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Acupressure
Acupressure is a form of bodywork based in traditional Chinese
meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate
the flow of energy or chi.2
Alexander Technique
F. M. Alexander cured his loss of voice and nasal difficulties with
improved posture and head positioning. There are three elements to
the Alexander Technique. The first element teaches the client how to
use his body properly by correcting improper posture. During the
second element, a hands-on treatment is done to elongate muscles and
release muscle spasms. The third element includes visualization
exercises focusing on seeing the body longer and freer.
Berry Method
Therapists who practice the Lauren Berry Method use deep massage
techniques and soft tissue manipulation. By relieving spasms,
correcting distortions, and releasing adhesions in the connective
tissue, skeletal muscles, and the smooth muscle of organs, these
techniques stimulate the body's natural inclination toward balance
and ease in its structure and function. Bodywork - Bodywork is a
general term for practices involving touch and movement in which the
practitioner uses manual techniques to promote health and healing in
the recipient.
Bowen Technique
Therapists who practice the Lauren Berry Method use deep massage
techniques and soft tissue manipulation. By relieving spasms,
correcting distortions, and releasing adhesions in the connective
tissue, skeletal muscles, and the smooth muscle of organs, these
techniques stimulate the body's natural inclination toward balance
and ease in its structure and function.
Chair Massage
Chair massage refers to massage given with the recipient seated in a
special massage chair.
Craniosacral
Cranisosacral is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and
enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the
craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal
fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a
soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of
a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral
system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue
therapy. It is an umbrella term for bodywork systems that work deeply
into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and
pains. Rolfing and Hellerwork are examples of deep tissue massage.
Esalen Massage
Esalen massage was developed at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur,
California. The emphasis is on slow, long, flowing, gliding movements
done to provide deep relaxation.
Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais Method is a form of somatic education that uses
gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and
enhance human functioning. Through this Method, you can increase your
ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination,
and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement.
These improvements will often generalize to enhance functioning in
other aspects of your life.
Four Hand
This therapy requires two practitioners to simultaneously massage the
client's left and right sides, making sure to mimic the others
motions and to exert equal pressure for a balanced experience.
Hellerwork
Joseph Heller, a Rolfer, developed Hellerwork after he studied with
Judith Aston. Hellerwork is a series of 11 90-minute sessions of deep
tissue bodywork, movement education, and dialogue designed to realign
the body and release chronic tension and stress.
Jin Shin Do
Jin Shin Do (JSD), the "way of the compassionate spirit,".
It is a method of releasing muscle tension and stress by applying
deepening finger pressure to combinations of specific points on the
body. It combines classic Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist Yogic
philosophy and breathing methods, and Japanese Acupressure
techniques.
Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual lymph drainage is a gentle method of promoting movement of
lymph into and through the lymphatic vessels. It reduces edema, a
condition in which the tissues of the body contain an excessive
amount of fluid.
Myofascial Release
Myo means muscle and fascia is the elastic connective tissue wrapped
around muscles and other parts of the body. During myofascial release
restrictions (stuck areas) are located and gentle sliding pressure is
applied in the direction of the restriction to stretch the tissues.
The stretching of tissues and the heat imparted by the practitioner's
hands are thought to help produce a softer consistency of fascial
tissues.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is a generic designation for trigger
point work. (See Trigger Point Massage.)
Okazaki
The Okazaki Restorative Massage is used to open, sedate, tonify, and
balance the energy pathways, or meridians, of your body and is
complimented by therapies to treat symptoms such as insomnia, stress,
lower back pain or frequent headaches. These therapies, exclusive to
Seifukujitsu, may include additional massage to a precise area,
special liniments designed to increase circulation or specific
movements to increase the range of motion to a particular body part.
Ortho-Bionomy
Ortho-Bionomy is a technique where points of pain are located and
then the body is gently moved to fold around the point and rest in a
position where there is no pain. The body is placed in the most
comfortable position called the preferred position. In doing this,
reflexes are initiated, relaxing muscles and freeing the body of its
stresses and tensions. Ortho-Bionomy was developed by British
osteopath Arthur Lincoln Pauls, D.O.
Polarity Therapy
Polarity therapy is a form of bodywork that uses light touch and
gentle rocking movements intended to balance life energy by affecting
general and muscular relaxation. Polarity therapy was developed Dr.
Randolph Stone, who was trained in natural healing methods of
Chiropractic, naturopathy, and osteopathy.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is the massage of pregnant women (prenatal) and
women after giving birth (postpartum). It address the special needs
of pregnant women such as discomforts in the low back, feet, and
legs.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone
therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate
corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Foot reflexology, in
which pressure techniques are applied only to the feet, is the most
common form of reflexology.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese word pronounced "ray-kee" and means
"universal life energy." It is a light touch or no-touch
technique for channeling this omnipresent energy to promote healing.
Rolfing
Rolfing is also called structural integration and was developed by
Ida Rolf. Rolfing seeks to reestablish proper vertical alignment in
the body by manipulating the myofascial tissue so that the fascia
elongates and glides rather than shortens and adheres. The 10-session
series can cause deep changes in the body that are physical as well
as emotional.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu (Japanese for "finger pressure") is a system for
healing and health maintenance that has evolved over thousands of
years. Shiatsu derives both from the ancient healing art of
acupuncture and from the traditional form of Japanese massage, amma.
The goal of each of the different types of Shiatsu being practiced,
Zen shiatsu, tsubo point therapy, shiatsu massage, and water shiatsu,
is balancing energy flow.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is applied to athletes to help them train and perform
free of pain and injuries. Massage therapists blend classic Swedish
strokes with such methods as compression, pressure-point therapy,
cross-fiber friction, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, and
cryotherapy (ice massage) to meet the special needs of high-level
performers and fitness enthusiasts.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is also known as the Western or classic style of
massage. It is credited to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics
instructor, Per Henrik Ling. It is a scientific system of
manipulations on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for
the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation or health maintenance.
Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their
variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or
percussion) and vibration.
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic touch was developed by nurses Dolores Krieger and Dora
Kunz in the early 1970s after studying the ancient practice of laying
on of hands. It is based on the idea that human beings are energy in
the form of a field. In health, the field flows freely, while it
becomes out of balance when disease is present.
Thai Massage Thai massage is an ancient
bodywork system designed to unblock trapped energy and improve
vitality by applying pressure along energy pathways called sens.
These pathways carry vital life energy. Thai massage uses slow, often
meditative, rhythmic pressing by fingers, thumbs, hands, forearms,
elbows and feet (which are used extensively) and yogalike stretches
coupled with gentle rocking motions.
Trager
Milton Trager M.D. created Trager. It is also known as Tragerwork
and Trager Psychophysical Integration. It operates on the principle
that one learns to be lighter, easier, and freer by experiencing
light, easy, and free sensations in the body. Practitioners introduce
pleasurable sensory information to the soft tissues by steadily,
gently, and rhythmically rocking and stretching the body.
Trigger Point
Trigger point massage utilizes ischemic compression of individual
areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia.
These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant
locations in muscles, connective tissues, and organs. Janet Travell,
M.D., pioneered trigger point therapy in the United States.
Watsu
Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water,
(around 35 C) It combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation,
shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance. The receiver is continuously
supported while being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched. The
deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, combine
with Watsu's movements, stretches, massage and point work, to create
a bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing
on many levels.
Zero Balancing
Zero Balancing, the innovation of Fritz Frederick Smith, M.D., is a
hands-on procedure for evaluating and balancing the relationship
between body energy and body structure. The term zero balancing
refers to the experience of balance after a session.
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