types of massage

Explanation of different types of massage

Acupressure, Aromatherapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Deep Tissue, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Reiki, Sensual, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage

Acupressure: Dating back 5000 years, acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is often described as "acupuncture without the needles." As a non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure uses deep finger pressure applied at certain points located along an invisible system of energy channels within the body called meridians. Because these points directly relate to organs and glands of the body, constrictions in the flow of energy at these points causes disease and discomfort. Acupressure stimulates these points to remove blockages, to increase the energy flow, to reduce stress, and to promote health and harmony in the body.

Swedish Massage: Swedish massage is now known as traditional massage. In the 1820s a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body\'s largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing.

Sports Massage This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

Sensual: An unstructured massage that uses touch for an emotionally pleasing response. Strokes are typically light or moderate, and are not intended to be physically therapeutic. Typically, an atmosphere of relaxation is set through the use of candles and music. The practitioner often is unclothed as well as the client. Unlike Erotic Massage, Sensual Massage may not specify climax as a goal. Instead, it is intended to indulge the client, to make him or her feel special and cared for. Often, full-body contact is utilized by the practitioner. Sensual massage is widely offered by untrained practitioners. The only structured, trademarked variety of Sensual Massage is Body Electric, who trains therapists through their center in Oakland, California. This variety of sensual massage is intended to promote positive self-image and acceptance of the body, and help to reattach a wholesome view of sexual energy within the body. Performed on undraped clients using creams or oils, on a table, bed, or floor.

Reiki: Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal life energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth. It was developed by Dr. Mikao Usua, a Christian monk in Japan, who came upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system in the 19th century. It was introduced to the United States in the 1930's by Hawayo Takata.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Developed in the U.K., M.L.D. is a highly advanced form of massage using gentle, rhythmic pumping and percussive techniques to stimulate the flow of lymph. M.L.D. is both preventative and therapeutic. Besides being sensationally pleasing, the technique helps to detoxify the body, relieve chronic disorders like sinusitis and arthritis, remediate back pain and headache, and improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. A treatment phase always begins with an extensive consultation with a therapist, and subsequent sessions last one hour each. Therapists are licensed by MLDUK. Performed on draped clients on a table.

Deep Tissue: Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, its purpose is to unstick the fibers of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.

Craniosacral Therapy: Within the craniosacral system is the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide-like motion is limited, confined, and immobilized. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. Craniosacral therapy is helpful to those with nervous disorders, motor-coordination impairments, attention deficit disorders, insomnia, and other problems. Craniosacral therapy was originally developed in the early 1900\'s by an osteopath named William G. Sutherland and later refined and promoted by Dr. John Upledger.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating effects. Dating back to ancient Egypt, India, and the Far East, this simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions, and clear the mind. After an initial discussion with the client, specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology. Used in oils, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and into the body to affect physiological change. When inhaled the aroma directly affects the limbic area of the brain that is related to emotions and memories.