The use of essential oils (extracted from herbs,
flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for
thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the
healing of wounds. Aromatherapy diffusers are utilized to fill the massage room with the scent of the oils. Specific essential
oils are blended by the aromatherapist and added to a carrier oil, such as almond oil, to be used during the massage. Each
oil has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Use of this technique declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry
developed. However, the French chemist Gattefossé revived the art by coining the term aromatherapy and by publishing
a book on the subject in 1928. BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
Developed by Edward Bach in the early 1900s, Bach Flower
Remedies is a system of thirty-eight flower essences used in conjunction with herbs, homeopathy, and medications that seeks
to correct emotional imbalances by working on the subtle body instead of the physical body. The pattern in the subtle energy
fields of the living plant influences the subtle energy fields of the human being. In prescribing flower essences, the practitioner
assesses the whole individual, focusing on the disposition or negative emotions of the person, such as fear, impatience, or
overconcern. An essence or combination of essences is then chosen to facilitate change and administered orally.
BODYWORK
Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural
changes to the body.
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COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) incorporates a large group of healthcare practices and treatments that are considered outside of or supplemental to
the scope of conventional medicine. May involve either mental or physical techniques, and some therapies may include use of
herbs, meditation, and/or massage.
CRYOTHERAPY
Also known as ice therapy, this modality uses the application
of cold hydrotherapy in the form of ice packs and cold water immersions to alleviate blood flow, swelling, and inflammation
with the contraction of blood vessels. Used in conjunction with heat, cryotherapy can increase circulation, and, hence, remove
wastes and toxins from an injured area.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage
are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough
understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage,
otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular
pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated
with other massage techniques.
FASCIAL MOBILIZATION
The fascial system is one continuous, laminated, connective-tissue
sheath that spreads without interruption throughout the entire body in a three-dimensional web. Fascial mobilization allows
therapists to locate and address restrictions in the fascial system that are causing asymmetries, postural malalignment, abnormal
tensions, and pressures that can lead to pain and dysfunction. The goal of fascial mobilization is to produce a well-balanced,
symmetrical, and mobile body within the skeletal, soft-tissue, and craniosacral systems.
HOLISTIC MEDICINE
Holistic medicine recognizes that the mind, spirit, lifestyle,
environment, and other aspects of a person’s existence, significantly affect the functioning of the physical body. Thus,
in evaluating and treating illness and prescribing preventative intervention, this approach treats the whole person, addressing
more than just the symptoms or disease. Holistic practitioners may utilize a combination of conventional treatments along
with alternative therapies.
HOMEOPATHY
Alternative healing method developed into a system by Samuel Hahnemann
in the late 1700s, and based on a “like cures like” principle--that is, if a substance can cause symptoms in a
healthy person, then it can stimulate self-healing of similar symptoms in a sick person. Clients are given minute amounts
of natural substances to stimulate the body to cure itself. When these nontoxic substances are properly administered for an
individual’s unique symptoms, they can be safely used by infants, children, and adults. There are no known or suspected
contraindications or drug interactions between homeopathic and conventional medicines.
HYDROTHERAPY
Although ancient Greece and Rome both adopted the beliefs
that water had healing properties, it was the Romans to first integrate hydrotherapy into their social life, building temples
and baths near natural springs. Father Sebastian Kneipp from Worshofen, Bavaria, however, was the true father of modern-day
hydrotherapy in Germany. Various hydrotherapy massage techniques exist and are generally utilized by massage/bodywork practitioners,
physical therapists, physicians, and spa technicians. These include underwater massage, herbal baths, thalassotherapy, Kneipp
therapy, Vichy treatments, Scotch hoses, and Swiss showers.
KINESIOLOGY/APPLIED KINESIOLOGY
Kinesiology is the study of the principles
of mechanics and anatomy related to human body movement, specifically the action of individual muscles or groups of muscles
that perform specific movements. Applied kinesiology involves muscle testing to assess a client’s condition.
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE
The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended
to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique
that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces
pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The most widely taught and generally accepted form of this
technique was created by Dr. Vodder of Austria.
MASSAGE & MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage or massage therapy are systems
of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue of the body. The massage system may include, but is not limited to,
such techniques as, stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression, passive or active stretching
within the normal anatomical range of movement; effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, without dragging
the skin, using either padded parts of fingertips or palms); petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds
of skin); or tapotement (striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers, rhythmic movements with fingers
or short rapid movements of sides of the hand). These techniques may be applied with or without the aid of lubricants, salt
or herbal preparations, hydromassage, thermal massage or a massage device that mimics or enhances the actions possible by
human hands. The purpose of the practice of massage is to enhance the general health and well-being of the recipient. Massage
does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances, spinal manipulation
or those acts of physical therapy that are outside the scope of massage therapy.
MUSCLE TESTING
Muscle testing involves finding a muscle that is unbalanced
and then attempting to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation
or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary
management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants, and various reflex procedures. The object is to test the
function of a single muscle in the best possible manner. (Adapted from www.icak.com.)
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application
of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence
of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made
by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating
an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective
therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction
of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
Based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet
Travell and David Simons in which they found the causal relationship between chronic pain and its source, myofascial trigger
point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain
and through stretching exercises. These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are
highly sensitive to pain when compressed. Pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathy integrates a wide range of natural therapeutics
emphasizing the healing power of nature to treat the causes of disease, rather than suppressing the symptoms. As part of a
holistic medical healthcare system with an emphasis on education and prevention, the naturopathic physician seeks to motivate
the individual toward a healthy and balanced diet, lifestyle, and mental attitude. Treatments such as homeopathic medicines,
clinical nutrition, traditional Asian medicine, and acupuncture are used to enhance the body’s natural healing process.
NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY
This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation
balances the body’s central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws that explain
how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding
and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical
dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hypercontraction
in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, assist venous and
lymphatic flow, and restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics, and flexibility to the tissues.
PRENATAL/PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Performed by a trained perinatal specialist,
many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods
of women’s pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the
physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening
labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology,
and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant. Specialized, advanced training in the
anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications is highly recommended, and many practitioners require
referrals from physicians prior to therapy.
REFLEXOLOGY
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves
manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred
to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve
areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing
and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation
of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also
convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
REIKI HEALING--USUI SYSTEM
Reiki healing is a hands-on energy healing
art. It was originated in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, who had a life-changing experience of light and energy
that he recognized as reiki--sacred life force--and that awakened his innate healing abilities. He developed a system of practices
that enabled others to become effective healers. In a reiki healing session, the practitioner, trained to access and serve
as a channel for the life force (ki or chi), places her hands on or just above the client’s body in order to activate
healing energy within receptive points on the body. The practitioner’s hands move progressively with a passive touch
through twelve positions on the body, remaining in each position for three to five minutes. As a harmonic flow of energy is
strengthened, within the client and practitioner, healing occurs through the return of physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
SHIATSU
Developed in Japan, shiatsu is a finger-pressure technique utilizing
traditional acupuncture points. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring
balance in the meridians and organs in order to promote self-healing. With the client reclining, the practitioner applies
pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow, or knee to specific zones on the skin located along the energy meridians. The
treatment brings about a sense of relaxation while stimulating blood and lymphatic flow. The benefits of this treatment may
include pain relief and a strengthening of the body’s resistance to disease and disorder.
SOMATIC THERAPY
Meaning of the body and often used to denote a body/mind
or whole-body approach, as distinguished from a physiology-only perspective.
SPA THERAPIES
A variety of body treatments administered in spas. Herbal
wraps, loofah body scrubs, parafango, salt scrubs, seaweed body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments, etc.
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance
and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury
treatment. Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed. Fast-paced and
stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on
visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm
the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce
recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow. When an athlete sustains an
injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage
techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five
basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered
by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive,
and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may
include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and
reduce swelling from injury.
T'AI CHI CHUAN
T’ai chi chuan is an ancient Chinese martial and
healing art. Most obviously characterized by the slow motion manner in which its choreographed movement patterns are carried
out, t’ai chi chuan is more accurately defined by its attention to correct body alignment and structural detail. T’ai
chi chuan practitioners move slowly and with a minimum of overt muscular effort, opting to rely instead on exact positioning
of the body’s structural components to facilitate the transfer of force through the body. This efficient transfer of
force reduces stress on both the body and mind. T’ai chi chuan principles apply globally to walking, martial application,
bodywork, or any other activity for which economy of motion and efficiency of effort desired.
THAI MASSAGE
Also called nuad bo rarn, Thai massage has been taught
and practiced in Thailand for approximately twenty-five hundred years. Although the origins are somewhat vague, credit for
Thai massage is given to a famous Indian doctor, Shivago Komarpaj, who was the personal physician of the Buddha and Magadha
king. Historically, manipulation was one of four major branches composing traditional Thai ceremonies or magical practices.
This is based on the theory the body is made up of seventy-two thousand sen, or energy lines, of which ten hold top priority.
Thai massage also involves peripheral stimulating, meaning it acts as an external stimulant to produce specific internal effects.
This point serves as the main division between Thai and Western massage. Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor
instead of on a table, instrumental in the effective use of the practitioner’s body weight. Except for the feet, the
client remains fully clothed, so draping is not necessary.
TRIGGER POINT MYOTHERAPY
Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the relief
and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The goal of treatment is the client’s recovery from or a significant
reduction in myofascial pain. The treatment goal is achieved through a systematized approach. Treatment consists of trigger
point compression, myomassage, passive stretching, and a regime of corrective exercises. Success may be measured subjectively
by the level of pain reduction experienced by the client and objectively through increased range of motion, strength, endurance,
and other measures of improved function. Trigger point myotherapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including
verbal and nonverbal elements. The myotherapist encourages the client to be personally responsible for their improvement,
with attention to such factors as nutritional intake, stress, proper exercises, mechanical abnormalities, and other physical
components. These elements protect the client from delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, or contraindicated treatment, which
are the concerns of first order. Trigger point myotherapy is an integrating approach to myofascial pain and dysfunction.
YOGA
The word yoga describes a variety of Hindu practices developed in ancient India to unify body and mind with
universal spirit, thereby encouraging physical and mental well-being. Yoga most commonly involves a series of stretching postures
(called asanas), breathing exercises, and meditative practices. Diet is also considered important to this discipline. Yoga
increases flexibility, improves muscle tone, and is helpful in the reduction of stress.
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