There are over 200 distinct kinds and types of bodywork therapies under the headings massage therapy, bodywork, and somatic practices. A massage therapist may use several massage techniques during one session to address different conditions. But you don’t have to be an expert on massage or even know what type of massage you want when you make an appointment. Our qualified massage therapists can help determine the type of massage that would be best for your particular needs.
Listed below are some of the more common forms of massage and bodywork techniques and styles. If you have questions regarding any massage or bodywork technique and how it might impact your health, please feel free to contact our office and talk to any of our therapy staff members. BODY & SOLE maintains an extensive listing of all types of massage and bodywork therapies.
Acupressure – Dating back 5000 years, acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is often described as “acupuncture without the needles.” As a non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure uses deep finger pressure applied at certain points located along an invisible system of energy channels within the body called meridians. Because these points directly relate to organs and glands of the body, constrictions in the flow of energy at these points causes disease and discomfort. Acupressure stimulates these points to remove blockages, to increase the energy flow, to reduce stress, and to promote health and harmony in the body.
Aromatherapy – The use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating effects, aromatherapy dates back to ancient Egypt, India, and the Far East. This simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions, and clear the mind. After an initial discussion with the client, specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology. Used in oils, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and into the body to affect physiological change. When inhaled, the aroma directly affects the limbic area of the brain that is related to emotions and memories.
Chair Massage – (Also known as On-Site Massage or Corporate Massage) When a ten or twenty minute relaxation session is needed, this is the technique for you. You are massaged fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely portable, you may see chair massages at the airport or health club, or you may want a practitioner to come to your office or business to massage the staff or guests at a party.
Chi Nei Tsang – In Chinese, “chi” means energy and “nei tsang” means internal organs. Chi Nei Tsang was originally developed by Chinese Taoist monks to strengthen their bodies to carry the energy required to perform their spiritual practices. Chi Nei Tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with a deep, soft and gentle touch to train internal organs to work more efficiently and to improve energy flow in the body.
Cranio-Sacral – Within the craniosacral system is the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide-like motion is limited, confined, and immobilized. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system restored. Craniosacral therapy is helpful to those with nervous disorders, motor-coordination impairments, attention deficit disorders, insomnia, and other problems. Craniosacral therapy was originally developed in the early 1900’s by an osteopath named William G. Sutherland and later refined and promoted by Dr. John Upledger.
Deep Tissue – This technique is usually a firmer, deeper, and slower work affecting deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension, break up congestion, and speeds removal of metabolic wastes. Techniques include slower strokes and greater pressure, direct pressure, and/or friction directed across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs, or elbows.
Infant Massage – Becoming increasingly popular, infant massage is usually taught to new mothers as a way of bonding with their newborn and of encouraging infant health. It incorporates nurturing touch, massage and reflexology in a loving, fun, one-on-one interaction. A study at the University of Miami showed that infants who received 15 minutes of massage a day gained weight 47% faster and demonstrated other physical and neurological benefits.
Lymph System Massage – In the 1930’s, a Danish doctor, Hans Vodder, noticed the connection between swollen and blocked lymph glands and colds, infections, and other ailments. Since the lymph system is designed to remove bacteria and toxins from the body, he reasoned that massaging the lymph system would improve the flow of lymph and benefit the patient. Together with his wife, a massage practitioner, they developed specific techniques that massage the lymph nodes and lymph system using light rhythmic strokes. A characteristic of lymph system massage is that the strokes are always with the muscle fiber, rather than cross-fiber, because the lymph system runs in the direction of the muscle fiber.
Myofascial Release – All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc., are held together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Developed in the late 1960’s by John Barnes, Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions, and trauma.
Naprapathy – Originated by a chiropractor in Chicago in 1907, naprapathy is a gentle massage of connective tissue to restore optimal flow of energy through the body. Naprapathy also is holistic in nature in that it pays attention to nutrition, movement, lifestyle, and diet. A prime focus of this technique is the attention to the ligaments that encase the spinal column.
On-Site Massage – (Also known as Chair Massage or Corporate Massage.) When a ten or twenty minute relaxation massage is needed, this is the technique of choice. The client is massage while fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax them and improve circulation. Becoming popular among the business world, chair massages can be found at the airports, malls, health clubs, or on site at corporate offices. It is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed chair.
Ortho-Bionomy – Translated from Greek as “correct application of the laws of life,” this gentle massage technique is often called the most homeopathic of bodywork. Developed in the 1970’s by Arthur Pauls, a British osteopath, Ortho-Bionomy uses movements and gentle manipulations to find the position of most comfort in response to pain. The practitioner then works from there to release the core problem.
Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman’s body and is time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy.
Reflexology – Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930’s, this is an acupressure-type technique performed on the hands and feet. It is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure and/or massage are applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.
Reiki – Pronounced ‘ray-kee’, in Japanese this 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 Usua, 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.
Rolfing – Also called structural integration, Rolfing was pioneered by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1930’s. She maintained that when one part of the body is out of balance or misaligned, the rest of the body attempts to compensate until the entire structure is weakened. Even from birth, the general pressures of life and gravity push our bodies out of alignment. By manipulating the myofascial tissue in a ten session series, each building on the previous one, Rolfers assist the body to reorganize, lengthen, and integrate itself into wholeness.
Shiatsu and Acupressure – The most widely known form of acupressure, Shiatsu literally means “finger pressure” in Japan, and has been practiced for more than a thousand years. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body’s meridians (invisible channels of energy flow in the body) by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes the feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session may also include gentle stretching and range of motion manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.
Sports Massage – This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility, and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.
Stone Massage – This specialty technique combines massage with the application of heated and/or cooled stones of various sizes over the entire body, including the face, hands, and feet. The stones become extensions of the therapist’s hands, almost “replacing” them. The application of water-heated basalt stones to key points on the body gives a deep massage and creates sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. In cases of muscular injury and inflammation, frozen (cooling) marble stones are used.
Swedish Massage – The most well known of all massage therapy techniques. In the 1820’s, a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. Sometimes combined with active and passive movements of the joints, this system is used to promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. It is performed on more superficial muscle layers. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin (the body’s largest organ) sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing. It is also used for warming tissues in order to perform deeper work, but can be used for the entire session. Various soothing oils are used in Swedish massage to reduce friction.
Trager Approach –Developed over a period of 65 years by Dr. Milton Trager, this is an innovative approach to movement education. Using gentle, non-intrusive, natural movements, the Trager Approach helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relations, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. These patterns may have developed in response to accidents, illnesses, or any kind of physical or emotional trauma, including the stress of everyday life. The movements are never forced so there is no induced pain or discomfort to the client. One of the most potent aspects of the Trager Approach is the ability to recall the feeling of deep relaxation, and how it feels to move freely and easily.
Trigger Point Therapy – (Also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy.) A form of deep massage that is applied specifically to individual muscles, it is a program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes by utilizing specific massage therapy, including the pressure of trigger points (intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body) to eliminate the causes of pain patterns. It is used to increase blood flow, release trigger points, and release pressure on nerves caused by soft tissues. This approach brings about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It enhances the function of joints, muscles, and movement and releases endorphins, the body’s own natural pain killers.
BODY & SOLE
Massage Therapy and Reflexology Center
214 Louisiana Avenue
Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
(419) 873-SOLE (7653)
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