| There
are nearly 100 different massage and body work techniques.
Each technique is uniquely designed to achieve a specific
goal. The most common types practiced in the United States
include:
* Aromatherapy massage: Essential oils from
plants are massaged into the skin in order to enhance the
healing and relaxing effects of massage. Essential oils are
believed to have a powerful effect on mood by stimulating
two structures deep in the brain known to store emotions and
memory.
* Craniosacral massage: Gentle pressure is
applied to the head and spine to correct imbalances and restore
the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in these areas.
* Lymphatic massage: Light, rhythmic strokes
are used to improve the flow of lymph (colorless fluid that
helps fight infection and disease) throughout the body. One
of the most popular forms of lymphatic massage, Manual Lymphatic
Drainage (MLD), focuses on draining excess lymph. MLD is commonly
used after surgery (such as a mastectomy for breast cancer)
to reduce swelling.
* Myofascial release: Gentle pressure and
body positioning are used to relax and stretch the muscles,
fascia (connective tissue), and related structures. Both physical
therapists and massage therapists who are appropriately trained
use this technique.
* On-site/chair massage: Popular in offices
and other public places, on-site massage therapists use a
portable chair to deliver brief, upper body massages to fully-clothed
people.
* Polarity therapy: A form of energy healing,
polarity therapists stimulate and balance the flow of energy
within the body to enhance health and well-being.
* Reflexology: Specialized thumb and finger
techniques are applied to the hands and/or feet. Reflexologists
believe that these areas contain "reflex points"
or direct connections to specific organs and structures throughout
the body.
* Rolfing: Pressure is applied to the fascia
(connective tissue) to stretch it, lengthen it, and make it
more flexible. This goal of this technique is to realign the
body so that it conserves energy, releases tension, and functions
better.
* Shiatsu: Gentle finger and hand pressure
are applied to specific points on the body to relieve pain
and enhance the flow of energy (known as qi) through the body's
energy pathways (called meridians). Shiatsu is widely used
in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
* Sports massage: Often used on professional athletes and
other active individuals, sports massage can enhance performance
and prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
* Swedish massage: A variety of strokes and
pressure techniques are used to enhance the flow of blood
to the heart, remove waste products from the tissues, stretch
ligaments and tendons, and ease physical and emotional tension.
* Trigger point massage: Pressure is applied
to "trigger points" (tender areas where the muscles
have been damaged) to alleviate muscle spasms and pain.
Massage
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder |
Massage
Therapy Online
Massage
Can Boost The Immune System And Relieve Common Ailments
|
Massage
Therapy and the Entrepreneur |
What
happens during a massage therapy session? |
Types
of massage | What
is massage good for? |
