Massage Therapy Week: Massage Styles

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

This week I am delving into massage and its related healing methods.

I encourage all members, massage therapist or not, to contribute this

week. Let us gather a body of work for the archives with tips, ideas

and ways to heal through touch!

 

Massage Therapy Week: Massage Styles

 

Acupressure: is based on the principles of acupuncture, this ancient

Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure on specific

points along the body to treat ailments such as tension, stress, and

arthritis. Acupressure is part of the Traditional Chinese System of

Medicine, which was developed in China over 5000 years ago.

Acupressure points run along meridians in the body and carries the Qi

energy. When this energy is interrupted due to pain, injury,

swelling and illness, this is recognized as a block of our energy or

Qi. Meridian points are often referred to as 'tender spots' to the

touch. These tender spots lie on interconnecting channels on the

meridian points. There are twelve meridians and eight extraordinary

meridians located on the body. Acupressure points can help in the

relief of musculoskeletal pain, restricted movement of joints,

migraines and headaches, menstrual conditions, fatigue, stress

(emotional or work related), insomnia, sciatica, asthma, and lower

back pain. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Alexander Technique: is an awareness practice for identifying and

developing discipline over the negative physical habits of incorrect

posture and movement. Developed a century ago by actor F. Matthias

Alexander, who used it to cure himself of chronic laryngitis, he

believed if the vertebrae were out of alignment it was due to these

poor habits. The Alexander Technique is a simple method of

reeducating the mind and body to improve ease and freedom of

movement, balance, and coordination. The technique teaches the use of

the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, giving

you more energy for all your activities. Want to know more?, visit

the link below

 

 

Amma Therapy: is a system of bodywork, which uses traditional

oriental medical principles for evaluating imbalances in the

energetic system. It aims to restore promote, and maintain health

through the treatment of the physical body, bioenergy, and emotions.

The word Amma, which means " push-pull " in Chinese, was applied to a

form of Oriental massage dating back five thousand years to the

period of the Yellow Emperor. Founded and developed by Korean-born

Tina Sohn, Amma Therapy¨ is a highly refined and complex system of

bodywork whose techniques and treatment strategies combine the use of

traditional Oriental medical principles and a Western approach to

organ dysfunction. It utilizes a variety of techniques, sometimes

paralleling those found in major forms of therapeutic massage, as

well as powerful new points discovered by Tina Sohn. Want to know

more?, visit the link below

 

Aromatherapy Massage: 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. Want to know more?

 

Craniosacral Therapy: utilizes 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. Want to know more?, visit the link

below

 

 

Feldenkrais: is a system of bodywork developed to improve posture,

movement, and breathing. Method teaches recognizing and breaking

improper habits of movement. In Awareness Through Movement (ATM)

lessons, the Feldenkrais practitioner verbally guides you through a

sequence of movements: sitting or lying on the floor, standing or

sitting in a chair. You discover how you do the movements and notice

the quality of changes in your body. You learn to relax and to

abandon habitual patterns. Through the subtle ATM movements, you

develop awareness, flexibility and coordination. You experience

relaxation and a sense of release. In this one-to-one learning

process, the movements are communicated through slow, gentle touch.

Comfortably clothed, you lie or sit on a low padded table, or you may

be standing, walking, sitting in a chair, or in other various

positions. The practitioner guides you through a series of precise

movements that alter habitual patterns and provide new learning

directly to the neuromuscular system. Functional Iintegration is

especially useful for people who want to learn to overcome

limitations brought on by stress, misuse, accident, or illness. It is

equally beneficial for people who want to perform and feel better

physically and mentally. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Hellerwork: is a somatic education and structural bodywork which is

based on the inseparability of body, mind, and spirit. Myofascial

release, movement awareness, and dialogue are the essence of the

sessions enabling one to move more fluidly, have stamina, strength,

and increased energy. Hellerwork makes the connection between

movement and the body alignment, and restores the body's natural

balance from the inside out. During the 11 session series, the

structural balance of the body is realized through the systematic

release of muscle and connective tissue using a variety of gentle

deep-tissue bodywork techniques. This restores the body's optimal

natural balance and posture. Movement education is incorporated to

enhance fluidity and ease of motion which helps the client develop a

deeper awareness of their body and its expression in the world. Self-

awareness facilitated through dialogue is an important component of

the Hellerwork series. Hellerwork is based on the assumption that

every person is innately healthy. The client's results are maximized

by creating a deeper experience of the integrity of their body, their

movement, and their relationship with themselves, with others, and

with the world around them. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Infant Massage: is usually taught to new mothers as a way of bonding

with their newborn and for encouraging infant health. Promoted by

Vimala McClure, it incorporates nurturing touch, massage, and

reflexology in a loving, fun, one-on-one interaction. A study at the

University of Miami showed that infants who received 15 minutes of

massage a day gained weight 47% faster and demonstrated other

physical and neurological benefits. Want to know more?, visit the

link below

 

 

Medical Massage: or clinical massage deals with the dysfunction of

the soft tissue or range of motion of the joints. This type of

massage usually occurs after an injury has been sustained or due to

over use. It is important that the injury is assessed as soon as

possible after an injury occurs. The longer an injury goes

untreated, the longer the recovery time. Clinical Massage can be

beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as: Carpal Tunnel

Syndrome, Frozen Shoulder, R.S.I., Tendonitis (in various sizes),

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fallen Arches, Sprained Ankles,

Shin Splints, Scoliosis, Knee Problems, Tennis Elbow, Golf Elbow,

Whiplash, Rounded Shoulders, Rotator Cuff Tears, and Bursitis.Your

Physiotherapist will often refer you to a Soft Tissue Therapist to

help you restore the range of motion within joints of the body, and

or through muscle lengthening techniques. Want to know more?, visit

the link below

 

 

Reflexology: is a healing technique using points and reflex zones on

the hands and feet that correspond to internal and external pathways

of the body including the organs and musculoskeletal system. Working

these points with various techniques has shown to increase blood

circulation, decrease stress levels, boost the digestive system and

improve the nervous system. Popularized in the United States by

physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure

type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the

ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy

throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a

corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point

causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ.

Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction,

and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal

functioning and health. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Reiki: is a healing system of using light hand placements to channel

healing energies. Used to treat emotional and mental distress,

chronic and acute physical problems, and to achieve spiritual focus

and clarity. Reiki is a powerful method of healing through opening,

clearing and re-balancing one's energy system. Reiki is a natural

holistic energy therapy, which has been practiced around the world.

Reiki provides relief from many ailments that benefit from improved

internal energy flow, such as arthritis and other conditions of

stiffness, maladjustment or pain. The healing of emotional traumas

can be accelerated with Reiki, and it can be especially powerful in

overcoming the trauma of incest and sexual abuse.

In its simplest form, using Reiki is simply the practitioner placing

their hands near or upon the recipient with the intent of bringing

healing, and willing for Reiki energy to flow. Healing is full and

complete resolution of the causes of the dis-ease. Healing is

returning to a state of alignment with your Higher Self or true way

of being. Balance.

There are four levels of Reiki.

Reiki I - With the first attunement, the practitioner can do the

basis energy transfer.

Reiki II - Here the studies are much more involved and the

practitioner is given Reiki symbols with the second attunement to be

able to perform absentee healing. Reiki II practitioner can send

Reiki over space and time, to a relative in a remote location or even

to a different lifetime and beyond. Individuals passing on can

benefit from receiving Reiki as well.

Reiki III - With the third attunement, the practitioner's ability to

perform Reiki is intensified and a decision can be made to move to

the final level of Reiki Master, that is also a Reiki teacher.

Reiki Master - At this level the student receives final instructions

and guided to share this wonderful, bountiful and extremely rewarding

gift with the universe.

Reiki is a wonderful and healing form of energy transfer and

balancing. You must decide for yourself whether Reiki works for you.

You cannot decide based on intellectual knowledge alone; you must

have practical experience with it in order to know for yourself. Want

to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Rolfing: is deep manipulation of the fascia to restore the body's

natural alignment. This involves ten sessions, each focusing on a

different part of the body. Much like a sculptor works with clay, a

Rolfer works with the connective tissue of the body to create a body

that is more balanced, symmetrical and erect, has more graceful

movement and functions more efficiently. Through a series of

sessions, Rolfing changes the body form, patterns of habitual use,

and movement. The results are improved posture, reduced pain and

stress, an enhanced level of awareness, increased energy for living

and a sense of well-being. Rolfing treats your body as an integrated

whole. Though you may be aware of tension or pain in only one area of

your body, there are significant compensations throughout your

structure. Manipulation of a small segment is seldom enough. The

whole body must be brought back into balance to effect permanent

change and release.In the broadest sense, Rolfing uses the

manipulative process to awaken an inner sense of well-being.

Our bodies act as storage systems for the accumulated physical and

emotional events of our lives. Each injury, illness or emotional

trauma leaves an imprint in our structure. These imprints are in the

myofascial (connective tissue) network whose function is to support

and connect most of the components in the body. The connective tissue

bunches up to compensate for torques and twists that occur; it

gradually hardens, and literally begins to stick to itself.The body

pays a high price for this type of internal resistance. Pain ensues,

habit patterns develop, and the individual learns to function with

limited options in movement. The more serious the trauma, the more

deeply held is the compensation, often becoming coupled with our

basic personality structure. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Shiatsu: involves the rhythmic pressing of acupressure points for

short periods. The thumbs are used whenever possible because they

exert firmer pressure. " Shiatsu " means finger pressure in Japanese.

Shiatsu is a Japanese treatment working on the meridians of the body

and the Qi or the life energy of the person. A Shiatsu treatment is

helpful to joint and muscle pain and will leave you in a deep,

relaxed, calm state. This massage involves the awareness of subtle

energy movements within the body.

Because shiatsu works on the energetic system, it can be useful in

helping a wide range of disorders. A shiatsu treatment will be of

maximum value if it is supported by an understanding of the cause of

the condition, and if the person follows a moderate outlook and

lifestyle.

Shiatsu can specifically help arthritic conditions, backaches,

emotional difficulties, headaches/migraines, insomnia, intestinal

disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, constipation and

diarrhea), menstrual problems (heavy periods and premenstrual

syndrome), muscular tensions, reproductive problems (including

endometriosis and fibroids), respiratory difficulties (asthma,

bronchitis and recurrent chest infections), sinusitis, stress-related

disorders. Shiatsu has been found to work for patients with long

standing chronic pain. Used as a management technique for pain and

discomfort, Shiatsu has helps those with lupis, scoliosis, muscular

degenerative disorders, fibromyalgia, anxiety attacks and phobias,

burn victims, as well as long term emotional traumas. Through

shiatsu, we can become aware of what happens with pain and soreness

in the body. If pain is experienced in the body, the immediate

reaction is to tense up against it. This tightens the body, adding to

the discomfort; it blocks the energy paths to the area so that

valuable energy is not getting through to where it is needed. Shiatsu

techniques help to relax muscle tightness, enabling the vital energy

flow to be restored. Shiatsu is a catalyst in the healing process.

Healing is not something that just sometimes " happens " but a

continuous movement toward harmony, balance and wholeness. Want to

know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Swedish: is the process of using soothing, kneading strokes to " warm-

up " the body. Then a rolling and squeezing of the specific muscle

groups are done to relieve soreness by clearing away lactic acid.

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. Want to know more?, visit the link

below

 

 

Tantric Massage: is based on the Tantric school of thought. Tantric

combines the principles of yoga and meditation to weave together

sensuality and spirituality. It is rooted in ancient Hindu and

Buddhist texts and practices dating back to the sixth century A.D.

A loose tradition to begin with, Tantric teachings offer no clear

record of their origins, even when it comes to the meaning of the

term Tantra, which has been variously defined

as " web, " " weaving, " " expansion, " and " liberation. " No matter what

the definition, at the heart of Tantra is honest communication,

creating intimacy and realization.

Realization that your self is infinite and beyond space and time.

Realization that leads to complete peace of mind and contentment. It

does not require you to change your spiritual beliefs in order for

the process to work. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

Tui Na: is known as the grandfather of all massage, Tuina was

developed in China over over 5,000 years ago. This Oriental bodywork

encompasses Reflexology, Acupressure and Massage. Tuina works on the

energy channels and points on the body using the same principles as

Acupuncture except you are using your hands and fingers instead of

needles. In ancient China, medical therapy was often classified

into " external " and " internal " treatments. Tuina was one of the

external methods, especially suitable for use on the elderly

population and on infants. Today it is subdivided into specialized

treatment

for " infants " , " adults " , " orthopedics " , " traumatology " , " cosmetology "

, " rehabilitation " , " sports medicine " ... Tuina has no side effects

unlike many modern drug-based and chemical-based treatments. It has

been used to treat or compliment the treatment of many conditions,

especially specific musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic stress-

related disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive

systems. Want to know more?, visit the link below

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/massage_techniques.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit