The term hydrotherapy originates in two Greek words, hydro, meaning water, and therapeia, meaning therapy. It is an external application of water as a liquid, solid, or vapor for therapeutic purposes. The use of water in healing dates back before recorded history, and many cultures around the globe have traditions that include hydrotherapy. North American […]
Lesson 16-1: Introduction to Hydrotherapy Read More »
Hydrotherapy is the external use of water for health and wellness. This chapter explores hydrotherapy and its integration with massage in both wellness and health care settings. The effects of hydrotherapy applications are the same even when the focus of sessions in these settings is different. In a wellness setting like a spa or massage
Lesson 16-0: Introduction Read More »
In stone massage, hot and cold stones might be combined with selected massage techniques to produce unique sessions that meet the needs of various clients. Stones are regularly incorporated with massage for relaxation, injury rehabilitation, and energy balance; to apply deep tissue techniques; to apply reflexology techniques, and integrated with many other types of massage.
Lesson 15-4: Stone Massage Read More »
Reflexology is a therapy based on the belief that there are points on the feet, hands, and ears that stimulate the function of different body parts, including the glands and organs. It is most often used as a preventive therapy to soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, improve circulation, and create the optimum internal environment
Lesson 15-3: Reflexology Read More »
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils (aromatic plant extracts) for health and wellness. Essential oils have pronounced, proven physiological and psychological effects on the body and mind and are useful in both wellness and healthcare settings. However, because aromatherapy is a complex art and science, this section only introduces enough information to start using
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Approaches to spa therapy are broad and diverse. While some spa treatments are provided to beautify the skin and are outside the massage scope of practice, many spa treatments have physiological effects in common with massage and enhance a massage practice. A wide range of therapies might be offered in an array of different settings
Lesson 15-1: Spa Therapies Read More »
This chapter introduces spa therapies and other bodywork approaches that are popular with both therapists and clients. Whether you want to work in a spa or offer a greater variety to clients in a clinic or private practice, the knowledge and skills in this chapter broaden your understanding of ways to integrate techniques for health
Lesson 15-0: Introduction Read More »
You can adapt most of the strokes you already know for seated massage with minor modifications. A new technique, called compression, is included here, while the pin–and-stretch technique, discussed more in upcoming chapters, is briefly introduced along with some stretches that are easy and effective when applied in a seated position. The end of this
Lesson 14-2: Seated Massage Techniques Read More »
This topic introduces the basics of seated massage, including the advantages and disadvantages for therapists and clients, the environments where seated massage is practiced, seated massage as part of your career model, and onsite logistics management. Everything you already know about the effects and benefits of massage, cautions and contraindications, body mechanics, and documentation of
Lesson 14-1: Introduction to Seated Massage Read More »
Seated massage (also called chair massage) is a massage applied to a fully clothed client sitting in a specialized chair. Onsite massage refers to massage taken to clients at their businesses or homes, at events, or situated close to businesses they frequent (often called event massage when seated massage is used at an event). Onsite
Lesson 14-0: Introduction Read More »
Interactive and engaging digital textbooks and online continuing education for the 21st century massage therapist.