In "Massage Therapy Overview - Part I," brief descriptions of some of numerous available massage therapy modalities were introduced. In this article, we'll go a bit more in-depth into a number of other unique bodywork treatments in which individuals might be interested as both a therapy or professionally.

Aromatherapy massage therapy, for example, is quickly gaining in popularity in day spas and salons, as well as in massage therapy clinics. This particular healing art combines various massage therapy techniques like Swedish massage, with aromatic essential oils. Applying essential oils to the body through massage has been clinically proven to reduce stress and relieve musculoskeletal pain; in addition to positively affecting the limbic system, which consequently helps to enhance mental health.

Polarity therapy, another form of massage therapy, is based on energy healing bodywork that integrates diet, exercise and self-awareness. This massage therapy was actually developed during the 20th century by Dr. Randolph Stone, who discovered how touch can affect the human energy field. Similar to "touch therapy," polarity therapy is a unique massage technique that is practiced using light to firm touch methods.

As an anti-aging treatment, facial is not only a growing trend for clients, but is also gaining leeway as an instructional program in cosmetology schools, esthetics schools and of course, massage therapy schools. As a beauty treatment, facial massage therapy gives individuals a natural face lift and is also known to help reduce stress and even remove dead skin cells. Eastern facial massage therapy is similar to face reflexology as it correlates particular meridians of the face to other body systems, and is believed to help relieve common health conditions like musculoskeletal pain, among others.

For persons experiencing chronic pain conditions, medical massage therapy might be helpful. In many cases, medical massage therapists have received extensive training in a variety of massage techniques including but not limited to craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, sports massage, Swedish massage, and touch therapy. Depending on your particular health problem, doctors may warrant a visit to a professional massage practitioner who will use one or a combination of techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation, and increase overall wellbeing.

Sport massage therapy is yet another common modality taught in massage schools. Along with Swedish massage, sports massage is not only great rehabilitative bodywork for humans, but is frequently used to treat both horses and dogs. Facilitating a system of motions that include stretching, compressing and gliding, sports massage acts as a natural detox method that helps to release toxins from the body, enhances circulation and helps to improve overall physical condition.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like natural healing, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore near you.

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