By: The Sider Group
Submitted: 2011-10-17 06:14:09 | Word Count: 459
As more and more people discover the benefits of holistic healing, specializing in hot stone massage has become more popular than ever as a career choice in the western world. While traditional Swedish massage has been well-known in the U.S. and other western countries, for some time, other styles such as hot stone massage have also slowly been creeping into our society-and with great results. Many people prefer hot stone massage because it combines many of the more traditional massage aspects, including the smooth and gentle techniques of Swedish massage, with hot stones that relax the muscles and ease tension in the joints. If you are thinking about studying massage therapy, or you are already working in the field and looking to broaden your horizons, hot stone massage would be an excellent addition to your repertoire.
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
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Hot stone massage has been used for centuries in ancient cultures, including China, the Pacific Islands and Western Europe, although Mary Nelson is often attributed with the spread of this technique in the United States. She began using heated and cooled stones in her massage therapy practice in Tucson, Arizona in 1993. This had been used as an addition to body work by some of her peers at the time, but not to the degree that she would use them. She developed a system using one room temperature stone, 18 frozen stones and 54 hot stones as an extension of the massage therapist's hands and an instrument for spiritual healing.
Nelson's techniques for hot stone therapy are far from being the only techniques to choose from. There are rich traditions of hot and cold stones used for therapy and healing in many cultures around the world. The end goal of these therapies is help the individual rejuvenate, relax and release their tensions, stresses or whatever else is holding them back.
Specializing in Hot Stone Massage
Most states require licensed massage therapists to complete an accredited training program and a minimum number of practice hours. There are numerous massage therapy schools offering training in hot stone therapy, either as part of the required curriculum or as an optional course. As an independent massage therapist with specialized training in hot stone massage, you can expect to earn at least $42 an hour, and as an employee of a larger company, such as a spa or resort, you can expect to earn closer to $20 an hour.
Author Resource:-
Visit MassageSchoolsu.com and find complete information about top massage therapy schools and massage therapy programs to start your career in the field of massage therapy. This is an education resource providing information about top online massage therapy schools of USA and Canada that are offering online massage degree programs in various disciplines.
