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East West College of the Healing Arts

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So far East West College of the Healing Arts has created 181 blog entries.

Massage for Immunity: Research Reveals Weekly Massage Increases Immunity Markers

2025-03-11T16:25:38-04:00March 11th, 2025|

Massage therapy: We all know it’s relaxing, but did you know it can also boost your immunity? As cold and flu season drags on, we’re reviewing research on how receiving regular massage (such as through our Oregon massage school’s student clinic) can protect you against getting sick.
Massage Therapy and Immunity

Massage impacts immunity in several ways.

Pain Relief. Researchers have uncovered a connection between pain and immune suppression. While more research is needed in how this connection works, it’s suspected that massage may increase immune system functioning by decreasing pain (Citroner, 2020).

Increased Circulation. By boosting circulation in lymph and vascular systems, massage therapy […]

How Does Massage Reduce Pain? The Gate Theory and Vagal Pathways

2025-01-15T10:49:43-05:00January 13th, 2025|

During the initial courses at a massage therapy school like ours in Portland, Oregon, students focus on gaining the baseline knowledge and technical prowess to deliver a delightful massage. Once they learn the basics of giving relaxing treatments, our students begin to explore why massage therapy is so effective for pain regulation. Let’s examine two prevalent theories on how the brain perceives pain, and why massage helps reduce pain.

The Gate Theory of Pain Perception

This theory posits that the brain processes pain only if the nerve gate in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord is open. Imagine […]

Clinical Research on the Benefits of Regular Massage

2024-11-12T16:52:01-05:00November 12th, 2024|

Unique mental, physical, and emotional benefits are enjoyed by those who regularly receive massage. But unless you’re attending massage school, you may not be aware of those advantages accrued when the body consistently enjoys the healing touch of massage.

Health Benefits of Regular Massage

A review of twenty-eight clinical trials revealed the following benefits of consistent massage.

  1. Relief for Work-Related Stress. Three different studies of Swedish massage found reduced occupational stress following regular massage sessions. In one study, sessions were just 15 minutes long, and yet due to their regularity, resulted in decreased work […]

Tips to Find a Great Used Massage Table

2024-09-27T11:16:32-04:00September 27th, 2024|

Given that tables represent big purchases in most massage careers, the lower cost of used massage tables is appealing. LMTs fresh out of massage therapist school can more likely afford a used table than a brand-new one. However, it’s critical to select a reliable used massage table; otherwise, it could give out on you during a session, bringing embarrassment to LMT and client alike. What’s more, if a client is injured due to faulty equipment, you could be liable, as used tables don’t carry warranties. Still, it is possible to find good used tables if you keep a few […]

Prenatal and Postnatal Massage Reduces Maternal Depression

2024-08-26T12:59:51-04:00August 26th, 2024|

Massage is known to increase neurochemicals associated with improved mood, such as serotonin and other endorphins. So it shouldn’t be surprising that it can help alleviate depression. Today we’re examining this healing relationship between massage and depression for one special group: mothers.

In two previous blog posts, we examined the benefits of receiving prenatal massage and postpartum massage. Today we’re diving deeper into one major benefit of massage: Decreased likelihood of maternal anxiety and depression. As we’ll see, this also leads to improved health outcomes for infants.

The Importance of Maternal Mental Health

Before birth, depression and anxiety can […]

Cancer Care for LMTs: What you Need to Know to Help Clients Going through Chemotherapy

2024-08-22T14:52:16-04:00August 22nd, 2024|

A desire to help others is a common reason to become a massage therapist, and giving healing touch to cancer patients is certainly one way to help. During chemotherapy, cancer patients are dealing with physical, emotional, and mental challenges, from loss of taste and appetite to gastrointestinal challenges such as vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea, not to mention the bone-deep fatigue following an infusion. Even a few minutes of comfort can make all the difference in a cancer patient’s day and well-being. Massage therapists can have a hugely positive impact on cancer patients by providing this comfort. To safely deliver […]

Student Massage Clinic: Benefits of Receiving a Student Massage

2024-07-24T14:16:11-04:00July 24th, 2024|

Are you looking for massage treatment? A student massage clinic can be a great option. Our student massage clinic is located on the campus of our massage school. Portland, OR residents can sign up to receive student massage through our website, OurMassageClinic.com. There are many benefits of receiving a student massage.

Benefits of Student Massage through the East West College Massage Certification Program

  1. Increased consistency of massage. Because student massage clinic appointments are more affordable than other massage options, you may find you can book appointments more frequently. A review of 28 clinical trials found that regularly receiving massage […]

Swedish Massage: Introduction to this Massage Modality

2024-02-13T11:21:43-05:00February 13th, 2024|

Swedish massage, also known as classic massage, is the most common style of massage in the West. It is the image most people associate with massage. This gentle form of massage therapy uses several different strokes to address issues in the superficial tissues of the body.  Let’s review this most popular massage style, one that often forms the basis of treatment modalities taught at therapeutic massage schools. 

Introducing Swedish Massage

The history of Swedish massage is fascinating and somewhat murky. While many publications attribute its origins to Swedish fencing instructor […]

Career in Massage: Pros and Cons of Working as an Independent Contractor

2023-12-27T12:23:56-05:00December 27th, 2023|

You dreamed of a career of massage. You researched how to earn a massage certification or license in your state. You attended school, spending hours studying and even more hours in the clinic applying newly-learned massage techniques. As you graduate, what feels like an ending is really a new beginning–the dawn of your new life as a massage therapist. One big question looms: Should you take that gig as an independent contractor, or aim to be hired as an employee? Or would you rather run your own massage clinic or spa? In any case, understanding the difference between employees […]

Massage Therapy Careers: Pros and Cons of an Employee/Employer Relationship

2023-12-27T12:04:13-05:00December 27th, 2023|

You researched and applied to massage therapy schools. You scoured the web on how to become a massage therapist in your state. Now you’re ready to launch into one of history’s most successful massage therapy careers! But wait… should you start as an employee or an independent contractor? Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of each option, so you can make the best choice for your LMT career path. Those establishing a spa or massage therapy clinic will also appreciate this review of options from an employer’s standpoint.

After providing context, this blog lists the […]

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