 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
TYPES OF
MASSAGE Therapeutic Massage Also known as Remedial or Deep Tissue Therapeutic massage is a ‘hands on’ treatment intended to address many soft tissue problems. The massage techniques include stroking, kneading, friction, vibration and percussion. The techniques can directly affect the body systems that govern heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. The resulting sense of well being lowers the amount of circulating stress hormones which may be weakening the body's natural immune system. Lighter massage is used for relaxation. It releases tension and reduces anxiety so that people feel more serene and better equipped to cope with the stresses of life. The techniques used will be soothing and provide no discomfort. The only side effect may be to make you feel sleepy. Deep tissue massage is designed to address specific problems associated with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and can reduce inflammation related pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis and other muscular conditions. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques. The problem may be in the form of an ache or strain or chronic pain. Friction techniques, cross fibre massage and deep tissue massage may be used to address the problem tissue.
Aromatherapy Massage This massage utilises essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods and roots. For thousands of years the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used essential oil massage to aid relaxation, improve circulation and help the healing of injuries. The Frenchman Gattefosse revived the art and coined the name aromatherapy in a book published in 1928. Each freshly prepared oil mixture is individually prepared and has its own characteristics and benefits.
Sports Massage Sports massage involves a thorough knowledge of the movements, exercises, periodisation, injuries and training involved in team and individual sport. It will include pre-event, inter-event, post-event and maintenance massage and may employ a variety of massage techniques.
Myofascial Release (MFR) MFR is useful method of treating neck and back pain,
headaches, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain, by working on
fascia which surrounds all our muscles, organs and bones Gentle
pressure is applied to
Based on the extensive works of Dr Janet Travell and Dr David Simons trigger point therapy involves a systematic de-activation of trigger points which are tight bands in the muscles, tendons or ligaments which refer pain to other areas. The treatment may be followed by stretches with ice, followed by heat and then movement. Trigger point work is a part of Neuromuscular Therapy and is beneficial wherever chronic, aching pain is felt.
This is a fully clothed massage performed on a person while they are sitting in a massage chair or using a desk attachment. The beauty of this technique is that it can be performed in a corporate or business setting. The benefits include relieving work related stress and easing neck pain and shoulder and back tension. A variety of techniques may be used, including pressure points, holds, ranges of joint movement, and percussion methods borrowed from Japanese and Swedish techniques.
Pregnancy is a time to be pampered. A therapist trained to perform pregnancy massage understands the changes occurring in the mother's body during pregnancy and adapts the massage to suit. Pregnancy massage can promote an increased circulation, thereby bringing fresh nutrients and removing wastes. You may experience greater energy, less fatigue and reduced swelling as a result. The therapist will have a special padded bolster to lie on in the early stages of pregnancy, or may prefer a side-lying position in the latter months. Pre-labor massage helps sedate the nervous system, release endorphins which are natural pain killers and so lead to a state of deep relaxation.
Infant Massage Baby massage can be a continuation of the pregnancy massage and infant massage can be taught to parents by qualified instructors. The parent's loving touch can enhance the foundation of trust and caring, can help establish parent-child bonding. Studies indicate that infant massage may promote a faster release from birth trauma , faster infant growth, less irritability, deeper sleep and easing of digestive difficulties and colic. It can be especially effective with premature babies to promote weight gain.
(Massage for the elderly and terminally ill) Massage of the elderly can help alleviate the isolation and loneliness many older people feel. It can revitalize a bond with others and reaffirm self-esteem. The gentle massage and range of motion techniques can increase circulation, mobilize the joints and improve skin condition. It may also lower blood pressure, reduce oedema and relieve tension headaches.
Aka. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Most massages stimulate the movement of lymph as a matter of course, but Lymphatic Massage provides external pressure specifically to promote this flow. Many practice the Vodder Technique developed in France in the 1930’s. It is very light, pulsing or pumping massage which has a lulling, relaxing effect on the autonomic nervous system. It is effective in the treatment of sinusitis, burns, acne, scars, arthritis, emphysema and migraines, as well as the more common usage for oedema, sprains and bruises.
(Polarity, Reflexology, Reiki , Therapeutic Touch and others) Energy healing is used to relax the body and help heal physical, mental and emotional ailments. Most are performed fully clothed. In Polarity, the therapist uses gentle touch, pressure, rocking and gentle shaking on a prone client to restore energetic balance to the mind and body. In Reiki the practitioner may lay their hands over chakra points and organs and act as a channel for universal life energy to flow into the body. In Reflexology, reflex points on the hands and feet are manipulated to improve circulation, ease pain and increase relaxation. counseling, dietary advice, exercise and positive thinking may also be included in these treatments. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
