Quick Guide to Massage Techniques

Quick Guide to

Massage Techniques

Quick Guide to Massage Techniques

Massage therapy is a popular way to promote wellness and treat health problems. But what we mean when we say “massage” varies widely from technique to technique. In some cases, there are more differences than there are similarities.

Whether you’re choosing from different massage techniques as a client, or

considering becoming a massage therapist, it’s important to know the

differences. Here’s a general overview of the major massage techniques

used for wellness:

Quick Guide to Massage Techniques

1. Traditional Chinese Massage

Traditional Chinese massage employs the ancient Chinese system of manual therapy with a wide range of techniques. Moves may be light and soothing, or strong and invigorating. Every touch involves restoring balance and regulating the flow of energy throughout the body. It’s a good fit if you’ve got – or want to develop – a holistic mindset.

Similar techniques include:

Shiatsu.

Shiatsu is a form of bodywork originated in Japan and is based on the theoretical framework of Chinese medicine. Shiatsu means "finger pressure". Shiatsu techniques include massage with fingers, thumbs, feet and palms; assisted stretching, joint manipulation and mobilization. One of the fundamental concepts of

Chinese/Japanese medicine is Qi (pronounced "chee"). Shiatsu, like acupuncture, stimulates the body’s vital energy, Qi. In a Shiatsu session the therapist accesses the Qi through points along the meridians called Vital Points. The Shiatsu therapist is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony and blockages in the body. The massage is performed through the clothing and has been described as needle-free acupuncture.

Tuina.

Tui Na (pronounced "twee-na”) is one of the most popular and oldest systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Treatment helps with superficial trauma injury and a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. Tui Na is often used when acupuncture is not appropriate. Many of the techniques are gliding (known as effleurage or Tui), kneading (petrissage or Nie), percussion (tapotement or Da), friction, pulling, rotation, rocking, vibration, and shaking. One of Tui Na’s advantages over simple massage is its ability to focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints, and skeletal system.

Quick Guide to Massage Techniques

2. Medical Massage

Medical massage combines pathology and specific treatments to address disease, pain, and recovery. Medical massage is often offered in doctor’s offices or in physical therapy settings, where multiple health care providers come together to help people heal, feel better, and get stronger. It’s a good fit if you’ve got an inquisitive mind when it comes to medicine, and like working with and being around others.

Similar techniques include:

Trigger Point Therapy.

This is an integrated therapeutic massage that alleviates

discomfort. Pressure is applied directly to the “trigger point,” which is the tight area within the muscle tissue that is causing the pain. The recipient is actively involved in the

massage, doing breathing exercises and verbalizing the location and severity of the pain.

Rolfing.

Rolfing massage is used to improve body alignment, posture, and functioning.

Instead of focusing on specific areas of pain or tension, it is used to promote wellness and balance throughout the body. By manipulating soft tissue and providing education about overall movement, it helps people use their muscles more efficiently and alleviate chronic strain patterns.

Quick Guide to Massage Techniques

3. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is one of the most commonly taught and well-known massage

techniques. It involves using vigorous moves of kneading, rolling, vibration, and tapping to stimulate circulation. Swedish Massage helps people relax, dissolve scar tissue, speed healing, and reduce swelling. It’s a good fit if you’re striving for more calm and

relaxation in your life.

Similar techniques include:

Reflexology.

Reflexology can help reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation. The technique involves manipulating specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body to regulate the flow of energy and relieve areas of congestion. It stimulates self-healing and promotes overall balance.

Hot Stone.

In this technique, water-heated stones are placed at key points of the body to relax muscles and allow the therapist to reach deeper muscle layers. The hot stones also expand blood vessels, which improves circulation. Hot stone massage can also relieve chronic pain, alleviate stress, and promote deep relaxation.

4. Sports Massage

Before sports events, sports massage helps athletes stimulate blood flow and warm up muscles. After events, the technique can calm the nervous system and flush toxins from the body. If injuries happen, sports massage hastens healing and helps people return sooner to activities. Sports medicine is a good fit for those who like activity and being on-the-go.

Similar techniques include:

Deep Tissue.

Like its name suggests, deep tissue massage involves applying pressure to reach the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia. It is used to relieve

chronic muscular pain, promote injury rehabilitation, and reduce inflammation. The technique requires a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology and advanced training.

Neuromuscular.

This technique is based on the laws of neurology and how the central nervous system controls pain. It uses soft-tissue manipulation to balance the nervous system with the musculoskeletal system to address the root causes of pain, release spasms, repair injured tissues, and improve blood flow and posture.

Quick Guide to Massage Techniques

Are you on a quest for knowledge when it comes to massage?

If you’re hungry for knowledge about all of the different types of massage therapy, you may find that being a massage therapist is a good fit for you.

Nationally accredited Acupuncture and Massage College offers several massage therapy degree programs in Traditional Chinese Massage, Swedish Massage, Medical Massage, and Sports Massage. Each program can be completed in less than a year and provides the knowledge and experience to apply for state licensure and begin an exciting new career as a massage therapist. Learn more about the AM College

massage therapy program on our website, or click below for a free ebook.