Massage Modalities

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Massage Modalities

As with every profession, Massage Therapy has developed its own parlance -- its own vocabulary. Each of these modalities is a different style of massage.

Alexander Technique

A method used to change a person's habits and movements in everyday activities. The emphasis of the Alexander technique is to re-educate people on the proper use of the body for various activities to minimize the exertion of energy and maximize daily energy levels, health, and fitness. To sum the Alexander Technique up in words does not do it justice; to understand it requires experiencing it first hand.

Shiatsu

Pressure point massage used to regulate the flow of energy through the body. The massage therapist applies pressure by thumb, fingers, palms or feet, to the body's surface to stimulate healing. It has been proven to increase energy levels, blood and oxygen circulation, and produce deep relaxation.

Acupressure

A precursor to acupuncture, it stimulates the flow of energy throughout the body, and influences the functioning of internal organs.

Feldenkrais

The basis of the Feldenkrais method is to consciously analyze movements and behaviors to realize dysfunctional patterns of movement for everyday activities that are encoded into the nervous system.

Esalen

A blend of classical Swedish massage that is taught in Big Sur, California. It is a very relaxing full body technique that is taught on video by the Esalen Institute.

Reflexology

A technique of manipulating feet in order to improve circulation, and increase relaxation. Based in theory that all body parts are associated with reflex zones, and manipulating these reflex zones, changes are induced in corresponding body parts.

Swedish Massage

One of the most common forms of massage in the modern western civilizations.It is performed by a therapist who applies oil to the body, and gently and gradually performs a series of strokes that induce relaxation, increase circulation, and increase range of motion. The majority of Swedish strokes include gliding, kneading, tapping, shaking, and rubbing movements. Benefits of Swedish massage include recovery from strains and trauma, removal of bodily toxins, and delivering nutrients to tissues and cells more efficiently.

Swedish Massage

Also known as deep tissue massage, is a complete body approach which helps in the relief of back, neck and shoulder pain. Therapists assess areas of restrictions within fascial tissues, then apply appropriate techniques to stretch the tissue. It is often completed with a short period of light Swedish massage to wind down and relax the body.

Sports Massage

Administered before athletic competition and / or physical activities, sports massage helps to prevent pain and injuries while often boosting peak performance. After the completion of activities the massage helps remove lactic acid and restore normal range of motion in the muscles.


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