Massage Modalities:

Shiatsu: Is an acupressure and meridian-focused bodywork system from Japan; which applies "finger and manual pressure" to the skin. The aim is the prevention of and curing of existing illness by stimulating the body's natural resources to recuperate and promote good health, while eliminating fatigue and stress producing elements.

Anma: Defined as the "rubdown" it is the traditional precursor of shiatsu, based on the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Tui Na: Is an ancient Chinese bodywork therapy. "Tui" means pushing. "Na" means handling and correcting. Like Shiatsu and other oriental massage forms, it works with the energy system in the body. Like Acupuncture, Tui Na works with the Qi (chi) energy of the patient to bring a balanced state of health. In my opinion, Tuina may be practiced with a slightly more comfortable posture for both the client and the therapist than shiatsu. No needles are used in either modality. Often oriental bodywork is used in conjunction with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and these modalities work hand in hand to provide a patient with a holistic approach to patient well-being.

Thai Stretching: Like Tui Na, Thai stretches are based on the eastern philosophy of meridians or Sen Lines. By pressing and stretching muscles one makes them more receptive to the flow of "Qi". Thai bodywork involves the healthy interaction of sharing with another person balance for health and wholeness.

Pain Management and Orthopedic Massage/Medical Massage: Is the application of basic strokes of Swedish massage in specialized techniques that are geared towards achieving precise physiological results. This course of actions is determined by either a Doctor, Chiropractor, Physical Therapist or Athletic Trainer who works closely with the massage therapist to treat injuries and a wide variety of illnesses as well as aiding in physical rehabilitation.

Swedish Massage: Is the most well known and popular form of Western massage used today. There is a scientific system of 5 strokes applied to the body's soft tissue structure which can assist the body in removing toxins, deliver nutrients to the tissues and cells more efficiently and recover from strains and trauma more quickly.

Deep Tissue Massage: Uses slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction, applied across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains. A word of caution: deeper does not always mean better.

Myofascial Release: Is a whole-body approach to healing that seeks to restore balance to the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Practitioners use long, stretching strokes to release muscular tension. This technique, which is generally gentle, has the effect of relieving pain and improving function.

Ortho-Bionomy: Is defined as, " the correct application of the laws of life." The theory is that the human body is capable of correcting itself, but unless we are have some level of recognition of the problem and a course of action for correction -- there will be no correction. The body provides the guidance for what it needs to rediscover balance and comfort. This modality is based on the theory that proprioception = perception of oneself.

Sports Massage: Is an area of specialization that assists the body in achieving the maximum in physical results before and after physical exertion. This work is very muscle specific. Upon the completion of a massage session it is important to provide the client with specific flexibility and exercise routines to assure proper neuromuscular re-education and the elimination of dysfunctional habits or patterns which will cause their problem to return.

Geriatric Massage: What makes geriatric massage different is the clientele. In many ways it is similar to sports massage, as it strives to keep individuals operating at their optimum capacity. The key is to assess the client's health conditions and impairments based on their aging.

WATSU: Is massage in the water. WATSU is the first form of Aquatic Bodywork. Harold Dull began developing it in 1980 floating his Zen Shiatsu students in the warm pool at Harbin Hot Springs applying its stretches and moves. Watsu has evolved into what many consider the most profound development in bodywork in our time. While other modalities are based on touch, the holding that working in water necessitates, brings the receiver to a new level of connection and trust. This, combined with the therapeutic benefits of warm water and the greater freedom of movement it encourages, creates a modality that can effect every level of our being.

Reiki Energy Work: Is a safe, gentle, non-invasive form of hands-on healing that increases energy, reduces pain, produces deep relaxation and a general feeling of well-being. Reiki initiation attunes a practitioner to become a channel for the Reiki "Ci" energy and is a powerful, life-changing experience for growth along your spiritual path.

Integrated Energy Therapy: IET: The objective of IET is to provide a simple and gentle way to open the flow of vital life force within the human body and the human energy field, by integrating suppressed feelings from cellular memory and clearing their associated energy blockages.
Raindrop Technique: Is a safe non-invasive technique which uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to penetrate the skin and pass into tissues along the spine to produce a therapeutic effect. Various bacteria and viruses lie dormant along the spine which create inflammation and deformities of the spine. Essential oils simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents.

Lisa S. Todd © 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED