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Types of Massage
There are numerous different types of massage, each with a different aim. Most
aim to promote relaxation, but there is usually a health-related or pain-alleviation
goal involved, as well. Below are some of the more common forms of massage.
Acupressure: Finger-pressure is applied to special points along the
body called “meridians”—invisible channels of energy flow in the body, according
to traditional Chinese medicine.
Chi Nei Tsang: Removes blockages in the abdominal area. A therapist
massages the abdomen in the hopes of stimulating the internal organs. This massage
is meant to heal digestive ailments.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy: Finds and corrects cerebral and spinal imbalances
or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual problems. Especially
helpful for neck pain.
Deep Tissue Massage:Releases tension in the body through slow strokes
and deep finger pressure along the path of the muscles, tendons and fascia (soft
tissue covering the organs). This massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle
tissue.
Myofascial Release: Seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension
in the fascia with long, stretching strokes.
On-site Massage (also called a chair massage, or a corporate massage):
The client remains fully clothed and sits in a specially designed chair. These
chairs typically slope forward to allow the masseuse access to the large muscles
of the back. This type of massage usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
Reflexology : This type of massage assumes that all areas of the body
correspond to a point, or “reflex,” on the hands and feet. By manipulating a
particular point, the masseuse can clear up problems in corresponding areas
of the body.
Rolfing: Adjusts the muscles sheaths to be their full extension, straightening
the spine and completely altering—and improving—body posture.
Rosen Method: Through gentle touch and verbal communication, clients
release both repressed emotions and muscular tension.
Shiatsu: Similar to acupressure. Finger-pressure is applied to meridians
to remove energy blockages.
Sports Massage: Focuses on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport
to help athletes achieve optimum performance, and to reduce the risk of injury.
Swedish Massage : Uses long strokes, kneading and friction techniques
on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive
movements of the joints.
Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy):
Applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated
areas in muscles) to ease chronic spasms and/or pain.
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