Massage Terminology

Cranio-Sacral – is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Deep Tissue – releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Effleurage – is a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage treatment. This smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Friction – is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

Hot Stone Massage - is a full body massage using heated basalt stones gathered from river beds. This massage releases muscular tension and helps to flush toxins from the body. When used with cold stones (marble), it helps to boost the immune system.

Myofascial Release – is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.

On-site Massage (also known as chair massage or corporate massage) – is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs most often slope forward allowing access to the large muscles of the back. On-site massage usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is intended to relax and improve circulation.

Petrissage (also called kneading) – involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.

Polarity Therapy - is a bodywork technique that integrates several different healing systems including Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. This technique works with the positive, negative and neutral poles in the body in addition to nutrition and exercise.

Raindrop TechniqueTM - was created and formulated by Dr. Gary Young, N. D. and combines the art of aromatherapy and inspiration from ancient cultures of the Lakota Indians and Vita Flex techniques used by the Tibetan monks. It incorporates gentle massage and application of therapeutic grade essential oils to various parts of the body, which may help bring structural and electrical balance to the body for spinal vitality and harmony of the body, mind and emotions.

Reflexology – massage based around a system of points in the hands and feet thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body.

Reiki - is a Japanese word that means "universal life force energy." This technique uses a gentle touch to balance and assist in the body's natural healing process. Reiki works on many levels including physical, mental and emotional. It promotes a sense of deep relaxation and peace.

Shiatsu and Acupressure – Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body).

Swedish Massage – a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.

Tapotement – is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client.

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) – applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.