Most people have experienced some form of comfort massage, which can be anything from a formal massage administered by a certified professional to a back rub given by a loved one or friend.
Not only does massage have physical benefits, such as increased blood and lymphatic circulation in the body, but the emotional benefits of caring, gentle touch have proven vital to the physical and mental development of all age groups.

These days many people take massage workshops to learn how to safely and effectively give massages at home. If someone is interested in deepening their understanding of massage, programs like the Oregon School of Massage offer general interest classes and weekend workshops on a variety of subjects.

"We have a number of elective classes and programs that are offered on the weekends. The only preference [we give] is for students who are in their  final quarter and just need to get their classes done with," Jack Wells said.  Wells is a certified massage therapist with Wellshire Massage and an employee at the Oregon School of Massage Salem Campus.

"If you are getting into more of the specific techniques, they may require some prerequisite work, whereas if you are looking just for some of the more general practices, there probably wouldn't be any prerequisite at all," he said.

The class description confirms whether a prerequisite is required. Most focused workshops, such as Lymph Drainage and Sports Event Massage, require students to take Massage Fundamentals first. All three classes are considered electives by the school, and are open to the general public.
The next set of classes begin on October 6.

"As long as slots are open, people can register the day before classes begin," Jason Aguayo, office coordinator at the Salem Oregon School of
Massage said.

"We don't offer as many general interest classes here as the Portland  branch does, simply because there hasn't been as high of a demand. If we had more people in this area inquiring about basic massage classes, we'd probably offer a wider selection of workshops."
Some general assignment classes are taught during a four- to six-week period, while others are taught in one or two weekend workshops.  

Aguayo said it was best to check the school's Web site or call the office to find out about upcoming events and classes.

One popular class that the Oregon School of Massage does not offer, at least in Salem, is infant massage. For that, parents can head over to the Salem Hospital.

Once a month Bev Kropp, a local massage therapist who specializes in infant and prenatal massage, conducts a workshop for new parents on how to use therapeutic touch to strengthen the parent/child bond and improve the mental and physical wellbeing of their babies.

"It helps parents better understand their infant's cues and Bev is very respectful of the babies and their parents, sometimes the baby has to take a time out or is having an off day, and that is okay. It's all about soothing and relaxing infant and parent," Cindy Crosby, family educator at Salem Hospital, said. "The class really increases [the parents'] confidence and handling skills and helps them to relax and listen to their baby," Crosby said.