Aromatherapy Massage:

• An aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage with scented plant oils (known as essential oils) added to the massage oil.
• Extracted from flowers and other plant parts, essential oils offer a pleasing scent and are believed to have healing properties.
• Lavender and rose, for instance, are known to promote relaxation. Although oils may be selected to address specific needs, the therapist typically uses pre-blended oils to relax, energize, or uplift.
• The soothing effects of aromatherapy massage can benefit a variety of conditions, including headaches, insomnia, certain digestive disorders, back pain, and even premenstrual symptoms.

 

• Before receiving an aromatherapy massage, make sure you’re not allergic to any of the plants used in the oils, since they may cause a reaction on the skin.
• Before receiving an aromatherapy massage, make sure you’re not allergic to any of the plants used in the oils, since they may cause a reaction on the skin.
• Before receiving an aromatherapy massage, make sure you’re not allergic to any of the plants used in the oils, since they may cause a reaction on the skin.

Ayurvedic Massage:

• The ayurvedic full-body self-massage, called abhyanga, is traditionally performed every day for overall mind/body support.
• Ayurveda, the ancient science of healing from India, has always utilized massage as a part of its regimens for healing.
• From an Ayurvedic perspective, different forms of massage are useful to different people. The form of massage utilized is based upon a person’s constitution and imbalance.

• However, ayurvedic texts discuss other ways to use massage therapy in addition to the basic oil massage.

They are,

1.)The warm oil scalp massage:

• Massaging the scalp and hair is recommended to stimulate the scalp, nourish the hair roots and hair, relieve mental fatigue, help enhance mental clarity and focus, and balance and nourish the emotions.

• Traditional oils for this purpose have beneficial herbal extracts combined with the base oil for added benefit.

2.)Dry Garshana Massage:

• The Garshana massage is done without oil. Performed regularly, it is reported to gradually help break down fat deposits by enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation.
• This massage helps clean and exfoliate the skin, making it more receptive to herbs and therapeutic oils.

• How it’s done — Wearing raw silk gloves available for the purpose, use light vigorous strokes to perform the Garshana massage.
• This massage can be done every day.

 

Shiatsu Massage:

• A form of Japanese bodywork, shiatsu involves localized pressure using the therapist’s fingers (or sometimes hands and elbows), applied in a rhythmic sequence along the body.
•  Each point is held for about two to eight seconds.

With roots in traditional Chinese medicine, the goal of shiatsu is to stimulate acupressure points on the body to improve the flow of energy and help regain balance.

• Since no oil or lotion is used, you wear loose clothing. Shiatsu is normally done on a mat on the floor or on a low massage table and is often used to reduce stress and protect against stress-related health issues.
• It’s also believed effective for treating conditions like arthritis, insomnia, back and neck pain, sciatica, and even sinus problems.
• Shiatsu may help increase energy, promote recovery from injuries, and stimulate the digestive system.

Tui na (“twee-nah”):

• A type of deep-tissue massage used to release muscle tension and heal injuries such as sprains and strains.
• Most treatments end with a tuina massage to the neck and shoulder area.  Everyone seems to love this part of the treatment.  It is a nice way to end the session.

Gua Sha (“gwa-shah”):

• This is another method utilized to release muscle tension due to tightness.  It works especially well on neck and shoulder pain.
•   A special spoon is used to rub over a problem area to help relax the muscles.  It stimulates the flow of blood and qi to the area, thereby promoting healing.

Pregnancy Massage:

• Also known as prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is customized to an expectant mother’s needs but is most often used to promote relaxation.
• Since many pregnant women suffer from lower back pain and swollen ankles especially in the later months, prenatal massage is a relatively safe, drug-free way to provide relief.
• Massage therapists who have received specialized training and are certified in prenatal massage know how to position and support the woman’s body during the massage, modify techniques, and avoid certain areas and techniques during pregnancy.
• Most will have a special table that allows the woman to rest comfortably and safely during the massage.
• Ideally, you should seek out a practitioner who is experienced and licensed in prenatal massage.

Neuromuscular Massage Therapy:

• The most effective type of massage therapy for lower back pain is neuromuscular therapy. Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy.
• The American Academy of Pain Management recognizes this form of massage therapy as an effective treatment for back pain caused by soft tissue injury (such as a muscle strain).
• Neuromuscular therapy is a specialized form of deep tissue massage in which digital pressure and friction are used to release areas of strain in the muscle.
• These areas of strain are called tender or trigger points and are the cause of muscular pain symptoms.

Trigger Points:

• Trigger points are areas of hypersensitivity in a muscle caused by overstrain.
• These are small areas of the muscle in which there is a contracture of muscular tissue (think of a tiny snag in a knit sweater).
• Blood and nutrients are lacking in that part of the muscle and therefore the muscle spindle is unable to relax.  Trigger points cause pain, fatigue and weakness in the muscle.
• Trigger points also cause a phenomenon called referral pain.

Rolfing Massage:

• Rolfing is a system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity.
• Rolfing bodywork affects the body’s posture and structure by manipulating the myofascial system (connective tissue).
• Often considered a deep-tissue approach, Rolfing bodywork actually works with all the layers of the body to ease strain patterns in the entire system. Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates more efficient muscle use, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement.
• Rolfing has also been shown to significantly reduce chronic stress, reduce spinal curvature in subjects with lordosis (sway back), and enhance neurological functioning.

Hellerwork Massage:

• Hellerwork is a powerful, integrated system of structural bodywork, movement education and dialogue.
• Hellerwork makes the connection between movement, body alignment and personal awareness.
• By freeing natural movement, balancing the body’s structure and opening up expression, Hellerwork allows you to optimize how you use your body.

• Hellerwork engages the human being through structure, function, emotion and energy.
• The body is realigned using proven connective tissue reorganization techniques.
• Current movement habits are brought to awareness then released and natural ease emerges.
• Although Hellerwork may be effective for temporary pain or tension relief, we recognize that pain and tension are usually the result of an overall pattern of imbalance occurring in the person.
• Rather than treating the pain or tension “symptom” of this imbalance, Hellerwork focuses on rebalancing the entire body, returning it to a more aligned, relaxed and youthful state. Balance is not a static condition; it is a process of constant flux – a fluid expression of wholeness and ease.

Lomilomi Massage:

• Lomilomi goes far beyond massage, however; it also reflects the connection we have with the land (‘aina), the spirit guides or ancestors (‘aumakua) and the breath of life (aloha).
• Lomilomi, sometimes called Hawaiian massage, is beneficial for many ailments and to increase spiritual energy and personal power (mana).
• The nurturing strokes are relaxing; however, one soon learns this work is therapeutic on all levels.

• Lomilomi kumu (master) Brenda Ignacio of Oahu, Hawaii, describes lomilomi as being a distinctly Hawaiian healing art form that is passed down through the generations by master practitioners.
• She says the basis of this spiritual work is the “embodiment of reverence of life, wisdom, knowledge and compassion.”
• Lomilomi is now popular throughout the world.
• We can find versions of lomilomi offered in private practices and spa settings; yet, some lomilomi sessions practiced today are quite diluted from the traditional methods, due to constraints created by one’s work environment or abbreviated trainings.

Myofascial Massage:

• Myofascial release is a type of physical therapy often used to treat myofascial pain syndrome.
• Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder caused by sensitivity and tightness in your myofascial tissues.

• These tissues surround and support the muscles throughout your body. The pain usually originates from specific points within your myofascial tissues called “trigger points.”
• Myofascial release focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points.
• It’s not always easy to understand what trigger point is responsible for the pain.
• Localizing pain to a specific trigger point is very difficult. For that reason, myofascial release is often used over a broad area of muscle and tissue rather than at single points.