Swedish Massage
Probably the most common form of Massage in the West.
The therapist applies oil to the body and gradually
administers a series of strokes designed to induce relaxation,
enhance circulation, and increase range of motion. The
main strokes of Swedish massage are gliding, kneading,
rubbing, tapping and shaking movements. Swedish massage
can help the body remove toxins, deliver nutrients to
tissues and cells more efficiently, and recover from
strains and trauma more quickly. In addition to using
the standard strokes, some therapists also apply hot
and cold packs.
Deep Tissue Massage
Feel like you overdid it on that hike? This intensive
treatment uses focused, firm pressure on specific muscle
groups to alleviate discomfort resulting from overexertion,
stress, or intense exercise. Also excellent for those
with chronic conditions and postural problems.
Sports Massage
This type of massage is a specialization of Swedish
massage that aids the body to achieve maximum physical
performance.Administered before physical activity, it
can help protect against pain and injuries, whiling
boosting performance.Following exercise, it helps remove
lactic acid and restore normal muscle tone and range
of motion. It helps the serious as well as the casual
athlete perform at peak efficiency.
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Reflexology Massage
This is a technique of manipulating the feet (and
less frequently, the hands) in order to improve circulation,
ease pain, and increase relaxation in the body. Reflexology
is based on the theory that all body parts, organs and
glands are associated with specific areas, called reflex
zones, in the hands and feet, which serve as kind of
a mini-map of the entire body. By manipulating the zone,
changes can be effected in the corresponding body part.
For this reason, reflexology is sometimes called "zone
therapy"
Reiki Massage
(pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal
life energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting
life energy by placing the hands gently in specific
positions either on or above the body. This laying-on
of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality,
heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth. It was developed
by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Christian monk in Japan, who came
upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system
in the 19th century. It was introduced to the United
States in the 1930's by Hawayo Takata.
Rosen Method Massage
This therapy, using gentle touch, breathing, and verbal
interaction was developed by Marion Rosen, a physiotherapist,
who noticed that clients who verbalized their sensations
and emotions during treatment sessions improved more
quickly than those who did not. The method applies gentle
touch using hands that "listen" rather than
manipulate. As practitioners touch the body where tension
is held in and thus where the breath cannot move freely,
it reminds the muscle and the unconscious feelings,
attitudes, and memories that they can freely release.
Rosen Method is used for both physical ailments and
personal growth. |
