Massage Info
Swedish Massage: Designed to move blood and lymph fluid throughout the body, and to relieve muscle aches while increasing relaxation and a sense of general well-being. Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Therapists use a combination of six basic strokes(Effleurage, Compression, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration and Tapotement), 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 relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
Connective Tissue Therapy (CTT): Focuses on lengthening the fascial component of chronically shortened muscles and allowing muscles to return to a relaxed state. Gives one a greater range of motion, relief from problematic postural habits, and increased ease of movement. Also known as bindegewebsmassage, these techniques are designed to specifically affect the connective tissue of the body. CTT was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke. After diagnosis of a serious medical problem, she experimented with different types of massage on herself. She found when she applied light pressure through the skin and connective tissue in one area of the body, there was a related effect at a distant site. From Alternative Healing, by Hugh Burroughs and Mark Kastner: "The technique consists of the massage therapist subtly hooking her fingers into the skin and superficial connective tissue while performing a dragging or pulling stroke that somewhat stretches the skin." In Germany, it is considered a physical therapy technique; in many parts of Europe, it is considered a medical technique.
Neuromuscular Therapy: Also known as Myofascial Release or Trigger Point Therapy. A focus of hyperirritability in a tissue that, when compressed is locally tender and, if sufficiently hypersensitive, gives rise to referred pain and tenderness. Small contraction knots in the muscle body. This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body's central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws that explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and lymphatic flow and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility to the tissues.
Reflexology: Massage techniques used on hands or feet to stimulate both the circulatory and lymph system to release energy and toxins that becomes blocked, which affects the body. Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body's energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. Developed in the United States in the early 1900s, this technique is used today to reduce pain, increase relaxation and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
Sports and Medical: Working with referral patterns and other massage techniques in ways specifically appropriate for those who may need to address muscoluskeletal pain from repetitive stress or specific injury. Sports massage consists of specific components designed to reduce injuries, alleviate inflammation, provide warm-up, etc. for amateur and professional athletes before, during, after, and within their training regimens.
Kinesthetic Awareness through Movement (KAM): Using gentle range-of-motion, rocking, and rhythmic techniques, Kinetic Awareness is a system of bodywork that aims to increase knowledge of the human body by understanding tension as a positive and necessary part of movement affecting health, attitude and emotional well-being. Designed to improve mental image, clients can gain a heightened sensitivity to posture and movement. All parts of the body are encouraged to be free to move in all directions in which it's possible. A goal of kinetic awareness is to free the body so it is always moving away from pain and toward pleasure. There are five phases of awareness, including attention to breathing, simultaneous movement of body parts, level of tension, speed of movement and relation to others.
Energy Palpation: Includes the bodywork of Polarity Therapy and Reflexology. Sensitivity to areas of congested energy for encouraging release.
Shiatsu: Eastern Theory modality which covers Five Element Theory and investigates the 14 primary meridians and the major points along these meridians. Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing the traditional acupuncture points of Oriental healing. 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. With the client reclining, the practitioner applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow or knee to specific zones on the skin located along the energy meridians. 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.