Metta Touch: a blend of techniques from acupressure, reflexology, shiatsu, Swedish massage, Thai Massage, and yoga. One of its aims is to bridge the connection between the practitioner, the patient, and the cosmic life force.

(See also: Metta Touch, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

BUDZEK MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY

Developed by Jeffrey Budzeky, RN, Budzek Medical Massage Therapy is designed to relieve acute and chronic pain resulting from muscle, nerve, and joint disorders. This multi-modality therapy is based on the specific sequence of 12 different bodywork techniques and addresses eight different aspects that affect the body simultaneously.

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

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)

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, Healing, Body Mind and Soul)

Swedish Massage: A classical European massage technique of the muscles with special oils by therapeutic stroking and kneading of muscle tissue to promote stress relief.

It is used to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension, increase flexibility and induce relaxation. It combines three basic strokes to the skin: long, firm strokes; kneading strokes; and small circles. This is the most requested and one of the most enjoyable massages.

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

BREAST MASSAGE

This technique entails specific kneading, rubbing, and/or squeezing strokes applied to the soft tissue of the breast to increase lymph and blood flow. As poor circulation to this area can produce uncomfortable symptoms, and breast scarring caused by surgery and/or trauma can cause painful syndromes and obstruct blood and lymph flow, breast wellness becomes increasingly important.

The practice of breast massage should be in conjunction with (and not a substitute for) regular self-breast exams. If a lump is found in the breast, the area should not be massaged until a physician is consulted.

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

Alexander Technique: A posture, movement, and massage system designed to improve the way we sit, stand, and move in our daily routine, in order to relieve and prevent pain and stress.

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

Yogassage: One-on-one form of yoga therapy that includes many types of massage and healing techniques.

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

precision reflexology: A form of Foot Reflexology Massage that includes a technique called energy linking.

(See also: Precision reflexology, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Effleurage: Massage technique involving quick, long strokes at the beginning and end of a treatment.

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

CHAMPISSAGE

Champissage is the modern Indian name for the ayurvedic method of head massage, stimulating the circulation to the scalp and nourishing the hair roots.

Originally, the technique only included the head. Today, however, this modality usually includes massage of the shoulders, upper arms and neck, and face and ears. Along with increased blood circulation, it also stimulates the movement of lymph, thus having a cleansing effect, as well as proving to be an invaluable technique for relief of eye strain, headaches, insomnia, lack of concentration, and lethargy.

Typically ayurvedic oils are massaged into the scalp, however, this procedure can also be done without any oils or creams.

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

Nauli:

abdominal massage' - a cleansing technique (shatkarma) involving the contraction of the rectus abdominal muscles.

(See also: Nauli, Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

KRIPALU BODYWORK

The Kripalu bodyworker guides the client into a state of deep relaxation and meditation for the purpose of releasing physical and mental tension. This technique, based on Kripalu yoga, uses specific massage strokes and verbal/nonverbal procedures to aid clients in reconnecting with their body’s own healing wisdom.

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

MYOMASSOLOGY

Myomassology is an integration of techniques including basic Swedish massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, iridology, herbology, energy balancing, ear candling, and craniosacral therapy in conjunction with instruction in nutrition, meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong..

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

Swedish Massage

uses a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. Used primarily for a full-body treatment: promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of motion, relieves muscle tension.

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

PRENATAL MASSAGE / PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally, and during labor and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies.

Prenatally, 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 easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of 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.

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

BODY-ORIENTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

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. Proper training is critical in this work. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

(See also: BODY-ORIENTED PSYCHOTHERAPY, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Bodywork

encompasses many practices that utilize manual manipulation of the body. Techniques include massage, acupressure, energy work, movement, structural work, deep tissue massage and other therapies to induce relaxation, increase circulation, treat pain and stiffness, and to break up chronic patterns of muscular tension.

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

EXERSSAGE

StarFace Exerssage is a facial yoga, slow motion movement, and self massage technique integrated with breathing to release jaw tension and other tensions from neuromuscular parts of the face, head, and neck. It is comprised of 24 cranial facial yoga postures and a series of rhythmic contouring and acupressure pulsing massage movements. Connections are made to the vital organs with sound and intention. It facilitates the release of jaw tension, which is thought to be the source of counteracting aging.

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

CORE STRUCTURAL INTEGRATIVE THERAPY

Originated by George P. Kousaleos, CORE is a myofascial, postural and structural somatic therapy combining massage techniques with client-assisted movement. Normally lasting 10 sessions, there are four phases of CORE body therapy organized according to the level or layer of fascia, muscle, and supporting soft tissues that are manipulated: Core massage, core extrinsic, core intrinsic, and core integration.

(See also: CORE STRUCTURAL INTEGRATIVE THERAPY, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

HYDROTHERAPY

Although ancient Greece and Rome had both adopted the beliefs that water had healing properties, it was the Romans to first integrate hydrotherapy into their social life, building temples and baths near natural springs. Father Sebastian Kneipp from Worshofen, Bavaria, however, was the true father of modern-day hydrotherapy in Germany.

Various hydrotherapy massage techniques exist and are generally utilized by massage/bodywork practitioners, physical therapists, physicians, and spa technicians. These include underwater massage, herbal baths, thalassotherapy, Kneipp therapy, vichy treatments, scotch hoses, and Swiss showers.

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

ZEN BODY THERAPY

This technique integrates Zen training with Eastern teachings of the circulation of vital energy or essence of life.

(See also: ZEN BODY THERAPY, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)