Techniques of Massage / Bodywork Modalities / Types of Massage
The following is a list of massage techniques that I commonly use in my sessions. I sometimes use just one technique, but generally I blend several styles together to create a personalised treatment. It is often helpful to learn some massage techniques of your own so the you can give and receive massage with your loved ones in between professional treatments. To learn how to give a massage, I recommend watching some videos, or taking a class at a local massage school.
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Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy
Sound vibrations are administered to the body through especially designed transducers which are built into the massage table, so that the client can feel as well as hear the music. Vibroacoustics can produce a range of both mental and physical benefits, including deep relaxation, enhanced sensory awareness, relief of muscle tension, and improved concentration. Can be used alone or in combination with techniques of massage therapy. Click here for more on sound healing therapies. |
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage technique (also known as classic massage is the traditional 'feel-good' type
of massage. It is oil-based, and uses long gliding strokes, kneading,
pressing, stretching, and gentle pounding affect nerves,
glands, muscles, and circulation.
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Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue massage is another oil-based method which concentrates on
certain areas of the body, and moves very slowly, addressing the deep, underlying
layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia. It is great for helping to relieve chronic pain and
tension, and is also very effective for scar tissue healing. |
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy focuses on releasing restrictions of the Cranial sutures and the underlying membranes through gentle hands-on contact with the bones of the skull, and various other areas of the body. Craniosacral Therapy has been used to treat a range of conditions, from headaches and ear infections to stroke and spinal cord injury. |
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Foot Reflexology
Foot reflexology involves pressing reflex areas on the feet. These areas correspond to organs and systems of the body. Foot Reflexology cleanses the mind and body and revitalizes energy. A common theory of reflexology holds that massaging certain areas of the feet restores health by breaking up and dispersing "crystals". I generally combine reflexology with a general foot massage technique to leave both you and your feet feeling wholely refreshed. For a free printable foot massage chart, go here. You can also find a link to an ear reflexology chart, a reflexology hand chart, and a foot massage video. |
Traditional Thai Body Massage
Often dubbed 'Yoga for Lazy People,' Thai Massage uses
pressure along energy lines (called 'sen') combined with
yoga-like stretches to help allow the flow of necessary energies throughout
the body. It is based largely on the Indian tradition of Ayurveda, with also some similarities to Chinese
medicine. It is traditionally performed fully clothed on a mat on the floor.
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Chair Massage
On-site
chair massage is ideal for parties, special events, or in the office. Performed fully clothed in a specicifically designed ergonomic chair, this modalitiy focuses the work on the neck, shoulders, head, upper back, hand, and arms. Lower back massage can be performed on the chair, but as there is no suppost for that area of the body, deep pressure on the lower back in generally avoided.
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Geriatric Massage
A bit of therapeutic touch is essential to the quality of life of the elderly and terminally ill. On location massage can be done fully clothed with the client in his/her own bed, in a chair, or any place that s/he finds comfortable – no massage table or special equipment is required. A combination of Swedish massage, Acupressure, and Trigger Pointmassage techniques are used, adjusted to each individual’s ease of mobility and level of comfort.
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Generally,
different modalities, types, and techniques of massage will be combined to create a routine tailored to each
client's unique wants and needs.
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