in demand among almost anybody, it is no wonder there is a huge rise in establishments that offer these type of luxurious relaxation. Day spas seem to have the world going.

Want to go into one of the best and highly acknowledged day spas around the world? Need to know more of their different and various methods and techniques for soothing relaxation? No need, virtually all of the place around the world supports this kind of beneficial and healthful pleasure. Knowing how and what to expect from a day spa can help enhance and optimize the benefits you can get from the massage treatment. With so man of the massage centers and offers that are being offered today, you must also be war of choosing the right one that will corresponds to your needs and requests.

When choosing a day spa, there's a lot to be said for convenience. Find the day spas in your area, and go pick up a menu of services to see what it offers and its prices. While you're there, ask for a tour. You should be able to look at the changing rooms, though treatment rooms might be off limits. Observe how you and other customers are treated, which will indicate whether you'll have a good spa experience. Look in the changing rooms to make sure the spa has safe, sanitary conditions. Also include the cleanliness and the neatness of the areas. Day-spas tend to offer as many services as possible, sometimes small day spas overreach. If you're interested in specialties like Ayurveda or Thai Massage, ask what kind of training the therapists have had.

Another factor in choosing a day spa is size and atmosphere. Day spas can be as homey as a bed and breakfast or a multi-million dollar facility. See if the spa’s style (and prices) suits you. Look at the menu of services. Be sure that their menus and programs are well set and appropriately chosen. The most important component is the quality of the personnel. A good massage therapist or aesthetician should be able to put you at ease from the start. Some people are more gifted and committed than others. I can feel the difference between the people who are going through the motions and the people who love what they do, and I rebook with the people who do the best work.

If you are new to a day spa, or it is your first time to visit a spa, it is better you know what to do and how they work. Arrive at least 15 minutes earlier, more if you want to enjoy facilities like hot tubs and steam rooms. Check in at the front desk and remind them it's your first time. You will usually be turned over to a spa attendant who shows you where your locker is and how it works. This should have a lock on it and your robe and slippers are inside. Change and, if you have time, enjoy facilities that help you relax for your treatment, like the steam shower, sauna or hot tub. A hot shower before your massage is always a good idea. It's essential if you've had a dip in the hot tub, to wash off the chlorine.

The ambiance in day spas tends to be serene; muted colors and soft lighting. New Age or classical music help set the mood. So you don’t only get the best massage, but the perfect relaxation treats as well.

The American Institute of Massage Therapy

The American Institute of Massage Therapy is one of the very popular places for massage therapy education. With their high regards to education and being well renowned, they are one of the top schools in the world.

With so many schools and universities offering massage and health courses, it would be confusing to anyone which to choose. This may be a tough and very important decision to make, and it ma eventually affect your future. So, it would be better to pick the perfect school, the one that guarantees quality education, good atmosphere, and highly respected and well trusted faculty and curriculum.

The American Institute of Massage Therapy was established in 1983 and is presently in league with various highly acclaimed medical institutions. They are regarded as a well established school that offers courses on massage therapy and sports massage. And they give value to respect, compassion and appreciation in their interactions.

Why AIMT, you ask? If you enroll in their day or evening program you can complete your studies within 6 months of your start date. They are flexible and accommodating to students’ needs particularly when those unexpected problems arise. Their instructors really do have eyes in the back of their heads, for they notice when students are having problems and are quick to supply remedies. Most everyone agrees that instructors are warm, caring, and approachable, hoping to have their students become successful. Students tend to bond quickly and within a week generally have formed study groups. Training programs are hands-on throughout, so students have many opportunities to experience being a massage therapist throughout their training. Learning strokes occurs within the first week. Students participate in off-campus projects and events and gain experience working with the public. They must complete 45 hours of work in an on-campus clinic.

AIMT endeavors to promote massage therapy with high quality educational programs, and their programs have been recognized for exceptional values through community outreach programs, low cost tuitions, as well as local events participation. They strive to achieve their mission, which is to promote education in order to develop and advance the art, science and practice of massage therapy and to enhance the quality and effectiveness of its graduates.

It is one of the best schools to go to, to understand the various dimensions of massage therapy. With this said, it’ll be pretty easy to choose fro here.

Why Do You Need A Massage Certificate?

Massage therapy is a very fruitful and beneficial investment, because of its many opportunities and employment offers. And if you want to have a head start, having a massage certificate is very important to prove you education and experience.

With the incredible demands for masseuse and other health care specialists today, it isn’t a wonder there are also an increase in schools offering these classes. People want to have a job, and these are great opportunities for anyone interested.

But having finished the course doesn’t necessarily mean you can go about in the business. One should apply for a certification to prove one’s capabilities and receive a license to practice. But is a certificate really that necessary?

A license is what is usually required to practice in a particular jurisdiction. Licenses are provided by your local jurisdiction, like in a state or a city. You must contact your local jurisdiction to learn more about licensing requirements. Candidates must first show that they have met the eligibility requirements to sit for one of the National Certification Examinations. Candidates must have completed at least 125 hours of Anatomy and Physiology, 200 hours of massage and/or bodywork theory and application, 40 hours of pathology, 10 hours of business and ethics and at least 125 hours of related coursework.

To keep your NCBTMB status you will need 50 hours of CEU’s during the four year certification period – 2 of those hours must include professional ethics, plus 200 therapeutic sessions of massage and bodywork. And you are not required to pass the National Certification Examination every four years, although that is an option

Here are some good reasons why: Represents the highest professional credential in the field: It denotes the mark of a true professional committed to safe and ethical practice thus giving recognition, visibility, and credibility. It increases your employment opportunities and mobility between states and allows reimbursement by various insurance companies, and also connects you to locator services for employers and consumers. Most importantly, it provides reassurance to the consumer, the profession and the employer, so that you establish rapport and good costumer loyalty.

If a candidate fails the exam, he or she has the opportunity to re-take the exam three times before he or she must re-apply. After the third time there will be a three month waiting period before one can re-apply. A new application and documentation will be required. The candidate must send in a copy of the failed score report and the current examination fee. This information must be received within 60 days of the original examination date. If this information is not received within that time frame a new application and supporting documentation will be required.

Lastly, all practitioners must understand that "massage therapists and body workers shall act in a manner that justifies public trust and competence, enhances the reputation of the profession and safeguards the interests of individual clients." After certification then additional continuing education credits must be earned every couple years to maintain certification status. If you do intend to practice professionally then it is highly encouraged to attend a massage school.

Aromatherapy Cellulite Remedies

Learn which 3 essential oils should be used in an aromatherapy cellulite remedy. Find out why certain carrier oils are recommended in this instance, and which two massage approaches can be used.

Aromatherapy oils have many therapeutic benefits that extend beyond them improving mood by simply smelling nice! It is these benefits that can be combined with self-massage to improve the appearance of cellulite. Whilst even the most expensive store-bought creams and treatments won't eliminate cellulite permanently, the appearance of cellulite can be improved with regular treatments, and this extends to in-home remedies. This article will discuss why self-massage can help, and what aromatherapy oils and carrier bases lend themselves to this home spa experience. With a little daily persistence, these nurturing remedies can save you some money too!

There are three essential oils that are particularly recommended for cellulite treatment. These are juniper, lavender, and rosemary. Juniper and rosemary are both diuretic oils that stimulate the flow of blood and lymph, improve circulation, and reduce puffiness, swelling, and water retention. These qualities are important in relation to cellulite when you consider that it is the result of fluid accumulation in the fatty layer of the skin. This happens when there are problems in the microcirculation, and its' believed to be associated with our hormones - especially estrogen.

Lavender is a beautifully scented oil that is relaxing and great for stress. But it also has benefits for the skin. It is toning, and has a revitalizing effect. When these oils are combined with a therapeutic carrier oil, they can be massaged into the skin for a good alternative cellulite remedy.

Carrier oils are important when using aromatherapy. Not only do they have a nourishing effect on their own, but some oils can be irritating when applied directly to the skin. This is especially true of sensitive skin types. Another point to consider is that the essential oils are usually quite thin compared to regular oil, and more expensive when you compare volume. The carrier oil allows the essential oil to be massaged, rather than being absorbed too quickly. And massage is integral to using aromatherapy effectively when it comes to cellulite.

Massage is well known in helping with circulation. Certain types of massage are specialized in improving the flow of lymph. Called lymphatic drainage, this massage is characterized by very soft strokes that go in certain directions associated with the body's circulatory system. In contrast, some types of cellulite treatments that mimic massage in different ways - by incorporating suction cups and other tools - draw on the tradition of deep tissue massage. The upshot of all this is that people wanting to try this form of home massage have a choice in what type of strokes and pressure they will use.

There are a number of different carrier oils that can be used. These include rosehip, jojoba, grape seed, and avocado oil. Some of these oils are generally used in smaller amounts, so a mixture is actually good.

* Avocado - this oil penetrates deeply, thus it will carry the essential oils more deeply into the skin, increasing their effectiveness. It also has a softening effect, and tends to be mixed with other carrier oils.
* Grape seed oil has a mild astringent effect, which is good for toning the skin. Also quite nourishing, grape seed has linoleic acid in it, an essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids are important for healthy cell membranes. Grape seed oil can be used in larger quantities, and is often used as a base with other carrier oils mixed in.
* Rosehip also contains essential fatty acids, this time GLA. Whilst generally used as an anti aging oil on the face, it is a good source of vitamin C which is important in skin health.
* Jojoba - though actually a liquid wax, jojoba is similar in structure to the oils in our skin, and has antioxidant properties. It is more expensive and is absorbed quickly, making it best in mixture of carrier oils when used in an anti-cellulite massage.

Aromatherapy cellulite remedies can be a lovely experience, providing benefits on many levels. As well as improving circulation and skin tone, with the use of massage they can help women improve the appearance of cellulite. Their scent can also make this a pampering and destressing daily experience.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork

One of the most important techniques for providing relaxation to your body is massage therapy. Practiced by professionally trained massage therapists, this practice provides ultimate relief to long-pending pain to the muscles and tendons. Message therapy works on the principle of applying structured or unstructured pressure on different parts of the body.

Massage therapy has a got a long binding relationship with Bodywork. Before we could understand the relationship between massage therapy and bodywork, we need to understand the definition of bodywork. Bodywork is practiced by anyone who has studied alternative medicine which deals with some form of touching or rational understanding of a human body. Bodywork could be classified in the umbrella of Somatic Disciplines which include any technique related to body-mind disciplines, movement therapy or body-mind integration.

All this leads us to a point that in most cases, bodywork and massage therapy are the same words with different definitions but are interchangeably used. The only difference that I could point out is that bodywork would encompass massage therapies and other types of touch and heal techniques. Bodywork allows the patient to benefit from a very effective treatment which would impact their posture in a positive way. Bodywork which is often combined with personal development and psychotherapy of the body is primarily used as a body relaxation technique. Massage therapy deals with application of pressure or touch on parts of the body or the whole body itself.

The procedure for a massage therapy applied on a person’s body is very simple. The person is asked to remove his clothes (happens only in some cases) and lie down on his stomach on a flat floor. A professional therapist starts massaging the body with his hands. The parts of the body which are highly impacted by massage therapy are the spinal cord (upper and lower), hip and shoulders. Many massage therapies are also done with the help of an Ayurvedic or an Aromatic Oil which enhances the effects of the Massage Therapy. Massage is applied on the subject for him to avail of physiological benefits in the form of a therapeutic massage. Massage therapy has acquired tremendous professional significance over the last few years because of which many entities have now started offering massage therapy and bodywork as a part of their services. When you go to such entities for a massage therapy, you would be made to lay flat on a massage table with you being partially disrobed or your body being wrapped around in towels. This is a highly controversial aspect of massage therapy as in some countries, private parts of the body like a man’s genitals or the nipples of woman are not draped at all. Thailand, a country which is famous for massage salons does not drape the private parts of the persons body at all.

Techniques of massage therapy and bodywork are undergoing a major sea-change in terms of the way they are practiced. Significantly, this form of treatment of body issues which do not have any side-effects of using a drug at all is gaining fast popularity in almost all parts of the world.

Benefits of Massage Therapy Pain Relief

Massage therapy is used to alleviate the body and mind of stress.

Massage therapy has many advantages which is why more and more people are using this type of therapy to help relieve the pain that is caused from muscles spasms and overusing the muscles in the body. It is also used to help relieve suspense and to promote entire good health. Professionals are trained to know exactly how to perform this procedure to maximize both the safety and the effectiveness of this type of therapy. The way it works is by applying pressure to specific areas of the body where the soft tissues are found to treat and improve your health and well-being.

The techniques used in massage therapy for pain include the therapist using their hands to move and massage the client’s body all over. Done correctly it can stretch your muscles, tendons and ligaments in a positive relaxing way. This type of manual hands on therapy can both stimulate and sedate the nervous system depending on which method is being used. Massage therapy is done by using oils and a variety of strokes that when combined have a positive effect of the body. There are different types of massage therapy for pain sessions that include the following, Neck and shoulder, Back, Chest, Arms and hands, Legs and feet, Abdomen and Face and head. There are even special massage therapy for pain for children, babies and pregnant women.

Some other benefits of massage therapy for pain include reducing your suspense levels. Because a massage can help to make you feel relaxed it can help to reduce suspense. It can also improve blood circulation which in itself has a variety of benefits that can affect your entire general health. Massage therapy helps to increase your motion range and improve flexibility. It can help to improve your nervous system and aid in the healing of injuries or problems caused by an illness. Certain types of massages can stimulate the lymph system, which in turn helps to increase the natural defense system that fights against toxic invaders.

Many people use massage therapy for pain to help relieve pain from migraine headaches instead of taking medications for this condition. It has also been used to treat inflammatory conditions that are caused from tendonitis and arthritis. The emotional benefits of massage therapy for pain includes helping to improve your ability to think in a calm and creative manner, increase body awareness, increase mental alertness and reduce anxiety. As you can see there are many benefits of massage therapy for pain that can greatly improve your entire general health. If you have never had the pleasure of using this type of therapy, you should give it a try to see what benefits you can receive.

Massage Therapy Basics - Learn the Soothing Secrets

Massage therapy is an excellent alternative treatment for various ailments and for overall general health. This articles goes into some of the little known facts about it. Read on to learn more.

Have you been stressed lately? Do your muscles and joints ache from doing continues physical activity, or is your body excessively tired and tense from lack of sleep or anxiety? If yes, you will want to learn everything you can on the subject of massage therapy, and how you can begin taking advantage of the techniques of massage therapy as soon as possible. Here are some tips on massage therapy you should learn if you are searching for the best location to get a massage, as well as the different kinds of body massages available to you.

Therapeutic Massages

One of the best types of body massages that you can get are therapeutic massages. With this method you get your joints and muscles energized during your session and it will also assist you in getting your blood flowing throughout your body at a rapid pace, which can help relieve muscle cramps and even assist you in getting a peaceful night's sleep. In addition, there are also an assortment of therapeutic massage techniques to select from, dependent upon the intensity of your physical activity, or any other types of physical complications that you should take into consideration, such as a previous sports injury, arthritis, or osteoporosis.

A stone massage therapy is normally available at a spa, and is comprised of stones that are heated, which are put at various locations on the body to relieve the pressure. In the majority of instances, the stones are placed on and around the spinal cord to comfort the nerves and energize the nervous system, and the warmth of the stones relaxes and calms the joints. Massage therapy is also an ideal tool to target certain areas of the body where you might be having problems with, for example if you have difficulties with your neck or back, there are specialized massages designed to relax the muscles in these specific areas and relieve tension and cramping.

Oils and Ex foliation

Another spa massage that you might enjoy could include perfumed oils and products for ex foliation that soothe your skin and your muscles. Oils such as lavender, bergamot, almond, as well as eucalyptus are often used in massage therapy to soothe or stimulate the senses and to moisturize the skin. The environment will also be situated in a such a way as to help you enjoy your session even more, also since it will probably be the calming music and an infusion of oil you have selected used as a room scent. Body massages are an excellent way to relax your muscles and help rejuvenate them after a long day, and this type of therapy can even help you heal some wounds. Be sure to visit your spa for details.

Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of health. If you would like to learn more go to advice and at

6 Quick Acupressure Points for Pregnancy Massage Therapy

Many people are learning how to do maternity acupressure to induce labor, and to create an easier and safer birthing process. Pregnancy massage therapy techniques have advanced to the point where you can use them to both initiate labor, aid in childbirth, and relieve painful symptoms associated with delivery. Below you'll learn the six best acupressure pregnancy reflexology points to accomplish this, and best of all anyone can perform them.

Pregnancy Acupressure has been in use for centuries. It allows you to begin labor at home, safely and naturally, easing yourself into the contractions and dilation that will result in the birth of your baby. But the time you get to the hospital, your labor will already be half over. This leads to shorter delivery times, and an much easier birthing process. Maternity acupressure techniques also help increase blood flow, eliminate pain, and reduce stress on the mom-to-be, while at the same time aiding in contractions, dilation, and providing extra oxygen to the baby. All of these benefits to reflexology for pregnancy have made it increasingly popular in delivery rooms across the world.

Massage during labor includes using the body's various pressure points to stimulate other parts of the body. Learning how to do maternity acupressure is easy, and requires no prior experience. It consists of gentle pressure applied with fingertips, the ball of the thumb, and sometimes the palm or elbow. These pregnancy massage therapy techniques are both safe and natural, and can be used even after childbirth for continued stress and pain-relief benefits. However, these points should not be used during the developing stages of pregnancy - on a pregnant woman this type of acupressure to induce labor should be reserved for helping to start contractions and for aiding in childbirth only.

Hand (to aid with contractions) - Place your own thumb on the meaty web between your partner's forefinger and thumb. Close your middle two or three fingers upward to rest in her palm, and begin gently squeezing, concentrating on applying downward pressure with the ball of your thumb. This pressure point is important in pregnancy reflexology in that it can be used to aid in strengthening contractions. By timing your pressure with each contraction you can help the baby descend, pushing along with mom to move the child through the birth canal.

Palm (to release endorphins for pain) - Look at your partner's hand. In the center of the topmost crease on the palm, there's an acupressure point that can be used to force the body to release it's natural painkillers: endorphins. Gentle pressure to this region will produce anesthetizing feelings in the brain, but overly pressing it can cause pain so be careful how much pressure you use. If you have trouble finding this spot, tell your partner to close her fingers until the tips of each finger are touching the palm, almost like a half-fist. The place right below where her fingers are touching is where you want to apply pressure.

Foot (to release tension and relax the body) - Beneath the ball of the foot is a depression just as the arch of the foot begins. By placing your thumb here and wrapping your fingers around the top of the foot for counter pressure, you can begin pushing gently inward and upward, rolling your thumb toward the big toe. Reflexology and pregnancy go hand in hand, and this massage will have the effect of soothing and calming your partner. With the right pressure, and the right direction, you can use this technique well into childbirth to relax and keep your partner free from excess anxiety. It also makes a great technique to use months and years afterward, any time you or your partner both need to relieve stress.

Hip (for pain, and to promote contractions) - Your partner will need to be on her side for this one. Find the top of the buttocks crease, then move in a perpendicular line toward her hipbone. When you've gone about two-thirds this distance, press gently inwardly and upward toward the spine. This acupressure pregnancy point should be immediately felt, and it should feel pretty good. Pressing and rolling this point will accomplish both pain relief and the inducing/strengthening of contractions. You can use this to both induce labor, and to aid in contractions once the onset of labor has occurred. After childbirth, you can use this point at any time to help break up trapped pelvic stress and relax the lower body.

Lower back (to release endorphins for pain) - For this acupressure point, your partner will need to be pressing back against a firm object. Find the halfway point between the spine and the dimples of your partner's gluteus. Pressing downward with a slight twisting motion, do some probing until you find the spot where your partner feels a very pleasant sensation of relief. This spot works wonders for pregnancy pain, and it can also disapate pent-up stress in the lower back and gluteus muscles.

Shoulder (to stimulate contractions) -Find the bump at the base of your partner's neck - this is her C7 vertebrae. Now trace a line to the other bump at the end of her shoulder. Right in between these two areas is another pressure point on the shoulder muscle itself, and applying pressure to this one can help greatly with uterine contractions (and it can later be used to stimulate milk production as well). Stimulate this point during initial stages of labor to help begin and promote these contractions.

These are the six most popular methods of acupressure during labor, but note that most of them can be very useful beyond childbirth. Many other pregnancy acupressure techniques also exist, and they have been proven to have radical benefits in the delivery room and beyond. Massage during labor itself can dramatically decrease the chances of unwanted medical intervention or C-section during the birthing process. Learn these pregnancy massage therapy techniques for a safer, faster delivery... and then use them on each other in the years to come to relieve stress, pain, and pent-up tension in the body.