DEFINITIONS OF
MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
MASSAGE THERAPY
Manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person's health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities) and it is an ever growing industry where we are constantly learning more and more about the body every day.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
The most commonly used form of classical Western Massage, generally performed in the direction of the heart, sometimes with active or passive movement of the joints. It is used especially for relaxation,
This type of massage involves actions like percussion, kneading, vibration, tapping and rolling. Massage oil or lotion is used to protect the skin from friction.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Fascia is tough connective tissue which spreads throughout the body, is a three-dimensional web from head to toe, surrounding every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ.
Over time it can lose its pliability and become restricted. Myofascial Release is a hands-on soft tissue technique where a sustained pressure is applied that facilitates a stretch into the restricted fascia, restoring length and health to the tissue and alignment and mobility to the joints.
NEURAL RESET THERAPY
What is NRT? Neural Reset Therapy is a form of bodywork that offers rapid muscular pain relief by working directly with the nervous system. Client activates the muscle while the therapist adds resistance and gently taps or shakes an area. Proper application of NRT resets the nervous system to release a muscle from excessive tension. This can be done with clothes on or off.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
This modality is recommended for those who wish to relieve chronic muscle problems or injuries. This work reaches structures beneath the superficial fascia. With chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
An intense form of bodywork that consists of focused, concentrated pressure on one specific area of the body. The pressure may continue for a period of up to 30 seconds at a time and is designed to alleviate tension that extends from a trigger point into an entire muscle. A trigger point is a hypersensitive point or, ischemic tissue (lack of blood flow and oxygen) that can refer pain into another area of the muscle.
CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY
This is a gentle, non-invasive method of evaluating and enhancing the body’s natural healing process. CS encourages your body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the nervous system and dissipate the negative effects of stress. This technique uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics. It is used to help prevent injuries, to prepare the body for athletic activity, maintain its optimal condition, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries. Sports massage has three basic forms: pre-event massage, post-event massage, and maintenance massage. Often times includes extra stretching and movement. It can be done with clothes on or off.
HOT STONE THERAPY
This is a form of massage therapy that follows the same principles of Swedish massage with the addition of heated stones. Heat has been used for centuries to assist in alleviating pain. When you apply heat blood vessels expand, which increases circulation in the affected areas. This can help reduce muscle spasms and increase the general health of the tissues.
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BODY
MIND
SOUL
CUPPING THERAPY
Performed by applying cups to selected skin points and creating a sub atmospheric pressure, by suction.
Reported effects of cupping therapy include promotion of the skins blood flow, reducing inflammation. No fire cupping here. We will be using cups made of silicone, which are easier to move around, allowing the therapist to incorporate movement and stretching during the treatments. Cupping leaves suction marks that can last for several days.
REIKI
I’ve recently started my journey learning Reiki under the tutelage of Cathy Bernsten who teaches the lineage of Mikao Usui, for Jin Kai Do. It can be described as the force behind every living being. What to expect? This is a very gentle approach of healing as therapist uses palm of hands to lightly apply pressure to specific areas, addressing all the major meridians along the body. (A meridian is a pathway point along which vital energy is said to flow.) This can be done while lying on the table or sitting in a chair. It can also be done with clothes on or off.
My Master Cathy is currently teaching Reiki classes and she can be reached at
319-541-1591
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REMEMBER TO BREATH
