If you are interested in a unique and rewarding career bringing people joy and relaxation, consider becoming a massage therapist. You will use different techniques and practices to help clients alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote an overall feeling of bliss. To become a massage therapist, you will need to attend massage school. There, you will gain in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and master various techniques.

5 Different Techniques Massage School Will Teach You

1. Shiatsu

This type of massage therapy is ideal for athletes and those who are prone to muscle and joint pain. In shiatsu massage, the therapist uses their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, or even feet to apply pressure to known medians or pressure points throughout the body. This is one of the most difficult techniques you will learn in massage school because too much pressure in the wrong area can seriously injure a client.

2. Hot Stone Massage

This technique is important to know if you are planning to work in a spa or resort. In a hot stone massage, the therapist uses flat, hot stones to relax tense muscles and alleviate pressure throughout the body. Knowing the correct temperature and how to apply the stones is important to mastering this technique.

3. Seated Massage

Your massage training should also include some experience with seated massage. With this technique, clients sit face down and fully clothed in an ergonomically designed chair. It focuses on relieving pressure along the spine, back, and neck.

4. Reflexology

Reflexology is a unique form of massage therapy because it focuses primarily on the feet, hands, and head. These extremities are believed to have reflexes that connect to different points and organs in the body. By massaging these reflexes, you can alleviate pain and discomfort in these areas. To master this technique, you must learn the reflexology map of the body.

5. Hawaiian Lomilomi

“Lomilomi” literally means “massage therapist” in Hawaiian. This technique was exclusively passed down through native Hawaiian families until the 1970s, when it became part of the curriculum in many massage schools. In this technique, the therapist uses long, flowing strokes throughout the body to promote peaceful relaxation.

If you are interested in registering at a massage school, call (808) 946-8878 to schedule a meeting at Hawaii Massage Academy in Honolulu. To learn more about their courses, visit them online.