Some ideas about rolfing.

An example of rolfing massage therapy.

Rolfing Massage Therapy

Rolfing massage therapy is the procedure of exerting therapy on bodily tissues that are very soft and connecting in nature. This form of massage is often amalgamated with movement techniques, which helps a great deal in the improvement of posture. Discovered and developed by a practicing biochemist named Dr. Ida Rolf, the distinct therapy has gained a cult following all over the globe and is said to have more than a thousand clinically certified practitioners. The theme on which this therapy was formulated is that our body posture often gets distorted because of our work culture which demands long hours in front of the computer and constantly sitting on the desk. Unnatural contractions of various muscle groups start taking place when the body becomes habitual of a poor posture. The tissues inside the body are disturbed and lead to forming bulky plates, which further causes muscular inequity. So a Rolfing massage is basically all about body reformation. A Rolfing massage is also for those people who suffer from stiffness, undergo structural pains and aches and feel continuously stressed out throughout the day.

During a Rolfing massage, muscles in the body are made to work in pairs. The first one in the pair contracts while the other one expands. This is done in a Rolfing massage so that the balance is retained and muscle fatigue is avoided. Flexibility has to be kept intact and the posture is resurrected during the massage. A constant wrong posture tends to become the new stance, which is accepted by the body to be very natural. This leads to more trouble and is strictly condemned by Rolfing massage practitioners. They believe that an incorrect body posture will further develop muscular dysfunction and will result in energy losses and deter the healing capacity that a human body possesses. Those who endorse this form of massage called the Rolfing massage sternly believe that the affected muscle group retains the memory and impression that an injury occurred in the past. The memory stays with the muscle group even after the injury gets physically healed. Inflexibility is the end result in such a situation.

The aim with which the Rolfing massage is carried out is to relax the muscle groups and help the body erase all memories of past injuries. Acceptance and adjustments to these injuries is what needs to be kept at bay less they result in serious health maladies and modify the makeup of the system. Health is affected in a holistic way. A Rolfing massage provides relaxation to these spots and puts them at ease. Identifying such spots in the body, which preserve the reminiscence of past injuries, makes up for the science that goes behind a Rolfing massage. Breathing is improved and pressure on the body is drastically reduced. Stress and anxiety are two other issues that a Rolfing massage addresses. Reorganization of the body is also a reason why people prefer this form of massage. Because of the use of physical management and awareness of movement, the Rolfing massage brings relief to body parts like the thorax, pelvic region, the head and shoulders and gives them an appropriate vertical placement.

Training Today at Massage Therapy Schools

Massage therapy schools are more than just your path toward achieving your holistic health education(from massage code); many are accredited at National levels and recognized by large organizations like COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Association), AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), and the NCBTMB (National Certification Board for therapeutic Massage and Bodywork), and additional State boards and regulatory agencies. In fact, accredited somatic institutes typically offer massage programs that include a standard \ 600 hours* of in-depth training which result in a diploma, certificate, or degree in massage therapy. (*Various massage therapy schools exceed this amount of time.)

There are various massage therapy schools that offer foundational training that can be completed in more condensed 300- to 500-hour courses. General education in these bodywork studies include anatomy, massage therapy history/philosophy, and therapeutic modalities (i.e., deep tissue, Swedish massage, and sports massage).

A number of advanced somatic programs result in a degree. But whatever the training may be, graduates of massage therapy schools and colleges are typically required to be licensed in order to begin practicing in the field. Some of the qualifications to attain licensure include certification, diploma, or National certification through the NCBTMB; plus a set amount of training hours.

What exactly do typical massage therapy schools offer the aspiring therapist? Certified massage therapists (CMT) have excellent career prospects in the allied health industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth potential is very positive in this particular discipline. What's more, experienced massage therapists can earn a substantial income.

Depending on individual interest, there are natural health courses at massage therapy schools that offer a strong foundation in therapeutic massage, as well as supplementary training in holistic health modalities like Reiki, energy healing, aromatherapy, colon hydrotherapy, and other alternative healthcare specializations.

One of the aspects of attending one of the more than 1,300 massage therapy schools and other bodywork training programs is the fact that while all teach fundamentals of the healing art, each offers a unique curriculum to meet the educational needs of future massage therapists. In addition to basic instruction in anatomy and physiology, first aid, massage history and philosophies, business/ethics, and kinesiology; massage therapy schools provide hands-on training in a wide assortment of somatic modalities including Bowen Technique (gentle, light touch therapy), craniosacral therapy (manual cyclic treatment), deep tissue therapy (muscle stretching/squeezing technique), kinesiology (muscle testing method), and Swedish massage (deep musculoskeletal pressure procedure), among others.

Some distinctive natural health colleges and massage therapy schools focus their teachings on hands-on healing techniques founded on Eastern medicine traditions. Therapeutics taught in these educational programs include acupressure (a cross between pressure points and needle-less acupuncture), Ayurveda massage (traditional Indian massage), Chinese medical massage (Tuina -- similar to meridian therapy), Shiatsu, Thai massage, and meridian therapy. Additional education in Indian and Oriental medicine philosophies, as well as studies of the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology are included in these comprehensive programs.

Several massage therapy schools and natural health colleges provide extracurricular edification in holistic healing. These elective or continuing education courses include spa/beauty, esthetics, myofascial release, hot stone therapy, neuromuscular therapy, infant/prenatal massage, craniosacral therapy, Indian head massage, aromatherapy, flower essences, holistic nutrition, ear candling, geriatric massage, iridology, Feng Shui, herbal medicine, lymphatic drainage, osteopathy, among other therapies.

Moreover, quality massage therapy schools and training programs teach students the value and healing benefits of the various bodywork modalities. While many of us are aware of the relaxing effects of healing touch, massage therapy is also known to help relieve musculoskeletal aches and pains, headaches, and joint stiffness. Furthermore, a few massage techniques can help to release toxins in the body, as well as improving the flow of lymph.

What makes a quality massage therapist? Beyond the massage therapy schools, and beyond the hands-on training in various therapies, communication skills are extremely imperative. A licensed massage therapist (LMT) must have the knowledge and skills to provide a therapeutic session. In other words, she will be able to effectively communicate with her patients to understand what health issues they may be experiencing, and which modality will best suit their healthcare needs.

What about credentials? In addition to LMTs, successful graduates of therapeutic massage therapy schools may carry the title of CMT (certified massage therapist) or LMP (licensed massage practitioner), NCTM (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) or NCTMB. These are important qualifications of a professional bodyworker.