Therapeutic massage has been carried out for thousands of years by all the civilizations and now the benefits are even more enhanced as you can be sure of the quality of the massage you’re getting. That is because we now have licensed massage therapists who embark upon massage therapy degrees or other similar courses at massage therapy schools or massage therapy colleges.

Massage therapy schools are widespread and the long or short term study at such a massage therapy school has become a common approach for becoming a licensed massage therapist and embarking upon an exciting career in the many massage therapy jobs now available. Further training at massage therapist school can enable you to specialize in reflexology massage, hand massage, acupressure, sports massage and other forms of therapeutic massage.

There are huge mental and physical benefits of therapeutic massage, for both the clients and massage therapists. Therapeutic massage can be used for treating many ailments. Massaging is generally done on the face, arms, legs, forearms, shoulders and nerve endpoints. Therapeutic massage is generally done by hands, legs and other mechanical devices along with some herbal medicines or oils and a massage school course will teach you many techniques.

These massage techniques which are all widely taught at massage therapy colleges and massage therapy school can be classified as Swedish massage, Aroma therapy, Reflexology, Hot stone technique, Shiatsu, Watsu, Thai massage, Deep tissue massage, Ayurvedic massage etc. There are various mental benefits of massaging and they can be ascertained by the massage practiced.

Massage schools will tech you how massage is used for lowering tension, anxiety, depression, and strain. It improves the alertness, concentration, optimism, emotional responses, awareness, calmness, creativity and peace of mind of people receiving the therapeutic massage. The massage also instills a feeling of well being and induces self confidence. It also helps in removing the addictions for smoking, alcoholism, tobacco consumption and certain medicines.

Acupressure is a Chinese massage which helps in increasing concentration, memory, clear judgment etc. Swedish massage on the other hand helps in relaxing the mind, improves circulation of blood to all parts of the brain, thereby revitalizing and energizing the body. This creates a sense of well being. It gives an enjoyable experience to both the client and the massage therapist.

Aromatherapy stimulates the limbic system in the brain and thereby helps in influencing emotions, increasing memory power, relieving stress and tension. It brings about emotional and physical balance immediately.

It helps in curing insomnia which is sleep-walking. Shiatsu on the other hand helps in concentration, decision making, discrimination, creative thinking, memory, metabolism, clear thinking, vitality, energy flow, tolerance, emotional interaction, intellectual focus, clarity, freeing emotions, and distribution of fresh energy throughout the body.

Watsu is a combination of Shiatsu and Water. This treatment is generally practiced in water where the licensed massage therapist clings on to the patient’s body in the water and flexes the muscles. This generally gives relief to mental tension by increasing the emotional level, promoting trust and connection. It gives relaxation to the brain and also soothes it in the very first session of therapeutic massage. Prolonged massaging can increase a sense of optimism and helps in overcoming fear of water. It increases courage and decision making levels as well.

Reflexology deals with the massaging of the nerve endpoints. This directly deals with the nerves and the brain. Hence this helps in relieving stress and strain by balancing the nervous system by releasing endorphins. It involves a flow of energy throughout the body thereby revitalizing the body parts. It is also known to cure insomnia and in removing fear.

Ayurvedic massages deals directly with the energy of the body. Marma points are present in the body which are stimulated with herbal oils and physical pressure. This refreshes the body and mind by energizing it. There are also facial massages done with oil to help relieve stress and head ache. Shirodhara is a treatment which helps in relaxation by pouring herbal oils over the forehead. This synchronizes the brain waves and helps in coordination of mind, body and the spirit.

This form of therapeutic massage improves memory, nourishes the body and releases tension and stress. This method also helps in opening the senses by sensory stimulation and removal of toxins. There creates an overall improvement in the mental health by instilling a refreshed sense of well being, optimism, clear thinking, memory, concentration, breaking down the adhesions to allow free flow of energy. The kundalini or hidden energy in a body is brought out by this massage.

Hence therapeutic massage taught in massage therapy schools to enable people to become licensed massage therapists not only helps in invigorating the physical functions of the body, but also helps in refreshing the mental well being of the individual

As art jewelry comes into its own in America, galleries are clasping onto the trend and finding success with the art/jewelry mix.

Throughout the world, body ornamentation is an ancient and time-honored art form. Yet in the United States, jewelry as art has only recently come into its own.

Such art is not the series of gold tennis bracelets lined up in a glass case at the mall. Nor is it the design of a single artist whose staff puts it into mass production. These are handcrafted, one-of-a-kind works conceived and executed by the artist with all the technical elements and aesthetics that carry it across the line into the realm of fine art.

“The distinction between mass-produced jewelry and art jewelry is not just in the quantity but the design,” said jewelry artist Gretchen Kubacky of Los Angeles. “I’ve seen some stunningly high-quality designs in a department store that wouldn’t be considered fine art, and I’ve seen $5,000 diamond earrings that have no design quality to them. Art is in the eye of the beholder.” All kinds of jewelry such as wholesale costume jewelry,fashion jewelry wholesale,wholesale jewelry,jewelry supply,pearl jewelry,body jewelry

Kubacky identifies her own work as “ethnicized contemporary” jewelry drawn from historical images, as well as craft and folk art. She uses sterling silver, high-quality stones and pearls, but she likes to mix them up, putting hand-made stones from India with cultured pearls–the fine and the not-so-fine–to create a more hand-made appearance.

“Jewelry-as-art depends on function and intimacy,” wrote Carolyn Morris Bach, who exhibits her bone-and-precious metal jewelry at high-end expositions and in select fine art galleries across the country. “Every piece of jewelry that leaves the studio is entirely hand-fabricated by me. While I strive for perfection in my design and craftsmanship, I am not overly concerned that every form requires perfectly rounded edges or that every element be an exact replication of its counterpart. If this is art, it should be individual and unique and preserve for the viewer deliberate traces of the decisions for fabrication; the passage of the hands through materials.”

Herein lies the realm of distinction between commercial jewelry and jewelry as fine art. Part of the departure lies in the purpose or intention behind the piece, whether it was made to be sold in quantity at a profit and ultimately worn, or if it was created for the sake of art–art that was hand crafted, using unconventional materials or traditional materials in unconventional ways. The closer the artist remains to the creative process, the closer the jewelry is to fine art.

“The difference is the same for jewelry as it is for the other decorative arts, such as glass and ceramics,” said jewelry artist and photographer Douglas Steakley, who exhibits jewelry and other fine crafts at his Concepts Gallery in Carmel, Calif. “You can tell when they change into fine art because they cease being functional, or they become sculptural objects themselves,” Steakley said. “Still, there remains a huge gray area of pieces that are semi-functional or are artistic but identifiable, wearable jewelry.”

Steakley and his wife Jacqueline founded Concepts 15 years ago as a gallery featuring the work of jewelry artists like Carolyn Morris Bach, Sydney Lynch and more. Their criteria were that each piece had to be unique, well-developed and identifiable–the artist had to create a signature.

“Concepts hasn’t changed much,” he said, “except to introduce glass and photography that follow the same artistic criteria. It’s a good mix. Glass, in particular, provides a nice contrast to the jewelry. It’s larger, visually interesting and colorful. It’s also more accessible than jewelry.”

Jewelry continues to make inroads into fine art venues such as galleries, high-end shows and expos, and it is creating quite a presence in the marketplace.

Patina Gallery in Santa Fe, N.M., dedicates half of its expansive space to art jewelry and the balance to other fine crafts. Owned by Allison Barnett and directed by her husband, jewelry artist Ivan Barnett, the nearly two-year-old gallery is renowned for representing some of the finest art jewelry in the world.

“We make a huge commitment to European jewelry artists,” said Ivan. “At lot of what I would call the cutting-edge of art jewelry is coming out of Europe. Theirs is a different, cleaner aesthetic. American jewelry artists are more decadent–not in a bad way–but there is a pared-down quality about the European designs. Americans are still tied a little more to the precious materials, largely because America is so market driven. Not to misrepresent the quality and aesthetic of many fine American artists, but Europeans are more closely aligned with our philosophy; creating surprises for people who have great sensibilities and want something way off the track.”

For the past 23 years, the William Zimmer Gallery in Mendocino, Calif., has presented an “eclectic, expansive and imaginative collection of contemporary arts” in both traditional and craft media. Along with sculpture, painting and furniture, it specializes in fine art jewelry with work from Morris Bach, Lynch, Abrasha and others.

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Consumers are cutting back on spending nowadays, but jewelry retailers are looking toward the upcoming summer months, to get consumers back into jewelry stores. Additionally, with the trends of bright colors and bold pieces, consumers can’t help but take notice of and want a piece of fashion item this year.

Fashion magazines are discussing trends in jewelry for the spring in their latest issues, and big pieces are definitely in style. InStyle magazine focused on nature- and tribal-themed pieces and bright colors, while Lucky included a whole spread of classic, yet modern, cocktail rings. In its March issue, Vogue gave brides-to-be some of the magazine’s favorite engagement rings and wedding day jewelry. A lot of this season’s trends are a natural progression from last season. Necks were bare and rings were big, but this season necklaces have made an extremely bold comeback..

For spring and summer 2008, shine is everywhere in terms of fashion accessories. From the purses we carry to the clothes we choose to the shoes we wear, the newest trend is all about shine from head to toe. Jewelry is one accessory that will never go out of style and can last a lifetime with the proper care. So while consumers may be cutting back on a lot of spending, jewelry retailers are hoping that the latest jewelry trends will get consumers into the stores and at least looking at the latest pieces. For upcoming holidays and special occasions, be sure to carry items that are on-trend.

Nature-inspired Jewelry Trend

Nature-inspired Jewelry has become one of the hottest trends in Hollywood today! Tons of celebrities are sporting nature jewelry with both elegant formal wear and casual everyday looks. Snake jewelry is one of the most popular styles of nature-inspired jewelry.

For centuries, people have crafted nature-inspired jewelry in appreciation of the world around them. In the Victorian period, romantic notions about the natural world caused a flourish of nature-inspired jewelry and art. Flower jewelry and images of animals were very popular styles; Victoria herself loved snake jewelry and believed the serpent motif represented fidelity and love. The more people learned about plants, animals, and the oceans, the more they were moved to create nature style jewelry and nature inspired jewelry.

“Enlightenment” Jewelry Trend

Sentimental Jewelry is a strong category not only for self-purchase but also for gift giving. 

Engraved jewelry featuring messages of love, poetry or initials will be the most popular.

Yoga Inspired Jewelry is becoming abundant, reflecting the growing number of people who are adopting this ritual discipline, which is said to bring physical and spiritual alignment. Yoga talismans are also popular among those who just want an overt and motivational reminder.

Green Jewelry and Green Gems are being used in many jewelry collections this season. Jewelers with a green conscience are making a point to incorporate earth friendly methods and materials into their jewelry designs.

Jewelry For A Cause is becoming plenteous. As JFC says, the jewelry industry is that with a heart! Designers today are donating proceeds from sales to endless philanthropic causes and people in need. Designers’ passion comes pouring out artistically through the creation, often reflecting the organization benefiting from the proceeds.

Big, Bold Jewelry Trend

Wearing less jewelry pieces is more when it comes to the top jewelry trends for 2008, but the key ingredient for trend-setting fashionistas is larger, bolder styles that are gem-intensive.

That advice comes from Jesse Chao of Gems by Chao, a leading Houston fine jeweler. Chao specializes in advising her gala-minded clientele-a mix of socialites and philanthropists-and matching fine jewelry to their personal style. In a statement, Chao said women who are already planning to attend galas will be wearing less fine jewelry but adorning themselves with larger, more impressive pieces, for a classic “Grace Kelly” look.  I’ve actually already seen this trend over the past year, less jewelry but each piece that is worn is big and bold – one big bracelet, no necklace but super long earrings.

While I personally don’t feel comfortable in really large jewelry pieces, for that special occasion – red carpet affair for example, it does make sense because of the dramatic statement a few large jewelry pieces can make.

Ethnic inspired jewelry is supposed to be gaining momentum. Due to the increased cost of gold, we’ll see more filigree type designs, which look great but cut down on the gram weight. Now, this sounds interesting!

Bold Pendants Trend
This is no time for a wimpy drop necklace. You need a substantial pendant that really makes a fashion statement, and two of the hottest colors will be yellow and its complementary color, purple.

Yellow
Refreshing gemstones like Citrine, Yellow Topaz, Amber, and Chrysoberyl and simulated Canary Diamond jewelry, topaz glass beads and the Cubic Zirconia substitutes will keep you on top of seasonal jewelry trends! Like this lovely Citrine:
Purple
A great counter point color for yellow is purple, which will also be highlighted this spring. Like this gorgeous pendant.

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