Massage Styles
Anma is a refined form of Japanese bodywork adapted from Chinese massage (Tui-na). It involves kneading and rolling movements that stimulate circulation and provide a relaxing effect for the receiver. Anma is deep-stimulating bodywork for the receiver but is particularly easy on the practitioner’s body due to the body mechanics of the techniques.
A gentle touch method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the central nervous systems through movement of the cranial bones. CST is an advanced form of bodywork that treats many musculoskeletal problems.
A technique that releases chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across the grains of muscles, tendons and fascia. Sport massage incorporates deep tissue techniques and is a form of deep tissue massage.
A gentle blend of stretching and unwinding of the connective tissue, Myofascial Release Therapy uses hands-on techniques of the entire body to promote healing, release and pain relief. The therapy is based on the idea that poor posture, physical injury, illness and emotional stress can throw the body out of alignment and cause its intricate web of fascia to become tight and constricted.
Traditional Chinese technique of applying finger pressure to special points that lie along acupuncture meridians. Acupressure treats a wide variety of complaints and is integrative with other massage techniques.
A hands-on method for lymphatic drainage involving flat hands, utilising all of the fingers to stimulate wave-like movements. This enables the practitioner to feel the rhythm of the body fluids to determine the exact pressure, direction and rhythm needed. Lymphatic drainage is being used in post-sport recovery routines as well as treating swollen tissues and to aid detoxification of the body.
The invisible channels of energy flow in the body according to Asian medical systems. Meridians are stimulated through acupressure therapy or myofascial release work.
Often called a "chair massage", this type of massage is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially-designed chair. It allows the massage therapist to massage the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
Positional Release is a highly effective technique to relieve pain and restore function to muscles, fascia, bones and joints. It is a powerful therapy for back pain. In positional release the correct position resets the sensors in the musculature and joints known collectively as the proprioceptors.
Health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness. It works with the Human Energy Field, electro-magnetic patterns expressed in mental, emotional and physical experience. It is a form of musculoskeletal therapy.
A technique that uses Reflex points on the feet, hands and ears thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body. Pressing on active points can bring about a therapeutic effect for alleviation of certain conditions.
Sport massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sport massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment.
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. The four strokes of Swedish massage are effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement.
A technique in which the therapist uses his or her body to move the massage recipient into a series of poses, includes muscle compression, joint mobilisation and acupressure.
Irritated area in muscle fibres or connective tissue that, when compressed, may elicit pain or a referred pain response. Trigger point therapy looks at de-activating painful points with stretching of the affected tissues.
