There are hundreds of styles of massage, all used for relaxation and improved physical conditioning. I would like to take this opportunity to provide you a brief description of the six styles I primarily use to provide an integrated massage to you.
Please note most styles of massage address similar issues, pain, stiffness, a loss of range of motion. Each approaches issues with different strokes, degrees of pressure and joint or tissue manipulation. Some styles of massage address specific systems or tissues such as Lymphatic Drainage, Cranio Sacral Therapy or Myofascial Release. The following are provided as a brief description to help you understand how they may best meet your individual needs.
Swedish: Perhaps the most widely recognized style of massage. Swedish Massage uses effleurage and petrissage along with taponement, friction, and vibration for relaxation, and reduction of pain and joint stiffness.
Lymphatic Drainage: Is a gentle touch massage using several subtle techniques specifically to address the lymphatic system. They can reduce fluid retention (edema) or Lymphedema (a congestion of lymphatic fluid) and improve lymphatic fluid flow for optimal health benefits.
Your lymph fluid is your immune factory. Lymph cells fight viruses, bacteria, and disease. Your lymph vessels lay just below the skin requiring a very light touch to activate. Lymphatic drainage is beneficial to almost everyone. Lymphatic Drainage can be beneficial for those retaining fluid after surgery, those with Lymphedema or Fibromyalgia and those attempting to detox specific systems.
Cupping: employs negative pressure, rather than tissue compression. for superior results in a wide variety of body work techniques. different modalities of cupping are stationary, Massage Cupping, flash cupping, Bio Magnetic cupping, Dynamic Cupping to name a few.This therapy releases rigid soft tissue, drains excess fluids and toxins, loosens adhesions, lifts connective tissue, and brings blood flow to stagnant skin and muscles. It is expedient and proficient at Myofascial release and Lymphatic drainage.
Reflexology: There are over 7000 nerve endings on the soles of the feet. In reflexology it is believed the entire body is represented in the feet, hands, and ears. By massaging or manipulating areas on the feet, hands or ears your therapist activates your nervous system enabling your whole body to relax. Reflexology not only relieves the aches and pains of tired feet but can reduce swelling caused by injury and increase circulation.
Myofascial Release: Another gentle touch therapy that promotes relaxation and balance to affected areas, Fascia is the connective tissue that ties the body together. Fascia is interwoven through your entire body, every muscle, organ, bone and nerve.
Poor body mechanics, stress, illness, trauma, accidents and surgery can create conditions that cause fascia to become restricted. Restricted fascia can cause tension, pain and a loss of range of motion.
Myofascial Release is a light touch to gentle stretching form. You may not realize the effect immediately, but you will begin to realize the reduction of tension and increased mobility over the day and days that follow your treatment. Myofascial Release can also reduce the restriction caused by injuries and scar tissue. It is especially comforting to those in need of light touch due to Fibromyalgia, lime disease, and other pressure sensitive conditions.
Cranio Sacral Therapy: Addresses the movement of fluid that continuously flows around the brain and spinal cord. Just as a chiropractor releases impingements caused to nerves by spinal misalignments, Cranio Sacral therapy works to release impingements in the ménages (the covering of the brain and spinal cord) that could interfere with the flow of the Cranio Sacral fluid.
Cranio Sacral Therapy is an extremely light touch, yet can improve energy, reduce pain, improve your immune system and reduce headaches.
Cranio Sacral Therapy is a good alternative for those who are not open to traditional massage, or have trouble relaxing. Cranial Sacral requires no oil and can be done fully clothed.
Other techniques incorporated in to a simplicity massage may include,
Deep Tissue
Pressure Point Therapy
Energy Work
Stretching
and yes, maybe even exercises you can do from home.