Choosing the right massage school is probably the most important decision you’ll make in your massage career. There is a wide-range of massage therapy courses offered throughout the United States, but some are better than others. Read the fine print. Find out what they offer, what accreditations they carry, and what they’re philosophies are when it comes to massage. Learning the techniques of massage is more than physical. Massage, at its best, entails a whole philosophy that incorporates the mind and spirit with the body. Finding a school that looks at the spiritual therapeutic benefits is just as important as the different techniques they teach.
The best comprehensive massage incorporates intellectual discipline with rigorous techniques. Look for the massage therapy courses that instill top healing techniques with massage theory, good communication skills with health and wellness benefits. The courses should blend philosophy with hands-on training, so you can understand the spiritual vantage points of the therapy as well as the rigorous movements required to relax the body in conjunction with the spirit.
The first step is to find out what schools are local to you. Then check their accreditations and their validity. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation is a good place to start, as it is overseen by the US Department of Education. Checking to see if the school has high enough standards to be listed with the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work.
The next step is finding an accredited school that incorporates spiritual lessons of well being with its teachings. Some teach from a relaxation, spa-oriented approach, while others teach more of an anatomical and philosophical approach, possibly incorporating Eastern traditions such as Yoga and Reiki. However, finding a school that teaches about massage’s spiritual aspects helps to better achieve its utmost potential. Massage, at its best, relaxes the mind along with the body. Since most of your clients use massage as an aide against the stresses of the world, helping them heal their minds as well as their bodies is essential.
So choose carefully. Feel free to visit the campus and discuss their philosophies with their teachers. Choosing the right school is the most important decision you’ll ever make. Be sure the school is credited and teaches a broad spiritual discipline hand-in-hand with the techniques of the trade.
