Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue bodywork is a general term for a range of therapies that work to “unstick” the body’s connective tissues and/or muscles to encourage them to function properly again. Among the conditions deep tissue bodywork treats are whiplash, low back and neck pain, and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. This procedure releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue massage because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and is an advanced for of Swedish massage. The muscles are slowly warmed with regular massage before heavier pressure is applied. Deep tissue massage is not intended to be a relaxation massage, rather, it is often aimed for treatment of muscle injuries by increasing blood flow to the injured area. Deep tissue massage is also frequently used for the release of scar tissue. Watch this video for good examples!
An oriental-based system of finger pressure that treats special points along acupuncture “meridians (the invisible channels of energy that flow in the body).” These are the same meridians utilized by acupuncturists and acupressure therapists. Shiatsu massage is a modified version of acupressure massage which includes current knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
The Alexander Technique was developed by actor F. Matthias Alexander. This technique came at his own conclusion that poor posture was responsible for his own chronic voice loss. Practitioners of this technique use gentle hands-on guidance and verbal instruction, teach simple efficient ways of moving in order to improve balance, posture, and coordination to relieve tension and pain.
Dating back 4,000 years to ancient China, acupressure is increasingly recognized as beneficial and therapeutic in the United States today. Acupressure can often cure various ailments, boost a person’s immune system, increase energy, and relax an individual. This form of massage uses channels (called “meridians”), which are present in everyone, to allow energy to flow evenly throughout the entire body. When this flow of energy is interrupted, it creates acute health ailments and many common problems. Acupressure is used to benefit the common ones by restoring the energy flow, thus relieving discomfort and lessening the ailment.
You can learn how to do this and other types of massage professionally at one of our massage schools
