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Acupressure
An ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years
ago that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface
of the skin to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal.
When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension
and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life
force energy (chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture and
acupressure may use the same points, but instead of needles
acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure.
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Corporate Massage
Massage therapy moves into the
business world. Corporate massage is performed at your
place of work. This usually involves a therapist arriving
with a table or seat designed specifically for massage
therapy. Oils and creams are not usually used to protect
the clients clothes. Instead specialised techniques are
performed through the clothes to release tension and remove
restrictions. Appointments vary between 15 and 60 minutes
and usually cater to a group rather than a single
appointment. |
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Chinese Massage
One of the original styles of
bodywork. It comprises many therapeutic techniques
including pressing, rubbing, stroking, pinching and
striking. It is believed to effective for adjusting the
function of the nervous system, strengthening the physical
resistance against disease and promoting the blood
circulation and relaxing the muscles and joints. Similar to
acupuncture points along meridians are stimulated to achieve
energy balance throughout the human system. |
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Day Spas & Retreats
Massage Styles vary greatly between
Day Spas but are usually some type of Relaxation Massage. A
Day Spa is meant to offer a water treatment with the massage
such as a spa or vichi shower. There are even some Day Spas
offering massage while under the vichi shower. Day Spas
offer a range of treatments sometimes including beauty
therapy combined to make a "Package. |
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Deep Muscle Therapy
A name given to this style by Chris
Lewin of Qld. It is a deep tissue therapy using forearms,
elbows and fists running at various angles to the muscle
fibres. Manual manipulation of muscle, connective tissue
and ligaments to remove restrictions and adhesions. Uses a
unique phalange movement which is similar to how you iron
your clothes. |
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Facial Massage
A very relaxing massage to sooth the
facial muscles that cause tension and lines. Using a
combination of oils, creams and hot compresses the client is
put into a deeply relaxed state while the skin and muscles
of the face are replenished, relaxed and restored. More
flowing and relaxing than conventional beauty therapy
facials. |
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Mobile Massage
Have table, will travel. Mobile
massage therapists come to your location. They bring a
portable table, towels, oils and creams, then set up in a
location suitable for you. There is no one style used in
mobile massage. It can range from relaxation to sports or
remedial. Not everyone is comfortable to or able to visit a
clinic so this is a wonderful way for them to receive a
treatment. |
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Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy works on
the idea that poor posture, physical injury, illness, and
emotional stress can throw the body out of alignment and
cause the intricate web of fascia to become taut and
constricted. Gentle stretching techniques are applied to
areas of the body and held for 3 to 5 minute. As barriers
are broken though a new are is explored and released. |
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Remedial Massage
Remedial means to remedy; to cure. Remedial Massage
describes the use of specific massage techniques and a wide
range of assessments to effect a cure in a patient.
Remedial massage therapists should have a thorough knowledge
of anatomy and physiology, physical examination, and
specific remedial massage techniques. By thorough
examination the Remedial massage therapist assesses the
dysfunction or complaint, makes a treatment plan, then uses
effective massage techniques to remedy the complaint.
Remedial massage is aimed at the complaint; it is not a full
body therapeutic system. Conditions that can be treated
with remedial massage include tennis elbow, repetitive
strain injuries, stress induced headaches, back or neck
pain, sporting injuries and more. |
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Shiatsu
Japanese finger pressure. Uses
acupressure points along the body in lines. Differs greatly
to Chinese acupressure as it does not do points at some
distances from each other, but instead follows a pattern of
points along a muscle group. There are quite a few styles
of Shiatsu - some using the meridian system, some not.
Namikoshi and Zen being two popular forms. In general
Shiatsu works on improving Ki (energy) around the body via
channels. Some use Hara diagnosis - a system checking the
patients wellness through examination of the abdominal
region. Pressure is then applied to tsubo points (a
pressure point where Ki can gather) to influence the subtle
movement of the energies. |
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Swedish Massage
Swedish massage
is a western form of massage using kneading and gliding
strokes with lubricant (usually oil) to increase blood and
lymph flow. French terms are used to denote techniques. "Petrissage"
is used to warm up the muscles with a kneading action,
"Effleurage" a gliding technique for warming up or flushing
the the area, "Tapotement" (also called percussion) a
striking action for separating adhesions and cross-linkages,
and "Friction" rubbing for specific tissue release usually
using the thumbs. The main purpose of
Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood
and release toxins from the muscles. The massage aims at
directing strokes towards the heart and increases
circulation without increasing heart load.
Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain
by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other
metabolic wastes. It stretches the ligaments and tendons
keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also
stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the
nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both
emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular
program for stress management. |
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Sustained Myofascial Tension
Borrowing from Rolfing, Connective
Tissue Massage and similar techniques this system uses a
shear force applied deeply to the muscle then slowly pushing
along the length of the muscle. A blocking force is used to
stabilized one end of the tissue while the muscle is ironed
out away from the stabilized end. Very popular in sports
massage.
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