From Acupressure to Thai

Masseurfinder.com's concise encyclopedia

Alexander Technique: A method of changing the way a client moves during everyday activities to promote balance, coordination, and comfort, and to increase energy. An Alexander Technique teacher helps point out ways the client moves which may cause pain, stiffness, anxiety, or exhaustion, and helps the client relearn a better posture, and to move in a free and integrated way. Performed on a clothed client in a variety of positions, normally without a table.

Acupressure: The technique of applying pressure to meridian points around the body which correspond with specific organs. Developed in ancient China, acupressure approaches the client as a whole, body, mind, and spirit, and seeks to relieve muscle tension and balance the body’s energy. Acupressure is performed on a clothed client, and can be done on a table, chair, standing, or on the floor.

Amma Therapy: A massage technique developed by Korean-American Tina Sohn. Drawing on Acupressure philosophy and ancient Chinese medicine and combining them with Western medical knowledge and assessment techniques, a masseur must be certified in AMMA by a special school. Like Acupressure, it seeks to balance the body’s energy flow, but goes a step further toward redesigning a healthier lifestyle for the client. After a holistic assessment of the patient’s health condition, the massage combines pressure, stroking, stretching, and percussive techniques on a clothed client with no oils or creams, and is usually performed on a table.

Aston Patterning: This technique combines massage, movement education, physical training, modification of daily routines, and even changes in the design of the client’s home or office, to help match the human body and mind to its environment to foster peace, balance, and promote health. Developed in the mid 70s by danver Judith Aston, certification in Aston Patterning is a two-year process and is only taught in one location. The massage portion of Aston Patterning is a variety of deep tissue combined with a “spiraling technique” that is painless but frees up stiff muscles and joints. The massage portion is typically done on a draped or undraped client with creams or oils, on a table.

Aromatherapy: The use of plant oils to promote psychology and physical well-being. The ancient Chinese were thought to be the first to use aromatherapy, but it has been widely practiced by virtually every civilization in recorded history. In the early 20th century, French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé became the first person to study aromatherapy’s benefits from a scientific standpoint, and it is now widely accepted that the use of essential oils has direct benefit to the body. Oils are usually infused with steam into the air, applied directly to the skin, or ingested in a tea. From a massage perspective, aromatherapy is normally used in conjunction with techniques like Swedish or hot stone therapy.

Ayurvedic Massage: This ancient healing technique from India utilizes touch of varying intensity along marmas or Indian pressure points. It is very effective for eliminating pain, and practitioners claim they can completely cure arthritis. Detoxification is the secondary goal, allowing the body to receive nutrient material (oxygen) from within itself and to dispel waste material (through lymph.) Aromatic oils are traditionally used as lubrication, with the type of oil being chosen based on the symptoms of the client. Performed on a draped or undraped client with oils, on the floor.

Body Electric: An energy-based massage formulated around Buddhist Tantric philosophy. It utilizes massage strokes of moderate pressure both with and across the grain, moving outward to the extremities to help rid the body of stress and tension. The massage strokes focus on the seven charkas, or centers of energy, within the body. Often, some of the stretching techniques of Thai Yogic massage are included. It seeks to help balance and harmonize the energies within the body. Typically performed on a draped or undraped client on the floor.

British Sports Therapy: Also known as soft tissue release, this variety of massage is primarily for professional athletes. It is a vigorous technique for toning major muscle groups and to release tight muscle spasms and inflamed joints. It speeds the recovery of injuries. Rarely practiced outside sports medicine clinics, this technique is performed on clothed and unclothed clients in a variety of positions and utilizing specialized equipment.

Canadian Deep Muscle Massage: A trademarked technique developed in Washington D.C. (but based upon massage teachings by Therese Pfrimmer, a Canadian), this variety focuses only on problem spots in the body, and is not a full-body massage. The strokes flow across the grain of the muscle and are firm enough to provide healing and detoxification, but the goal of the therapist is to never cause any direct pain to the client. This is a more scientific and clinical approach to massage, and muscles are approached at three different levels, which releases a significantly greater amount of stored toxins than most massage techniques. Therefore, sessions rarely last more than one hour. Practitioners must be certified by Georgetown Bodyworks. Performed on a draped or undraped client with creams or oils, on a table.

Chair massage: Rapidly gaining in popularity because of its efficiency, chair massage is not standardized. Each chair massage you get will likely be dramatically different from therapist to therapist, and usually consists of a blend of techniques the therapist has studied, adapted to work on a client who is cradled upright in a special padded chair. Most chair massages are short, less than 30 minutes, and performed on clothed clients without oils or creams. Aromatherapy is a popular addition to this massage variety.

CranioSacral Therapy: Developed in the early 1900s by an osteopathic doctor named William Sutherland, this technique involves the application of slight amounts of pressure to the bones of the skull and spine. This uses much less aggressive means to accomplish the same goal as chiropractic care: to help the body properly align itself both physically and energetically. The minute pressure applied helps remove blockages of cerebrospinal fluid that hinder the body’s ability to communicate and heal itself. It is more frequently used by doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists than by massage practitioners. However, it is gaining popularity. The technique has shown dramatic results for the reduction of pain, fatigue, and depression, and the elimination of allergies and sinus congestion. It originated to treat children with autism and victims of paralysis, and is still in successful use in those fields today. CranioSacral is typically performed on a shirtless client lying on his stomach on a table, or sitting upright.

Deep Tissue: Deep Tissue massage is an aggressive system of manipulation of muscles and facia (connective tissues) to free the flow of lymphatic fluid, which supplies oxygen to the muscles and carries away toxins. Strong pressure is applied across the grain of the muscles, and though the technique frequently causes discomfort to the client, the benefits can be extraordinary if there is significant muscular dysfunction. Controlled breathing is an essential part of this technique. The massage typically focuses only on problem areas, and is not a full body technique. This is a therapeutic technique and should be practiced only by a trained and highly skilled therapist. Typically performed on a draped client with oils or creams, using a table.

Erotic: The use of touch to arouse a client. It is widely performed by both trained and untrained therapists, and there is no standardized technique for erotic massage. It is usually performed by an unclothed or partially clothed practitioner on an unclothed client, with the specific goal of climax. The practitioner, if trained, may utilize a variety of techniques using nontraditional parts of his body to apply pressure and stroke. Amateur practitioners may offer a service that appears more like a sexual encounter than a massage. Not considered a therapeutic technique, and widely unregulated, communication between client and practitioner is critical, especially if the technique is painful or unsafe.

Esalen: A technique developed across three decades at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, this variety blends massage styles from a variety of backgrounds, and is primarily composed of Swedish. What separates Esalen from other varieties is its philosophy, which is primarily Eastern in nature and encourages a spiritual connection and flow between therapist and client, with the goal of bringing about self-awareness and equilibrium. In training, specific attention is paid to spiritual and emotional matters, something typically lacking in Western technique. A wide variety of stroking, stretching, acupressure, cranial balancing and joint movement are utilized. Practitioners must be certified by the Esalen Institute. As the goal of Esalen massage is holistic balance, the technique is usually performed on an undraped client, as a drape isolates parts of the body, and pinpoints shame or inappropriateness on the area being draped. Many times the therapist is unclothed as well, but the technique is never erotic. This naturist tradition developed at the Institute in California which typically included soaking in naturally hot mineral pools before an exchange of massage. Performed on a table with oils or creams.

Feldenkrais Method: This technique is described by its practitioners as “a sophisticated method of communicating with the unconscious through movement.” Similar to the Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais therapists attempt to bring the client’s awareness to his body, but instead of helping develop a specific healthy posture, Feldenkrais philosophy mandates that any specific posture is negative, and that a relaxed, balanced body will “flow” through wholesome postures like liquid. It utilizes more massage techniques than Alexander, to increase awareness of the body and to foster fluidity. Clients should be able to think, move, and act more comfortably and creatively. This technique is used extensively in theatre and ballet training. Typically performed on a clothed client in a variety of positions.

Hakomi: Developed in Boulder, Colorado in 1981, this is a form of psychotherapy that centers on the physical body to promote mindfulness, nonviolence, and the unity of body and mind. This decidedly Eastern approach to the Western notion of psychotherapy is taught exclusively by the Hakomi Institute. Though touch is foundational to the technique, the goal is emotional and spiritual. It improves self-image, heals emotional wounds, and opens the individual to wholesome relationships with himself and those around him.

Hellerwork: Similar to Aston Patterning, Hellerwork was developed in the 1970s by Polish-American structural engineer Joseph Heller. Applying theories of structural stress to theories he learned from Ida Rolf (see Rolfing) he developed a system of structural bodywork (involving deep massage), movement education, and self awareness. Ever person is innately healthy, according to Hellerwork philosophy, and by understanding and experiencing their own vitality on a deep level, this state of health is regained. Practitioners are certified by Hellerwork International. The massage portion is typically performed on a draped client using creams or oils, on a table.

Hot Stone Therapy: Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, has come full-circle through the increasingly popular Hot Stone treatments. Everyone knows that applying heat and pressure to painful areas bring relief. Ancient civilizations used warm stones to apply this therapy, which was later advanced into the many varieties of hot packs and heating pads we have today. Hot Stone Therapy uses smooth stones of various shapes, sizes, and weights, arranged in specific patterns on the body, to apply deep-penetrating heat. There is no standardized application. Many therapists alternate between hot and cold stones. Many new-age practitioners utilize specific patterns or focus stones along meridians or charkas, believing this will bring about additional benefits. Some therapists use the stones as massage tools. Make sure you tell your therapist if you feel a stone is too hot. Typically performed on draped or undraped clients on a table.

Jin Shin Do: A trademarked technique blending Acupressure, Taoist philosophy, and yoga-like exercises known as Qigong. The decidedly Eastern goal of the massage is to balance the body’s energies. Practitioners must be certified by the Jin Shin Do Foundation for BodyMind Acupressure. Performed on clothed and unclothed clients in a variety of positions.

Lomi Lomi: A healing folk art practiced by the ancient Hawaiians, Lomi Lomi ("Loving Hands") massage is becoming more popular outside the islands. A very Eastern technique centered around the body’s energy flow, Lomi Lomi seeks to remove blockages and allow the energy to flow freely in new directions. The hands and forearms are used to produce wave-like strokes up and down the body. Often, the strokes are continued underneath the body between the massage table and the stomach or legs. The practitioner’s moves are coordinated in a hula-like dance around the table, which also helps to channel the energy. It is a deeply spiritual experience for the therapist, involving prayer and intuition. Typically performed on an undraped or draped client using oils, on a table.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Developed in the U.K., M.L.D. is a highly advanced form of massage using gentle, rhythmic pumping and percussive techniques to stimulate the flow of lymph. M.L.D. is both preventative and therapeutic. Besides being sensationally pleasing, the technique helps to detoxify the body, relieve chronic disorders like sinusitis and arthritis, remediate back pain and headache, and improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. A treatment phase always begins with an extensive consultation with a therapist, and subsequent sessions last one hour each. Therapists are licensed by MLDUK. Performed on draped clients on a table.

Myofascial Release: The fascia is a network of connective tissues which surround and integrate the body’s muscle fibers. It can be thought of as a single structure which envelopes us from head to toe, and protects and supports the muscular system. When the fascia becomes stressed due to injury or anxiety, it tightens up, which causes tension and strain to the musculoskeletal system. Myofascial Release is a physical therapy technique that uses pressure and minute stretching to relax the fascia, which eliminates pain and restores motion. Myofascial Release is a complex process and is more often performed by physical therapists than massage therapists. Typically performed on clothed or draped clients on a table.

Ortho-Bionomy: This technique was developed by Dr. Arthur Pauls, a British osteopath. All practitioners must be licensed by the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, which describes the technique as " a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based form of body therapy that is highly effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The masseur uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns. A strong focus is placed on the comfort of the individual, and no forceful manipulations are used. The practitioner also suggests home exercises that individuals can do to further facilitate the neuromuscular re-education process begun in the session. Ortho-Bionomy is very effective in helping alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body." Typically performed on a draped client using oils or creams, on a table.

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy: Developed in Canada by physiotherapist Therese Pfrimmer to treat her own paralysis, this technique utilizes deep cross-muscle strokes to bathe damaged muscle fibers in lymph, which aids in regeneration. It is primarily used for patients with paralysis or serious injury, and is also used as a form of exercise for immobile patients. Practitioners must be certified at one of two authorized schools in the US. Performed on draped clients on a table.

Polarity Therapy: A holistic approach to health combining Eastern-style massage focusing on the energy patterns in the body, with diet, exercise, and self awareness. This trademarked variety was developed by osteopath Randolph Stone, who studied Ayurvedic Healing in India and ancient Chinese medicine from a Western scientific point of view. He theorized that the “energy flow” described in most Eastern medicinal philosophy was actually a series electromagnetic patterns that surround our body and are affected by physical and emotional stresses. Polarity Therapy uses massage to treat energy points in this electromagnetic field, using both light, stimulating, and deep touch. Yoga-like stretching, similar to Thai massage, is also used, as well as diet evaluation and psychological counseling. Practitioners must be licensed by the American Polarity Therapy Association. Massage is performed on clothed or draped clients on a table.

Reflexology: Dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Chinese, Reflexology is based on the theory that there are reflexes with the hands and feet which correspond to every organ and zone of the body. In 1913, Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced to us the “map” of the feet and hands which many of us have seen. Applying pressure to spots within each zone of the foot or palm has direct effect on its corresponding part of the body. It is believed to cause increased circulation to each part, and help foster better function. The goal of Reflexology is decidedly Eastern, to help balance and maintain the body’s equilibrium. It is effective for relieving most types of skeletal and muscular pain. Although many massage therapists use Reflexology, it is not considered massage in itself and is not licensed or regulated in most states. Typically performed on a clothed client without creams or oils, on a chair or table.

Reiki: An increasingly popular Eastern healing technique thought to have originated in ancient Japan, Reiki is an ethereal philosophy about the interconnectedness of the energy which exists in the universe. It is difficult to describe Reiki in physical terms. Crudely articulated, the Reiki Master channels the wise and healing energy from the universe into the body and spirit of a client, to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual injuries. The Reiki Master himself does not do the healing, he merely acts as a conduit for the energy to pass into the client. Sometimes there is direct touch on the area which needs work, but normally the Reiki Master will keep his hands several inches from the body in order to help manipulate the energy field which surrounds the body. Reiki can also be performed remotely, across wide distances. Typically performed on clothed or unclothed clients without creams or oils, on a table.

Rolfing: A trademarked technique based upon biochemist and therapist Ida Rolf’s theory of a correlation between muscular tension and negative emotion. Like chiropractic, Rolf believed that a person’s body must be in full alignment in order to be healthy and happy, but the alignment must go beyond just the spine. Deep muscle restructuring releases the body from life-long patterns of tension and bracing and allows gravity to realign the body in a natural way. Though the Rolf Institute insists that this technique is gentle but deep, most client find their first few experiences to be extremely painful, as the therapist works deeply to pry muscles from years of improper posturing. Once released, this new posture helps foster physical and mental well-being. Structural education is provided to help clients retain their new healthy postures. As the technique is very stressful and potentially harmful in the hands of the untrained, a therapist must undergo at least one year of intensive training at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado. Performed on draped clients with no creams or oils, on a table.

Rosen Method: This technique involves very gentle, direct touch, using trained hands to “listen” to the body and apply healing and relaxation. As the client’s body begins to relax, he may experience the emergence of unconscious thoughts, feelings, memories, and attitudes, which must be released in order for the body to fully relax into its natural posture, which fosters a greater sense of well-being. Practitioners must be certified by the Rosen Institute. Performed on draped or undraped clients without creams or oils, on a table.

Trigger Point Myotherapy: Also referred to as Neuromuscular Therapy, this is the application of alternating levels of pressure to areas of muscle spasm. The therapist uses fingertips, knuckles, and elbows to apply pressure to these sensitive and sore areas. Usually the technique is uncomfortable, and deep, controlled breathing is essential. Communication between the client and therapist is critical, as this will determine the changing amount of pressure the therapist uses. After the treatment, the trigger points, or spasmed areas, should release their lactic acid and begin to absorb oxygen, and the soreness should disappear. This technique is particularly effective for treating lower back pain. The therapist should be well-trained and experienced. Performed on clothed clients on a table or chair.

Sensual: An unstructured massage that uses touch for an emotionally pleasing response. Strokes are typically light or moderate, and are not intended to be physically therapeutic. Typically, an atmosphere of relaxation is set through the use of candles and music. The practitioner often is unclothed as well as the client. Unlike Erotic Massage, Sensual Massage may not specify climax as a goal. Instead, it is intended to indulge the client, to make him or her feel special and cared for. Often, full-body contact is utilized by the practitioner. Sensual massage is widely offered by untrained practitioners. The only structured, trademarked variety of Sensual Massage is Body Electric, who trains therapists through their center in Oakland, California. This variety of sensual massage is intended to promote positive self-image and acceptance of the body, and help to reattach a wholesome view of sexual energy within the body. Performed on undraped clients using creams or oils, on a table, bed, or floor.

Shiatsu: An ancient Japanese technique which means “pressure with fingers,” Shiatsu is similar to Acupressure. Utilizing pressure and percussive techniques with the fingers along the twelve meridians, or energy channels, of the body, Shiatsu seeks to realign and balance the energies within the body. It helps relieve pain and stress. Typically performed on a clothed client on the floor.

Thai: Growing in popularity in the U.S. and Europe, the term Thai Massage most often refers to Yogic Massage. In this kind of massage, the client is stretched into various yoga-like postures by the therapist, offering a much more effective stretch than he could accomplish alone. The postures can be quite acrobatic, with the therapist sometimes suspending the client in mid-air with his legs and arms. Pressure and massage strokes are often combined, as well as walking on the back. These help increase flexibility and muscle tone, as well as promote balance and peace within the body. Typically performed on a clothed client on the floor.

Body Electric: An energy-based massage formulated around Buddhist Tantric philosophy. It utilizes massage strokes of moderate pressure both with and across the grain, moving outward to the extremities to help rid the body of stress and tension. The massage strokes focus on the seven charkas, or centers of energy, within the body. Often, some of the stretching techniques of Thai Yogic massage are included. It seeks to help balance and harmonize the energies within the body. Typically performed on a draped or undraped client on the floor.

Thai Herbal Massage: A variety of sensual massage intended to promote positive self-image and acceptance of the body, and help to reattach a wholesome view of sexual energy within the body. Body Electric practitioners are trained through a center in Oakland, California.

– Benjamin Starr, C.M.T.

Home Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us Masseur Login Client Login (myMasseurfinder)