Though massage is often thought of as simple bodywork, it is actually quite diversified and is branched into several massage modalities and techniques. When you enroll in a massage therapy school, be sure to review the hands-on curriculum. While a great number of massage therapy schools offer practical training in Swedish massage, many massage therapy schools offer this method as well as numerous other varieties.

Some massage therapy schools prefer to provide an array of massage techniques to better accommodate the expanding field. For example, massage therapy schools may also provide instruction in Deep Tissue massage, which is unique bodywork used to release chronic muscular tension. The main difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue (as the name implies) is that deep tissue massage is administered with greater pressure at deeper muscle layers than Swedish massage.

Another type of bodywork taught at some massage therapy schools is sports massage. Sports massage is an integration of both deep tissue and Swedish massage, but is primarily facilitated to promote healing in athlete injuries.

Two of the most often confused massage modalities offered at massage therapy schools are Acupressure and Shiatsu. Interestingly enough, both techniques are based on acupuncture points (meridian channels), whereby pressure is applied to these particular points with finger, palm and thumb as opposed to acupuncture needling. The fundamental distinction between the two is that Shiatsu is the Japanese edition, and acupressure is a generalized adaptation of the technique.

A "sole" form of bodywork that many massage therapy schools offer is reflexology. This specific massage style is commonly applied to the feet to stimulate reflex points that correspond to particular body organs. However, reflexology is not just limited to the feet; it is also used on the ears and hands as well. Like acupressure, reflexology is applied with the finger, palm and thumb to reflex points on these areas of the body to release stress, improve circulation and promote balance in the body.

While there are many more massage techniques offered at massage therapy schools, standard curriculums in a massage therapy program typically provide fundamentals in anatomy; physiology; organ and tissue studies; kinesiology; body and motion mechanic studies; as well as practical massage training.

As with most massage therapy schools, students who successfully complete their training are often encouraged to take the national certification examination, which is given by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Prospective massage therapy school students should review requirements for becoming Nationally Certified prior to enrollment, as this may vary from state to state.

Due to societys awareness of the beneficial health aspects of massage therapy and an increased interest in alternative medicine and natural healing, massage therapy schools that provide hands-on training in assorted massage techniques are gaining lead way in todays educational system.

If you are thinking about enrolling in a Massage Therapy School to attain your education in massage therapy, feel free to visit the Natural Healing Directory at SchoolsGalore.com for more information.

Stay tuned for more articles on Massage Therapy!

08/29/2006 Massage Therapy Schools Teach Various Types of Massage By C. Bailey-Lloyd in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc., Managing Organization for SchoolsGalore.com

C. Bailey-Lloyd

C. Bailey-Lloyd, established online writer and poet, recently signed a book contract with Publish America, LLLP.

Her spiritual and philosophical book, "Somewhere Along the Beaten Path," is currently in the production process and will be available for purchase in the coming weeks; and in the near future, other venues as well.

She is also the Public Relations Director and Professional Writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc.