When we think of massage, most of us think of the long, slow, rhythmic strokes of Swedish Massage, which is definitely one of my favorites. However, as a massage therapist of 11 years, I have studied numerous other modalities, which I’d like to introduce you to.
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure massage is an ancient healing art, originating over 5,000 years ago. Simple pressure applied to traditional acu-points facilitates the body’s natural ability to move towards balance, health and vitality. Like acupuncture, acupressure works with the 12 meridians (energetic pathways) which relate to each organ of the body.
Chair Massage
Also known as seated massage or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the client sits comfortably. The technique is centuries-old. Seated massage includes bodywork and somatic techniques, and Swedish massage, and is provided to the fully clothed client in a variety of settings, including businesses, airports and street fairs.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue techniques are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. Deep tissue helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Energetic Modalities—Reiki and Polarity Therapy
Reiki is a “laying on of hands” in a series of 12-16 hand positions which cover the endocrine system and energy centers of the body. Reiki recipients often report sensations of warmth, electricity, pulsations and energy waves. Reiki energy naturally goes where the need is greatest. Often there is a sense of deep relaxation which allows the recipient to enter a deep, restful state, which is where the healing begins.
Polarity therapy is a wholistic system of health care which considers the whole being of the body-mind and spirit-emotions. It consists of a series of holds, gentle rocks and specific moves that relax, reduce stress, promote calm, balances, soothe and rejuvenate the individual. It helps the body to return to its natural state of health and balance.
Hot/Warm Stone Massage
Hot or warm stones are placed at specific sites on the client’s body to promote relaxation and to help open up the meridians. Muscles are pretreated with the heated stones to allow the therapist to more easily perform deep tissue manipulations. Cool stones are sometimes used alternately with hot stones. Massage oils are incorporated into the massage treatment.
Infant Massage
Infant massage is a vital, dynamic interaction that forms the foundation of relationship building that lasts a lifetime. The original infant-parent tie is important for infants and society because it is from this attachment and bonding that all subsequent attachments will follow. The first language of an infant’s development is through the skin and has many benefits including: instilling a sense of love, acceptance, respect and trust; stimulates circulation; strengthens digestive, circulation and gastrointestinal systems; reduces discomfort from teething, congestion, gas, colic and emotional stress.
Intrinsic Touch
Similar to myofascial release, Intrinsic Touch is an effective hands on technique which provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain, headaches and to restore motion. Fascia is a tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body in a 3-dimensional web from head to foot without interruption. Trauma or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures and organs. This method consists of stretching and holding for up to two minutes allowing the fascia to release and unwind.
Prenatal Massage
Performed by a trained prenatal specialist using a variety of massage methods that are effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies. Specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and eases pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions f the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions and contraindications is highly recommended, and many practitioners require referrals from physicians prior to therapy especially if the pregnancy is considered to be high risk.
Raindrop Technique
Originated by Dr. Gary Young, this technique is a noninvasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine caused by viruses and bacteria that lie dormant there. Antimicrobial essential oils are used to reduce inflammation by killing the viral agents, thus bringing the body into structural and electrical alignment. The oils (primarily thyme, oregano, birch, cypress, peppermint and basil) are dispensed like little drops of rain from a height six inches above the back and massaged along the vertebrae. The oils used in the treatment continue to work for the next five to seven days.
Senior Massage
Senior Massage is a gentle, sensitive and non-intrusive massage designed for older adults who need a gentler massage. It has many of the components of Swedish massage as well as healing touch. It is relaxing, nurturing, supportive and comforting.
Shiatsu
Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing traditional acupuncture points. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing. The treatment brings about a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of this treatment may include pain relief and a strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease and disorder.
Swedish Massage
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relations, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
