Anma
This is a traditional Japanese massage that works tsubos or acupressure points
on the body. Anma became the basis of energy-based body techniques like
shiatsu, tuina and Kahuna.
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the combination of healing massage with the medicinal properties
of essential oils from plant extracts. The essential oils are absorbed through
the skin during massage and also by inhalation through the nose.
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aromatherapy massage practitioner
Aston
Patterning
Developed in America by Judith Aston and has its roots in Rolfing, Aston
Patterning is 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.
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an Aston Patterning practitioner
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.
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an Ayurvedic Massage practitioner
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.
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an Biodynamic Massage practitioner
Chavutti
Thirumal
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.
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an Chavutti Thirumal massage practitioner
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. Locate
a Hellerwork practitioner
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.
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an Indian Head Massage practitioner
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
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an Kahuna massage practitoner
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.
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a Manual Lymphatic Drainage practitioner
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.
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an Remedial Massage practitioner
Rolfing
Rolfing (or Structural Integration) is a system of manipulation
designed to bring the body into correct alignment.
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a Rolfing practitionerSports
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. Locate
a Sports Massage practitioner
Thai Yoga 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.
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a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner
Therapeutic
Massage (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. There are four basic
movements used in Therapeutic Massage:
Effleurage
: relaxes and stretches the superficial muscles of the
body.
Petrissage: kneading and squeezing of
superficial and deeper muscles and soft tissue.
Friction : breaks down adhesions between
tissues and relaxes muscle fibres.
Tapotement : a variety of percussive
strokes to stimulate skin and muscles to increase blood
flow.
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a Therapeutic Massage practitionerZero
Balancing
It was developed in the 1970’s by Dr Fritz Smith, an American doctor,
osteopath and acupuncturist and is a touch technique that combines Eastern
and Western medicine. Treatment aims to restore a smooth flow of energy throughout
the body paying attention to ‘foundation’ joints that act as
shock absorbers for the weight distribution of the body and to breathing
patterns, eye movements and stomach rumbles. The improvement to the energy
flow can help to improve posture, increase harmony and the body’s own
self-healing ability. The practitioner uses gentle touch via the fingers
to stretch and hold the client, who lies fully clothed on a treatment table.
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a Zero Balancing practioner
