Massage Techniques
Traditional Swedish / Relaxation
This massage attempts to reduce physical tension from the body in a gentle way by using techniques intended to loosen tight muscles and reduce stiffness, remove energy blockages within the body and increase blood and lymph circulation. Five soft tissue techniques are used in a Relaxation/Swedish massage: effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading strokes), friction (deep, circular rubbing), tapotement (tapping) and vibration (fine, rapid shaking movements). The goal of this massage is to bring the body back into a balanced and relaxed state.
Deep Tissue / Rehabilitation
A massage technique involving the use of slow, deep and intense massage strokes across the grain of the muscle to heal physical injuries, chronic tension and emotional stresses within the body. Deep tissue massage applies greater pressure than relaxation/Swedish massage to deeper layers of the muscle. It can be used to release trapped nerves and correct damaged muscle tissue, as well as to soften hard muscles which have caused joint restriction and structural misalignment.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release, as taught by John Barnes, is a safe, gentle and effective technique producing lasting results for clients with chronic pain and postural dysfunction. It speeds recovery from repetitive strain and traumatic injuries and temporal/mandibular joint disorders. Fascia is a tough connective tissue that connects the body in a three-dimensional web from head to foot. Trauma, poor posture, or inflammation can bind the fascia, resulting in pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones or organs. The fascial system resists suddenly applied force. However, the gentle application of sustained pressure allows the fascia to elongate, producing positive structural changes. Home myofascial stretching exercises help maintain these changes. Myofascial unwinding helps eliminate subconscious holding or bracing patterns that may be perpetuating structural dysfunction. - http://www.myofascialrelease.com/mfr/mfr_what.asp
CranioSacral
The craniosacral system extends from the skull to the sacrum, and includes the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Imbalances of the craniosacral system can be caused by fascial pulls from outside the system (such as the trapezius muscle) or by restrictions within. Craniosacral therapy uses very gentle touch to release these restrictions and often results in a significant reduction of chronic pain and improvement of motor coordination. http://www.iahe.com/html/therapies/cst.jsp
Sports Massage
Sports massage is reported to have many beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be used pre-performance, post-performance, during training or for rehabilitation. Athletes of all levels may benefit from sports massage. If you are looking for a way to improve your athletic performance, then sports massage may be for you. Learn more about the possible performance enhancing effects of sports massage.
What are the Benefits of Sports Massage?
Many benefits from sports massage have been reported based on experience and observation. Some of the benefits are to the mind (psychological) and some are to the body (physiological). Possible side effects of sports massage are tenderness or stiffness for 1 to 2 days after the sports massage. A skin reaction due to the massage oils is also possible. But for the most part, sports massage is safe. Some of
The reported benefits include:
• Increased blood flow • Increased joint range of motion (ROM) • Increased flexibility
• Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid) • Increased sense of well-being
• Decreased muscle tension • Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)
• Decreased chance of injury • Decreased recovery time between workouts
• Decreased muscle spasms
Energy Work
Reiki
The name Reiki comes from the Japanese pronunciation of two Chinese characters that are said to describe the energy itself, Rei meaning spirit Ki meaning life force. A common translation of the term reiki is "universal life force energy." Reiki practitioners are merely the messengers for Reiki energy. This divine life force energy flows primarily through the palms of the hands. The practitioner's intention is all that is needed for Reiki healing. Healing energy is transmitted physically by the positioning of hands on a fully clothed body, or from a distance. Reiki is a form of Oriental Medicine and it defines full health as total harmony of body, mind and spirit. http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/WhatIsReiki.html
