East West College of the Healing Arts

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So far East West College of the Healing Arts has created 174 blog entries.

Swedish Massage: Introduction to this Massage Modality

2024-02-13T11:21:43-05:00February 13th, 2024|

Swedish massage, also known as classic massage, is the most common style of massage in the West. It is the image most people associate with massage. This gentle form of massage therapy uses several different strokes to address issues in the superficial tissues of the body.  Let’s review this most popular massage style, one that often forms the basis of treatment modalities taught at therapeutic massage schools. 

Introducing Swedish Massage

The history of Swedish massage is fascinating and somewhat murky. While many publications attribute its origins to Swedish fencing instructor […]

Career in Massage: Pros and Cons of Working as an Independent Contractor

2023-12-27T12:23:56-05:00December 27th, 2023|

You dreamed of a career of massage. You researched how to earn a massage certification or license in your state. You attended school, spending hours studying and even more hours in the clinic applying newly-learned massage techniques. As you graduate, what feels like an ending is really a new beginning–the dawn of your new life as a massage therapist. One big question looms: Should you take that gig as an independent contractor, or aim to be hired as an employee? Or would you rather run your own massage clinic or spa? In any case, understanding the difference between employees […]

Massage Therapy Careers: Pros and Cons of an Employee/Employer Relationship

2023-12-27T12:04:13-05:00December 27th, 2023|

You researched and applied to massage therapy schools. You scoured the web on how to become a massage therapist in your state. Now you’re ready to launch into one of history’s most successful massage therapy careers! But wait… should you start as an employee or an independent contractor? Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of each option, so you can make the best choice for your LMT career path. Those establishing a spa or massage therapy clinic will also appreciate this review of options from an employer’s standpoint.

After providing context, this blog lists the […]

Benefits and Contraindications of Postpartum Massage

2023-10-18T11:46:06-04:00October 18th, 2023|

Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows prenatal massage can be a lifesaver. But what about after labor? In the six weeks following giving birth, the body is adjusting to parenthood while also returning to its pre-pregnancy size. Many new parents experience pain in the hips, low back, shoulders, neck, and wrists, among other challenges. To inform both LMTs and patients, we’re listing the benefits and contraindications of postpartum massage.

Benefits of Postnatal Massage

Relaxation and Stress Reduction. New caregivers will appreciate the relief that massage delivers to all clients. By reducing muscle tension, massage can decrease stress hormone […]

MBLEx Test-Taking Strategies for Passing a National Massage Exam

2023-09-07T14:41:18-04:00September 7th, 2023|

After many months of study and clinical work, massage therapy students may see graduation from their school of massage as the finish line. Yet several more boxes must be ticked to earn massage certification. For those attending massage schools in Oregon, passing a national therapy exam, such as the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination), is a key step in licensure. (You’ll find our guide to getting licensed in massage therapy in Oregon here.) Most LMTs (in 46 out of 49 regulated jurisdictions) need to pass the MBLEx.

Considering that the current fee […]

Why Massage is an Excellent Second Career, or Why You’re Not too Old for Massage School

2023-08-07T12:04:02-04:00August 7th, 2023|

Our massage school admissions office sees certain concerns again and again from applicants. For those who are curious about massage school midway through their working years, it can be intimidating to think about pursuing massage dreams alongside younger students. Thoughts may arise such as Can I keep up with 18 year olds in the classroom? and Will I feel out of place as a more mature student? We’re here to quell your fears. Careers in massage therapy begin from innumerable starting points. Each massage school story is unique, and yet many […]

Long-Haul COVID Patients: A New Kind of Massage Client

2023-07-03T11:37:58-04:00July 3rd, 2023|

While society seems to have moved on from COVID, some patients still battle with it. These “long-haulers” face a unique set of symptoms. According to medical journal The Lancet, long-haul COVID symptoms usually last for more than seven months. Let’s define long-haul COVID (formally known as post-COVID syndrome), examine common symptoms, and review how massage therapy can help. We’ll also include suggestions for therapists hoping to serve clients with long-haul COVID.

What is long-haul Covid or Post-COVID Syndrome?

According to the September 2021 Journal of the American Medical Association, about 10% […]

What’s Cool About Side-lying Treatments?

2024-02-25T14:09:32-05:00April 26th, 2023|

Massage therapy images typically show clients on their backs or bellies, but a side-lying position provides many unique advantages. For instance, those who suffer back or neck pain may find the side lying position to be the most comfortable option for massage treatment. After reviewing the benefits of this underutilized massage treatment position, we suggest practical tips for LMTs who would like to offer side-lying positioning to clients.

6 Benefits of Side-Lying Position for Massage Therapy

1. Client Comfort. Many clients, particularly those with back pain and/or large, sensitive breasts will feel most comfortable lying on their sides. Offering […]

Til Luchau on the Choosing a Massage School Podcast: Select a School that Aligns with your Goals

2023-02-28T11:04:39-05:00February 28th, 2023|

The Choosing a Massage School Podcast is an excellent resource for anyone wondering how to become a massage therapist. Today we’re examining the episode featuring Til Luchau, a world-renowned therapist who in 2018 was named Massage Magazine’s first Massage All-Star. Aspiring LMTs can stand on the shoulders of this massage therapy giant by attending to his advice.

The Story of Til Luchau’s Career in Massage

Til Luchau pursued several career paths prior to massage therapy; he has been a foreign car mechanic, an Outward Bound instructor, and a high school teacher. He was first exposed […]

How to Apply for Massage Therapy Licensure in Oregon

2022-09-02T11:32:21-04:00September 2nd, 2022|

While we have posted on the educational and assessment requirements for becoming a massage therapist in the state of Oregon, we’ve never discussed the actual process of applying for a license, which is complex. As this step is crucial in any Oregon massage therapy career, we encourage those working toward LMT status to bookmark this page for easy reference.

What is the process for applying for a massage therapy license in Oregon?

As in most government procedures, there are multiple steps to follow. A helpful frame of mind is to go step by step, […]

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