Types of Massage
Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine method involving the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the feet, hands and ears. This massaging is used to encourage beneficial effects on other parts of the body and improve the overall general health of the individual. The feet, hands and ears are divided into "zones", which correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body. Pressure in certain "zones" is believed to relieve tension, improve circulation and promote the natural function of the related area.
Sabai Massage
Sabai Massage probes and kneads pressure points in the body, to suit your preference of soft or hard massage, as the body is coaxed through a series of stretches. This type of massage is particularly beneficial for strained joints, stressed muscles and body aches as it improves blood circulation and energy flow, while relaxing tensed muscles and ligaments.
Sport Massage
Sport Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during and after athletic events. The main purpose of the massage is to alleviate stress and tension which builds up in the body's soft tissue during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur due to overextension and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Some other purposes of sport massage are to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.
Neuro-Muscular Therapy
Neuro-Muscular Massage Therapy, or Trigger Point Therapy, is one of the most efficient types of massage for lower back pain. This method consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm, which helps remove metabolic waste from the tissues involved. By removing this waste the muscles are able to relax, allow for better circulation and reduce nerve irritation, which reduces or eliminates pain.
Integrative (Deep Tissue) Massage
Integrative or Deep Tissue Massage is designed to relieve severe tension in muscles and connective tissue. Deep Tissue focuses on the muscles below the surface of the top muscles. It is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, who have sustained physical injury or who are very physically active, like athletes.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage uses five styles of long strokes to massage: sliding/gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction and vibration. This type of massage has been known to help reduce pain, joint stiffness and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and poor circulation.
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage was developed in the 1930's and is performed to stimulate the movement and assist in drainage of the lymphatic system and to increase ones immune functioning. It can be useful in cases of edema, sports injury, lack of energy, or if one has a sluggish immune system.
The lymphatic system is crucial for your body's ability to heal itself after injury, to combat diseases, and for maintenance of health. It is your filter against toxins and bacteria. Symptoms such as flu-like soreness, general aches and pains may be caused by a sluggish lymphatic system.
Lymphatic vessels are delicate and numerous throughout the body, both deep and superficial. These vessels carry lymph to the lymph nodes and glands for processing and digestion of debris. Nodes can be found throughout the body but most are congregated in the neck, armpit, and groin areas.
This massage assists in normal drainage of lymph and in reducing lymph back-up. The massage is performed with long, slow, methodical strokes in the direction towards the lymph glands for effective and complete drainage into the thoracic duct. Some find this massage to be very soothing and nurturing due to it's slow pace and the light, delicate pressure that is used.
Those who would most benefit from this massage are those who experience:
- Frequent cold and flu infections
- Headache and migraine
- Arthritis
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Depression
- Cellulitis
- Acne
- Post breast surgery where axillary nodes have been removed
One can expect improved lymphatic drainage leading to:
- reduced edema
- improved metabolism
- enhanced quality of the skin tone and tissue regeneration processes
- stimulation of lymph vessels around scarred tissues
- building up of one's immune functioning
Contraindications are:
- Acute inflammation
- Malignant tumors
- Thrombosis
- Major heart or circulation problems
- Immediate post surgery
