Clarkdale, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2014 -- Studies conducted by a non-profit consumer magazine showed healing hands are the best alternative medicine for 34,000 respondents. The study was based on consumer effectiveness ratings between conventional and complementary treatments. Results showed massage therapy was very popular in treating osteoporosis and fibromyalgia. Chiropractic ranked ahead for back pain. Exercise on the other hand has a wide range of applicable conditions including back pain, allergies, respiratory problems, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, insomnia, and prostate problems.

However, herbal remedies and dietary supplements ranked below over-the-counter remedies

Massage therapy is a practice that dates back thousands of years. The word massage comes from different languages, in French “massage” means friction of kneading, or in Arabic language “massa” meaning to touch, feel or handle or from Latin “massa” meaning "mass, dough. Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle as well as connective tissue utilizing various techniques to enhance function, assist in the healing process, lessen muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being, and as a recreational activity.

There are over 80 types of massage therapy. Its techniques vary from pressing, rubbing to moving muscles using forearms, elbows, or feet to relax the soft tissues, increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the massaged areas, warm them, and decrease pain. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system.

Massage Practitioners

In the US, massage therapy is performed both by doctors, mostly doctors of osteopathy and certified therapist. Traditionally it is considered complementary but because of its beneficial effects it’s also being practiced by some professionals in conventional medicine.

There are about 1,300 massage therapy schools, college programs, and training programs all over the United States that provide in-depth massage therapy education. The course of study covers science subjects such as anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic evaluation, massage techniques, first aid as well as business, ethical and legal issues. These programs mostly require 500 hours of hands-on training often required to get a certification. There are also continuing studies or advanced training offered on massage therapy courses.

Different countries and cities have various laws that apply on the field of massage therapy. Existing license include, licensed massage therapist, licensed massage practitioner, certified massage therapist. Certification on the other hand can be completed by meeting all requirements for National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork NCTMB or NCTM or both.

There are other health aspect yet unknown scientifically about massage however, more recent studies suggest of its holistic approach on healing to be proven effective. Moreover, the increasing demand for massage therapy clinics and school offering massage therapy is an indication that this industry is not backing down anytime soon.

About Asis Massage Education
ASIS Massage Education is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education, approved by the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork, licensed by the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic, and is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals.