Types and Forms of Massage Therapy
Acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Developed prior to
the popularization of Acupuncture, acupressure has been practiced for over 5000
years. As a non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure uses deep
finger pressure applied at points located along an system of energy channels
within the body called meridians. These points are thought to directly relate to
organs and glands of the body, constrictions in the flow of energy at these
points causes disease and discomfort. Acupressure stimulates these points to
remove blockages, to increase the energy flow and to promote health and harmony
in the body. For a detail discussion on
Acupressure Massage click here.
Named after Australian Tom Bowen who, in the 1950's, 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 achieves its own cure.
This technique addresses specific muscles and muscle groups to fix specific
problems. It is a fundamental technique that offers fast results for both pain
and stress. This form of cross fiber massage was first written about in the late
1800's in New York City. This technique begins gently and progresses deeply as
the outer muscle fibers relax, allowing the second and third layer of muscle to
be addressed.
Deep Tissue Massage uses deep muscle compression and friction along the grain
of the muscle. Its purpose is to release the fibers of the muscles
that have bound together and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of
tension. A good book on
Deep
Tissue Massage with indepth information.
Hot Stone Massage
Developed in the midweat 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. A very
relaxing massage using hot basalt lava rocks that are used to massage the body.
Short tight muscles respond very well to this massage and many achieve a deeper
state of relaxation from the stones massage as the heat melts the muscles, and
increases circulation to area applied, also is very grounding. Also often
incorporated with techniques from massage to help get the maximum benefits
from the session.
Integrative Massage
Based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, this style of massage came out of work at
the Boulder College of Massage Therapy over 20 years ago. 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 breath work. This therapy is thought to assist
in the release of emotional issues trapped in the body
Lomi lomi Massage
Lomi lomi "rub rub,"is a massage technique that's been handed down from
ancient Hawaiian healers. Spiritual in nature, the technique was formalized in
its modern form by Hawaiian-born nurse, Margaret Machado. This form of massage
has characteristics of both shiatsu and acupressure. However, it is in
gentler form a massage than either of those. Two identifying techniques of
authentic Lomi lomi are the emphasis on spirit/body connection and the use of
forearm and elbow as a massage tool.
Lymph System Massage
Developed in the 1930s, this is a specific technique that massages the lymph
nodes and lymph system using light rhythmic strokes. A lymph system massage
always runs with the muscle fiber, rather than cross-fiber, because the lymph
system runs in the direction of the muscle fiber.
Myofascial Release Therapy
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 is thought to affect another part though the fascia. The fascia
responds to massage by releasing the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions
and trauma.
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 bring 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.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy
One of the early forms of deep muscle massage, it was developed in the 1940s
The cross fiber technique frees adhesions, improves circulation, both lymphatic
and vascular, and causes corrective changes in the muscle on a cellular level.
Reflexology
This is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet.
Practitioners believe that each zone or part of the body has a corresponding
reflex point on the feet, and that manipulating 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 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. Read here for an in-depth look at the practice of
engery healing and Reiki
Rolfing
Another form of myofascial massage. Rolfing was developed in the
1930's. It is also called structural integration. 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.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu, is the most widely known form of acupressure. It means literally
"finger pressure". Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on
specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows,
and knees to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session may also
include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations.
The Japanese word hara means abdomen. Zen Shiatsu teaches that the abdomen
reflects conditions of health and un-health in the body and that we can
influence our health directly by massaging and self-massaging our abdomen (self-hara).
Self Hara is part of Do-In, a self-therapy that involves principles of Shiatsu
and self-massage.
Meridian Stretching is a form of stretching that concentrates on the
circulation of Qi in the body. It it had been developed by a Chinese instead of
a Japanese it would probably be called Qi Gong stretching. The external forms of
Meridian stretches resemble many Yoga postures, but the execution greatly varies
and at times contradicts Yoga postures. Due to the flow of Qi inside the
meridian system the order of stretching becomes important. Metal imaging and
breathing are key factors in meridian stretching. The flexibility of the
practitioner is absolutely unimportant. Read more here for an in-depth look at
Shiatsu Massage History and Technique.
Structural Integration
(See Rolfing)
Swedish Massage
Often referred to as "traditional" massage it is the most common form of
western massage. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading,
friction, tapping, and shaking motions. 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.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive
stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. An amalgamation of
yoga, shiastu and acupressure, this form of massage dates back to the time of
Buddha. Designed to be both relaxing and stimulating, Thai massage improves
flexibility, reduces tension, stimulates internal organs, and balances the
body's energy system.
Trager
Trager was developed over the past 55 years by Milton Trager, M.D It is
a combination of hands-on work, relaxation, and movement education. Trager
practitioners gently cradle, jiggle, rock, and stretch the body. This is thought
to help release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep
relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger point is a pain-relief technique to alleviate muscle spasms and
cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are
often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring
spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. Click here for a
detailed discussion in technique it is
closely related to acupressure.
Watsu
Watsu is a form of water therapy developed in the early 1980s. Combining
floating in warm water, cradling, stretching, shiastu techniques, and dance-like
movement, Watsu frees the spine, relaxes the muscles, and increases the flow of
energy in the body
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