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Massage

A. Medical Massage

Medical Massage uses various massage techniques to aid and hasten the recuperation of injuries. It can also ease tension in muscles due to mechanical imbalances or nervous system disease.

A medical massage treatment may include passive or active exercise. Medical massage addresses conditions such as fibromyalgia (which includes terms such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyocitis), tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis, broken bones, headaches, TMJ, sprains, strains, ulcers due to poor circulation and neuralgias like sciatica. It may also relieve some respiratory conditions.

Medical massage is gaining greater acceptance as an alternative therapy, and may be covered under certain health insurance policies. Massage therapists’ skills are recognized as being extremely beneficial in the healing process of many conditions.

Suggested Reading:
Introduction To Pathology For The Massage Practitioner—Swedish Institute, NYC
Healing Massage Techniques: Holistic, Classic Emerging Methods—Frances M. Tappan

 

B. Pre/Post Natal Massage

Pre/Post Natal Massage is aimed to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and promote relaxation. Massage is very useful in counteracting physical, emotional or psychological stresses relating to pregnancy. A trained maternal massage therapist makes use of a combination of massage, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology, exercise and stretches to meet the special needs of each expectant mother. Maternal massage assists and nurtures the woman during stages of prenatal, labor and postpartum, including nursing.

Some of the most common discomforts addressed during a treatment are leg cramps, tender breasts, swollen ankles, fatigue, headaches, and morning sickness. Some of these may be relieved through the use of acupressure or reflexology as part of treatment. Other discomforts such as abdominal pressure and backaches may be alleviated through stretching and exercise. These may be combined with the massage or simply introduced as part of the woman's routine at home. During the many different phases, the therapist might recommend herbal remedies thought to help support the functions and/or aid various discomforts. The therapist may also know which herbs or essential oils are to be avoided during pregnancy.

It is known that the birthing experience of the expectant mother influences the development of the fetus. Maternal massage encourages relaxation and thus supports a peaceful relationship between mother and baby and the world.

Suggested Reading:
Mother Massage—Elaine Stillerman
Basic Baby Massage (video)

 

C. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a soothing, relaxing massage which consists of hand manipulations, movements and strokes. This process soothes the nervous system which enhances general circulation.

The body's natural healing abilities are assisted and enhanced by stimulating the elimination of toxins and reducing the swelling after injuries. In addition, Swedish Massage produces an overall state of deep relaxation and stress reduction.

Suggested Reading:
The Book of Massage—Lidell, et al.
The Massage Book—G. Downing
Swedish Massage—John Harris

 

D. Manual Lymph Massage

The strokes applied are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. The most widely taught and generally accepted form of this technique was created by Dr. Vodder of Austria. This is a very specific technique which requires advanced training and precise movements.

 

E. Maternal Massage

Maternal massage is aimed to ease the discomforts of pregnancy and promote relaxation. Massage is very useful in counteracting physical, emotional or psychological stresses relating to pregnancy. A trained maternal massage therapist makes use of a combination of massage, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology, exercise and stretches to meet the special needs of each expectant mother. Maternal massage assists and nurtures the woman during stages of prenatal, labor and postpartum, including nursing.

Some of the most common discomforts addressed during a treatment are leg cramps, tender breasts, swollen ankles, fatigue, headaches, and morning sickness. Some of these may be relieved through the use of acupressure or reflexology as part of treatment. Other discomforts such as abdominal pressure and backaches may be alleviated through stretching and exercise. These may be combined with the massage or simply introduced as part of the woman's routine at home. During the many different phases, the therapist might recommend herbal remedies

thought to help support the functions and/or aid various discomforts. The therapist may also know which herbs or essential oils are to be avoided during pregnancy. The therapist is aware of what acupressure and reflex points should not be treated during massage.

It is known that the experiences of the expectant mother influences the development of the fetus. Maternal massage encourages relaxation and in so doing will support a peaceful relationship between mother and baby and the world.

Suggested Reading:
Mother Massage—Elaine Stillerman
Basic Baby Massage (video)

 

F. Thai Massage (Thai Energy Balancing)

What is Traditional Thai Energy Balancing?

Traditional Thai Energy Balancing is an ancient form of therapeutic healing. Its roots are in India from where it was brought to Thailand over 2000 years ago by Ayurvedic doctors and Buddhist monks. It combines acupressure, energy balancing, stretching and applied yoga exercises. Traditional Thai Energy Balancing is a unique and powerful therapy.

The Art of Traditional Thai Energy Balancing

The theoretical foundation of Thai Balancing is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running through the body. The Indian origin and influence is obvious here since the background of this theory clearly lies in Yoga philosophy. Yoga philosophy states that life energy (called Prana) is absorbed with the air we breathe and with the food that we eat. Along a network of energy lines, the Prana Nadis, the human being is then supplied with this vital energy. Out of these energy lines Thai Balancing has selected 10 mainlines on which there are especially important acupressure points. Opening these lines and points makes it possible to treat a whole range of diseases or to relieve pain. The 10 mainlines are sufficient to conduct practical treatment for the whole body and its internal organs. Disturbances in the flow of energy result in an insufficient supply of Prana, which will in turn lead to sickness. Working on the energy lines with Thai Balancing can break the blocks, stimulate the free flow of Prana, and help to restore general well-being.

The giving of Traditional Thai Balancing was understood to be a physical application of Metta, the Pali (and Thai) word used in Theravada Buddhism to denote 'loving kindness' - and devoted practitioners still work in such a spirit today. A truly good practitioner performs his art in a meditative mood. He starts with a Puja, a meditative prayer, to fully center himself on the work, on the healing he is about to perform. And he works with full awareness, mindfulness and concentration. There is a world of a difference between a massage performed in a meditative mood and a massage just done as a job. Only a practiotner working in a meditative mood can develop an intuition for the energy flow in the body and for the Prana lines.

Contrary to Western style massage, traditional Thai Energy Balancing does not primarily work with the physical body but rather with the energy body of man. The kneading of muscles, which dominates in Western style massage, is not the focus in Thai Energy Balancing: energy points are pressed or general pressure is used instead. There is a lot of stretching involved and many exercises might well be described as 'applied Hatha Yoga' or 'applied physical Yoga’. The focus of Thai Energy Balancing is to bring balance to the 10 main energy lines with yoga stretches and specific pressure with hands, feet, knees and elbows.

Major Conditions Treated with Thai Energy Balancing

Abdominal distention, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back pain, Calf muscle cramps, Circulation problems, Constipation, Depression, Diarrhea, Ear infections, Epilepsy, Facial paralysis, Fever, Groanial hernia, Headache, Heart disease, High blood pressure, Impotence, Infertility, Insomnia, Knee pain, Leg paralysis, Menstruation disturbances, Migraine, Neck problems, Respiratory conditions, Sciatica, Sinusitis, Shoulder problems, Skin disorders, Throat infections, Tonsillitis, Toothache, Trigeminus nerve infection, Varicose Veins

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