Massage Terminology

Cranio-Sacral – is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Deep Tissue – releases the 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, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Effleurage – is a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage treatment. This smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Friction – is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

Myofascial Release – is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.

On-site Massage - (also known as chair massage or corporate massage) – is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs most often slope forward allowing access to the large muscles of the back. On-site massage usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is intended to relax and improve circulation.

Petrissage - (also called kneading) – involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.

Hot Stone - This therapy is becoming widely known for its deeply relaxing benefits. It employs a technique that uses smooth, heated basalt stones which are placed on specific acupressure points on the body to melt away knots, tension and stress. It can be applied as a relaxation technique using hot essential oils. The hot stone experience relieves pain, promotes harmony, balance and peace.

Shiatsu and Acupressure – Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body).

Sports Massage – massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport.

Swedish Massage – a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.

Tandem Massage - 4 hand massage (two therapists one person)  amazing!

Tapotement – is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client.

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) – applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

Deep Tissue - This massage is similar to Swedish Massage, but more hand pressure is used to get into areas where muscles are especially tight.

Hot Stone Massage - This popular treatment utilizes traditional Swedish massage accompanied by smooth heatedbasaltriver stones. These hot stones encourage deep relaxation, quiet the mind, and calm the soul.

Pregnancy Massage - During pregnancy, massage can safely, comfortably and effectively relieve physical, emotionalor psychological stress. It also can relax muscle spasms and relieve tension.

Reflexology - Based on Ancient healing techniques, this modaality focuses on the feet & hands to help correct imbalance in your body which may be causing ill-health. massage based around a system of points in the hands and feet thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body.

What Is Reflexology

The Reflexology Association of Canada defines it as "A natural healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part of the body." By stimulating and applying pressure to the feet or hands, you are increasing circulation and promoting specific bodily and muscular functions. Kevin Kunz, one of the pioneers of reflexology, puts it best -- "Imagine stepping on a tack. Your whole body reacts because of something perceived by the foot. Reflexology with a full range of pressure sensors, utilizes the same body system of fight or flight to relax the body." Indeed,the feet and hands are more sensitive than most people realize. Similar to how we use our eyes to detect light, the hands and feet detect pressure, stretch, movement and weight distribution.

The Benefits of Reflexology

The 1996 China Reflexology Symposium Report has found foot reflexology to be 93.63% effective in treating 63 disorders. After an analysis of 8,096 clinical cases, Dr. Wang Liang reported that reflexology was significantly effective (the cure) in 48.68% of all the cases, and an effective/improved treatment in 44.95% of the cases

Another study, in Britain, had fifteen women receive half-hour reflexology sessions for eight weeks. The findings included noticable physical and emotional improvements, increased self-esteem and confidence, an ability to stay motivated and be heard and taken seriously, and an improvement in concentration.

Precautions

Here are some important reminders before reflexology.

* Avoid for one hour after meals.
* Within 30 minutes after any massage, you should drink at least 16 ounces of warm water; in cases of kidney or heart disease, you should drink no more than 1/3 of that amount.
* Do not apply heavy pressure to bones.
* In case of serious heart conditions, diabetes, or kidney problems, use at any time should be restricted to under 10 minutes.
* In case of epilepsy, heart conditions, or high blood pressure, a physician should be consulted.
* After  massage, for a period of time, do not feel alarmed if an ailment seems to worsen or the mouth feels dry. This is normal, especially in the case of inflammation or rheumatism and will pass shortly.  Drinking alot of water will help.