Massage

Some of the different styles or techniques of massage include:

Anma.

A traditional Japanese massage that works tsubos or acupressure points on the body. Anma became the basis of energy-based body techniques such as shiatsu, tuina and Kahuna.

Aston Patterning.

Developed in America by Judith Aston, it has its roots in Rolfing. A system of massage, soft tissue bodywork, fitness training and movement education. It can be helpful in alleviating pain and improving posture by encouraging fluid body movements and even distribution of body weight.

Ayurvedic Massage.

This is the massage aspect of Ayurvedic medicine. It is based on affecting the flow of ‘prana’ through the 107 ‘marma’ points on the body. This is very similar to the approach used by Oriental Medicine as in Acupuncture. Depending on the constitution and the ‘dosha type’ of the client according to the principles of Ayurvedic Medicine, suitable oils are chosen to be used in the massage. There is also a form of massage for self-use.

Biodynamic Massage.

Developed in the 1960’s by a Norwegian physiotherapist and psychologist, Gerda Boyesen. The therapy aims to release energy believed to be trapped in the muscles and gut causing physical and emotional pain. Techniques can be soothing or more vigorous and Swedish massage is used together with other methods like ‘lifting’ the limbs to free trapped ‘bio-energy’ which is then released via the abdomen. Discussion is encouraged if the treatment raises any issues.

Chavutti Thirumal.

Comes from southern India and is part of the Ayurvedic system. It is said to have developed to promote suppleness to traditional dancers and martial art practitioners and is regarded as a specialised form of massage to aid the circulation, lymphatic system and digestion. The therapist is suspended above the client using a rope, and uses his or her feet and toes to apply firm, continuous strokes to stimulate the body’s energy lines.

Hellerwork.

Developed by Joseph Heller, an American engineer and Rolfing Practitioner, in the 1970’s, it could be described as a blend of Rolfing, Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais Method. It has three components: bodywork, movement education and verbal dialogue. The bodywork is a deep massage to the fascia which is where Joseph Heller believes stiffness and tension accumulate.

Indian Head Massage (Champissage).

Traditionally practised in India to the head and hair in order to keep hair lustrous and healthy, it has been extended and enhanced to include deep and relaxing massage to the upper back, shoulders and neck which is an area susceptible to the build-up of tension. It helps to relax the thin layer of muscle covering the head, improving blood flow, nourishing the hair follicles and alleviating anxiety and stress.

Kahuna.

An ancient Hawaiian system of massage that aims to help clients accept their own body and love themselves. Connection to one’s own self-love is believed to strengthen the ability to recognise the beauty in our life and surroundings. The treatment involves the practitioner using long rhythmical strokes over a two hour period with the client lying naked on a treatment table. The massage increases the vibrational rate of the cells of the body.

Lomi.

A deep tissue massage based on a Hawaiian Kahuna tradition.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

A very light pressure massage is used on the skin to encourage and stimulate the superficial lymphatic system in order to assist the removal of toxins from the body via the lymphatic nodes. Dietary correction can also be advisable.

Remedial Massage.

This is a corrective massage to encourage muscular alignment to muscle groups that are strained from overuse. The massage is deep and specific, concentrating on the muscles that are tight and stiff.

Rolfing.

Rolfing (or Structural Integration) is a system of manipulation designed to bring the body into correct alignment.

Sports Massage.

This is ideal for loosening muscle groups to regain flexibility and prevent strains occurring. It focuses on muscle recovery rate and helps to cleanse the muscles of toxins allowing less muscle fatigue after exercise. Deep massage is applied to the muscle groups.

Thai Massage.

Thai massage is a blend of Chinese and Ayurvedic systems. It uses gentle stretching, bending and pulling techniques to affect the flow of ‘prana’ or vital force in the body. Treatment is focused on the massage channels and points on the body and a practitioner will use hands, feet and elbows to affect this flow and help to restore harmony to the body.

Swedish Massage.

Is the manipulation of the soft tissues (skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments) of the body. It is a firm massage and has a set routine of techniques that vary from deep pressure to stimulate the body’s systems, to a slower, more superficial movement to assist relaxation.