The healing art of massage therapy has been around for centuries. The earliest written records of this modality date back to 3000 BC in Egypt and China, and texts documenting the medical benefits date back to around 2700 BC in China. And still today the demand for well-trained touch practitioners remains very high.

An online article from U.S News & World Report stated that the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates growth in the field of massage therapy by 22 percent between 2012 and 2022, adding 30,000 more licensed massage therapists to the field. Is it possible that YOU might be interested in a career in massage therapy?

The key to those who are successful in massage therapy is loving what you do. This is one career that you can’t fake it. You will either love it, or you won’t.

Owner and founder of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) KC Miller became a licensed massage therapist over 25 years ago. “If you would have asked me 26 years ago if I ever dreamed of becoming a massage therapist, I would have looked at you as if you were crazy,” said KC. After someone gave her the challenge of “Try it, see if you like it” she did. Years later KC reflects,

"Now I can’t imagine how empty my life would have been had I Not taken that challenge!"

KC not only tried massage therapy, she ended up loving it so much she eventually opened SWIHA, a place that has grown from a small massage therapy school to the award-winning, nationally accredited healing arts institute it is today! KC feels there are many lessons that can be learned from becoming a licensed massage therapist. She wrote about a few of them on her blog.

• Each time you give, you get. KC says “Without fail, each time I have given a massage therapy session I feel as if I have gotten as much as I have given.”
• There is no one way! One of the most rewarding things about a massage career is the variety; there isn’t one “cookie-cutter” way to provide massage.
• LMT’s never truly retire. They just touch from a “higher level,” says KC. “My hands continue to have planchette-like qualities, guiding me to where my touch is needed.”

Take the challenge: If YOU are wondering if a career as a licensed massage therapist is a good fit for you, try it! See if you like it!

On January 3rd, 2015, SWIHA is offering an eight hour complimentary massage therapy class for anyone who is interested in trying this time honored modality. This class is an introduction to the world of massage. Participants will learn about the different levels of relaxing touch, as well as a basic back massage protocol. Above all, they will learn whether they are intuitively drawn to do massage.

The class will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm at SWIHA, 1100 East Apache, Tempe, Arizona 85281. To register, and for more information, visit our course registration page. Anyone participating will need to bring a set of twin sheets (including pillowcase) and a small hand or towel. Massage oil and lotion will be provided. Be ready for a relaxing day of discovering the benefits of touch!

SPECIAL NOTE: It is always great to bring a friend to explore the art of touch! If someone will be joining you, make sure they register, too!