| Soft Tissue | Deep Tissue | Massage Styles |
There are numerous approaches to the art healing through touch, massage and bodywork. Some focus on the physiology of the body, and others on the release of emotional tension and others work more subtly on the energy levels within the body. One of the largest problems that I have is that men, being the physical people that they are, and yes I am generalising here sorry, but they still tend to view massage as an excuse for foreplay and don't seem to understand that you can touch and caress someone without it being sexual.
These days massage therapy styles combine ancient and modern techniques drawn from both the East and West. Basically what they all have in common with each other is the aim to bring harmony and well-being to the person receiving the massage by releasing tension and congestion and thereby allowing the restoration of natural vitality. ...... it all sounds rather fluffy really doesn't it.
It seems that every time I get the short course booklet from the various Universities, TAFE Colleges or other various institutions I am always finding another massage technique popping up. I am not proficient in all of them and given time I reckon I could probably make a few up myself. Here are the more common styles around, unless of course you haven’t heard of them before?
I guess massage can be split into two different types of massage, soft tissue and deep tissue and then the various techniques employed to administer them.
The most common, and probably the one we've all heard of is the Swedish massage. Whenever you see a movie and someone is getting a massage it will most likely be a Swedish massage, the therapist will be tall, fit, have blonde hair, blue eyes, tanned skin, big breasts if female, square shoulders and large biceps if male and are always wearing a white uniform of some sort .... what is with that ? .... I could almost fit that description but I'm Dutch not Swedish, oh and I obviously don't have breasts, nor do I have 'man-boobs' for that matter !
Soft tissue massage may use a variety of massage techniques and may include the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body. The strokes employed to deliver help to boost the circulatory system and increase the exchange of tissue fluids, detox, and lactic acid build up etc.
Swedish massage, sports massage, physiotherapy and lymphatic massage are particularly beneficial as they work directly with the anatomy and physiology of the body to restore vitality and a state of relaxation. There are many types of Oriental bodywork, Shiatsu and acupressure are the most common of these.
Deep tissue massage aims to restore structural alignment and balance within the body by releasing chronic tensions, formed by deep muscular tension, which inhibit postural areas and movement .... how is that for a mouthful ! For the layman Deep tissue is as its name suggests, it goes in deep. It's designed to reach the deeper sections of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibres by actions of friction and stretching of the connective tissue, or fascia, which wraps, bids, supports and separates all the internal structures such as the skeletal muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and organs. It helps to loosen and un stick the fibres of the muscles and thus releasing toxins and getting the blood and oxygen circulating properly.
Some of the same strokes are used as with soft tissue massages, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain. When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. This is where I often use direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles at which point you normally yelp "what is THAT?"
There are over 80 types of massage in use today that are based on concepts of human function, anatomy, and physiology that utilize a wide variety of soft tissue and manipulative techniques.
I do NOT offer all the styles below but have endeavoured to give you a broad description of the many styles that are available.
Please, if you know of any other styles of massage let me know ......
- Lymph Drainage or Circulatory
- Swedish
- Reflexology
- Hot Stone
- Deep Tissue
- Deep Muscle
- Tantric Balancing
- Oriental
- Acupressure
- Shiatsu
- Relaxation
- Sports
- Remedial
- Ka Huna
- Lomi Lomi
- Hawaiian Temple
- Dutch Style
- Hand Relief or 'Happy Ending'
Lymph drainage: (Circulatory Massage)
This non-evasive therapeutic massage stimulates circulation by utilizing a pumping massage technique to purge swollen tissue (lymph nodes) of water and trapped toxins.
Swedish Massage: (Most common form)
This classical European massage technique combines three basic strokes to the skin: long, firm strokes, kneading strokes and small circles. This gentle but firm manipulation of the muscle tissue with special oils relieves pain and tension, increases flexibility and induces relaxation while improving circulation.
This ancient Chinese technique involves massage of specific pressure points (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to help re-establish the flow of energy and pressure while relieving stress throughout the body
This massage utilizes heated and cooled stones (Thermo therapy) that are applied to the body in various ways to bring about relief to stiff and sore muscles.
This massage is used to free up congestion of the muscle attachments. Deep work brings about realignment of postural distortions; restores proper range of motion and may also relieve emotional tension. Muscle function and awareness are balanced, and elasticity is revived.
This type of massage is performed to eliminate knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks in the body due to prolonged stress. Several leverage techniques and kneading are utilised for a very firm massage. See Deep Tissue
NON SEXUAL ...... Involves the tactile manipulation (massage) of specific body muscles to relax and refresh the physical body and to help achieve a long lasting inner peace.
The "Massage" objective of Tantric Balancing is to relax the constricted muscles along the spine and deep within the pelvic cavity, thereby releasing pent-up stress and buried emotional blockages as a burst of cleansing energy.
What Tantric Balancing attempts to do is embrace the similarities we all share physically, spiritually, and mentally/emotionally to stimulate a strong, positive personal response to life, love, and human sexuality.
- Charka: "Energy centre". There are seven Charkas that are interconnected.
One achieves the state of health and well being when the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of oneself are balanced and in a state of harmony. Charkas run along the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Meditative disciplines and therapies such as Reiki, colour and light, crystal and stones are believed to re-balance the charkas.
Oriental based massage incorporating the meridians of the body. Finger pressure massage of these points is used to release discomfort and re-balance body energy.
This type of massage includes acupressure and shiatsu.
- Acupressure: An ancient Chinese technique of healing based on application of finger pressure and massage to meridians (energy points), which releases muscle tension and improves flow of energy
- Shiatsu: Derived from the Japanese culture, this technique of acupressure utilizes massage to stimulate the energy pathways in the body.
This is a smooth, relaxing massage composed of gently increasing levels of pressure. It improves the circulation, relieves muscular tension, improves the range of movement, and promotes an increased feeling of well-being and relaxation. Relaxation massages can be done on individual areas of the body, such as back, face, hands, feet, or they can be done as a whole body massage. These massages can often be combined with essential oils to give added balance and harmony
This can be used before or after exercise and is an effective way to help maintain flexibility and ease of movement.
Manipulation of the soft tissue to aid in recovery after illness or injury.
Ka Huna bodywork originated in the South Pacific and was used during Rites of Passage as a transformational massage and healing system. It is also known as Hawaiian Temple Style massage and Lomi Lomi. This form of bodywork provides a holistic approach to healing by balancing the body-mind in its physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions. Using flowing hula and Tai Chi style movements, your therapist uses their hands, forearms and elbows and moves around the table working with energy while applying soft and deep tissue massage.
See Ka Huna massage.
See Ka Huna massage.
This technique is an assimilation of various styles not unlike that of the Ka Huna massage that will revive tired muscles, eliminate toxins and knots and yet give your body total relief. Best described as being similar to a roller coaster, it starts off slow and relaxing, then builds up to very hard and is then finished off with Tantric balancing. Before beginning the massage we'll spend a few minutes on talking about areas of sensitivity and focusing on your breathing techniques to help you totally relax during the massage. Strokes are slow, long and caring at first, heightening the sensors and then forearms and elbows get in to iron out any knots before going in and finishing off with more caring strokes. A way of saying 'sorry, everything will be ok' I guess ;-) It does get very hard but be sure to let your masseur know when enough is enough, or you want more.
Whether you are feeling lack lustre, out of kilter, or in pain, the 'Dutch' massage offers excellent treatment possibilities for people suffering stress, depression, exhaustion, physical discomfort and injuries, confusion, grief or loss, or just needing some TLC.
Relief, Hand Relief or 'Happy Ending'
I never knew what this meant so whenever someone asked me if I did it I'd say 'sure easy, no 'problemo', I soon discovered the true meaning behind this request ! Needless to say that I don't do this kind of massaging, I offer a legitimate service and in no way do I offer or provide any sexual services, the only hand relief I give is massaging Mrs. Palmer and her 5 daughters.
Hand relief, relief or happy ending is just a few of the more common names that people use when wanting the ultimate ending to a massage ...... orgasm.
Have some respect for your female or male therapist and let them know that you'd like to have your genitals massaged, and DON’T be offended if they say NO and hang up on you.
If you are expecting sex then there are lots and lots of sex workers out there especially for that!
When making enquiries over the phone, unless they are a registered sex worker, the therapist will give you a resounding NO, others may decline to give you an answer one way or the other. If you didn't have the courage to ask over the phone then, ask your therapist either before they start the massage or at the end of it. If your male or female therapist offers this service then expect to pay extra or give them a decent tip, don’t insult them by expecting it for free!!
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