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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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  Pilates is a method of conditioning the body. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves flexibility and posture, and develops coordination and balance.
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 Massage Therapy and Bodywork What is a Massage Therapist? A massage therapist is a person who is licensed by the state to practice massage therapy. The state of New Mexico requires that every licensed massage therapist display the initials "LMT" behind his/her name, along with his/her license number. Requirements for licensure in the state of New Mexico include successful completion/graduation from an approved massage therapy school. The programs in New Mexico are generally one year in length, and comprise at least 650 hours of massage therapy education. The graduate must then pass a national licensure and a jurisprudence examination. To maintain licensure, each LMT must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education courses every two years.
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY? Massage therapy and bodywork techniques involve the use of the hands to effect changes in the soft tissues of the body. These techniques may include Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Medical Massage, Myofascial Techniques, Trigger point Techniquesand Neuromuscular Therapy, The therapist may also include Range of Motion/Stretching Exercises. Other techniques that fall under the category of Bodywork include CranioSacral Therapy and Lymph Drainage Therapy.
History of Massage Therapy European cave paintings as early as 15,000 BC depict what appears to be therapeutic touch. Chinese records of the practice of massage date back to 3000 BC. Hippocrates, the "Father of Western Medicine", wrote of the healing value of massage in 5 BC. The Romans assimilated Greek knowledge and utilized baths, exercise, and massage. Julius Caesar used massage to help with his epilepsy. Mayan and Inca records document the use of joint manipulation and massage. Native Americans used (and continue to use) massage as part of their approach to healing. In the last 25 years, massage in the United States has increased in popularity, especially among those individuals seeking alternatives or adjuncts to traditional medical treatment.
Benefits of Massage Therapy:
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