Massage Techniques

Swedish massage - (which is a proper name, not a reference to Sweden) Refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Massage friction is reduced by oil, lotion or baby powder. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit.

One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to improve circulation and aid in and speed the removal of toxins from the muscles. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy.

Trigger point - Is a pain-relief techniques to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. The major goals are to reduce spasm inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle. Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points, for a short time (between about 7 to 10 seconds per point), which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving. It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process.

Sensual massage - Is more or less just an expansion of the Swedish massage and mixes other techniques and including the therapist working on muscles that are in closer to some of the more erotic areas of the body. The truths is that these muscles need the same attention as any muscles in other areas of the body and should be part of any full body massage but are avoided in most other more modest massage sessions. Additionally this massage technique will typically include ending each massage quadrant (area of the body) with very light touch and long strokes over the body. The masseuse as an aide to stimulate the senses and bring a deeper level of relaxation often uses different aromas or textures during this massage.

Deep Tissue Massage - Only recommended for those with experience, deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are also used for releasing muscular congestion.

Combination Massage - Is just what it sounds like, a combination of all the different techniques that is part of a customized package based on your questionnaire and pre massage interview with the Therapist. For example if based on the answers to your questions in the interview you have an area of the body that my benefit from deep tissue massage then that area would receive that technique and so on. This does not mean you get all the different types of massages just the appropriate mixture of techniques used for each ailment or area of the body.

Reflexology - Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and 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 is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health. This technique is recommended to be performed along with other massage techniques.