Below is a list of some the various types of massage, along with a brief description.
Accupressure - This is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture. It uses finger pressure (no needles) on your specific body points. Accupressure opens blocked or congested energy centers, enhancing ‘chi'. This therapy uses your body's own recuperative powers to help fight illness and restore harmony. It's used in the treatment of various ailments such as stress and tension, insomnia, general aches and pains, arthritis and muscle cramps.
The therapist massages points on the body using a finger or thumb, or perhaps a blunt object, in a fairly rapid circular motion with a medium pressure. It can involve rubbing, kneading, percussion, and vibration. Fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet are often used to massage other parts of the body. Acupressure can be performed sitting, standing or lying down. Also see Jin Shin Do and Jin Shin Jyutsu (below).
Craniosacral Therapy - Improves the functioning of your brain and spinal cord by using a gentle technique. Your body's own natural mechanisms are used to relieve stress, enhance resistance to disease, and promoter overall good health.
Deep Tissue Massage - Releases chronic muscle tension. Slower strokes and more direct presure is used across the grain of the muscles. I detect stiff and painful areas, and slowly work into the deep layers of the muscle tissue. Breath and movement techniques are also used to release muscular congestion.
Esalen Massage - Early Esalen leaders, Charlotte Selver and Bernie Gunther, combined a philosophical approach with traditional Swedish massage. For me, I quiet my mind, apply my intuition, and be fully present in the moment with you, my client.
Jin Shin Do - "The Way of the Compassionate Spirit." This technique evolved from accupressure. Gentle pressure is applied to forty-five specific body points to balance vital `chi' energy. The therapist enters a meditative state and uses a knowledge of energy flows to transfer chi to the client. It is said to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, balance emotions, and enhance the client's spiritual state of being.
Jin Shin Jyutsu - This technique also evolved from accupressure. It is intended to harmonize the life energy in the body. Fingertip pressure is gently applied to twenty-six safety energy locks on the body,to harmonize and restore the energy flow. The tension and stress accumulated through daily living is reduced.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage - this accelerates the body's flow of lymphatic fluid through the application of soothing, gentle, rhythmical, and massage-like movements.
Myofascial - connective tissues in the body are released through the use of gentle traction, pressures, and positioning. If a person experiences physical or emotional trauma, or suffers from chronic pain or physical dysfunction, the body's fascia (a complex supportive tissue web occurring throughout the entire body) can retain tension. This results in restricted blood flow and body fatigue. Myofascial release techniques are used to relax muscle spasms and release tension stored in the facia. It also results in increased flexibility and mobility.
Neuromuscular Therapy - here pressure therapy is used to stop the cycle of stress-tension-pain. It's intended to relax the muscle, resulting in increased circulation, and allowing the body to return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance. The St. John Method is a type of NMT.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy - developed by Therese Pfrimmer. Pfrimmer was once partially paralyzed but through the use of deep muscle manipulation she overcame the disability. She then spent the next 30 years developing the Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy technique. This therapy manipulates the deep tissues, stimulating circulation and regenerating lymphatic flow, which promotes the detoxification and oxygenation of stagnant tissues.
Polarity Therapy - uses a holistic approach to overall wellbeing, believing that the flow and balance of a body's energy is the foundation of health. This energy can be adversely affected by stress, pain, tension, environmental stimuli, and other factors. Four therapeutic methods are utilizied: bodywork, diet, exercise, and self-awareness. In therapy, gentle pressure is applied to points along the body, as well as manipulation. It includes advise on nutrition and food combining, developing a positive attitude, and the use of exercises to increase the body's energy flow.
Reiki - universal energy is channeled through a traditional pattern of hand positions resting on the body without pressure. This can bring about healing and deep relaxation.
Shiatsu - This is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy, and is useful in treating a wide range of conditions. Shiatsu is deeply relaxing. Use regularly scheduled sessions to help relieve (and prevent the build up of) stress.
Common conditions helped by Shiatsu include back pain, whiplash or other traumatic injuries, joint pain and reduced mobility, menstrual problems, asthmatic problems, headaches (including migraines), neck stiffness, sports injuries, digestive problems, and even depression.
Shiatsu uses the energy that flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. Various issues can block the flow of this energy and produce symptoms. I will consider your symptoms and use a variety of techniques to reduce (and remove) this blockage.
This type of therapy works on the individual as a complete being, considering the physical, emotional, and mental level. For more information read Rediscovering Shiatsu by Yehuda J. Lev
Sports Massage - is popular with the serious athletes. The therapist focuses on the muscles utilized in a specific athletic activity. It is used before and after an event, as well as a regularly scheduled maintenance treatment. Sports Massage can enhance athletic endurance and performance, as well as reduce the change of injury. If an injury should occur, the recovery time is often reduced.
Swedish Massage - A Swedish Massage relaxes muscles by rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Your lymph system and blood veins rely on muscle action to properly operate. Other benefits include the relaxation of muscles, increased circulation, and the removal of metabolic waste products. When you receive a Swedish Massage, lactic acid, uric acid and other wastes are flushed from your tissues. This can enhance the recovery from a muscular strain. Your circulation is improved, and your ligaments and tendons are kept supple. As it helps reduce emotional and physical stress, a Swedish Massage is often recommended as part of a stress management program. For specific injuries or conditions, it may be used in a medical or remedial therapy.
TOP
Thai Massage - also known as Nuad Bo-Rarn, Thai Massage was originally used by Buddist Monks and has been in use for at least 2,500 years. Pressure is placed on energy lines and points, and stretching movements are used. Benefits include increased flexibility, tension relief, and a free flow of the body's natural energy.
Trager Psychophysical Integration - gentle movements are used to release deep-seated physical and mental patterns. Rhythmic motion of the client's body is applied. This technique helps reduce the stress from chronic tension, enhance conscious awareness and flexibility, expand energy, and reduce constriction and rigidity of motion. Peace and serenity can be experienced.
Trigger Point and Myotherapy - relieves pain through the alleviation of muscle spasms and cramping. Points where the muscles have been damaged or chronically spasm are deactivated through the application of pressure. This increases the blood flow and oxygen level to the 'trigger' area. A cooling agent (such as ice) may be applied to reduce the body's nervous system response. Next the muscles are gently stretched. If you suffer from acute of chronic muscle tension, spasms, and associated pain, you are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment.
TOP