Types of Massage Therapy (continued)

Kinesiology: The study of muscles and movement, used by healthcare providers like chiropractors, osteopaths, dentists, and medical doctors.

Manual Lymph Drainage®: Under a physician's referral, certified therapists use this gentle method of full body massage to stimulate the lymphatic system move excess fluid away from tissue.

Myofascial Release Massage Therapy: Targets the fascia, or connective tissue that surrounds muscles. Fascia can become tight or sore with injury, so myofascial massage loosens and stretches the fascia, increases blood supply, and helps improve motion and decrease discomfort.

Ohashiatsu®: A system used to relieve stress & fatigue that involves exercise, meditation and physical techniques to bring about a state of peace. With flowing movments, the practitioner stretches the body while working rhythmically with the person's breathing.

Polarity Therapy: A technique centered on balancing the body's flow of energy; it involves gentle touch, and guidance in diet, exercise, and self-awareness.

Qi Gong Massage (Chi-Kung): Ancient Chinese system that focuses on balance of the qi (chi) along meridians (energy pathways) in the body. This system is also built on the Yin/Yang philosophy of keeping the inner body's energy and outer physical body in balance, thus improving overall recovery and health.

Reflexology Therapy: Originating in ancient Egypt and China, this method is based on the philosophy that specific points in the feet and hands correspond with other organs and tissues in the body. It is believed that massage and stimulation of these trigger points can help treat other ailments in the body.

Reiki Massage: An ancient Tibetan technique that uses light hand placement, transferring positive energy to the recipient, to heal emotional and mental distress in addition other physical problems.

Shiatsu Massage: A modified version of acupressure massage that uses finger pressure to treat specific points along the body's meridians (channels of energy).

Soma Neuromuscular Integration®: A method used to improve posture, joint function, and alignment by deep manipulation of muscles and their connective tissue. Treatment using this method involves ten sessions, and is used to treat various chronic ailments.

Swedish Massage: The most common massage technique in America, Swedish massage involves long strokes, and kneading of upper muscle layers (as opposed to deep tissue massage) to promote increased circulation and relaxation.

Thai-Style Massage: Performed fully clothed on a mat, this technique involves both applied pressure and stretching techniques to create balance of energy, and wholeness of mind, body, and soul.

Trigger Point/Myotherapy: Similar to Shiatsu or acupressure, this technique involves applying specific pressure to tender or contracted muscle points that are causing pain. However, it is based on Western anatomy and physiology science.

Zero Balancing Massage: Combining Western anatomy science with Eastern energy philosophies, zero balancing massage uses hand and finger contact with bony structures to align the body and balance the body's energy.

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