What
are the differences of the various massage techniques? See
list below.
Acupressure
As a non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure uses
deep finger pressure applied at certain points located along an
invisible system of energy channels within the body called meridians.
Because these points directly relate to organs and glands of the
body, constrictions in the flow of energy at these points may
cause disease and discomfort. Acupressure stimulates these points
to remove blockages, to increase the energy flow, to reduce stress,
and to promote health and harmony in the body. Rated Medium
Alexander
Technique
The Alexander Technique is an awareness practice for identifying
and developing discipline over the negative physical habits of
incorrect posture and movement. Developed a century ago by actor
F. Matthias Alexander, who used it to cure himself of chronic
laryngitis, he believed if the vertebrae were out of alignment
it was due to these poor habits. The Alexander Technique is a
simple method of reeducating the mind and body to improve ease
and freedom of movement, balance, and coordination. The technique
teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular
activity, giving you more energy for all your activities.
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Amma
Therapy
In Chinese, amma means "push-pull." Amma therapy is
concerned with removing blockages and balancing the body's flow
of energy along its meridians with a combination of many therapeutic
massage techniques including shiatsu, reflexology, deep facial
and connective tissue massage, Swedish massage, and skeletal manipulations.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating
effects. Dating back to ancient Egypt, India, and the Far East,
this simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress
and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions,
and clear the mind. After an initial discussion with the client,
specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate
techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology.
Aston
Patterning
Aston Patterning is a comprehensive integration of massage, deep
tissue work, and movement education. It was developed in the mid-1970s
by dancer Judith Aston, while searching for an alternative to
spinal fusion surgery. She became a top trainee of Ida Rolf and
designer of the original exercises for Rolf movement and later
tailored a program to facilitate rehabilitation, improve performance,
and prevent injury called Aston Patterning. It combines not only
massage work but also a reeducation of the body through movement
and awareness to maintain change.
Bioenergetics
Bioenergetics is a combination of physical and psychological techniques
used to release constrictions in the energy flow of the body.
Because psychological defenses are anchored in the body, special
attention is given to the muscular patterns inhibiting self-expression.
This technique uses physical exercises, deep breathing, and massage
to permit the body to give up its need to armor itself.
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Bowen
Technique
This massage technique introduced the concept of having rest periods
between a series of massage movements within a treatment session
to allow the body to absorb the healing process. The massage moves
are a gentle but precise soft tissue manipulation made with the
intention of creating harmony within the body so that the body
makes its own adjustments and achieves its own cure.
Canadian
Deep Muscle Massage
This technique addresses specific muscles and muscle groups. The
practitioners are trained to fix specific problems. It is a fundamental
technique that offers fast results for both pain and stress. This
technique begins gently and progresses deeply as the outer muscle
fibers relax, allowing the second and third layer of muscle to
be addressed. Rated Deep
Chair
Massage
When a ten or twenty minute relaxation session is needed, this
is the technique for you. You are massaged fully clothed in a
special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely
portable, you may see chair massage at the airport or health club,
or you may want a practitioner to come to your office or business
to massage the staff or guests at a party. Rated Medium
Chi
Nei Tsang
In Chinese "chi" means energy and "nei tsang"
means internal organs. Chi Nei Tsang was originally developed
by Chinese Taoist monks to strengthen their bodies to carry the
energy required to perform their spiritual practices. Chi Nei
Tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with a deep, soft
and gentle touch to train internal organs to work more efficiently
and to improve energy flow in the body.
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Core
Energetics
The core is the inner center or higher self. The vision of this
psychotherapeutic work is to invite a deeper experience and identification
with one's core energy and feelings, releasing the individual
to create his or her life from this deep center. This is achieved
gradually by bringing movement and consciousness to the body.
Craniosacral
Therapy
Within the craniosacral system is the cerebrospinal fluid that
moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral
therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction
where this tide-like motion is limited, confined, and immobilized.
By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic
and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. Craniosacral
therapy is helpful to those with nervous disorders, motor-coordination
impairments, attention deficit disorders, insomnia, and other
problems.
Cross
Fiber Massage
Refer to "Canadian Deep Muscle Massage"
Deep
Muscle Massage
Refer to "Canadian Deep Muscle Massage".
Deep
Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of
thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using
deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle,
its purpose is to un-stick the fibers of the muscles and release
both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension. Rated Deep
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Esalen
Massage
Developed at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, this
is a very relaxing full body technique that is taught on a popular
video published by the Esalen Institute. Rated Light
Haelan
Haelen therapy recognizes that people who are in great pain are
often unable to focus on the need to integrate body, mind and
spirit. It combines therapeutic touch, psychotherapy, and counseling
a practitioner of therapeutic touch and holotropic breathwork,
Haelan work attempts to assist people with physical illness to
participate in their healing from a more holistic perspective.
Hellerwork
Hellerwork follows up on the principles of Rolfing, with more
emphasis on client/practitioner dialogue. He believed that in
order to maintain alignment and mobility, clients need not only
bodywork to release patterns of stress, but movement exercises
designed to eliminate their bad habits and to learn how to stand,
walk, sit and move with greater flexibility and ease. The goal
is not only to produce physical results but also to empower clients
to grow and experience more freedom and energy in their lives.
Rated Deep
Hemme
Approach
Dave Leflet, Hemme stands for history, evaluation, modalities,
manipulation, and exercise. The principles in the Hemme Approach
are taken from physical medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, and
physical therapy.
Hot
Stone Massage
Developed in the Midwest for use in health spas, this technique
uses stones that have been heated. These stones are positioned
on the body and some are gently moved about with light pressure
being exerted on the warm stones.
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Infant
Massage
Becoming increasingly popular, infant massage is usually taught
to new mothers as a way of bonding with their newborn and of encouraging
infant health. It incorporates nurturing touch, massage, and reflexology
in a loving, fun, one-on-one interaction. A study at the University
of Miami showed that infants who received 15 minutes of massage
a day gained weight 47% faster and demonstrated other physical
and neurological benefits.
Integrative
Massage
To assist in the release of emotional issues trapped in the body,
long fluid strokes are used to move energy from the head down
and out through the hands and feet. This is combined with the
use of deep breathwork to aid the process.
Jin
Shin Jitsu
Jin Shin Jitsu a non-massage form of shiatsu developed by Jiro
Murai in Japan. It uses 26 pressure points termed energy locks
where fatigue, tension, or illness can trap energy. By applying
prolonged, gentle, manual pressing of these points or movements
of the practitioner's hands over such areas without contact, the
body and mind are brought into harmony.
Lomilomi
Massage
Hawaiian for "rub rub," Lomilomi is a massage technique
that's been handed down from ancient Hawaiian healers. The strokes
used are similar to the shiatsu technique of Japan but are gentler
and shorter. Pressure with the fingers at certain points is also
part of the technique, but it is of shorter duration than most
acupressure. Two identifying techniques of authentic Lomilomi
are the emphasis on spirit/body connection and the use of forearm
and elbow as a massage tool.
LooyenWork
This system works with the core emotional issue of a client. Though
the effect is deep, the massage is gentle in keeping with Looyen's
belief that pain does not heal pain. This is one of many forms
of bodywork that promotes emotional well-being through the physical
release afforded by massage techniques.
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Lymph
System Massage
In the 1930s, a Danish doctor, Hans Vodder, noticed the connection
between swollen and blocked lymph glands and colds, infections
and other ailments. Since the lymph system is designed to remove
bacteria and toxins from the body, he reasoned that massaging
the lymph system would improve the flow of lymph and benefit the
patient. A characteristic of lymph system massage is that the
strokes are always with the muscle fiber, rather than cross-fiber,
because the lymph system runs in the direction of the muscle fiber.
Rated Light
Myofascial
All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by
a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Myofascial Release
works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds
muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma
in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds
to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation,
tensions and trauma.
Myotherapy
Myotherapy is a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation
and alleviating pain. It works by defusing "trigger points",
which are intense knots of muscle tension that often refer pain
to other areas of the body. When a trigger point is under excess
emotional or physical stress it often responds by throwing a muscle
into spasm. Spasm, in turn, causes pain. The myotherapist erases
the spasm by pressing on the appropriate trigger points for several
seconds by means of fingers, knuckles, and elbows and then re-educates
the affected muscle to its normal resting relaxed condition with
special exercises designed for each individual problem.
Naprapathy
Naprapathy is a gentle massage of connective tissue to restore
optimal flow of energy through the body. Naprapathy also is holistic
in nature in that it pays attention to nutrition, movement, lifestyle
and diet. A prime focus of this technique is the attention to
the ligaments that encase the spinal column.
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Neuromuscular
Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy is a program of recovery from acute and
chronic pain syndromes by utilizing specific massage therapy,
including the pressure of trigger points, to eliminate the causes
of pain patterns. This approach brings about balance between the
musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It enhances the
function of joints, muscles, and movement, and it releases endorphins,
the body's own natural pain killers.
Ortho-Bionomy
Loosely
This gentle massage technique is often called the most homeopathic
of bodywork. Ortho-bionomy uses movements and gentle manipulations
to find the position of most comfort in response to a pain. The
practitioner then works from there to release the core problem.
Pfrimmer
Deep Muscle
Therese Pfrimmer who had studied at the Swedish Institute in New
York her discovery, which led to the reversal of her own paralysis,
uses strong strokes across the muscle fiber rather than along
the length of the fibers. This technique frees adhesions, improves
circulation, both lymphatic and vascular, and causes corrective
changes in the muscle on a cellular level. Working to correct
and prevent serious muscular conditions, it also alleviates sports
injuries, trauma, tension, and stress.
Polarity
Therapy
Polarity therapy is a holistic method of treatment. Ayurvedic
medicine, Chinese medicine, yoga, acupuncture and shiatsu techniques
to outline this system. By placing hands on various parts of the
body, the practitioner connects the positive and negative poles
to improve the flow of energy through the body and assist healing
and relaxation. To maintain well-being, diet, yoga, and self-awareness
are encouraged.
Postural
Integration
This ten-session system consists of deep tissue techniques, movement,
and breathwork. Recognizing that the body traps negative emotions,
this technique pays special attention to the fascia and the release
of emotional blocks in a psychotherapeutic manner with the aid
of intentional deep breathing.
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Pregnancy
Massage
Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman's body and is a time
for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only
relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and
shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling,
soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue,
and enhances energy.
Rebalancing
A new form of bodywork that takes the best of the presently existing
modalities and imbue them with a deeper perspective. Done in ten
sessions, rebalancing utilizes a combination of deep tissue massage,
joint tension release, verbal dialogue, and energy balancing to
relieve physical pain, release emotional holding patterns, and
enhance relaxation.
Reflexology
This is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and
feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian
lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each
zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the
feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the
natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits
and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied
to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.
Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal life
energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy
by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or
above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve
pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth.
Rolfing
Also called structural integration, when one part of the body
is out of balance or misaligned , the rest of the body attempts
to compensate until the entire structure is weakened. Even from
birth, the general pressures of life and gravity push our bodies
out of alignment. By manipulating the myofascial tissue in a ten
session series, each building on the previous one, Rolfers assist
the body to reorganize, lengthen, and integrate itself into wholeness.
Rated Deep
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Rosen
Method
This therapy, using gentle touch, breathing, and verbal interaction,
clients who verbalized their sensations and emotions during treatment
sessions improved more quickly than those who did not. The method
applies gentle touch using hands that "listen" rather
than manipulate. As practitioners touch the body where tension
is held in and thus where the breath cannot move freely, it reminds
the muscle and the unconscious feelings, attitudes, and memories
that they can freely release. Rosen Method is used for both physical
ailments and personal growth.
Rubenfeld
Synergy Method
Starting with the Alexander technique, components of Gestalt psychotherapy,
Feldenkrais movement, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy. Rubenfeld
Method responds to the needs of the client using gentle intentional
touch, movement, imagery, active listening, and verbal interaction
to facilitate the integration and healing of the bodymind.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific
points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands,
elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the
flow of energy. A session my also include gentle stretching and
range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain
and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.
Soma
Neuromuscular Integration
Developed in 1978 by Bill Williams, Ph.D, one of the first students
of Ida Rolf, this therapy refined Rolf's work by creating easier,
less intrusive ways of working with the fascia and muscles. This
ten-session process, which incorporates movement training and
awareness tools as well as massage and manipulation, also seeks
to promote greater access to the functioning of each hemisphere
of the brain.
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Sport
Massage
This special form of massage is typically used before, during,
and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance,
to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension,
to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the
needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including
classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point
work, and joint mobilization.
Structural
Integration
This term was created by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the
1930s. She maintained that when one part of the body is out of
balance or misaligned, the rest of the body attempts to compensate
until the entire structure is weakened. Even from birth, the general
pressures of life and gravity push our bodies out of alignment.
By manipulating the myofascial tissue in a ten session series,
each building on the previous one, practitioners assist the body
to reorganize, lengthen, and integrate itself into wholeness.
Rated Deep
Swedish
Massage
Swedish massage is now known as "traditional" massage.
Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction,
tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments,
because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up
a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers
and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands,
and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing. Rated Medium
Thai
Massage
Thai massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using
passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. Practitioners
apply pressure along meridian lines with their thumbs, hands,
and feet to stimulate the movement of energy in the body, and
in addition, move and stretch their clients in Yoga-like poses
to free muscular and joint tension. Designed to be both relaxing
and stimulating, Thai massage improves flexibility, reduces tension,
stimulates internal organs, and balances the body's energy system.
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Therapeutic
Touch
Therapeutic Touch Therapeutic Touch is a laying-on-of-hands technique
that doesn't actually touch the body but touches the energy field
around it. Based on the theory that the human energy field extends
beyond the skin and is abundant it flows in balanced patterns
in health but is depleted and/or unbalanced in illness or injury.
Practitioners restore health by sensing and adjusting such fields
to restore health and promote well-being.
Touch
For Health
Touch for Health is a system of energy balancing using muscle
testing, touch and acupressure massage to correct various physical
and emotional imbalances, stresses, and tension. Muscle testing
can reveal weaknesses even before symptoms manifest and how by
pressing reflex points, it is possible to rebalance the body and
the affected organs.
Trager
A combination of hands-on work, relaxation, and movement education.
Theorizing that the body learns to be light and effortless by
experiencing light and easy sensations, Trager practitioners gently
cradle, jiggle, rock, and stretch the body. This is turn helps
release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates
deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity.
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Trauma Erase
Trauma Erase was developed in the field of kinesiology and started
her massage career in the 1950's. This amazing therapy literally
erases trauma from ones body and mind. Rated Light
Trauma
Touch Therapy
Trauma touch therapy is a ten-session certified program designed
to meet the needs of clients with trauma and abuse histories.
In a nurturing and unhurried manner, the therapist and client
together create an emotionally safe environment in which healthy
boundaries can develop, and respect and trust can unfold. Through
focused awareness of sensation, breath, and movement the body
is gently reconnected with the emotions, the mind, and the spirit.
Watsu
Watsu is a form of water therapy. Combining floating, cradling,
stretching, shiastu techniques, and dance-like movement, Watsu
frees the spine, relaxes the muscles, and increases the flow of
energy in the body.
Zero
Balancing
Zero Balancing is a non-invasive hands-on. It evaluates and balances
the relationship between the energy fields of the body and its
physical structure. By applying gentle pressure with particular
attention paid to foundation joints, zero balancing creates clearer,
stronger energy fields in the bodymind and a balanced energy in
the bone and skeletal system, enabling the client to function
with a deeper personal strength and harmony.
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