You have probably tried out massage therapy in the past. Aside from back massages and shiatsu, there is a massage therapy known as Thai massage.

Thai massage was developed 2500 years ago by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. It moved to Thailand soon after where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles gradually became influenced by traditional Chinese medicine and this is how it got the name.

What makes Thai massage different is the fact that it is more energizing and rigorous than other forms of massage.

If you think carving a career in massage therapy is as easy as knowing how to knead and press, you are wrong. Because of the increasing popularity of these clinics, the government has started to regulate the practice. Now, massage therapists need to get some kind of license in order to work. This of course is not true for all states. Laws on the industry are still not being enforced all over the country. This means that each state will have a different take on how the practice should be done.

Reflexology is another form of massage therapy. Similar to shiatsu, it is a physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect the human anatomy on both the feet and hands which in theory have significant effects on the entire body.

This form of massage therapy has been around for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence that suggests this was used by the Egyptians in 2330 BC, China in 2704 BC and Japan in 690 BC. The West only knew about reflexology in the 19th century.

Massage relieves stress and tension as well as give the person renewed energy. If you want to do this, you have to know how to do it.

1. The first thing you have to do is create the right atmosphere or ambiance. This means finding a cozy, quiet and warm room. You can even use aromatherapy oil or light a scented candle to make the place smell good. It is best to close the curtains so nobody will see that you are giving a massage.

Massage therapy clinics have become the haven where people stay during weekends to get that much-needed relaxation. And with much publicity from celebrities in Hollywood, it has become part of the American lifestyle.

With the onslaught of massage therapy clinics in the country, more and more people are considering a career in it. After all, the pay not be as high but people will be raking in a lot in tips for good service. In fact, people who work in these clinics make their living out of these tips. This is especially true if you are working in high end massage therapy clinics in New York and in the Beverly Hills area.

With how stressful life is right now, people are looking at new ways to de-stress and just relax their minds and their bodies. Massage therapy is the answer to many people's need for de-stressing. This is the reason why it is one of the fastest growing industry.

A career in massage therapy can be pretty lucrative. Clients, who are mostly well to do or those who have money to burn, are known to give big tips especially if you have given them great service. It is actually through tips that you can earn a lot in this kind if industry. But it can also be harrowing and stressful. In order to survive on the job, you need to have the following set of characteristics.

It may only have exploded in recent years but the practice of massage therapy dates back to the time of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine. And that is about 4000 years ago. In a clear reference to massaging, Hippocrates wrote in one of his medical notes that physicians must know the practice of 'rubbing.'

Now, massage therapy cannot just be called as 'rubbing.' With most of the young Hollywood getting a massage or two every week, it has become the toast of the social set. Its popularity can be seen with the way a lot of massage therapy clinics have opened shops in the last few years with many more planning to in the next couple of months. Currently there are about 100,000 massage therapists in the country and the numbers are increasing two-fold.

Massage therapy has been around for hundreds of years. If you need to relief from muscle pain or stress, you can choose from one of the ten best types of massage therapy around.

1. First is Swedish massage therapy. This happens to be the most common type to find in the US because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

If you love to work with your hands, perhaps you should be in a profession that does exactly that such as massage therapy. In fact, the US Department of Labor has shown in their latest report that there is demand for such professionals until the year 2012. If this sounds appealing to you, then you should know how to become a massage therapist.

Those who want to become massage therapists should enroll in a program that is accredited by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork or NCBTMB. To become a licensed professional, you must complete at least 500 hours of training including subjects such as ethics, anatomy and physiology among others.

Becoming a massage therapist is a big decision to make. Because the industry is already being regulated, a career in massage therapy is harder to get into. You need training and sometimes licensure in order to work in a particular clinic. This is especially true if you are aiming for those top of the line clinics that really pay well. One of the decisions that you have to make before getting into the field is what kind of massages will you be specializing in. Like the medical field, massage therapists have specializations.