Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therape ...

Including:

• Massage - Massage Basics
• Massage - Communication
• Massage - Pressure
• Massage - Types of massage
• Massage - Breema
• Massage - Chair massage
• Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿
• Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓
• Massage - Deep muscle therapy
• Massage - Deep tissue massage
• Massage - Erotic massage
• Massage - Foot or sole massage
• Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage
• Massage - MA-URI massage
• Massage - Myofascial release
• Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique
• Massage - Neuromuscular therapy
• Massage - Scalp massage
• Massage - Shiatsu 指圧
• Massage - Stone massage
• Massage - Structural muscular balancing
• Massage - Swedish massage
• Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage
• Massage - Thai traditional massage
• Massage - Trigger point therapy
• Massage - Massage therapist organizations
• Massage - The ABMP
• Massage - The AMTA
• Massage - The AMTWP
• Massage - The CMTA
• Massage - The CMTO
• Massage - The CSMTA
• Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia - Massage

HOLOGRAPHIC MEMORY RELEASE

This is a powerful and subtle technique, developed by Charles Daily, D.C., which allows the holographic memory release practitioner to quickly locate specific holographic touch points which are referenced to the individual’s on-going process.

As in reflexology, where the entire body is represented on the foot, these touch points correlate to whole-body microsystems. Through very light and specific digital contacts, a piezoelectric effect is created within the crystalline connective tissue memory system for instantaneous memory reframing. This self-assembly process enhances subtle self-observation within the individual. It increases individual somatic awareness and releases self-limiting beliefs and tension patterns which have been stored within the body/mind continuum.

A 15-minute holographic memory release session spontaneously generates coherent waves of cellular resonance in the connective tissue matrix and releases information log-jams that can rob the individual of necessary vital capacity.

(See also: HOLOGRAPHIC MEMORY RELEASE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

BOWEN TECHNIQUE

Developed by Thomas Ambrose Bowen of Australia in the 1960s and 1970s, this hands-on, light-touch body therapy consists of gentle rolling movements over muscle bellies and tendons to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Originally intended to help people suffering from muscular-skeletal problems, Bowen Technique has also been successful with many other conditions, including asthma and respiratory ailments in children and pre-teens.

(See also: BOWEN TECHNIQUE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

BINDI

This bodywork combines marine algae exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.

(See also: BINDI , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK

Developed by Dr. Stanislov Grof, a psychiatrist working with people in non-ordinary states of consciousness, and by Christina Grof, a transpersonal teacher, this is a simple, yet powerful technique for self-exploration and healing based on combined insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology, and perennial spiritual practices.

The method activates non-ordinary states of consciousness which mobilize the spontaneous healing potential of the psyche. Sustained effective breathing, evocative music, focused energy work, and mandala drawing are components of this subjective journey.

Holotropic literally means moving toward wholeness. Virtually all ancient and native traditions recognize the psychological and spiritual healing potential of states of consciousness that differ from what we call ordinary.

Holotropic Breathwork is a powerful method of self-exploration and healing. This work can be useful for artists wishing to facilitate their creativity, persons seeking a deep level of healing, those seeking to explore their inner self and/or the transpersonal dimensions, and it can lead to a spiritual opening and transformation.

(See also: HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

There are well over 150 types of massage therapy. Various styles of massage have developed from a number of sources. Massage - Breema. Breema bodywork is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches which leads to deep relaxation, increased vitality, and stimulation of the self-healing processes of the body. Sessions can be any length of time, although 50 minutes is common. There are also self-Breema exercises. The essence of Breema is ex ...

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - International, Massage - United States, Massage - Canada

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Types of massage

ORIENTAL BODYWORK

Monitoring the flow of the vital life energy (known as chi, ki, or prana) is at the heart of Oriental bodywork. Using physical pressure and manipulation, the healer evaluates and modulates this energy flow to attain a state of balance.

Popular modalities include shiatsu, based on Chinese medicine; amma, a combination of East and West healing traditions; Jin Shin Do, utilizing oriental acupuncture and acupressure along with Taoist principles; Thai massage, blending Hindu and Chinese energy systems theory with techniques similar to shiatsu; and tui na, based on Chinese medicine and the traditional Japanese massage of amma (as distinct from the more recently developed amma therapy).

(See also: ORIENTAL BODYWORK , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

There are well over 150 types of massage therapy. Various styles of massage have developed from a number of sources. Massage - Breema. Breema bodywork is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches which leads to deep relaxation, increased vitality, and stimulation of the self-healing processes of the body. Sessions can be any length of time, although 50 minutes is common. There are also self-Breema exercises. The essence of Breema is ex ...

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - The ABMP, Massage - The AMTA, Massage - The AMTWP, Massage - The CMTA, Massage - The CMTO, Massage - The CSMTA, Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Types of massage

FIVE-ELEMENT SHIATSU

This technique is based on classical Chinese medicine’s law of the five elements.

The five-element system views the human body as a microcosm of the universe with the tides of energy and emotions waxing and waning. These energies and emotions are stored in the visceral organs and move through specific pathways or meridians in the body in a regular and cyclical fashion.

When these energies or emotions become blocked, or deficient or excessive through stress, trauma or disease, the five-element practitioner may use carefully controlled pressure on certain meridian points to help move the energy or emotions. This restores the natural cycle of energy and emotional movement, thus helping the person’s natural ability to heal.

(See also: FIVE-ELEMENT SHIATSU , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

RAINDROP TECHNIQUE

Originated by D. Gary Young, raindrop 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 of about six inches above the back and massaged along the vertebrae. The oils used in this 45-minute treatment continue to work for the next five to seven days.

(See also: RAINDROP TECHNIQUE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

HEMME APPROACH

Developed by Dave Leflet, HEMME is a soft-tissue therapy designed for practitioners in a clinical setting. It relieves pain by restoring alignment and improving myofascial dysfunction.

The acronym HEMME stands for history, evaluation, modalities, manipulation, and exercise. It utilizes physical medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic work, and physical therapy - HEMME is a conglomeration of the most proven techniques found in these approaches and works successfully in treating chronic low back pain and soft tissue injury.

(See also: HEMME APPROACH , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

AROMATHERAPY

The use of essential oils (which are extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the healing of wounds.

Aromatherapy diffusers are utilized to fill the massage room with the scent of the oils. Specific essential oils are blended by the aromatherapist and added to a carrier oil, such as almond oil, to be used during the massage. Each of the oils has its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Use of this technique declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed. However, the French chemist Gattefossé revived the art by coining the term aromatherapy and by publishing a book on the subject in 1928.

(See also: AROMATHERAPY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

BIOFEEDBACK

Biofeedback utilizes a system of sensitive instruments that relay information about the physical condition of the body. Used as a primary therapy, or in conjunction with other methods, biofeedback provides deep relaxation and stress management skills to prevent stress-related disorders and illness. These skills, including deep breathing and guided imagery, offer self-regulation and control over mental, emotional, and physical processes. The principles of biofeedback can be traced back to the 18th century.

(See also: BIOFEEDBACK , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

CHRISTOPHER METHOD

The Christopher Method Sound-Wave Energy Therapy was introduced in 1995 and is a non-touch therapy that works on the multiple energy fields of the body to reinforce and release energy, thereby contributing to balance and well-being on the emotional, psychological, and physiological levels. It gradually realigns all levels of energy, which run through the body.

Tiny sound-wave vibrations are passed through the practitioner’s aura to the recipient’s energy field where they resonate through each of the multiple fields of the body to clear blocked energy, restore and reinforce natural polarity, and align and reinforce proper energy flow.

(See also: CHRISTOPHER METHOD , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

KRIYA MASSAGE

Kriya Massage, developed by Kamala Renner in 1970, is different from any traditional bodywork training because of the emphasis on the intuitive aspect by the practitioner in flowing with the “Kriya” movement while performing the massage. Kriya is defined as spontaneous energy movement.

Kriya Massage is an art form that integrates the universal, life-affirming flow of energy between the practitioner and client, with any classical massage techniques integrated into the dance.

Kriya Massage is a bodywork dance with the individual creating her own style in harmony with four universal forces. The strokes and techniques used in Kriya Massage are a combination of energy work, Swedish, neuromuscular, and somato-emotional release work done in a connected smooth pattern.

The experience of a Kriya Massage is one of stepping out of time and space as a means of taking inventory of one’s condition, then allowing the subconscious to shift and adjust programmed responses to life. The healing quality of Kriya Massage is accomplished by transforming attitudes. Giving, as well as receiving, a Kriya Massage is a regenerating experience. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

(See also: KRIYA MASSAGE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

ESALEN MASSAGE

Developed in the 1960s, this style originated at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, Calif., and is based on a combination of Oriental and Swedish massage techniques.

Esalen is light and gentle in nature, emphasizing nurturing and empathy. The strokes are soft, easy, and slow, prompting deep relaxation. It is used to reduce stress, relieve pain, improve sleep, aid digestion, and promote healing.

(See also: ESALEN MASSAGE , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

CRYOTHERAPY

Also known as ice therapy, this modality uses the application of cold hydrotherapy in the form of ice packs and cold water immersions to alleviate blood flow, swelling, and inflammation with the contraction of blood vessels. Used in conjunction with heat, cryotherapy can increase circulation, and, hence, remove wastes and toxins from an injured area.

(See also: CRYOTHERAPY , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

CHI NEI TSANG

This technique was created by a Taoist monk several thousand years ago in the mountain monasteries of China. In order for the monks to be able to learn to perform the highest levels of spiritual practices, they needed to generate a very high level of energy.

Today, chi nei tsang is still practiced for this same reason, but people in all walks of life who seek greater health and well-being can also use it. Chi means energy and information and nei tsang means viscera or internal organs. Chi nei tsang addresses the origin of health problems, including psychosomatic responses, and increases the resilience of the body’s defense system.

A chi nei tsang treatment may be self-administered or given by a practitioner. chi nei tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with deep, soft, and gentle touch to train internal organs to work more efficiently. All the body systems are addressed - digestion, respiration, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, etc. Chi nei tsang integrates applied qigong with the art of abdominal massage.

(See also: CHI NEI TSANG , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

Kripalu Bodywork: Derivative of Kripalu Yoga. It involves breathwork and massage and draws from Polarity Therapy and Swedish massage. Its design is to promote relaxation and assist reconnection of recipients and the healing wisdom of their bodies.

(See also: Kripalu Bodywork , Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

FELDENKRAIS METHOD

Developed by Russian-born Israeli educator Moshe Feldenkrais, this method establishes new connections between the brain and body through movement re-education.

One of two formats of instruction is used: Awareness through movement and functional integration. In the one-on-one functional integration session, a teacher uses hands-on manipulation to guide the student toward new movement patterns. Awareness through movement classes are group sessions in which the teacher verbally guides students through repatterning.

Feldenkrais proposed that nearly our entire spectrum of movement is learned during our first few years of life, but that these movements represent a mere 5 percent of all possibilities available to us. Habituated responses to problem areas in our lives are ingrained in our movement patterns. By retraining the central nervous system through the skeletal system, old patterns are eliminated and replaced with new skills that improve the physical, mental, and emotional functioning of the body. In this way, unconscious movement is brought into conscious awareness where it may be used as a tool for opening the human potential.

(See also: FELDENKRAIS METHOD , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Bodywork Dictionary

Massage - Communication. Good communication is essential to effective massage. In a commercial setting, the client is encouraged to communicate the type of treatment expected, for example relaxation or pain relief, full body massage or focus on a specific area, the amount of pressure that is comfortable, preferred techniques, and past medical history and current physical condition.

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - The ABMP, Massage - The AMTA, Massage - The AMTWP, Massage - The CMTA, Massage - The CMTO, Massage - The CSMTA, Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Massage Basics

Massage - The ABMP. The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) an international, for-profit, organization of professional massage therapists and bodyworkers. Massage - The AMTA. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is the largest non-profit professional organization of massage therapists in the United States, although there are other professional organ ...

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - The ABMP, Massage - The AMTA, Massage - The AMTWP, Massage - The CMTA, Massage - The CMTO, Massage - The CSMTA, Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Massage therapist organizations