Massage Modalities

Swedish

         This type of massage is meant to be relaxing and ease tension. It’s not designed to be intense nor have deep pressure.  Basic protocol is a full body massage but you can still have your therapist focus on something such as your neck if you want. You also have the option to do specific extremities.  Ie, I see a lot of clients that just want a massage on their neck, shoulders, and back. 

Deep Tissue

         If you are looking for something more therapeutic, this is the route you’d want.  Deep Tissue doesn’t mean a pressure so deep that you want to scream “Uncle” on the table.  (On a scale of 1-10, 7 is the maximum you should ever feel.)  The goal is to work a little deeper into the layers of the muscles to help with lactic acid, adhesions, or joint issues, just to name a few examples. 

Lymphatic Drainage

         Over 70% of your lymph nodes are just under the surface of the skin.  Therefore, this type of massage is a very light pressure in order to prevent any blockage of the lymph nodes. And if done correctly, you’ll notice a result a few days later; your urine starts to stink! It’s a very specific stroke that is designed to help flush the “drainage” process; great for anyone with Lymphedema or any swelling issues.  Also, try to wear loose fitting clothing after your session to help keep the lymph nodes from being blocked. 

Cranial Sacral

         Did you know that your body is in a constant state of flexion and extension?  And what is contributing to that is the cerebralspinal fluid that surrounds your brain and vertebral column (also known as your spinal cord).  The fluid is in constant motion and can get out of wack, The Massage Therapist will use light pressure to sync the fluid back into proper rhythm, focusing on the skull, vertebral column, and sacrum (the big middle butt bone). 
         This cool modality should be performed by a therapist that is Certified in this specialty, most commonly certified by John Upledger.  It has been known to help people with ADHD, dementia, spine injuries, ear infections, learning disabilities, insomnia, and so much more.  If you want to learn more about it, I recommend checking out www.upldedger.com. 

Couples Massage

         Awe!  How cute!  Women have the tendencies to book a “couples massage” so she and her partner can be in the same room to receive their massage together.  But, not all “couples massages” are partners.  It’s also a fun thing to do with your bestie.  Whomever it’s with, it’s a fun way to relax together.  Your focuses and requests can be different, but the session will begin and end at the same time.

Prenatal

         Prenatal massages are for the mommy-to-be!  Some places have massage tables with cut-outs of the breasts and belly area so you can lay face up and face down like a typical massage.  However, for health and safety reasons, I have a different opinion on that.  I prefer the traditional way of prenatal massages and have you lay from side to side.  Usually a body pillow (or multiple pillows) is provided for the side-lying comfort.  Pressure might be different and a few pressure points need to be avoided during the first 36 weeks of pregnancy.  By the time the baby is full term, you can hit those pressure points all you want!  If you are having a risky pregnancy, it’s always best to check with your doctor to see if you can receive massage therapy, especially during your first trimester. 

Hot Stone

         Oh, Hot Stone… the classic “relaxational” massage where therapists lay “rocks” on you…  I regret to inform you, that’s not at all what it is.  In fact, remember that old McDonald’s lawsuit when the lady sued McDonald’s because her coffee was too hot? Well, same thing happened with a client receiving a Hot Stone Massage.  Before the incident, the crock pot (where the stones are placed in full of water) ranged from 110-140 degrees and therapists used a ladle to get the stone out.  Now, the rule of thumb is, if the therapist can’t stick his/her own bare hands and get the stone out, then it’s too hot for the client.  So, the temperatures are not supposed to exceed 100 degrees.  Also sad to tell ya but you know all those relaxing posters where the client is lying face down with a smile on their face and hot stones are laying down their back?  Wrongo!  Therapists are no longer allowed to do that unless there is a linen or a towel placed between the hot stone and the client.  So, if you think about it, it’s not very warm, if you can feel it at all.  However, the client can still feel the hot stones when the therapists move them around from one extremity to the next.  So don’t be disappointed if your Hot Stone Massage isn’t really a Hot Stone Massage.

Cupping

         Cupping is the oldest modality to ever exist!  And no, it did not come from China, rather it came from Egypt.  10 minutes of cupping is about the same as a 30-40-minute massage.  Rather than compressing an area like a massage, cups have a suction that lifts all the congestion towards the surface of the skin, which is why it looks like bruise marks; pst… they are not bruises. The darker the marks, the higher of the congestion.  So it’s a good thing it got cupped.  Also, the darker they are, the longer they will stay.  The lighter marks will stay typically a couple days, but the dark purple marks can last up to two weeks.  But because it’s a “lifting” style of massage, it doesn’t make sense to manually massage (compression) the same area you want cupped as it counterproductive. 
         Diet plays an important roll after a cupping session. It is encouraged to follow a healthy protocol up to seven hours after the session.  However, if you can do it the remainder of the day, go for it!  The cleaner you eat, the better your result will be (and last).  It is recommended to drink three times more water than you normally do to keep flushing out all that congestion.  If you eat meat, go for chicken or a white fish. Eat raw fruits and vegetables, not cooked.  Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and dairy.  I understand people need a little caffeine kick in the afternoon; I do too!  So if you have to have some sort of caffeine, I recommend a white or green tea. But, drink a glass of water before and a glass after.

Bamboo Fusion

         This is a great alternative to hot stone massage.  Bamboo Fusion are used with real Bamboo sticks of all different sizes.  They are heated in a heating pad so please let your therapist know at least an hour ahead of time so they will be warm for your session.  The Bamboo sticks are smooth and can be utilized as both relaxational or therapeutic. Because it’s fast pace for the therapist, and 60 minutes will fly by, I recommend doing a minimum of a 90-minute session. 

Watsu

Ever get in a pool and notice a sense of calming?  Or what about feeling lightweight and a little more flexible than you are on land?  This is how and why founder Harold Dull decided to provide Zen Shiatsu in warm water; hence the name watsu (shiatsu in the water). Shiatsu, as mentioned above, is about meridian lines and balancing your qi.  Dull discovered an increase in results when applying it in warm water.  Stretching is also applied while in the warm water.  This is great for all sorts of goals, whether it’s to relax and decrease anxiety or aid in PTSD.

Reiki

         Do you need a little more energy?  Silly question these days because who doesn’t?  If you want a massage and your goal is to gain energy, this ancient Japanese method might be for you.  The Reiki Master may or may not actually touch you.  And if they do, it’s very light.  Their goal isn’t to heal you but rather provide you with extra energy so your body can heal itself.  And you don’t even have to take off your clothes!  You can simply lay on the table and let the master do his/her work.

Sports

         The way I see it, if you actively move, whether you go on walks or play for a major league baseball team, you are considered an athlete.  If you have a specific injury or need treatment in a specific area(s) due to that “sport,” this is the massage to get.  The goal of this type of massage is to focus on the specific injury or injuries, both old and new, that have occurred while being active. 

Graston Technique

         Remember the 90’s and everything was “No pain, no gain”? Thank you, Mr. Swarzenegger.   So many people also thought that this 1994 invention was to be painful yet therapeutic.  It wasn’t until 2017 that qualified licensed Massage Therapist were able to obtain the Graston Technique course and become a Specialist.  There are 6 instruments used to help with soft tissue manipulation along with many ways to apply them and can also go as deep as the tendons; those things that connect the muscles to the bones. This is a lot different than Gua Sha; see Gua Sha for further information.  Unlike Gua Sha, this technique is geared toward more sports and medicinal uses and is considered a warm up technique.  Meaning, athletes will get this done before going into the game.

Trigger Point

         Do you have knots?  And if you put pressure on one, is it sensitive or does it radiate to another part of your body?  If so, that’s also called a Trigger Point.  This kind of treatment involves your Massage Therapist applying pressure to that knot till the tissue softens.  This can typically last from 10 to 90 seconds. Just like a massage, it’s not supposed to be painful.  Therefore, communication is important.  Tell your Therapist if it’s ever painful to the point that you want to tense up and fight back.  If that occurs, then the Therapist will switch from applying pressure on that specific spot to applying different massage strokes around the area. 

Ashiatsu

         Ever seen a massage table with bars above it?  It might look weird but it’s for anyone wanting an Ashiatsu Massage.  The Massage Therapist, who is hopefully certified in it, holds onto the bars and uses his/her feet to do the massage on the client.  And because they are barefoot, they are using their own body weight to apply a firm pressure that’s deeper than deep. So this can be relaxing and therapeutic.

Gua Sha

         This is a scraping technique for the energy/qi people.  This is a traditional Chinese method where the (hopefully certified) Technician (most commonly an Acupuncture) uses specific Gua Sha tools to “scrape” you in order to increase circulation and promote healing to give you healthier energy/qi.  Some holistic practitioners will argue that this is the same as Graston Technique in spite of them not even taking a Graston Technique course.  In actuality, they are two totally different things.  Read Graston Technique for further information.  If you want a holistic approach to a holistic healing used with round smooth tools, this is the right option for you.

Shiatsu

         Did you know that you have Meridian Lines?  This traditional Japanese modality involves applying pressure on different points of the body, also called acupressure, that follows a line representing a certain part of the body.  For example, there is a Meridian Line for the lung.  This modality is done on a floor mat and you don’t have to undress. Rather, is encouraged to wear lose fitting clothing.  The Therapist will apply pressure mainly with their thumb, hand, elbows, and sometimes even their feet.  However it’s applied, the goal is similar to Ashiatsu in that the pressure applied is to help balance and unblock your energy/qi to help alleviate your chief complaints such as headaches, tension, etc.

Reflexology

         Did you know that when you put your feet together, the bottom of them creates a map of your body?  It’s so cool.  Basically, how it works is that, most commonly, the Massage Therapist puts baby powder on your feet and spends the time pressing certain points on your feet.  Those points resemble different parts of the body, including your organs. For example, the sciatic nerve runs sideways across your heel.  This is another Traditional Chinese Medicine modality that has been around since 2330 B.C. and is known to help relieve stress (like most massages), aid in pain management (again, like most massages), aid in digestion, and help with sleep issues, jus to name a few things.

Thai

         Ever felt like doing yoga but just wanted to lay down and have someone else stretch you out?  You should try Thai Massage or also called Thai Yoga Massage.  Like other traditional Chinese massages, you are dressed in comfortable clothing and can lie either on a floor mat or a massage table.  Your Massage Therapist will spend the time stretching you while paying attention to your energy lines. Naturally, this type of massage is designed to increase your flexibility but also decrease your stress and ease and rejuvenate your mind.

Abhyanga

         FREE!  That’s right!  This massage is free!  It’s free because you are your own therapist.  It’s similar to Ayurvedic Massage in that it’s an ancient Indian treatment used daily to aid in circulation of blood and lymph, sleep, relaxation, and even gain a higher level of self-respect and love. All you need to do is warm up some oil (unless you want cold oil) and use basic massage strokes such as small circles on your own body.  Easy to do, time friendly (because it’s on your own time), and it’s free!

Lomi Lomi

         Ever been to Hawaii?  If you go, add this to your to-do list.  Lomi Lomi is a traditional Polynesian Massage. Lomi Lomi means “to knead” from both the Hawaiian and Samoan languages.  The massage consists of your Therapist applying long and smooth strokes from head to toe.  This resembles the waves of the ocean and therefore is constantly moving. And don’t be surprised if your Therapist includes a dance or prayer sometime during the session; it’s very common to include their religion.  All this is done during Lomi Lomi in effort to heal and restore.  Oh and don’t be surprised if you have to be naked.  Some places will have a cloth-like disposable undergarment to cover your private area.  Any articles of clothing worn blocks the massage stroke and thus thought to be a barrier of being able to successfully perform Lomi Lomi.  So expect to be naked but don’t worry about your private area being seen; if your Therapist is professional, it won’t be exposed anyways. 

Myofascial

         Meat eaters, do you notice the white lining that covers chicken?  It’s hard to cut off before cooking, isn’t it?  That white lining is called fascia.  And we have it all over our body too.  Fascia plays a protective role and pending what the body has been through in life, depends on how “easy” or “hard” the fascia is to be able to release.  Myofascial Release (MFR) consists of a variety of manual therapy techniques using their own fingers, knuckles, forearms, or elbows in order to apply a combination of compression, traction, and even twisting, all in order to simply relax and stretch the area.  Once one spot is relaxed, which can take a few times, the Therapist then moves onto the next area.  MFR is intended to restore fascia length, decrease pain, and improve overall function.

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle

         This is a deep tissue massage on steroids! Therese Pfrimmer, a Canadian Physical Therapist, created a way to heal her own paralysis.  This evidence-based technique is used to target any dysfunctional areas of the soft tissue that contributes to lack of motion and or chronic pain.  This can help with muscles, joints, nerves, the reproductive system, the urinary system, and so much more.  It may sound intimidating but like all massages, they are not supposed to “hurt”.

Pinda Sweda

         This Indian-based technique is the most popular type of Ayurvedic massages.  Therapists use cloth bags filled with heated herbs, oils, and rice.  This is commonly applied lying face down, starting at the feet first then moves upward toward the neck.  Moving upward is the essential key to performing this type of massage while the heated bags are applied in a harmonious rhythm.  Like most massages, Pinda Sweda aids in blood circulation, relieves muscle tension, improves the immune system, and also helps to detoxify the skin.

Raindrop

This technique includes essential oils provided by the best of the best. (And yes, I’m a bit bias but that’s also because I strongly believe it’s the best based from my experience.) Young Living has a set of specific oils and a protocol designated specifically for both viruses and bacteria living in the vertebral column (your spine).  If you look up the kit for this type of technique, either on Young Living’s website or other sites such as Ebay, you’ll see that it includes a variety of oils such as Valor, Oregano, Basil, and Thyme, just to name a few.  So don’t be surprised if you walk out smelling like an Italian chef.  Each oil has a significant role and a specific protocol on how to apply onto the client. For example, Oregano is included into this modality because of its ability to enhance energy and restore the immune system. And the best way to apply it is by evenly dropping the oil onto the vertebral column starting from the sacrum and working upward toward the atlas (the very first vertebrae).
Also don’t be surprised if you don’t get a full body massage.  This modality is designed for the neck and vertebral column.  And the only “massage” that is incorporated into this modality is the massaging of the oils into the vertebral column. 

Rolfing

“This is the gospel of Rolfing: When the body gets working appropriately, the force of gravity can flow through. Then, spontaneously, the body heals itself,” ~ Ida P. Rolf
          Dr. Rolf, graduate of College of Physicians and surgeons of Columbia University and Rockefeller Institute, had a passion for alternative methods to healing.  She studied and created her own way to manually manipulate the body for overall improvement and function.  Rolfing is a 12 series program designed to improve the shape and movement of the body.  So if you schedule a Rolfing massage, make sure that your therapist is a professional Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioners; last I checked, there are less than 2,000 of them throughout the world. 
          When getting this massage, you’ll experience similar feelings to a Myofascial Release massage because Rolfing also works to release the fascia tissue but with intention to improve posture and mobility. This type of massage also aids with pain and chronic stress, whether you’re a dancer, a business person, athlete, or a child.

Tibetan Singing Bowls

That’s right.  Singing bowls is a thing and has a been a thing for over 5,000 years.  Even though it’s called Tibetan Singing Bowls, it didn’t originate in Tibet.  Rather, it started in Mesopotamia then spread across the world into Tibet, Nepal, India, and eventually the United States around the 1970’s. Regardless of where it came from, most people know it as Tibetan Singing Bowl Therapy.
This type of massage is a little different.  No, the Therapist doesn’t hold a bowl and sing to you while massaging you.  Instead, the bowls are placed in different areas of the room while you are laying down.  Then the Therapist will go from bowl to bowl to make noises and vibrations while using a mallet (most commonly).  These different noises and vibrations have been known to help with stress, lower blood pressure, ease anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, pain relief, and aid in meditation practice. However, I wouldn’t sign up for this type of session if you are prone to headaches, have epilepsy, or are pregnant.  The noise can worsen the headaches and may even trigger a seizure.

Snake Massage

Yup!  You read that right!  I still can’t believe this exists but it does.  A therapist literally puts live non-venomous snakes on you.  And you lie there while they slither all over you.  To ease the fear getting bit, their mouths are supposed to be taped shut.  Their movements and weight are supposed to help ease stress, reduce tension, and even increase your blood flow.  It also aids in healing, sense of empowerment, and possibly even help getting over a fear of snakes in general.