Infant Massage - Healthy Preemie Growth Rates
By Andrew Exon

Infant Massage has found its own niche in the medical industry and it promotes healthy growth of premature and full-term infants. Low birth weight and bone mineralization are both common problems of premature infants that lead to many other related health complications.

Recent studies have found that regular infant massage performed by a certified masseuse while the baby is in the hospital have aided in the early weight gain necessary for the baby to flourish. The Touch Research Institute of Miami School of Medicine conducted one study on premature infants where one group received a massage from a professional masseuse and the second group received the regular neonatal infant care. They found the infants who were recipients of the massage while in the NICU gained from 21 to 47 percent more weight than the infants in the control group.

The reason for this increased weight gain is linked to the massage stimulating pressure receptors, primarily found in the hands, feet, and lower back. When these receptors are stimulated it slows the heart rate and blood pressure. When these are slowed it stimulates growth hormones.

Another study done at George Washington University found that bone mineralization in premature infants also increased with the use of infant massage. Both groups received physical activity and the same amount of nutrients. The massage group received gentle massages on their head, face, neck, shoulders, back, legs, feet, and arms. The biomarkers used to study bone mineralization were C terminal procollagen peptide (PICP), urine pryidinolin (urine Pyd), serum calcium, alkaline phosphates, and parathyroid hormone(PTH). They found that in the massage group levels of PICP and PTH were both significantly greater that levels found in the control group. Each group had increased levels of urine Pyd and neither group had a significant change in the serum calcium or alkaline phosphates.

Infant Massage is making its mark in the professional medical field as a natural method to promote preemies to better health through increased weight gain quicker and greater bone mineralization.

For more information about Massage Therapy go to www.free-body-massage.info.

By A. Exon

www.free-body-massage.info.

Andrew is a Marriage, Family, and Human Development graduate who enjoys swing dancing, camping, fly-fishing, and other recreational sports which provide physical excercise and relaxation.

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How to Become a CIMI
By Tina Allen

What is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor?

A Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI®) is a parent educator who teaches the healing art and loving touch of infant massage to parents or caregivers in the presence of their babies. You do not need to have any previous experience in the healthcare field, or be a massage therapist, to become certified to teach infant massage.

Certification qualifies the CIMI® to demonstrate knowledge and skill in guiding parents and families in the practical application of infant massage. Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMI®) teach caregivers and parents to massage their children in group or private classes. Instructors do not directly massage babies, but rather use baby dolls to demonstrate infant massage strokes.

Why Become Certified to Teach Infant Massage?

Infant Massage Instructors care deeply about families and children. By becoming certified to teach infant massage you become a healthcare professional who can provide quality parent education classes. Classes can be offered one on one for families in the privacy of their home or you might wish to offer your course at a community center, local hospital, or family center.

As a Certified Infant Massage Instructor you have the privilege and opportunity to impact a child and their family for a lifetime. Benefits of infant massage include enhanced bonding and attachment, healthy growth and development, and improved sleep for child and parent. But as a CIMI® you receive direct benefits as well. There is an enormous amount of satisfaction received during an infant massage class while watching the interaction between caregiver and child. Or having a family return to your class, and hearing how well their baby slept through the night and their crying was reduced, will help you recognize the huge impact you have made on the health of the baby and their family.

And aside from just the wonderful benefits for both you and those you educate, imagine the financial satisfaction of becoming a trained professional working within the healthcare field. Infant Massage Instructors have the luxury of creating their own schedule, place of business and individual fee they charge for classes.

How to Become a Certified Infant Massage Instructor

First things first, contact a qualified trainer and register for a Certified Infant Massage Instructor Course. A certified trainer teaches a professional certification training for those interested in working with families by becoming a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI®).

This course includes a Certified Infant Massage Instructor Manual and up-to-date course materials. The student will experience a supervised parent-baby class, and your Trainer, is committed to the certification process of each student. This is not a hands-on-baby course. Trainers, Instructors & Students use baby dolls to practice & demonstrate strokes.

Certification earns the individual internationally recognized status. The title "Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI®)" is granted after attending and participating in the full 3-day course, fulfilling verified practicum hours and successfully completing a take-home exam. This course qualifies for 25 continuing education hours through the California State Board of Nursing and the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

With over a decade of service to children and families, Tina Allen has become an internationally respected parent educator and expert in the field of infant and children’s massage therapy. She is a Certified Trainer with the International Association of Infant Massage, Developmental Baby Massage Teacher and a Licensed Massage Therapist with specialized training in providing massage therapy for children with special healthcare needs. She understands the varied physical and emotional needs of hospitalized and medically complex infants, children and their families. Her innovative approach to children’s health has allowed her the unique opportunity to educate families and professionals throughout the world in the many benefits of nurturing touch.

Copyright (c) 2007 Liddle Kidz™ Infant and Children's Pediatric Massage

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Programs in Massage Therapy - Healing Arts Today
By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Programs in Massage Therapy in the United States and Canada. Healing arts schools offer a plethora of career training opportunities with programs in massage therapy being one of the more popular courses today.

As one of the fastest-growing careers today, massage therapists have the opportunity to earn well over $30 hourly with the right education and training, and experience. Quality programs in massage therapy can afford this rewarding prospect to those pursuing professions in bodywork.

Standard training programs in massage therapy range between 300 and 500 hours. (A number of massage courses may exceed this time frame.) Typical subject matter involves education in anatomy, pathology, physiology, massage theory, communication skills, CPR and first aid, and kinesiology. Depending in which one of the many programs in massage therapy you choose to enroll, massage techniques and modalities may vary. Common modalities include hands-on instruction in Swedish massage, sports massage and deep tissue therapy.

More advanced programs in massage therapy entail diverse training in a wide assortment of bodywork methods like acupressure, Chinese medical massage, infant and prenatal massage, animal massage, geriatric massage, craniosacral therapy, Trager therapy, Trigger Point, esalen massage, Lomi Lomi, chair/seated massage, Indian head massage, cancer massage, and myofascial release, among many others.

Besides classroom experience, many programs in massage therapy offer real-world clinical training on clients under direct supervision of a qualified instructor. Upon successful completion of all required coursework, graduates earn a certificate or diploma of completion; and in some cases, may be eligible to sit for the National Certification exam through the NCTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork). National massage certification, however, can only be achieved by those students who have completed a minimum of 500 hours in any one of several accredited programs in massage therapy.

Graduates of programs in massage therapy who have become certified and/or licensed to become practicing massage therapists earn the personal satisfaction in having the natural health skills to help in healing patients. Some of the many benefits of massage therapy include back pain relief, blood pressure reduction, stress and tension relief, migraine relief, and relief of many other chronic health conditions and diseases.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding programs in massage therapy, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Programs in Massage Therapy - Healing Arts Today
© Copyright 2007
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All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Programs in Massage Therapy, Massage Schools, and other Studies.

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Learn Relaxation Skills For Your Baby - Infant Massage Classes
By Andrew Stratton

Paging all mommy massagers - did you know that learning and practicing infant massage therapy, you can boost your baby's immune system, stop your infant from fussing, and keep your baby healthy? You get all these benefits from infant massage therapy.

Baby massage may have been a well kept secret at one time, but no more! Infant massage therapy is growing in popularity and being practiced more and more. There are a couple of reasons for this increase in use. It has become a well known fact just how beneficial baby massage is to your baby, and infant massage classes are becoming much more available.

There's no question that your universe revolves around that little bundle of joy, even when at any particular moment your baby may not be so joyous. Knowing how to give a baby massage properly can help eliminate gas, teething pain, colic, and mild pain in no time, bringing the joy back into baby's life and yours too.

But infant massage therapy does more than that. Studies have shown that it reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma, autism, dermatitis, and even childhood cancers. Studies have also shown that when premature infants are given a baby massage, they gain weight quicker and perform better. In fact a 15 minute baby massage three times a day for 10 days, showed infants gained 50% more weight than those that did not receive the infant massage therapy. They also showed improved development over premature infants that did not receive the infant massage therapy.

That's why so many neonatal units massage the infants regularly throughout the day. And you can continue those massages with the same level of skill when you take your baby home. All you need to do is to take an infant massage class to learn the techniques.

With so may infant massage classes available you should be able to find one in your area. But even more convenient are the online courses and the infant massage teaching DVD's that will turn you into a trained baby masseuse in no time.

A typical baby massage should last 15 to 30 minutes. Remember, your baby's muscles aren't developed enough to become knotted, so you don't need to do any vigorous kneading or stroking. Instead, all the strokes will be slow, long, and rhythmic with a light pressure to stimulate the muscles and nerve groups.

It's a well known fact that when you give your infant a baby massage you stimulate the immune system, strengthen the infant's nervous system, reduce colic, and strengthen your bond with your infant. Now, how rewarding is that? You get all of the health benefits and some terrific quality nurturing time.

How often have you rocked your baby when baby was fussing? Did you know that infant massage therapy has a much higher success rate? Baby massage will help your sleep better, be more relaxed and more content, and all you need to do is lean how to give a good baby massage.

There is nobody in this world that is more important to you than your baby. In fact, you'd do anything not only to keep baby happier but to keep baby healthier too. Now that you know the secret is in infant massage therapy, wouldn't know be a good time to get some training?

Whether you want to sign up for infant massage classes, take a course online, or invest in a training DVD that you can watch over and over, now is the time to do it. For baby will only be that tiny bundle of joy for too short a time, and you don't want to miss the chance for lasting effects.

A relaxed baby is a happy baby, and by attending infant massage classes, you can learn the right infant massage therapy techniques to give your baby the perfect massage. Keep baby happy and healthy with massage techniques learned from Mellow Mommy.

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Massage Education in America
By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Massage Education in the United States and Canada. Prospective students have several massage education opportunities from which to choose today. Should you desire to become state or nationally certified, there are various natural healing and massage therapy schools where one can acquire suitable training.

Depending in which one of numerous massage education courses you enroll, rest assured that you will learn a great deal about the history of massage, specific bodywork techniques, kinesiology, human anatomy and physiology, pathology and professional business practices.

Typical massage education programs teach modalities in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sports massage; other massage modalities frequently taught in more advanced curriculums involve hydrotherapy, aromatherapy massage, acupressure/shiatsu, lymphatic massage, prenatal/infant massage, reflexology, chair massage, Indian head massage, among others.

In some cases, massage education programs may offer combined spa and salon management courses to adequately prepare students to become professional spa managers/owners. In other massage education curriculums, students may be introduced to colon hydrotherapy, as well as herbal medicine.

Basic massage education courses start out at 300 hours of classroom and clinical training; however, a great many massage schools have begun providing extensive courses that range anywhere between the minimum standard and over 1,000 hours. This advanced form of massage education may lead to an associate's degree, in addition to becoming certified.

Typically, successful graduates from an accredited massage education program can achieve National certification after they've completed a minimum of 500 training hours.* (In the U.S.) In Canada, licensing/certification requirements vary from providence to providence.

Once you've mastered various types of bodywork, you will discover this natural healing art can be an effective means to reducing stress, relieving tension, and a useful aid in overall healing and wellbeing. Career potential is unlimited, as many practicing massage therapists become entrepreneurs - opening their own spas and wellness clinics; as well, candidates who have acquired adequate massage education can work in hospitals, chiropractic offices, at resorts and in other healthcare-related facilities.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage education, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Massage Education in America
© Copyright 2007
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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Education, Massage Schools, and other Natural Health Schools.

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Massage Therapy Universities Now
By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Massage Therapy Universities in the United States and Canada. Preparing future practitioners for exciting natural healthcare careers, massage therapy universities provide extensive training and education in a wide assortment of body work modalities.

Massage therapy universities extend general training in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. The main difference is in the specific massage techniques that are offered. For example, most massage therapy universities provide hands-on instruction in Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, but a great many of these healing arts schools have begun integrating more advanced classes including sports massage, acupressure, medical massage, geriatric massage, craniosacral therapy, infant and prenatal massage, seated massage, among many others.

Minimum training at massage therapy universities entail at least 300-500 hours. 300 hours are necessary to become locally certified, but to acquire National certification, students will need to earn at least 500 hours. In some cases, massage therapy universities with expanded curriculums will also afford candidates with supplementary training in herbal medicine, natural healthcare, holistic nutrition and skincare, CPR and first aid, and general business ethics and management.

Additionally, a number of massage therapy universities will provide extracurricular education in spa and salon management. Instruction may encompass aromatherapy, spa treatments, essential oils and body wraps; and in some massage therapy universities, students may have the option to acquire dual education in esthetics or cosmetology. Furthermore, massage therapy universities extend continuing education opportunities to graduates, as well as holistic workshops and seminars.

What’s more, successful graduates from one of several massage therapy universities can enjoy personally and professionally rewarding careers as certified and/or licensed massage therapists - according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook is favorable; and though incomes vary in line with education and experience, therapists can earn over $30 per hour.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy universities, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Massage Therapy Universities Now
© Copyright 2007
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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy Universities, Massage Colleges, and other Natural Healing Schools.

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How Infant Massage Classes Can Improve Your Baby's Health
By Andrew Stratton

Did you know that the enjoyable time you spend in the rocking chair gently massaging baby's feet is actually good for your baby's health? And it's so easy! If you want to learn more, you can check for infant massage classes in your area. Are you wondering why you would want to do that?

Here are some interesting stats: Did you know -

- Infant massage therapy can improve your infant's health for years to come.

- Besides relaxing your baby, it can prevent many chronic diseases.

- Infant massage is a form of communication between mom and the newborn.

- Infant massage therapy can relieve colic and gas by improving baby's digestion.

That's just a quick review of a few of the benefits of infant massage therapy. If you want to learn more, just read on, and don't forget about one of the many infant massage distant learning course options online. There are several companies that offer the course in DVD form which is handy and convenient.

So what are the benefits of infant massage therapy for your baby? One of the most primal needs of baby is touch, and it is also the most important mode of communication with you. Touch communicates a message of love and promotes physical and emotional growth.

The one to one touch from infant massage therapy improves psychological and physiological development. There is an improvement to circulation, the digestive system is stimulated, it relieves colic and gas, and it strengthens the infant's immune system.

If your baby is upset, you may know that rubbing her back can help settle her down. That's because it helps to lesson the tension, and it makes your baby feel secure.

Our lives are busy and fast paced, and that atmosphere can easily rub off causing your baby stress. If your baby does not find stress relief, it can accumulate and cause your baby to shut down her sensory intake as she gets an overload of stimulation. This also slows her learning. Infant massage therapy is an excellent solution to stress, and infant massage classes can quickly teach you the techniques you need.

More and more research is being conducted that shows just how important touch and massage is to your newborn. There are studies that have been published that show how infant massage therapy boosts the immune system resulting in fewer sick babies. Other studies have shown a 47% greater weight gain for infants that received massage.

Another fact may surprise you - the benefits of massage are carried right through to adulthood. Recent studies have shown that adults who have received infant massage therapy or touch therapy were more secure, had better relationships with their parents, where healthier, happier, and more trusting all around.

In fact, studies have shown that children that are breast fed, massaged, and held are less violent and aggressive, and they are much more caring and compassionate individuals.

Premature babies develop faster when given infant massage therapy. In fact, they leave the hospital much sooner than premature babies that do not receive infant massage therapy. Touch is so very important to your baby.

Infant massage has been practiced for centuries in many cultures, but it is only in more recent times that it has been recognized in the western world for its full benefits. It's not only beneficial to baby, it's beneficial to you too, strengthening the bond between the two of you.

Learning infant massage therapy is not difficult. You can look for infant massage classes in your area, or you can use the convenience of an infant massage distance learning program, which I highly recommend. Thanks to technology, you can find an entire course on just one single DVD. Now that is convenient! Isn't it time you and your baby discovered the joy and benefit of infant massage therapy?

** About the author text:
You can enjoy the benefits of baby massage from Mellow Mommy with infant massage classes, the convenience of an infant massage distance learning program, or using a course on DVD. It is time for you and your baby to discover the joy and benefit of infant massage therapy.

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Training in Massage - What to Expect
By CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd

Find Training in Massage in the United States and Canada. If you've been debating which holistic career path you'd like to pursue, here's an idea - why not acquire quality training in massage? Today, massage courses aren't just about bodywork, they encompass general education in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology (muscle testing), CPR and first aid, and even business ethics and management.

Because training in massage entails a wide spectrum of somatic modalities, it is important that individuals carefully review educational opportunities available to them. Standard training in massage therapy involves practical instruction in deep tissue massage, Swedish massage and sports massage. There are, however, a growing number of expanded bodywork programs that entail training in massage therapies like Lomi Lomi, acupressure/Shiatsu, Chinese medical massage (Tuina), touch therapy, Trager therapy, craniosacral therapy, geriatric massage, infant massage, prenatal massage, chair massage, Indian head massage, hand massage, reflexology, meridian therapy, and animal massage, among others.

Typically, comprehensive training in massage takes between 300 and 500 hours to complete; however, to become Nationally certified, students must acquire a minimal of 500 training hours. Additionally, advanced training in massage therapy is often accessible to professional massage therapists seeking to expand services; and for continuing education purposes.

Diverse training in massage is essential to the future massage entrepreneur; the more qualified individuals are in a number of modalities, the better chances for maintaining a successful massage clinic or practice. Additionally, cosmetologists and other professional beauty consultants find that training in massage can enhance established day spa and beauty salon services; and in many cases, healing arts schools, as well as cosmetology schools offer massage therapy training as a standard educational option. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth potential for this career field is promising, as are income prospects.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in training in massage, let professional education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

*Occupational Resources: BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Training in Massage - What to Expect
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Training in Massage, Massage Schools, and other Studies.

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