There are many ways to define massage therapy, and the various massage therapy schools in Alabama generally teach the basic Western and Eastern forms that aim at healing physically and balancing mentally through manipulation of muscle and soft tissue. Both styles are taught in Alabama massage therapy schools, and though styles vary, both aim at providing improved health and wellness.
The healing powers of massage therapy are reasons for its continued popularity in Eastern and Western civilizations spanning thousands of years. Massage therapy schools offer knowledge of the many ways to benefit the physical body through manipulation of soft tissue. Students will learn that muscles and connective tissue are affected by greater flow of blood and lymphatic fluids and by the elimination of naturally produced waste byproducts from the body.
Massage schools in Alabama can also teach the emotional benefits of massage and manipulation that nourish through touch and help increase brain activity.
Alabama state regulations require 650 hours of training in massage therapy, as well as taking and passing NCETMB exams, and holding a license as a massage therapist. Massage students should also be prepared to take 16 hours of additional training and coursework that is required every two years for maintaining massage therapy skills. Those who have taken massage therapy courses will often branch out into other areas of natural healing, such as acupuncture or chiropractic, for instance.