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Aromatherapy – Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function. There are a wide number of essential oils available, each with its own healing properties.
http://www.aromatherapy.com/
Ayurvedic – Ayurveda is the five thousand year-old medical system of India. It is also a philosophy that offers keys for creating harmony and balance in life. The ayurvedic physician studies for five years and is supervised for one year in a hospital. Although there are some spas in the United States that are designed as ayurvedic medical centers, most spas do not focus on the treatment of disease. Instead they adopt elements of ayurveda that focus on positive life choices, general detoxification, relaxation, enhanced spiritual awareness, and gentle exercise. An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system. With the client’s permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows, and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects on the mind and nervous system—calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace. The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage. The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha—the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.
http://www.massagetherapy.com/glossary/
Acupressure – Acupressure is an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure was developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Using the power and sensitivity of the hand, Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health.
http://www.acupressure.com/
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Craniosacral – CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole- body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics. Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel – practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it’s effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
http://www.upledger.com/content.asp?id=61
Cold Stone – Cold stone massage provides stress relief and helps the body to relax. It also helps the mind let go of anxiety and trauma. A cold stone massage is helpful for sporting injuries, swelling and inflammation. It will help to calm the body with the cool stones coupled with the soothing impact of human touch. Stone massage is an ancient art that is now in vogue again. Certain patients should avoid this type of massage, however, including anyone with a heart ailment, skin that is easily inflamed or sensitivity to cold temperatures. These potential massage clients should check with their doctor before undergoing a cold stone massage.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22558-cold-stone-massage/ #ixzz1YWSsDPsB
Chakra Balancing – Chakras are energy centers in the human body; each corresponds to different glands and governs specific parts of the physical body and areas of the psyche. Chakras are located deep within the center of the physical body next to a hormonal gland along the spinal column. Chakras draw in the divine life-force energy from the universe and distribute this vital energy to the physical glands and organs throughout the body and bloodstream specific to obtaining optimum health and well being. Chakras are considered to be interrelated and affect one another, therefore achieving optimum balance of these Chakras provides a state of total well being emotionally and physically. Often Chakras are thought to be influenced by negative thoughts that also negatively affect the chakras’ ability to function correctly leading them to become dirty, shrunken, or swollen. When our chakras are balanced, maximum vitality and health is experienced. Physical or emotional trauma will affect the corresponding chakra. Balancing can be accomplished in a number of ways, for example, through the healing arts, guided meditation, or the use of energy manipulation in the auric fields.
http://whatisholistic.com/definitions/chakra_balancing
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Deep Tissue Massage – Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish Massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as “adhesions.”)
http://spas.about.com/od/massag1/a/deeptissue.htm
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Ear Candling – Ear Candling is the holistic way of treating ear aches and other common issues related to the ear.
http ://earcandling.com/
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Hot Stone – Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body. The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/ massage/a/hot_stone.htm
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Infant Massage – Infant massage is the process of rubbing an infant’s muscles and stroking the infant in a manner specifically designed for them. Although there are professionally trained and certified infant massage therapists, the obvious first choice to massage the baby is the mother, father, grandparent, or guardian. Equally important are the people who care for children outside the home such as, nurses on neonatal intensive care units (NICU) that work with premature babies and those who work with the disabled. The benefits derived from massage are applicable and advantageous for all of these groups.
Read more: Infant Massage – baby, Definition, Purpose, Description, Risks, Normal results
http://www.healthofchildren.com/I-K/Infant-Massage.html#b#ixzz1xgvdgzc5
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Paraffin Wax – A paraffin treatment uses warm oil-based wax to provide pain relief to hands, feet and sore joints and muscles. This treatment has skin-softening benefits as well. soothes chronic joint pain and relaxes stiff muscles, and improves blood flow to the treated area, It increases range of motion for people with arthritis, bursitis and other chronic conditions that cause pain and stiffness. Paraffin treatments also smooth and soften dry, chapped, rough and scaly skin. It can be helpful for chronic skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/217736-what-is-paraffin-treatment/#ixzz1xheahTeK
Pregnancy Massage – Prenatal Massage focuses on the mother-to-be as she goes through the changes due to pregnancy. This is not a replacement for medical care, but rather as an adjunct to aid in the health and rapid recovery of the mother. Certified therapists will focus treatment on the concerns of each trimester. After the mother has given birth, treatment will assist in restoring the body back to its normal condition. Prenatal massage may also help reduce and/or eliminate excess water retention. Prenatal massage is fast growing in the United States and around the entire globes as it has attracted the interest of labor and delivery nurses, nurse-midwives, childbirth educators and obstetricians. Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.
http://whatisholistic.com/definitions/prenatal_massage
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Reflexology – Simply put, reflexology is an ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure- point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body. The science of Reflexology has been around for thousands of years. It is based on the premise that there are reflexes in our hands, feet and ears that relate to every organ and part of our body. By stimulating these reflexes with pressure and manipulation, nerve function and blood supply may be improved, which may alleviate stress and other health problems.
http://whatisholistic.com/definitions/reflexology
Reiki – Reiki is a holistic healing art form that originated in Japan and was brought to Westerners by Dr. Mikao Usui, who founded the Usui System of Reiki that is commonly practiced today. Reiki involves the channeling of energy by a qualified practitioner to a recipient for the purposes of stress reduction and healing.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/118234-definition-reiki-therapy/#ixzz1xgyGPuPT
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Seated/Chair Massage - Known as seated massage, chair massage, or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the client sits comfortably. The modern chair massage was originally developed David Palmer, but the technique is centuries-old, with some Japanese block prints illustrating people having just emerged from a nearby bath, receiving massage while seated on a low stool. Seated massage includes bodywork and somatic techniques, such as shiatsu, amma, and Swedish massage, provided to the fully clothed client in a variety of settings, including businesses, airports, and street fairs. Click here to find a Chair Massage practitioner.
http://www.massagetherapy.com/glossary/
Shiatsu – Shiatsu is an autonomous and natural system of energetic touch to support the human health, well-being and personal development. Shiatsu is offered to a person by applying shiatsu-specific techniques such as perpendicular, kept and steady/constant energetic touch with fingers (especially thumbs), palms, elbows and knees. Aims of Shiatsu are:
- to stimulate the self-regulation system of the organism
- to release energetic tensions and blockages
- to support the natural and free flow of the vital energy
- to balance the energetic system of a person as a wholeness (body and mind)
- to increase self-awareness and the self-responsibility to take care for the health.
http://www.shiatsunetwork.com/definition-of-shiatsu
Sports Massage – Sports massage focuses on muscles relevant to the event. For athletes who train continuously, the goal is to enhance endurance, lessen the chance of injury and shorten the time needed to recover from an event.Sports Massage may utilize a variety of techniques such as classical Swedish Massage, trigger point therapy, and hydrotherapy. Prior to an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used with stretching in order to help athletes to loosen, warm and prepare their muscles so that their performance and endurance might be enhanced. Following an athletic event, Sports Massage may be used to relieve pain, prevent stiffness, and return the muscles back to their normal state. Sports Massage may also be used for injury rehabilitation.
http://whatisholistic.com/definitions/sports_massage
Structural Integration – Structural Integration is a complex system of re- ordering, re-aligning, and restoring a person to balance in structure and function. this work which frees and organizes movement patterns and manually changes connective tissue, nerves, and muscles toward a more balanced and aligned human being. These benefits have included diverse personal benefits such as better posture, presentation, performance, relief from joint pain, relief from general aches and pains, stabilizing of the body nervous system, and generalized transformational events and circumstances.
http://www.rolfinggrace.com/2011/08/rolfing%C2%AE-structural-integration-definition-in-206-words/ in-206-words/
Swedish Massage - Swedish refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load.
http://whatisholistic.com/definitions/swedish_massage
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Thai Yoga – Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored. It is a blend of massage, acupressure, energy work, and gentle yoga stretches. The client wears comfortable clothing and lies on the floor on a soft mat. Benefits from a session may include: releasing tight joints, stretching muscles, increasing range of motion, and reducing stress.
http://whatisholistic.com/definitions/thai_massage
Touch For Health a holistic approach that uses acupressure, massage, and touch for the pur-poses of reducing physical and mental pain, improving postural balance, and alleviating tension.
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/touch+for+health
Trigger Point
Trigger point - (Myofascial): An area of irritability within soft tissue structures, characterized by local tenderness and sometimes referred phenomena. These referred sensations can include pain, tingling, numbness burning, or itching. Not all trigger points refer pain, some are just localized. Each person is different depending on their life history.
- Localized areas of deep tenderness and increased tissue resistance that often produce referred pain.
- The origin of the trigger point is thought to be changes in the chemical balance in a local area, irritating the sensory systems.
- Active trigger point: Cause of the immediate pain, prevents muscle from fully lengthening and sometimes weakens.
- Latent trigger point: Unnoticed by the client until pressure is applied, Not actively painful. Usually feels dense and fibrous.
http://www.thebodyworker.com/triggerpointdefinitions.html
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