Swedish
Developed in 1812 by the prominent Swedish physiologist Henry Peter Ling, the Swedish massage has come to be known for its healing and relaxing effects. It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.
Swedish massage employs five different movements:
- long, gliding strokes
- kneading of individual muscles
- friction
- hacking or tapping
- vibration
The therapist generally uses natural or aromatic oils to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body is uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians.
The therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, and palms to specific areas of the client's body that have been determined during an assessment period prior to the massage session. Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.
There are no needle pokes involved with Shiatsu. Massage techniques like tapping, squeezing, rubbing, and applied pressure are applied along the meridians to unblock energy blockages and reintroduce the optimal flow of ki (energy).
People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards
Benefits of Shiatsu Massage:
- Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- Stress reduction and management
- Releases toxins from the body
- Dis-ease preventative
- Increased flexibility
- Improved blood circulations
- Reduces blood pressure
- Reduces mental anxieties
- Balances ki (chi)
- Calms nervousness
- Increases mental and spiritual awareness
- It feels good!
Reflexology
Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage.
The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex points" on the feet, hands and ears that correspond to specific organs and glands in the body. Practitioners believe that stimulating those reflex points promotes health in that organ via the body's energetic pathways.
For example:
- The tips of the toes reflect the head
- The heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
- The liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
- Low back and intestines are towards the heel
When done by a skilled practitioner, reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body. It is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet. Reflexology can be a good treatment choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage or who are pressed for time and don't want to get oil on their body or hair.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy.
Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. The massage therapist uses the stones to apply gentle pressure and massage certain areas of the body.
For what conditions are hot stone massage used for? Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting.
Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It's also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes the muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.
Hot stone massage aids:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
Chair Massage
Stiff neck? Aching wrists? Sore shoulders? These are common symptoms of of workplace fatigue.
Most office-related physical symptoms can be attributed to loss of circulation. Tight muscles caused by stress and sitting behind a desk all day, especially at a work station that is not ergonomically designed, can impede blood and lymph flow through the body. The result is mental fogginess, decreased energy and susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chair massage counters circulatory problems inherent with office work - and provides an appreciated break for employees.
Sitting in a massage chair opens up the back muscles, relieves strain on the neck and provides a gentle respite for eyes usually glued to a computer monitor.
Even 15 minutes of massage to the neck, back, arms and hands can increase circulation, returning energy levels and helping keep the body injury free.
Benefits of Chair Massage:
- relieves physical problems associated with repetitive tasks
- helps balance the effects of stress
- reduces anxiety levels and tension headaches
- restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being
- relaxes tense muscles
- normalizes blocked energy flow
- improves immune system functioning
Massage therapy for those affected by cancer
This treatment is thought to promote wellness and optimize overall health. Massage therapy is used with, not in place of, standard cancer therapy.
Massage therapists rhythmically rub and knead the body's soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. Massages usually occur in a warm, comfortable room and last from thirty minutes to one hour.
