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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 […]

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. […]

How to Become a Massage Therapist

2026-04-14T09:49:05-07:00July 14th, 2018|

Do you dream of a job in a peaceful environment where your work makes a real difference in the lives of others? Do you enjoy working with your hands? Can you connect with people and put them at ease while still maintaining a professional demeanor? If so, massage therapy may be right for you! Read on to learn how to become a massage therapist in Oregon.

Figuring out that you want to become a massage therapist is the first step. Next, you must apply to accredited massage schools in your preferred area, and with the academic programs you desire. Following acceptance into […]

How to Find the Best School for You to Take Massage Therapy Classes

2021-07-20T13:26:25-07:00December 10th, 2015|

Are you LMT-curious? Maybe people tell you that you’re great with your hands. Plus, you love helping people, and dream of getting paid to do so. If so, you may be thinking about taking massage therapy classes. Selecting a school is your first step in the journey toward becoming a professional massage therapist. In today’s post, we suggest three basic questions you can ask to figure out the best massage school for you. […]

High Demand Opens Jobs for People Trained in Massage Therapy Schools

2021-07-20T13:26:44-07:00November 13th, 2015|

Complementary and alternative medicine has grown in popularity among consumers worldwide. Although there is limited scientific research on the benefits of massage, the general public is becoming more accepting of this discipline as they experience it and find positive results for themselves. Statistics show that Americans are willing to spend their own money for alternative therapy treatments. The National Institutes of Health reported that Americans spent $34 billion on alternative medicine in 2007. These numbers show that people are willing to try different ways to achieve recovery and better health. […]

Cupping Therapy 101: How it Works, What Benefits it Brings

2026-03-03T07:15:34-08:00June 25th, 2015|

Updated February, 2026

Picture students in a class at a massage training school. You see thumbs, fingers, and elbows pressing into muscles. Or, if you’ve ever experienced Thai Massage, you might see massage therapy classes with trainees pulling and pressing while in yoga-like postures. For most massage modalities, this understanding of pressing or stretching into tissue to relieve pain and tension is correct. Cupping is an exception.

While most manual therapies use downward pressure to alleviate muscle adhesions, cupping uses suction to pull tissues up. As an analogy, think of a dirty […]

Massage Therapy Modalities: Structural Bodywork

2015-06-11T20:27:07-07:00June 11th, 2015|

In our series on massage modalities, we’ve covered Thai massage, trigger point therapy, and Tui Na. Today we’re looking at a different form of massage: Structural Bodywork. At its crux, structural bodywork explores and offsets imbalances within the body.

The mother of structural bodywork is Ida Rolf. Ida Rolf was a biochemist, yoga teacher, manual therapist, and sensorimotor educator who had a holistic vision of health. Her focus as a healer was to improve overall biochemical functioning, rather than treating certain systems. Rolf’s creation, Structural Integration, improves health by improving the human body’s structure in relation to gravity.
Within this […]

The Benefits of Volunteering Your Massage Therapy Services

2015-06-04T20:25:37-07:00June 4th, 2015|

Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” LMTs have many opportunities to volunteer, from providing hospice massage to providing massage therapy for homeless youths. But why would you want to practice your craft for free, when you can get paid for it? Well, that’s a totally legitimate question. Read on to discover some of the many benefits massage therapists can enjoy from volunteer work.

Portland Massage Therapy School’s Top Benefits of Volunteering:

Volunteering Zaps Stagnation.

Every profession includes boredom from […]

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