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East West College of the Healing Arts

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So far East West College of the Healing Arts has created 184 blog entries.

Who are Today’s Massage Therapists?

2020-01-14T17:18:31-08:00December 21st, 2019|

Massage is a strong and growing industry, as shown by recent numbers from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). If you’re considering working toward your massage certification or license (according to state requirements), it may behoove you to read the following facts about the average massage therapist, according to the AMTA’s Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet.

Massage Therapy: A Strong Industry

The massage therapy trade took in $18 billion in 2018. Between 19% and 28% of the American adult population had at least one massage from July 2017 to July 2018. Growth in the massage therapy industry is expected to grow 1.9% […]

Self-Care: Tips to Unwind and Reset between Massage Therapy Sessions

2020-01-14T17:09:35-08:00December 14th, 2019|

For most therapists, earning a massage certificate or license means they are finally ready to provide excellent care to others. However, the truth is that therapists must take good care of themselves if they wish to heal others effectively. You can maximize the sustainability of your massage career though self-awareness and self-care.

Too often, “self-care” is equated with yet more work. It’s not unusual to feel frustrated when self-care is just another item on your to-do list. But even a moment or two of sincere self-awareness and compassion can turn a day around. As you become more practiced in self-care, you will […]

Massage Modalities: Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage

2019-11-14T17:06:51-08:00November 14th, 2019|

Even if you’ve never been to Hawaii, you’ve probably heard the word “Aloha,” meaning both hello and goodbye. Yet within these three syllables are many other meanings: honor, respect, unconditional love, and sacredness in all things. The Hawaiian form of massage therapy, Lomi Lomi, perfectly reflects this Aloha approach to life. And as with the term “Aloha,” while Lomi Lomi may seem simple—long, relaxing strokes to release tension and rejuvenate the client—with more experience, the deep beauty of this massage modality becomes apparent.

Continuing our tradition of examining different types of massage, today we’re introducing the Lomi Lomi massage modality. Students at […]

Grief Massage: Reconnecting with the Body Through Healing Touch

2019-11-14T17:18:02-08:00October 15th, 2019|

The significant loss of a loved one often flows through every part of a person’s life. Grief often manifests as a stress response, complete with sleep disruptions, immune system suppression, changes in eating patterns.  Physical symptoms may include headaches, and lingering tightness in the jaw, shoulders, and neck. Physical touch through massage therapy can be a powerful way for a grieving person to reconnect with their body. This blog will offer research on grief massage, as well as intake form tips, treatment suggestions, and communication techniques for working with grieving massage therapy clients.

Grief massage helps a person heal by allowing them […]

Massage Modalities: Fijian Barefoot Massage

2019-11-14T17:00:33-08:00October 1st, 2019|

When you think of deep tissue massage, which tools spring to mind? Do you picture a therapist’s strong hands, thumbs, and perhaps elbows? Massage tools, such as cups and rollers, may appear on your list if you’re already a professional in massage. Portland, Oregon may not have considered a less common tool for deep tissue massage—your feet! Today we’re taking a look at Fijian Barefoot Massage, a massage modality similar to Ashiatsu barefoot massage, as we covered in a previous blog post.

What is Fijian Barefoot Massage?
In Fijian barefoot massage, the client lies on pads on the floor and stays clothed. […]

Quick Hand, Wrist and Forearm Warm-Ups to Prevent Massage Therapy Injuries

2019-11-14T16:57:15-08:00September 15th, 2019|

For many people, a career in massage is a dream come true! Healing others, calm work environments, and flexible hours—what’s not to love? Well, without proper self-care, injury can strike, debilitating therapists. As a leading Pacific Northwest massage school, we are dedicated to supporting all aspects of the massage therapy profession, including injury prevention.

As it turns out, therapists are especially prone to injuries in the hand, wrist, and forearm areas. That’s not too surprising, since these are some of the most commonly used tools at a therapist’s disposal. However, the prevalence of forearm, wrist, and hand pain may surprise you. A […]

Market for Massage Therapists: The Numbers According to the AMTA

2019-07-22T14:08:52-07:00June 22nd, 2019|

Can a strong living be made from massage therapy? Absolutely, as robust economic numbers from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) demonstrate. Below, we review the rosy figures from the AMTA, including market projections, labor rates, and projected career earnings.

Drawing from government statistics, clinical studies, and surveys of Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) as well as consumers, the AMTA sought to deliver a big-picture review of the massage profession in their recent “Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet.” For students currently completing massage therapist schooling, the news is very positive indeed. LMTs already in the middle of their massage careers can also […]

Welcoming Clients of All Sizes to your Massage Table: Massaging Obese/Fat Clients

2019-07-22T14:08:30-07:00May 22nd, 2019|

Therapists are healers at heart; anyone who chooses to become a massage therapist is inspired to help others. Yet through lack of awareness around body size, therapists may unwittingly make clients feel uncomfortable. And while massage schools in Oregon and elsewhere train budding therapists in body mechanics and client care, massage therapy classes do not always account for bigger bodies. Today we’re taking a look at how to help clients feel at ease, no matter their body size. We include tips for helping larger clients feel comfortable, including space and positioning considerations, intake forms, and more. We also touch on how […]

East West College’s New Location in Downtown Portland: Opening on July 1st, 2019

2019-05-21T13:27:06-07:00May 21st, 2019|

We’re moving! This July, East West College is starting a new chapter in the education district of downtown Portland, Oregon. Our new building will be at 1515 SW Fifth Avenue, on the fourth floor.

Massage school students and clients will be happy to know that our new home is easy to access via public transit, with multiple options for MAX light rail, bus, and streetcar routes. To facilitate a smooth transition, we are providing each student with a transit pass for the month of July, upon request.

Additional amenities at our new location include:

  • 30,000 square feet of totally remodeled space with energy-efficient […]

Common Injuries for Massage Therapists, and How to Avoid Them

2019-07-02T15:19:36-07:00May 2nd, 2019|

Do you shudder at the prospect of working at a desk for 40 hours per week? Do you long to heal others? Does the human body fascinate you? If you answered yes to all these questions, you should be a massage therapist (if you’re not already one!). There are few other jobs that allow for such active, fulfilling work. Yet at the same time, the repetitive nature of massage therapy presents the potential for injury. In this blog, we’re looking at the most common injuries among massage therapists, as well as how you can avoid injury while providing massage. Portland massage […]

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