Massage Terms and Modalities
Massage Terms
Compression is pressure into the body to spread tissue against underylying structures.
Effleurage is pressure into the body to spread tissue against underylying structuresis a smooth gliding stroke used to spread lubricant and relax soft tissue. Effleurage is applied using both hands and or forearms.
Friction is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.
Petrissage (also called kneading) involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.
Tapotement is performed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client. This movement is used to mobilize secretions in the respiratory system
Massage Modalities
Acupuncture
Originated in China more than 5000 years ago. It is recognized around the world today as a remedial and medical technique. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice whereby the skin is punctured with needles at specific points for therapeutic purposes which is done only by highly trained practitioners.
Acupressure
This stems from the Chinese medical practice of acupuncture. It is based on the Traditional Oriental Medical principles for assessing and treating the physical and energetic body and employs various methods of stimulating acupuncture points in order to regulate chi (the life force energy). The aim of this method is to relieve pain, discomfort, or other physiological imbalance.
Aromatherapy
An ancient healing art with 5000-year-old roots in ancient Egypt is the art and science of using pure essential oils for various therapeutic purposes, primarily those related to smell. Practitioners claim that essential oils can heal emotional and physical imbalances when applied so that one can inhale their aroma and/or absorb their essence.
CranioSacral
CranioSacral therapy is a manual therapeutic procedure for remedying distortions in the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum, and interconnected membranes. It is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, temporolmandibular joint (TMJ) problems, ear infections, stroke recovery, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and a range of other conditions.
Deep Tissue
This term refers to various regimens or massage styles that are directed toward the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia. In most deep tissue massage techniques the aim is to affect the various layer of fascia that support muscle tissues and loosen bonds between the layers of connective tissues. Some of these techniques include, Rolfing, Trager, Hellerwork and Feldenkrais.
Esalen
Esalen is known for its blend of East/West philosophies. It melds long, lengthening strokes with gentle rocking and stretching, passive joint movement, sculpting of deep musculature, delicate cranial balancing, subtle neural re-education and the precision of Chinese point work.
Guided Imagery
Guided visualization uses mental images to promote physical healing or changes in attitudes or behavior, or simply to facilitate relaxation. It allows one to by pass the rational brain and access subconscious aspect of self where the root of healing lies. The imagery can be practitioner led, interactive or used as a self-help tool.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch uses hands-on and energy-based techniques to balance and align the human energy field, accelerate wound healing, relieve pain, promote relaxation, prevent illness, and ease the dying process. Janet Mentgen developed this approach in the 1970's primarily for use by nurses, but it expanded into use by other health care providers who receive training in the method.
Lomilomi
Temple style Lomilomi, the Hawaiian form of bodywork incorporates the spirituality of the Islands with profoundly effective massage techniques that wash over the body like waves of the ocean. The therapist performs the massage using his/her forearms and elbows for most of the strokes, which are sequenced to connect the whole body from tip of toes to tip of fingers. Stimulating and relaxing at the same time, this is fairly deep work that results in a vigorous flush of the lymphatic system. This treatment is great for athletes and full figured people.
Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymph drainage massages use light, rhythmical, spiral-like movements to accelerate the movement of lymphatic fluids in the body.
Myofacial Release
This is a form of deep-tissue bodywork that seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia and restore structural alignment in the body as well as promote a balanced relationship between all parts of the body. The therapist applies mild, sustained pressure to gently stretch and soften the fascia. This is used to treat back and neck pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries, and scoliosis, among other conditions.
Neuromuscular Therapy
NMT identifies soft tissue abnormalities and at the same time manipulates the soft tissue to normalize its function. In so doing the perpetuating cycle is broken, much of the referred pathologic activity is reversed, and over function is improved.
Polarity
A method developed by Randolph Stone using massage manipulations derived from both Eastern and Western practices. Exercises and thinking practices are included to balance the body both physically and energetically.
Raindrop Therapy
Essential oils are applied to the spine and worked in lightly. The properties of the oils kill the viruses that are imbedded along the spine, reduce spinal inflammation and help to straighten spinal curvatures.
Reflexology
Originated with the Chinese and is based on the idea that stimulation of particular points on the surface of the body has an effect on other areas or organs of the body. This technique focuses mainly on the hands and feet.
Rolfing
A systematic program developed out of the technique of structural integration by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1920's. Rolfing aligns the major body segments through deep manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue) of the body to restore the body's natural alignment and balance. Rolfing takes place over a series of ten 1-hour sessions with each session focusing on a different part of the body.
Shiatsu
Used in Japan for more than 1000 years, this acupressure technique manipulates the muscle tissue by stretching it rhythmically and by tapping specific body points with varying degrees of firmness using the fingertips. Shiatsu is the most common form of acupressure therapy used in the US. The Shiatsu therapist believes that holding pressure for 3-5 seconds on specific body points stimulates chi (vital energy). Shiatsu is reported to be highly effective in relieving muscle tension.
Sports Massage
This refers to a method of massage especially designed to prepare an athlete for an upcoming event and to aid in the body's regenerative and restorative capacities following a rigorous workout or competition. This is achieved through specialized manipulations that stimulate circulation of the blood and lymph.
Swedish Massage
Based on Western concepts of anatomy and physiology and employs the traditional manipulative techniques of effleurage, petrissage, vibration, friction, and tapotement. The Swedish system also employs movements that can be slow and gentle, vigorous or bracing, according to the results the practitioner wishes to achieve.
Therapeutic Touch
This energy work focuses on the energy field that surrounds the body. Practitioners report that by balancing this energy field that it can help heal wounds, relieve tension headaches, and reduce stress. According to Nurse Healers Professional Associates it also reduces pain and anxiety, promotes relaxation, and facilitates the body's natural restorative processes.
Touch for Health
This is a simplified form of applied kinesiology (principles of anatomy in relation to human movement) developed by Dr. John Thie, D.C. Its purpose is to relieve stress on muscles and internal organs.
Trager
Developed by Dr. Milton Trager, this method uses movement exercises called mentastics along with massage-like gentle shaking of different parts of the body to eliminate and prevent pent-up tensions. Trager bodywork is meant to promote relaxation and increase mobility and mental clarity. It is used by athletes for performance enhancement as well as by people with musculoskeletal and back problems. Trager is unusual among bodywork modalities in that it does not use forceful manipulation.
Trigger Point Therapy
(also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) Practitioners apply concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. Trigger points are tender, congested spots in muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas. Though the technique is similar to shiatsu or acupressure, it uses Western anatomy and physiology as its basis.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve problems. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, to dissipate the negative effects of stress and enhance general health and resistance to disease.
Warm Stone Therapy
A variety of smooth-surfaced stones of various shapes and sizes are heated with hot water to approximately 130 degrees. Selected stones are sprinkled with various aromatherapy oils before being slowly rolled along the skin. The stones seem to dissolve tension throughout the area. Pointed, warm stones are ideal for pressing and an excellent way to incorporate acupressure and reflexology. A pointed stone also works wonders around the jaw for TMJ discomfort. For lower back stress, a large warm stone placed on the sacrum of a prone client assists the spine in relaxing.
Massage Terms
Compression is pressure into the body to spread tissue against underylying structures.
Effleurage is pressure into the body to spread tissue against underylying structuresis a smooth gliding stroke used to spread lubricant and relax soft tissue. Effleurage is applied using both hands and or forearms.
Friction is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.
Petrissage (also called kneading) involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.
Tapotement is performed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client. This movement is used to mobilize secretions in the respiratory system
Massage Modalities
Acupuncture
Originated in China more than 5000 years ago. It is recognized around the world today as a remedial and medical technique. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice whereby the skin is punctured with needles at specific points for therapeutic purposes which is done only by highly trained practitioners.
Acupressure
This stems from the Chinese medical practice of acupuncture. It is based on the Traditional Oriental Medical principles for assessing and treating the physical and energetic body and employs various methods of stimulating acupuncture points in order to regulate chi (the life force energy). The aim of this method is to relieve pain, discomfort, or other physiological imbalance.
Aromatherapy
An ancient healing art with 5000-year-old roots in ancient Egypt is the art and science of using pure essential oils for various therapeutic purposes, primarily those related to smell. Practitioners claim that essential oils can heal emotional and physical imbalances when applied so that one can inhale their aroma and/or absorb their essence.
CranioSacral
CranioSacral therapy is a manual therapeutic procedure for remedying distortions in the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord, the bones of the skull, the sacrum, and interconnected membranes. It is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, temporolmandibular joint (TMJ) problems, ear infections, stroke recovery, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and a range of other conditions.
Deep Tissue
This term refers to various regimens or massage styles that are directed toward the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia. In most deep tissue massage techniques the aim is to affect the various layer of fascia that support muscle tissues and loosen bonds between the layers of connective tissues. Some of these techniques include, Rolfing, Trager, Hellerwork and Feldenkrais.
Esalen
Esalen is known for its blend of East/West philosophies. It melds long, lengthening strokes with gentle rocking and stretching, passive joint movement, sculpting of deep musculature, delicate cranial balancing, subtle neural re-education and the precision of Chinese point work.
Guided Imagery
Guided visualization uses mental images to promote physical healing or changes in attitudes or behavior, or simply to facilitate relaxation. It allows one to by pass the rational brain and access subconscious aspect of self where the root of healing lies. The imagery can be practitioner led, interactive or used as a self-help tool.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch uses hands-on and energy-based techniques to balance and align the human energy field, accelerate wound healing, relieve pain, promote relaxation, prevent illness, and ease the dying process. Janet Mentgen developed this approach in the 1970's primarily for use by nurses, but it expanded into use by other health care providers who receive training in the method.
Lomilomi
Temple style Lomilomi, the Hawaiian form of bodywork incorporates the spirituality of the Islands with profoundly effective massage techniques that wash over the body like waves of the ocean. The therapist performs the massage using his/her forearms and elbows for most of the strokes, which are sequenced to connect the whole body from tip of toes to tip of fingers. Stimulating and relaxing at the same time, this is fairly deep work that results in a vigorous flush of the lymphatic system. This treatment is great for athletes and full figured people.
Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymph drainage massages use light, rhythmical, spiral-like movements to accelerate the movement of lymphatic fluids in the body.
Myofacial Release
This is a form of deep-tissue bodywork that seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia and restore structural alignment in the body as well as promote a balanced relationship between all parts of the body. The therapist applies mild, sustained pressure to gently stretch and soften the fascia. This is used to treat back and neck pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries, and scoliosis, among other conditions.
Neuromuscular Therapy
NMT identifies soft tissue abnormalities and at the same time manipulates the soft tissue to normalize its function. In so doing the perpetuating cycle is broken, much of the referred pathologic activity is reversed, and over function is improved.
Polarity
A method developed by Randolph Stone using massage manipulations derived from both Eastern and Western practices. Exercises and thinking practices are included to balance the body both physically and energetically.
Raindrop Therapy
Essential oils are applied to the spine and worked in lightly. The properties of the oils kill the viruses that are imbedded along the spine, reduce spinal inflammation and help to straighten spinal curvatures.
Reflexology
Originated with the Chinese and is based on the idea that stimulation of particular points on the surface of the body has an effect on other areas or organs of the body. This technique focuses mainly on the hands and feet.
Rolfing
A systematic program developed out of the technique of structural integration by Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1920's. Rolfing aligns the major body segments through deep manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue) of the body to restore the body's natural alignment and balance. Rolfing takes place over a series of ten 1-hour sessions with each session focusing on a different part of the body.
Shiatsu
Used in Japan for more than 1000 years, this acupressure technique manipulates the muscle tissue by stretching it rhythmically and by tapping specific body points with varying degrees of firmness using the fingertips. Shiatsu is the most common form of acupressure therapy used in the US. The Shiatsu therapist believes that holding pressure for 3-5 seconds on specific body points stimulates chi (vital energy). Shiatsu is reported to be highly effective in relieving muscle tension.
Sports Massage
This refers to a method of massage especially designed to prepare an athlete for an upcoming event and to aid in the body's regenerative and restorative capacities following a rigorous workout or competition. This is achieved through specialized manipulations that stimulate circulation of the blood and lymph.
Swedish Massage
Based on Western concepts of anatomy and physiology and employs the traditional manipulative techniques of effleurage, petrissage, vibration, friction, and tapotement. The Swedish system also employs movements that can be slow and gentle, vigorous or bracing, according to the results the practitioner wishes to achieve.
Therapeutic Touch
This energy work focuses on the energy field that surrounds the body. Practitioners report that by balancing this energy field that it can help heal wounds, relieve tension headaches, and reduce stress. According to Nurse Healers Professional Associates it also reduces pain and anxiety, promotes relaxation, and facilitates the body's natural restorative processes.
Touch for Health
This is a simplified form of applied kinesiology (principles of anatomy in relation to human movement) developed by Dr. John Thie, D.C. Its purpose is to relieve stress on muscles and internal organs.
Trager
Developed by Dr. Milton Trager, this method uses movement exercises called mentastics along with massage-like gentle shaking of different parts of the body to eliminate and prevent pent-up tensions. Trager bodywork is meant to promote relaxation and increase mobility and mental clarity. It is used by athletes for performance enhancement as well as by people with musculoskeletal and back problems. Trager is unusual among bodywork modalities in that it does not use forceful manipulation.
Trigger Point Therapy
(also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) Practitioners apply concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. Trigger points are tender, congested spots in muscle tissue that may radiate pain to other areas. Though the technique is similar to shiatsu or acupressure, it uses Western anatomy and physiology as its basis.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral Manipulation is used to locate and solve problems. It encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your organs, to dissipate the negative effects of stress and enhance general health and resistance to disease.
Warm Stone Therapy
A variety of smooth-surfaced stones of various shapes and sizes are heated with hot water to approximately 130 degrees. Selected stones are sprinkled with various aromatherapy oils before being slowly rolled along the skin. The stones seem to dissolve tension throughout the area. Pointed, warm stones are ideal for pressing and an excellent way to incorporate acupressure and reflexology. A pointed stone also works wonders around the jaw for TMJ discomfort. For lower back stress, a large warm stone placed on the sacrum of a prone client assists the spine in relaxing.
