Glossary Of Terms Swedish Massage A system of long strokes and techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles. These techniques are designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones. These strokes are typically performed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart, it is however safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. The lymph system and veins both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Swedish massage can help the recipient to obtain a feeling of connectedness and have a better awareness of their body position. Each stroke and technique of Swedish massage has a specific therapeutic benefit. Recovery times from muscular strain can be shortened with the help of massage by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It can improve the circulation without increasing load to the heart Deep Tissue Releases the chronic muscle tension patterns through slow strokes and deep pressure on the specific areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. This invigorating experience is a process to detect stiff or painful areas and determining the quality of the deeper layers of musculature while slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific positions and strokes are then applied to respond to various tissue qualities. Hot Stone Massage Currently one of the most popular treatments, Hot Stone Therapy uses smooth, heated and cooled stones to relieve muscle stiffness and soreness and invoke a deeper sense of relaxation. The stones are placed on key areas of the body and then are incorporated into massage strokes. The combination of the fluid movement of massage and the warmth and comfort of the heated stones sends you into a very relaxed state. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the inhalation and application of volatile essential oils from aromatic plants to restore or enhance health, beauty and well-being. The basic intention of Aromatherapy is to bring together the scientific achievements of man with his intuitive understanding for the treatment of illnesses with the most effective and useful natural essential oils. Conforming with the laws of nature, the principle of Aromatherapy is to strengthen the self-healing processes by preventative methods and indirect stimulation of the immune system. Their field of activity is quite wide, ranging from deep and penetrating therapeutic actions to the extreme subtlety of unique fragrance. Simply put, essential oils can be used to enhance health as well as the quality of life. Aromatherapy is an ancient yet timely and stunningly modern approach to total well-being that is in tune with nature. On-site Massage (Also known as chair massage or corporate massage) is usually administered while the client is fully clothed (in a more private space the option to remove your shirt can be available) and seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs most often slope forward, which allows access to the muscles of the back and neck. On-site massage usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is intended for relaxation, stress relief, and to improve circulation. Effleurage A smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands with light pressure. Petrissage (Also called kneading) This involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles to access deeper layers of muscle and to loosen the fascial layers. Friction The deepest of the Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, direct, circular, linear, or cross fiber movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other and the bone. The result is an increase of blood flow to the massaged area. Tapotement Executed with cupped hands or the edge of the hand with short, alternating rhythmic taps to the client. Myofascial Release A form of bodywork that seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are typically utilized to release muscular tension. A release is used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's muscles and fascia by the application of gentle traction, pressures, and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body that affects all components of the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. The fascia surrounds groups of muscle fibers, entire muscle groups, and organs. It can become elastically deformed and therefore can retain tensions from physical and emotional traumas. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles that are in spasm to relax, and loosen adhesions in the fascia. The body responds to this type of therapy by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing muscles to increase its functional flexibility and mobility. Reflexology Massage based around a system of points in the hands and feet thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body. Shiatsu and Acupressure Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body). Sports Massage Massage therapy that focuses on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport and is used primarily for the serious athlete who trains continuously. The focus is primarily on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity. It also includes a pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time. Trigger Point Therapy (Also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) This applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painfully irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. The therapist locates and deactivates these `trigger points', which are often tender areas of muscle that have been damaged or are in a constant state of spasm that worsens when aggravated. The major goals are to reduce the spasm by inducing new blood flow into the affected area. Direct pressure is applied to the trigger points for a short period of time, which can be painful for the moment but is greatly relieving. Ice or another cooling agent may be used to reduce nervous system response, making the area easier and more comfortable to work. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process. Myotherapy aims to erase pain and soothe tightened muscles. People with acute or chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment. Manual Lymphatic Drainage This healing technique blends soothing, gentle, precise massage-like movements to accelerate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body. Rolfing By Dr. Ida Rolf, aligns the major body segments through deep manipulation of the fascia or connective tissue. Thai Massage Thai Massage or Nuad Bo-Rarn, the traditional massage of Thailand. It came to Thailand along with Buddhism and was originally practiced by Buddhist monks in their temples. The work consists primarily of a large variety of stretching movements and pressure along energy lines and points. The stretching movements of Thai massage often resemble passive yoga asanas. One receives all the benefits of Yoga without having to perform any of the work! These stretches affect the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body's natural energy to flow more freely.

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