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SWEDISH MASSAGE
Swedish massage is a classical European massage technique. It is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional and in some cases, psychological purposes and goals, incorporating the use of cream or oils and five different movements:
long gliding strokes ~ kneading ~ tapping ~ friction ~ vibration
All of these are used to stimulate the nervous system, there are several benefits that come from this stimulation.
Swedish massage helps to balance the autonomic nervous system, which in turn increases endorphin secretion and helps reduce stress. It can also help to decrease nerve entrapment and reduce nerve root compression caused by muscle tension.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep Tissue is a Swedish massage with deep work on specific areas. It is important to understand that "deep" can be accomplished with more strategy and less muscle pounding brawn. Core strength and intention can make a deep impact without "beating up" the client.
The body is smart....if you push too hard, it's going to push back....the aim of deep tissue work is to access the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue.
The pressure is more focused and intense as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or "knots" (also known as "adhesion’s").
ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure is a relaxing natural therapy that teaches the body to identify and release patterns of holding tension that affect health. A fearful response to stressful situations puts us into "fight or flight syndrome," where we see either battle or escape as our sole alternative. Our bodies respond accordingly, preparing for self-defense or escape with elevated blood pressure, pounding heart, and tense, action ready muscles. We remain in this state until the perceived threat is resolved...this can last for seconds, minutes, days, or years.
Acupressure, is the application of manual pressure to specific points along acupuncture meridian pathways for the purpose of decreasing pain. Manipulating these points helps to promote circulation and stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial Release is the gentle stretching of tissue or fascia while maintaining light to medium pressure allowing the fascia to unwind itself.
The gentle traction applied to restricted fascia will result in heat and increased blood flow to the area. This allows the body's inherent ability for self correction to return, eliminating pain and restoring optimum performance.
Most people with chronic myofascial pain have a number of habits that perpetuate poor health, one of the most common is the insufficient intake of water. During the process of Deep Tissue and Myofascial bodywork it is advisable to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily. As the physical body re-organizes itself, deep fascial adhesions and myofascial trigger points are resolved, releasing toxins and exudates which can be flushed from the system with adequate hydration.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
A trigger point is a hyperirritable spot that is very painful.
It's called a trigger point because it "triggers" a painful response. It affects not only the muscle where the trigger point is located, but also causes "referred pain" in tissues supplied by nerves.
Trigger points are located in taut bands of muscle fibers. These points are often area’s of chronic "holding"....it took a while to get the muscle in that condition, and it will likely take more than one therapy session to get rid of it. In some cases a device or tool called a "point stimulator" will be used.
THAI MASSAGE
Thai Massage is more energizing and rigorous than classic forms of massage, it is a powerful form of energy balancing, healing through movement and a truly holistic treatment...
The Thai style involves stretching and deep compression. Simply put, the main focus of Thai Bodywork is helping to attain or regain "balance" in the flow of energy (Qi,Chi, Ki or Prana) in the body. It works on both the superficial and deeper facial layers of muscles, ligaments, joints and connective tissue, and it touches all areas of the body including the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems.
The massage practitioner leans on the recipients body using palms and feet to apply firm rhythmic pressure. Legs and feet of the giver can be used to fixate the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions hands fixate the body, while feet do the massage and compression work.
There is a standard procedure and rhythm to this massage.
This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor on a Thai mat, with the recipient wearing comfortable cloths that allow for freedom and movement.
Image by Michael Gomez Photography https://www.facebook.com/gomezphotography74/
Kerri Schuh - Professional AVP Player