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)

Chinese Qigong massage (An Mo, Chinese massage, Qigong massage): Component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that emphasizes the proper level, quality of circulation, and preventive uses of Qi. The categories of Chinese Qigong massage are amma, Tuina, dian xue, and Qigong therapy.

(See also: Chinese Qigong massage, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

knife massage (knife therapy): A technique that involves tapping acupoints with the blade of a cleaver.

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

Esalen massage: A form of bodywork that borrows from craniosacral balancing (see CranioSacral Therapy), Rolfing, Swedish massage, Trager, and other methods.

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

massage aromatherapy: Application during a massage therapy session of a vegetable oil to which an essential oil has been added.

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

Thai Massage: Millennia-old, sacred form of bodywork that resembles shiatsu and is related to Nadi Sutra Kriya. It draws from acupressure, passive yoga therapy, and reflexology. Thai Massage makes recipients feel more balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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

Massage and its remedial effects

Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It also speeds up blood circulation.

The literal meaning of 'massage' is manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and a host of other countries.

Procedure

According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs (legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage with the hands to derive complete benefit.

According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before panchakarma treatment. Panchakarmas are the five basic principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:

·      Vamana (emesis)

·      Virechana (puragation)

·      Nruha (medicated anema)

·      Anuvasana (unctuous anema -

·      preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)

·      Nasya (inhalation therapy)

Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation). Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be given before panchakarma treatment.

Benefits

1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce oedema,

 adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm and improve

 muscle tone.

2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores

 of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat.

3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing swelling

 (oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and soothing them.

4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the urinary system.

Rules on massage oil

1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan Taila.

2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi Taila.

3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi Taila.

4. For patients with burning sensation problems and sleeplessness, use

 Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi Taila.

5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila, Nimba

 Taila and Bakuchi Taila.

Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should be bathed with lukewarm water.

Contraindications

1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.

2.Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.

3.Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of diarrhoea, ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the abdomen.

Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour (besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves.

(See also: Massage, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Massage and its remedial effects

Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It also speeds up blood circulation.

The literal meaning of 'massage' is manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and a host of other countries.

Procedure

According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs (legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage with the hands to derive complete benefit.

According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before panchkarma treatment. Panchkarmas are the five basic principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:

·      Vamana (emesis)

·      Virechana (puragation)

·      Nruha (medicated anema)

·      Anuvasana (unctuous anema -

·      preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)

·      Nasya (inhalation therapy)

Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation). Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be given before panchkarma treatment.

Benefits

1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce oedema,

 adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm and improve

 muscle tone.

2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores

 of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat.

3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing swelling

 (oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and soothing them.

4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the urinary system.

Rules on massage oil

1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan Taila.

2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi Taila.

3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi Taila.

4. For patients with burning sensation problems and sleeplessness, use

 Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi Taila.

5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila, Nimba

 Taila and Bakuchi Taila.

Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should be bathed with lukewarm water.

Contraindications

1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.

2.Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.

3.Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of diarrhoea, ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the abdomen.

Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour (besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves.

(See also: Massage, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Tuina (tway na)  (Chinese Massage Therapy, Push Grab Massage, Tuei-Na, Tui Na An Mo, tuina therapy): Ancient Chinese form of remedial massage that regulates the circulation of chi and restores the balance of yin and yang (cosmic poles).

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

neo-Reichian massage: System based on theories developed by Wilhelm Reich (see orgone therapy and Reichian Therapy). Practitioners locate and dissolve holding patterns (body armoring). Reich principled that obstructions to orgone cause neuroses and most physical disorders. Muscular contractions (body armor) in various parts of the body manifest such blockages.

(See also: Neo-Reichian massage, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

marma therapy (Ayurvedic lymphatic massage, Ayurvedic massage, marma technique): A form of massage that stimulates marmas - 107 vital, epidermal, invisible but palpable junction points between mind and matter.

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

Cayce/Reilly massage (Cayce/Reilly approach to massage, Cayce/Reilly method, Cayce/Reilly technique): Holistic form of massage named after psychic Edgar Cayce (see The Cayce Approach to Health and Healing) and physiotherapist Dr. Harold J. Reilly, coauthor of The Edgar Cayce Handbook for Health Through Drugless Therapy A.R.E. Press, 1975). It includes energy balancing.

(See also: Cayce Reilly massage, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

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)

Reichian Therapy (psychiatric orgone therapy, Reichian bodywork therapy, Reichian massage; called vegetal therapy in Europe): Psychoanalytic form of bodywork developed by Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957), the discoverer of orgone (see orgone therapy).

According to Reichian theory, blockages to orgone cause neuroses and most physical disorders. Muscular contractions (body armor) in various parts of the body manifest such blockages. The Reichian therapist intuitively decides where the greatest body armor is and seeks to dissolve or dismantle it. Approaches to dissolving this armor include massage and having the patient breathe deeply, cry, gag, kick, make faces, scream, and roll his or her eyes. Reichian Therapy is also called Reichian vegetotherapy.

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

SOUND THERAPY

Using the media of sound (music, tones, vibrations, etc.) as a tool for healing, sound therapy enables the realignment of natural body rhythms. Therapy may include, but is not limited to, the use of tibetan singing bowls, chimes, acutonic tuning forks, rattles, and drums.

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

SPA THERAPIES

A variety of body treatments administered in spas. Herbal wraps, loofah body scrubs, parafango, salt scrubs, seaweed body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments, etc. See Spa Treatments section.

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

SHEN THERAPY

SHEN is the acronym for Specific Human Energy Nexus and was developed by American scientist Richard Pavek. A scientifically researched form of energy healing, SHEN aims to release emotions trapped in the body, leading to freedom from pain and tension.

SHEN teaches that most emotions are held in the torso, at four main sites: the heart, the solar plexus, the kath (below the navel), and the root (the perineum). The practitioner places hands in paired positions on the fully-clothed client who’s lying on the table.

The practitioner ascertains the locations of somatically held emotions and determines an appropriate physio-emotional release plan. A naturally occurring energy flows from the practitioner’s hands through the emotional centers of the client’s body in a precise way to discharge debilitating emotions.

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

LaSTONE THERAPY

Stones of all shapes and sizes and varying temperatures, ranging from zero to 140 degrees, are used during LaStone massage therapy to elicit physical healing, mental relaxation, and a spiritual connection to earth energy.

Warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide soothing heat for deep-tissue work. Cold stones aid with inflammation, moving blood out of the area, and balancing male/female energies.

Stones are placed in varying positions on the body for energy balancing or may be used by the therapist for specific trigger-point work. The alternating heat and cold of thermotherapy brings the entire body into the healing process, with a rapid exchange of blood and oxygen and alternating rise and fall of respiration rate as the body seeks homeostasis.

LaStone therapy requires less effort from the practitioner’s own body and delivers healing warmth to the hands, benefitting the therapist, as well as the client. Founder Mary Harrigan drew from the wisdom of ancient healers in using thermotherapy as the basis for her approach.

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

MAGNET THERAPY

The therapeutic use of magnets may be older than acupuncture, originally involving a material called magnetite applied in a poultice. Today’s magnet therapy is still applied to the skin, but employs steady or pulsed magnetic fields from either electromagnets or less powerful permanent magnets. Fixed magnets may also be taped to the body for a period of time.

Magnet therapy is used to relieve pain and discomfort and to aid in healing with a variety of physical and emotional disorders, such as arthritis and stress. Treatment may be administered by the therapist or, as in the case of taped magnets, by the client.

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

MOVEMENT THERAPY

A variety of techniques that utilize movement re-education and proper body mechanics in combination with massage or soft tissue manipulation.

After observing the client, the therapist will determine which corrective measures are necessary to accomplish specific goals. Active client participation is important while the practitioner uses verbal instruction, hypnosis and imagery, deep muscle and connective tissue manipulation, and mobilization in the movement re-education process.

Registered practitioners may include graduates of The Feldenkrais Method, the Alexander Technique, and other movement-based disciplines.

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

RESTORATION THERAPY

Restoration therapy has been practiced in Japan for more than 1,500 years and has proven successful in the treatment of migraine headaches, nervous tension, general fatigue, and muscular aches and pains. Professor Seishiro Okazaki was the foremost exponent of restoration therapy in America. He founded the Kodenkan Dojo, Ju-Jitsu School, and Nikko Restoration Sanatorium in Honolulu in 1929.

The practitioners of this method in Japan are entitled to the same rank as doctor. It is a combination of amma (original Japanese therapy) acupressure, shiatsu, chiropractic, osteopathy, and herbal medicines.

Restoration therapy is divided into four age groups and to be a successful practitioner of restoration therapy, a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology is imperative.

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