Specific Massage Techniques
Anatomy: The study of the parts of the body, especially muscles and bones
Aromatherapy: The use of pure essential oils (from various plants) in a massage to enhance relaxation or attain other benefits such as skin quality improvement
Acupressure: The application of light pressure with fingers on special points on the body to enhance health or lessen problem – these are the same points as used in acupuncture
Deep Tissue: Work that focuses on the various deep layers of body tissue, often applied to long-term problem areas
Energy Massage: Techniques to balance the body’s energy, founded on scientific information about the body as an electro-magnetic field
Foot Reflexology: A relaxing foot massage that is said to address the whole body since areas of the foot “reflect” conditions/areas of the entire body
Hot Stone Massage: The application of warm stones to the body, either in a stationary position, or used as “gliding tools” along with oil
Kinesiology: Another name for anatomy, this is the study of the body’s movement and of specific muscles in detail
Lymphatic Massage: Deep massage work that flushes toxins out of the body
Pathology: The study of illnesses or abnormal bodily conditions
Myofascial Therapies: Myo-fascial Therapies (myo means muscle, fascia is a “lining” between skin and muscle, and around muscle bundles) includes advanced techniques designed for solving problems in each major area of the body: neck, shoulders, back, etc
Physiology: The study of the body’s systems, such as the Digestive System, the Immune System, etc
Pregnancy Massage: Massage that takes into account the special needs, such as body positioning and cautions, of a pregnant woman
Rocking & Shaking: Keeping the body in a continuous rocking motion to release tight muscles and loosen joints
Shiatsu: A style of work originating in Japan that uses finger pressure and stretches for body relaxation; done on a floor mat without the use of oil
Sports Massage: Techniques particular to athletes and highly active people, used to assist them in enhanced performance and quicker recovery from injury
Swedish: A popular style of oil massage that uses moves, such as long gliding strokes, that are aimed at relaxation and increased physical well-being
Thai Massage: The traditional massage of Thailand that focuses on yogic-type stretches
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The ancient system that sees the body from an “energy” point of view and forms the basis for acupuncture; at NHI, TCM is the basis for our Shiatsu classes and acupressure classes