Comprehensive List of Massage Methods

ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Acupressure – Acupressure is the application of pressure to the body to affect the flow of

energy (Ki) in the 12 meridians according to the principles of Oriental medicine. It is

widely practiced in China. More emphasis is given to a person’s responsibility for his or

her own health than it is in the Western world, and Oriental medicine is often used as a

self-help treatment. Acupressure is believed to be the “mother of acupuncture” in that it

predates the use of needles to stimulate the body’s energy flow.

Acupuncture – Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure involving insertion

and manipulation of needles to more than 360 points on the human body. Applied to

relieve pain during surgery, or to treat rheumatic conditions and many other illnesses,

acupuncture is used today in most hospitals in China and by some private practitioners in

Japan, Europe, and the United States.

Amma – Amma massage, based on traditional Chinese medicine, is an ancient

therapeutic massage that dates back to 2697 BC. It is regarded as the precursor to all

other therapies, manual and energetic, or as the “grandparent” of all massage techniques.

Techniques using pressure and touch are applied to specific points on the body, as well as

the energy channels (the same channels as acupuncture) on which they are found. The

aim is to restore, promote, and maintain optimal health by removing energy blocks

according to individual needs.

Ashiatsu – Developed by Ruthie Hardee in 1995, ashiatsu oriental bar therapy combines

elements of traditional Thai massage, barefoot shiatsu, and Keralite foot massage.

Incorporating overhead wooden bar supports, the therapist uses body weight and gliding

foot compression on strategic points along the muscles. The application of this technique

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is not to be done on a floor mat or through clothing. This technique was designed for

smaller, petite therapists who wish to specialize in deep work.

Ayurveda – The ancient Hindu science of health and medicine designed to maintain or

improve health through the use of dietary modification, massage, yoga, herbal

preparations, and other measures.

Do-In – Do-In (also called Daoyin, Dao-In, and Tao-In) is a self-help therapy that

combines some of the principles of shiatsu and acupressure, with stretches, exercises,

breathing, and meditation techniques, and in some cases the following of a macrobiotic

diet. Contemplation and meditation are important aspects of a Do-In session to increase

spiritual harmony and understanding.

Jin Shin Do – Jin Shin Do (translated: the way of the compassionate spirit) is derived

from acupressure. The technique involves applying gentle fingertip pressure to 30

specific points along the body to release, smooth and balance vital chi energy.

Practitioners meditate and try to transfer chi to clients by using knowledge of where

energy flows and patterns meet.

Lomi Lomi – Lomi Lomi is an ancient healing art practiced by Hawaiians. Typically, a

tutu (grandmother) or other respected family member practices this art. The style of

massage varies from one family to another. Traditionally, the massage is done with the

receiver lying on a hand-woven mat on the floor or ground. The massage is done using

finger, palm, and elbow strokes. Kukui nut, macadamia nut, and coconut oils are used as

lubricants and nutritional moisturizers during the massage.

On-site Massage – Also called seated and chair massage, on-site massage includes

techniques that provide fully-clothed seated massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies to

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clients, generally in a corporate or business setting. Practitioners use shiatsu, amma, and

Swedish techniques.

Qigong – Qigong is an Oriental therapy that combines gentle exercises with breathing

techniques, meditation, and visualization to improve the circulation of Qi (life energy) in

the body. It is suitable for all age groups and is particularly suited for elderly people who

wish to maintain flexibility and fitness.

Shiatsu – Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art using finger pressure. It is rooted in

ancient Oriental medicine and has evolved from traditional Chinese medicine. The

philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (Qi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese) flows

throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many reasons, Ki can

stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.

Thai Massage – Also called nuad no ram, Thai massage has been taught and practiced in

Thailand for approximately 2,500 years. 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.

Tui Na – Tui na is a medical form of massage using the arms, hands, fingers, elbows and

knees as tools for treating diseases and illnesses. Tui na is also used to protect health and

build up body immunity, so that disease can be stopped in its beginning as a preventative

medical measure, without any side effects. Tui na can sometimes be mistaken for

acupressure.

Watsu – A form of massage that incorporates Zen Shiatsu in a sequence of gentle

movements and stretches, as you are held in warm water.

Yoga – Yoga is an ancient Indian practice using physical postures to obtain a harmony of

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mind, body and spirit. It is not a religion, but the discipline of breathing and

concentration during practice will bring tranquility and awareness to the mind.

PSYCHOLOGICAL METHODS

Bioenergetics – A body-mind therapy created by Dr. Alexander Lowen, bioenergetics

uses the body to heal the mind. The simultaneous duality and unity of the human

personality is its underlying principle. The technique includes direct body work to release

unresolved emotional blocks stored in muscle groups.

Biofeedback – Biofeedback is a technique where one learns to be aware of and control

specific physiological processes. It utilizes a group of techniques that teach self-

regulation of one's body. Biofeedback is often aimed at changing habitual reactions to

stress that can cause pain or disease. Feedback of physical responses such as skin

temperature and muscle tension provides information to help patients recognize a relaxed

state. This feedback system may also act as a kind of reward for reducing tension.Gestalt

– Developed by Fritz Perls, this type of therapy combines the psychoanalytic perspective

of bringing unconscious feelings to awareness with the humanistic emphasis of "getting

in touch with oneself" in order to help people become more aware of and able to express

their feelings. In addition, it is not enough to just become aware of these feelings; Gestalt

Therapy also helps people realize the importance of taking responsibility for their

feelings and actions.

Hakomi – Originated by Ron Kurtz, this system is based on five therapeutic principles –

Mindfulness, Organicity, Non-Violence, the Mind-Body Connection, and Unity to elicit

nonverbal core beliefs. It is a body-centered approach for which, in part, the therapist

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helps the client experiment with small changes in gesture or other movements, to see

what differences occur in the processing of emotionally charged content. Hakomi is a

Hopi Indian word that means “How do you stand in relation to these many realms?:

(loosely, Who are you?).

Rebirthing – Process of releasing repressed attitudes and emotions gained by deep

breathing techniques and a reenactment of the birth process.

Rubenfeld Synergy – The Rubenfeld synergy method uses many avenues, including

verbal expression, movement, breathing patterns, body posture, kinesthetic awareness,

imagination, sound, and caring touch to access reservoirs of feeling. Founded by Ilana

Rubenfeld, this method integrates elements of the great body/mind teachers - F.M.

Alexander and Moshe Feldenkrais - together with the Gestalt theory and practice of Fritz

and Laura Perls and the hypnotherapy of Milton Erickson.

ENERGETIC METHODS

Bach Flower Remedies – Developed by Edward Bach, a London bacteriologist and

homoeopath, believed that harmful emotions were the main cause of disease and he

classified the various emotions into seven main categories. These seven categories were

then divided further into 38 negative feelings. Each negative emotion is associated with a

particular plant. Using the homoeopathic law of potentization, he developed reasoned

that the healing effects of plants might also be contained in the morning dew found on

their flowers. He also developed a compound of five flowers called Rescue Remedy to be

used in emergency situations or for trauma.

Craniosacral – Craniosacral therapy is a gentle form of holistic therapy developed from

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cranial osteopathy and oriental approach to bodywork. It uses touch to evaluate and affect

the cranio-sacral system, i.e. the cranium (skull), the spinal column and the membranes

and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It is believed

that changes in the cerebrospinal fluid will in turn affect every cell in the body via the

connective tissue. Dr John E Upledger, an American osteopath, developed cranio-sacral

therapy from the cranial osteopathy work of Dr William Garner Sutherland.

Faith Healing – Faith healing is a form of healing associated with a belief in a divine

being and the power of prayer exerting a beneficial effect upon a sick animal or human.

Homoeopathy – Homeopathy is a branch of medicine employing substances of animal,

vegetable or mineral origin which are given in microdosage and prepared according to

homeopathic pharmacology, in accordance with the principle that a substance which

produces symptoms in a healthy person can cure those symptoms in an ill person. The

practice of homeopathy includes acupuncture, neuromuscular integration, orthomolecular

therapy, nutrition, chelation therapy, pharmaceutical medicine and minor surgery.

La Stone Therapy – Founder Mary Harrigan drew from the wisdom of ancient healers in

using thermotherapy as the basis for her approach to massage. La Stone Therapy

includes the use of heated and cooled stones applied to the body in various ways to bring

about relief to stiff and sore muscles.

Polarity – Polarity Therapy was developed by an Austrian osteopath, chiropractor, and

naturopath, Randolf Stone and is another therapy that embraces both Oriental

philosophies and Western therapies. He studied Ayurveda and acupuncture with particular

interest in the flow of the ‘life force’ in the body and combined this knowledge with his

Western training, to develop the basic theory of Polarity Therapy that health depends on

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the uninterrupted flow of energy in the body between two polar opposites.

Reflexology – Reflexology is the art of applying specific pressure to various parts of the

feet to promote deep relaxation, emotional balance and overall well-being. Each point on

the foot is connected to another part of the body by a reflux or energy connection. The

feet are seen as a mirror of the body. By balancing the energy flow, reflexology

encourages self-healing and promotes relaxation. Responsive zones in the feet

correspond to parts of the body and by working on those zones with pressure and

manipulation; function can be improved in the corresponding areas of the body.

Reiki – Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life (Rei) Energy (Ki). It is a

spiritual healing discipline and has its roots in ancient Buddhist teachings. The founder of

Reiki, Dr Mikao Usui, spent many years seeking the knowledge of healing and found

information on Reiki in Sanskrit texts. He received information on Reiki through a vision

when meditating on a Japanese mountain.

Therapeutic Touch – An intentionally directed process of energy exchange during which

the practitioner uses the hands as a focus to facilitate the healing process. It is a

contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices. Therapeutic Touch was

developed by Dolores Krieger, PhD, RN, then a Professor at New York University, and

Dora Van Gelder Kunz, a natural healer.

Zero Balancing – Zero Balancing is a touch technique that combines Eastern and

Western philosophies. Treatment aims to restore a smooth flow of energy throughout the

body. Zero Balancing was developed in 1973 by Dr Fritz Smith, an American doctor,

osteopath, and acupuncturist. In order to understand health imbalances, he studied various

methods including Rolfing, yoga, meditation and Oriental philosophies and finally

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developed Zero Balancing in 1975. The treatment is aimed at balancing the deep

structures of the body, the bone and skeletal system as these contain deepest currents, to

help to create stronger presence of energetic fields.

NERVOUS SYSTEM

Alexander Technique – The Alexander Technique is used to help to teach people about

how efficiently and effortlessly they can use their bodies in everyday life. Alexander

Technique teachers help to adjust the client’s posture to recognize the difference between

current habits and what it feels like to use muscles with minimum effort and in a relaxed,

fluid way.

Aromatherapy – The art of applying essential oils to suit individual needs. The oils work

directly on the chemistry of the body, via the skin and bloodstream. Essential oils are

extracts that contain the substances that give plants their smell. They are produced by tiny

glands in the petals, leaves, stems, bark and wood of many plants and trees. In nature,

they are released slowly, but when heated or crushed, their oil glands burst, releasing the

plant's aroma more strongly.

Aston-Patterning – Aston-Patterning is an educational process combining movement

coaching, bodywork, ergonomics, and fitness training, developed by Judith Aston in

1977. The technique is used to make new movement options available, and the sessions

are followed with a movement lesson to assist the client in understanding how the tension

had been created and how to maintain the changes achieved.

Feldenkrais – The Feldenkrais Method was developed by a Russian doctor, Dr Moshe

Feldenkrais in the 1940’s. It is a preventative therapy rather than a treatment. It uses

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movement and awareness to improve flexibility and functioning of the body. Dr

Feldenkrais believed that awareness is developed through experience and developed

methods using movement to re-educate the body and to help to break down established

patterns of behavior.

Ortho-bionomy – Ortho-bionomy was developed by the British Osteopath Dr. Arthur

Lincoln Pauls in the 1970s. Pauls combined his understanding and techniques of

osteopathy with the principles of martial arts and the philosophy of homeopathy to

stimulate the organism’s self-healing reflexes without needing to use force or painful

manipulation. Often awareness alone will change a pattern, but specific exercises are

also part of what Ortho-Bionomy can offer a client.

Trager – Trager Psychophysical Integration, also known as the Trager Approach, is a

form of massage and movement which utilizes gentle, rhythmic movements to facilitate

the release of stress patterns, either on the mental, emotional or physical levels. Its aim is

to achieve integration between body and mind processes.

STRUCTURAL METHODS

Chiropractic – Chiropractic is a system of therapy in which disease is considered the

result of abnormal function of the nervous system. The method of treatment usually

involves manipulation of the spinal column and other body structures.

Hellerwork – Joseph Heller started Hellerwork in the late 1970's. Heller had originally

trained with Ida Rolf and became president of the Rolf Institute in 1975; however, he

wanted to explore the mind/body connection further and left to start his own school.

Hellerwork has three basic concepts; 1) deep tissue massage that unblocks the body, 2)

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Movement education to correct postural alignment, and 3) Verbal dialogue to assess

emotional holding patterns.

Looyen – This form of massage was introduced by Ted Looyen in 1985. This technique

is a painless approach to deep-tissue therapy, working with the connective tissue and

fascial components. It combines Rolfing and Aston-Patterning.

Naprapathy – This technique involves working with clients with connective tissue

disorders by connective tissue manipulation, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise,

postural counseling, nutritional counseling, and the use of the effective properties of

physical measures of heat, cold, light, water, radiant energy, electricity, sound and air.

Osteopathy – This branch of medicine includes an emphasis on structural balance of the

musculoskeletal system. Osteopathic physicians use joint manipulation, postural re-

education, and physical therapy to normalize the body’s structure and promote healing.

Pfrimmer – This technique utilizes deep cross-fiber strokes applied with the thumbs and

fingers. Developed by Theresa Pfrimmer of Canada, this is a deep muscle therapeutic

technique. The work enables free flow of lymph and blood, as well as improving joint

movement and removal of waste products/toxins from the muscle tissue.

Rolfing – Rolfing is a series of deep massage treatments, which aim to re-establish the

natural alignment and structural integration of the body. Dr Ida Rolf developed the

system during the mid 20th century. Dr Rolf had a PhD in Biochemistry and Physiology

from Columbia University; she subsequently worked at the Rockefeller Institute in

Chemotherapy and Organic Chemistry. Her search for solutions to family health

problems led her to study the effect of the body's structure on its functioning, hence

Rolfing, or Structural Integration, was born.

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Touch for Health – Developed by chiropractor John Thie, Touch for Health combines

methods and techniques that include acupuncture principles, acupressure, muscle testing,

massage, and dietary guidelines. After the muscles have been strengthened, Touch for

Health theory states that energy then flows through the body, improving vitality and

ability to maintain good health. It is also referred to as applied kinesiology.

MUSCULAR AND CIRCULATORY SYSTEMS

Animal Massage – Both pets and performance animals (e.g., horses) experience soft

tissue damage as humans do. Animals also can receive pre- and post-event massage for

competition.

Bindegewebsmassage – Bindegewebsmassage is a specific, advanced technique intended

to assist in the rehabilitation of pathologic conditions. The theory of this technique

extends to the belief that certain areas on the body’s surface correlate to specific internal

organs manifesting the disruptions with an increased sensitivity of certain skin areas

called points.

Body Logic – Body Logic was developed by Yamuna Zake, and is a therapeutic system

specializing in the treatment of structural problems. The theory and principles of Body

Logic are simple; where there is pain, discomfort, or injury, exists compression,

restriction or, as commonly termed in body logic "a lack of space".

Bowen – Developed by Thomas Ambrose Bowen of Australia in the 1960s and 1970s,

this hands-on, light-touch body therapy consists of gentle rolling movements over muscle

bellies and tendons to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. Originally intended

to help people suffering from muscular-skeletal problems, Bowen Technique has also

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been successful with many other conditions, including asthma and respiratory ailments in

children and pre-teens.

Clinical Massage – Also called orthopedic massage or medical massage, clinical

massage combines elements of sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial

release. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation

criteria. Three basic elements adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are

assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment.

Esalen Massage – Developed in the 1960s, this style originated at the Esalen Institute in

Big Sur, Calif. and is based on a combination of Oriental and Swedish massage

techniques. Esalen is light and gentle in nature, emphasizesg nurturing and empathy. The

strokes are soft, easy, and slow, and prompts deep relaxation. It is used to reduce stress,

relieve pain, improve sleep, aid digestion, and promote healing.

Infant Massage – Qualified instructors teach parents how to properly massage their

infants. Infant massage is also utilized in hospital neonatal care units. This specialized

form of touch is successful, not only in the critical weight gain of premature infants, but

also creates a strong bond between parent and infant and exposes a young child to the

benefits and pleasures of touch.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage – Lymphatic massage, or manual lymphatic drainage, is

designed to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system. Dr. Emil Vodder developed it in the

1930s and was able to demonstrate that many chronic conditions could be alleviated with

this technique. Some benefits reported are increased metabolism, improved immune

functions, and waste removal. The basic stroke resembles a circle, called a stationary

circle. Research has found that lymphatics are stimulated, light (1-4 oz.) circular

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pressures followed by complete pressure releases (while remaining in contact). This

allows the lymphatic vessels to close and the lymph to move. Like in Swedish massage,

the therapist works proximal to the node and progresses distally while applying the

circular pressure toward the correct nodes (e.g., cervical, axillary, inguinal). Rhythm and

speed should be relaxing for the client.

Myofascial Release – Developed by John Barnes, Myofascial Release Therapy is a

hands-on technique that applies a light, stretching pressure with specific directions into

the fascia. This is done to release the fascia from surrounding tissue to which it may have

become fastened. The stretch to release this connective tissue can be created by pressure

on a fascial plane or by tractioning a body part when held in a certain position. The

outcome is relief of pain and stress and restored overall function of the whole body.

Myotherapy – Developed by Bonnie Prudden, myotherapy is a hands-on, drugless,

noninvasive method of relieving muscle-related pain and emphasizes a speedy, cost-

effective recovery and active client participation for long-term relief. Myotherapy relaxes

muscles, improves circulation, alleviates pain in all parts of the body and increases

strength, flexibility, coordination, stamina, and energy. It improves posture, gait, sleep

patterns, and work and play performance. Clients are cleared for treatment by a

physician, which ensures the pain is not due to anatomical pathology requiring medical

attention.

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

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the underlying cause.

Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is a branch of medicine that specializes in treating

the sick. It is limited to therapeutic exercises with or without assistive devices, and

physical measures including heat and cold, air, water, light, sound, electricity and

massage; and physical testing and evaluation.

Pregnancy Massage – Also called pre- or perinatal massage, pregnancy massage uses

client positioning and techniques to reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and

enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus.

Rosen Method – Using gentle, nonintrusive touch, Rosen Method works with muscle

tension to bring about physical and emotional awareness through relaxation. Developed

by Marion Rosen, this technique utilizes both sensitive manipulation of the soft tissue,

observation of the client’s breathing patterns, and communication to promote physical

ease, pain relief, and a deeper contact with the inner self.

Sports Massage – Sports massage consists of specific components designed to reduce

injuries, alleviate inflammation, and provide warm-up for amateur and professional

athletes before, during, after, and within their training regimens.

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.

Trigger Point Therapy – Trigger Point Therapy applies pressure to specific points in a

muscle to bring to immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning. This

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work is based upon the trigger point research and manuals of Dr. Janet Travell. It is

sometimes incorporated into other styles of massage therapy such as neuromuscular

therapy.

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