Therapeutic Massage/Touch  - A healing technique that combines traditional laying of the hands with certain Eastern theories of energy flow. It is based on the concept of unblocking "fields of energy" in the body to relieve pain and disease (backache, tension, headache).

(See also: Therapeutic Massage/Touch, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

LONSDALE METHOD OF LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

This technique offers a unique integration of osteopathic visceral manipulation, using both deep and superficial lymphatic drainage techniques and strokes that are nurturing and effective in detoxifying the body.

(See also: LONSDALE METHOD OF LYMPHATIC MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Massage Therapy: Popular around the world, massage incorporates the use of touch to stimulate circulation, relax muscles and promote a sense of well-being. Licensed in Washington state, massage therapists can combine a variety of techniques for their client's benefit.

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

Infant Massage: Infant Massage seeks to enhance the bonding between parents and infant, improve digestion, and establish good sleeping patterns. Practitioners can use a wide variety of techniques derived from Swedish massage, reflexology, yoga and other bodywork forms.

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

RUSSIAN MASSAGE (RUSSIAN SPORTS MASSAGE)

This technique alters the basic strokes of classical massage so each stroke provides the client with the least invasive and most comfortable treatment.

Each stroke in Russian massage has a known physiological effect on a healthy or dysfunctional body. Therapists don’t use their wrists or single digit pressure, instead opting for shoulders or elbows as the primary sources of strength for deep work.

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

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Techniques which utilize deep tissue/deep muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.

The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It 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.

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

Swedish Massage: While the healing power of touch is an ancient concept, this technique is named after Swedish massage pioneer, Peter Ling (1776-1839).  This technique emphasizes that all strokes go toward the heart.  Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of the blood through the soft tissue of the body.

Theory Swedish Massage

By stroking and kneading the body, metabolic processes and blood circulation are stimulated.  Basic Swedish massage is a relaxing massage that relieves stress, improves sleep, and enhances circulation by improving muscle tone and flexibility.

Techniques of Swedish Massage

Stroking with a light pressure is repeated rhythmically.  Fresh blood flows to the tissues, nourishing them with increased oxygen and other nutrients.

Petrissage or Kneading

Picking up the muscles by squeezing and pressing.  Petrissage helps reduce edema and decongests muscles by encouraging the expulsion of fluids from the muscle.

Friction or Rubbing

Circular or transverse strokes.  Friction massage helps free muscles from scar tissue formed after an injury.  It also helps loosen joints and tendons.

Tapotement or Percussion

Performed by cupping or clapping.  It can be light or deep.

Range of Motion

Mobilizes joints.  Parts of the body are rotated, flexed, and extended.

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

MANIPULATION: application of manual force for healing. Term describes the techniques used in osteopathy, chiropractic, massage, and other bodywork therapies. Manipulation may involve various forms of massage, muscle pressure, and joint realignment or adjustment.

(See also: Manipulation, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Feet, leg, hand,and arm massages are an important part of pedicures and manicures. This technique will help relax your client, and possibly keep them coming back to you. When giving a foot massage you should be firm but gentle. Foot reflexology has been widely used while giving the foot massage. Also, you can massage with hot stones in your hands, and use special creams that have menthol in them to help rejuvenate the foot. ...

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Pedicure, Pedicure - History, Pedicure - Tools, Pedicure - Benefits, Pedicure - Things You Need To Know, Pedicure - Nail Cosmetics, Pedicure - Parts, Pedicure - Foot Massage, Pedicure - Typical Feet Disorders, Pedicure - Safety Rules

Read more here: » Pedicure: Encyclopedia II - Pedicure - Foot Massage

PHYTOTHERAPY

This technique utilizes massage, mud packs, wraps, baths, water, and steam therapies, and/or inhalation treatments using natural herbs and floral extracts, plant oils, and seaweeds.

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

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)

Kobayashi Technique (Applied Kobayashi Techniques, Kobayashi Techniques): rejuvenescent system promoted by Master Healer Ken Kobayashi. It encompasses acupuncture, Do-In, shiatsu massage, special diets, and the use of herbal tea preparations and the Shintsu-Riki (Healing Ki energy).

(See also: Kobayashi Technique, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

NIKKON RESTORATIVE MASSAGE (OKAZAKI RESTORATIVE MASSAGE)

Nikkon Restorative Massage was developed by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki in Hawaii in the 1920s. He incorporated Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian techniques. The goal of Okazaki’s style was to restore health and pull toxins out of the body through proper application of pressure using fingers, forearms, and elbows. The result is proper realignment of the body to its highest potential.

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

BELAVI

A series of massage techniques using acupressure points, lymphatic drainage strokes, and facial massage strokes, Belavi’ Facial Massage is designed to firm sagging skin, stimulate blood and oxygen, release toxins, and soften lines. The treatment also consists of cleansing, exfoliating, hot towel wraps, and a honeylift massage treatment.

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

Polarity energy balancing massage: System based on the work of Randolph Stone (see Polarity Therapy). It has four branches: (1) energy balancing bodywork technique, (2) Polarity Yoga, (3) diet, and (4) body/mind/spiritual psychology.

(See also: Polarity energy balancing massage, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

MASSAGE, BODYWORK AND SOMATIC THERAPIES

Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies is the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.

The application of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, pressure, and those techniques based on manipulation or the application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body.

This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, powders, or other lubricants may also be included.

Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation, or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure, or therapy that requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.

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

Sports massage

The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body's soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Above all, it can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether one is an athlete, ardent keep-fitter or a once a week jogger.

This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries).

Sports massage tends to be deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning, and trigger point response techniques similar to Acupressure and Shiatsu. The skilled therapist brings together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimise post event injuries.

(See also: Sports massage, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Integrative bodywork: A variety of massage therapies, bodywork techniques and energy therapies used to assist the healing process. Techniques include Swedish, Thai, deep tissue and lymphatic massage therapies; CranialSacral, breathwork and Feldenkrais, bodywork techniques; Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and Jin Shin Jitzu energy therapies.

(See also: Integrative bodywork, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system.

With the client’s permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects upon the mind and nervous system - calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace. The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage.

The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha - the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.

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

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy / Deep Muscle Massage: This type of massage eliminates knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks in the body due to prolonged stress. It includes various leverage techniques and kneading for a very firm massage.

(See also: Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

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 relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

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

BODY-ORIENTED PSYCHOTHERAPY: seeks to enhance the psychotherapeutic process by incorporating a range of massage, bodywork and movement techniques.

Acknowledging the mind-body link, practitioners may use light touch, soft or deep-tissue manipulation, breathing techniques, movement, exercise or body awareness techniques to help address emotional issues.

(See also: Body-oriented psychotherapy, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)