Vista College - Massage Techniques

Types of massages performed in the industry:

     • Swedish massage is used for bodily cleansing and muscle relaxation. Vista
       College Clearfield offers Swedish massage classes that will help students with
       certification.
     • Acupressure is a Chinese technique similar to acupuncture, but is used by
       massage therapists, and does not involve needles.
     • Chair massage is one of the most popular and low-key forms of massage
        therapy.
     • Deep tissue massage helps comfort ongoing muscle aches and pains.

Students studying to become certified massage therapists at Vista College's Clearfield, Utah campus will learn a variety of massage techniques and applications. The following is a brief overview of some massage techniques that massage therapists practice. Massage therapy students might be interested to read about various types of massage used in the industry.

The following is not an exhaustive list of massage techniques; it is intended only as an informative guide for interested studies. Only licensed massage therapists who have undergone proper training can correctly perform these massage techniques. Deep tissue massage helps comfort ongoing muscle aches and pains.

Swedish Massage:

Swedish massage therapy is a light tissue and muscle massage. It is one of the most popular massage techniques used in the industry. The massage therapist uses his or her hands and forearms to move and manipulate skin and muscle tissue. The client's limbs might be softly massaged, as well, during a Swedish massage.

The purpose of Swedish massage is to relax the patient and to promote optimal functioning and health between all of the body's systems. Human metabolic processes cause waste by-products to be released into the
muscles. Swedish massage helps the muscles and superficial tissues of the body break down these waste build-ups, allowing the body to recover faster from stress or strain. This type of massage also helps improve whole-body circulation, and boosts human body mechanics by keeping the muscles and tendons warm and stretched.

Total-body relaxation is one of the primary, whole-body benefits a client receives from Swedish massage. By reducing these toxin build-ups in the body, and breaking down superficial muscle stress, the client feels more relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Acupressure

Many people have heard of acupuncture, which is the ancient Chinese healing art of relieving bodily ailments by placing needles on body pressure points. Acupressure is a massage technique that incorporates the "body pressure points" medical theory of acupuncture. Needles are not used in this massage technique, however.

Medical science has not reached a definitive conclusion about how acupressure works. The ancient Chinese believed that this technique corrected the natural balance of bodily energies, also known as 'chi.' Realistically, acupressure probably works as a massage technique because it relieves pain and muscular tensions. This massage process helps contribute to the release of endorphins, or feel-good hormones that act as natural painkillers.

Reflexology Massage

This massage technique focuses on pressure points in the soles of the feet. The massage therapist applies pressure to various parts of the bottoms of the feet, including the balls and heels. The theory behind this massage technique is similar to the theory behind acupressure: to relieve anxiety and tension in the body through the release of endorphins.

Deep Tissue Massage

This massage technique is best for massage clients who have frequent incidents of muscle tension or pain. The strokes used for this massage technique are slower, and the massage therapist will generally apply pressure more deeply. The pressure is applied in the opposite direction of the painful or affected muscles.

Deep tissue massage works to release the buildup of toxins in the muscles, as well as to reduce chronic stress and inflammation. This massage technique contributes to general feelings of improved health and well-being.

Chair Massage

This is but one type of massage used for relaxation and de-stressing. It is quite popular when offered by beauty salons or as part of a spa health treatment package. Chair massage can be used as part of a whole-body treatment plan, or can stand on its own as a helpful stress reduction technique.

Usually, chair massage sessions are shorter than other types of massage sessions; they last only for 20 to 30 minutes. This type of massage is performed fully clothed; the client might just remove a jacket or coat. Individuals consult chair massage therapists when they wish to rid themselves of the stress of daily living.

Upon completing the Vista College massage therapy training program at the Clearfield, Utah campus, students will be prepared to earn certificates in this field. Massage therapists can practice in a variety of settings and do different types of massage work. Students who are skilled in a variety of massage styles and techniques will find that they have more career choices available to them after they have completed massage certification.