In the most recent term of the Texas Legislature the legislators finally took positive action regarding the laws governing Massage Therapy in the state. Many Massage Therapists and Massage Therapy associations in Texas have been asking the legislature to increase the number training hours required for massage therapy licensure in the state. Prior to this legislation only 300 hours of training were required for massage therapy licensure in the State of Texas.
On June 17th, 2007 Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 2644. The bill amended Texas Massage Therapy law in a very positive manner. Effective September 1, 2007, candidates for massage therapy licensure must now have completed a more comprehensive training program of at least 500 hours in length, a significant increase over the previously required 300 hours. The new 500 hour training programs will meet the following requirements:
1) 200 hours taught by a licensed massage therapy instructor and dedicated to the study of massage therapy techniques and theory and the practice of manipulation of soft tissue, with at least 125 hours dedicated to the study of Swedish massage therapy techniques;
2) 50 hours of anatomy;
3) 25 hours of physiology;
4) 50 hours of kinesiology;
5) 40 hours of pathology;
6) 20 hours of hydrotherapy;
7) 45 hours of massage therapy laws and rules, business practices, and professional ethics standards;
8) 20 hours of health, hygiene, first aid, universal precautions, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
9) 50 hours in an internship program.
Additionally, the bill eliminated the practical (hands-on) examination requirement. The elimination of the 6-minute practical exam eliminates the requirement for all massage therapy licensure candidates to travel to Austin to take the exam. Therefore, all massage therapy licensure candidates may take the written licensure exam near home instead of having to travel to the state capitol.
As written, the new law's requirements do not affect any of the approximately 20,000 currently licensed massage therapists. The law also does not affect any massage therapy student pursuing a massage therapy training program provided the student was enrolled in the program before September 1, 2007.
The new requirements are meant to improve the quality of massage therapy provided in the State of Texas and to improve the professional image of Licensed Massage Therapists in the state. The new requirements also bring Texas' massage therapy regulations more in line with other states regulating massage therapy and with the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB). So, it is likely that the new laws will improve license reciprocity, allowing Texas Licensed Massage Therapists to more easily relocate to other states and separately licensed municipalities.
Stress just seems to be part of our lives like eating and breathing. There are more demands placed on us over shorter time periods than perhaps ever in the history of mankind. In the days of old, stress was usually from physical danger. If you were a pioneer for example, then the seeing of indians would definitely cause stress as the pioneer surely feared physical harm. This type of stress is called the flight or fight reaction. However, in modern times most of our stress is mental and not physical. Yet our bodies have the same reaction to mental stress as they do to physical stress.
This reaction to stress causes the body to kick itself into high gear. Our heart rate is increased, the major organs shut down all but the most basic functions and adrenaline is pumped out to boost our energy. There is a major redirection of chemical reactions in the body to get it immediately ready for action. However, with many of the stresses we encounter there is no physical release to all this redirection of energy. This can be problematic since many toxin are the by product of these chemical reactions and these stay in the body.
Stress management is learning how to cope with stress, redirect its energy and release it from the body. We may not be able to eliminate stress from our lives, but we can have strategies to deal with it positively. If you could take the heightened affects of being under stress and put it to positive pursuits, then we are working stress management. The toughest element of stress management is to release it physically.
When we are under stress, our bodies are primed for taking physical action. When we take physical action, then we are releasing out the increased energy out our bodies physically. If we do not have a physical outlet, one excellent method is massage therapy. Massage therapy helps loosen up muscle tension, it releases toxins trapped in our muscle tissue and it helps us to mentally relax. Some massage treatments also can reverse the tension in the major organs via the trigger points in our hands and feet.
Massage chair recliners have many effective massage therapies with proven beneficial effects. Massage chairs come equipped with Shiatsu massage, Swedish massage, Deep Tissue and many others. Each of these massage treatments target specific areas and have different benefits. In general, they all help induce relaxation and help to ease aches and pains. Massage helps to remove toxins from the body and enhances circulation of the blood and lymph. Both the blood and lymph clean the body of toxins and other potentially harmful substances.
Massage therapy is a very effective tool to relieve and release stress in our lives. We may not be able to eliminate the causes of stress, but we can find effective tools to counteract its impact on us. Massage chairs offer tremendous convenience and access to regular massage therapy. They also have supplemental capabilities to enhance the massage experience. Some recliners have stretching capability for the shoulders and lower body. Some have music players to help your relax your mind and body. You can find some with heat that can be applied in specific areas. All of these features are designed to help your body totally relax.
If you are feeling stressed, then just imaging taking a quick 20 minute power massage. Relieve the build up of stress and anxiety. Release the tension in your neck, back and shoulders. Give your mind a chance to be free from the tunneling affects of a stressful situation. This can be a powerful stress management tool in the comfort and convenience of home to better manage your stress. Life becomes much more manageable with your own massage chair recliner.
Both Ben Crabtree, Lmt, Cnmt & James Knolan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ben Crabtree, Lmt, Cnmt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Massage, Fitness and Massage. Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork. Ben Crabtree, Lmt, Cnmt's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
James Knolan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Massage, Health and Massage. Get an effective arsenal of Stress Management options with a massage . You will find many articles to assist you find the best massage chair for y. James Knolan's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.