Pivotal Health Blog

So many modalities, so little time! When I began this series of modalities of massage I thought it would be a great way to both blog and learn about the differences in types of massage. I also thought it would be a series that lasted for about a month or four weekly blogs, but as I get further and further into the different modalities, I am finding that this seems like it will be the series that never ends. We may be discussing modalities well into the spring. That in and of its’ self is part of the wonderment that is massage, that there is so much to learn and know. It is truly a case where a practitioner will never stop learning. If there is a modality of particular interest to you I invite you to search for more information on the following websites:

massagetherapy.com/glossary/

Earth Spirit Therapies

10 Most Popular Types Of Massage

Types of Massage Therapy

If you are unable to find information you are looking for please contact me and I will try to point you in the right direction to get more information. Now back to our discussion…

Equine Massage is sports massage for horses, yes horses. Like human athletes, horses will perform better have increased performance levels and endurance during an event. These techniques increase circulation, enhance muscle tone, and increase range of motion. In the event of an injury Equine Massage will calm the horse and improve the rate of recovery.

Esalen Massage was developed at the Esalen Institute in California and is a variation of Swedish Massage. The main differences between Esalen and Swedish Massage are that while Swedish Massage focuses on pain relief and increased mobility in specific joints or muscle groups, Esalen Massage concentrates on the body as a whole and tries to unify the entire body, mind and spirit.

Haelan Massage is a modality that helps people with physical illness to participate in their healing from a more holistic perspective. Haelen Massage combines therapeutic touch, psychotherapy and counseling to help with the healing process.

Hakomi Therapy uses the tools of touch, massage, movement education, energy work and mind-body awareness that leads to awareness of unconscious beliefs and attitudes that drive behavior and responses.

Join me again next week where we will continue our journey into the modalities of massage by beginning our discussion with Hellerwork.

I will end with a quote from Dr. Norman Winkfield of Winkfield Health Studios and Richard J. Daley College – “Everybody ought to be massaging somebody”

Posted By David Fried, Custom Craftworks
Modalities of Massage Part 1
Modalities of Massage Part 2
Modalities of Massage Part 3

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

As we move forward learning more and more about the different modalities of massage, I can’t help but think about a book I would like to write, Massage Modalities and Me, How I Came to Receive Massage Therapy in Every Modality Practiced. After having reviewed each modality used in massage, I have found I really want to experience each so that I can compare and distinguish the differences and effects of each type of massage. This would be a very worthwhile venture I feel, but now back to our discussion on the different modalities. If there is a modality of particular interest to you I invite you to search for more information on the following websites:

www.massagetherapy.com/glossary/

www.earthspirittx.com/definitions.html

altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_types.htm

www.massage-therapy-benefits.net/types-of-massage-therapy.html#axzz1c1SGp3ZT

If you are unable to find information you are looking for please contact me and I will try to point you in the right direction to get more information.

Chi Nei Tsang, developed by Chinese Taoist, performs work mainly on the abdomen with a deep, soft touch to train the internal organs to work more efficiently and improve energy flow. Chi meaning energy and Nei Tsang meaning internal organs is used to help carry energy flow while performing spiritual practices.

Core Energetics, started by Dr. John Pierralcos in 1971 takes Bioenergetics to a more spiritual level. In this type of Bioenergetics the core is the inner self. It was developed to create a deeper experience and identification with ones energy and feelings. This is made possible by bringing movement and consciousness to the body.

Craniosacral Therapy, developed in the 1900’s by William G. Sutherland and later refined by Dr. John Upledger, is the understanding and treatment of issues related to poor cerebrospinal fluid flow. This modality is particularly useful in treating a wide range of issues such as ADD, nervous disorders, and insomnia. Cerebrospinal Fluid flows throughout the spinal column and is essential to the central nervous system. When the flow of the fluid is limited or confined motor coordination impairments and balance become effected. Craniosacral Therapists are trained to recognize this blockage and assist in the facilitation of restoring flow in the restricted areas.

Deep Tissue Massage is used to reach into deep portions of the thick muscles and individual muscle fibers. By using deep muscle compression and friction the therapist is able to release toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.

Posted By David Fried, Custom Craftworks
Modalities of Massage Part 1
Modalities of Massage Part 2

Last week we started a series on the different types of massage therapy or modalities. As we have found so far, there are numerous types of modalities that can treat a wide and varying range of health issues. There is a lot of good information available and I could write a book on each modality, but the purpose here is to give a brief overview of each modality. If there is a modality of particular interest to you I invite you to search for more information on the following websites:

http://www.massagetherapy.com/glossary/
http://www.earthspirittx.com/definitions.html
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage_types.htm
http://www.massage-therapy-benefits.net/types-of-massage-therapy.html#axzz1c1SGp3ZT

If you are unable to find information you are looking for please contact me and I will try to point you in the right direction to get more information. As we continue our overview of modalities please note the similarities and distinct differences between modalities. I find it amazing that many years ago people from all over the world were working on healing arts and that the methods used are so similar and yet have such distinct differences.

Aston Patterning is a new modality to me as I have not heard of it nor had the opportunity to experience it. Aston Patterning was developed by Judith Aston, a top trainee of Ida Rolf, the person behind Rolfing or Structural Integration as it is known. Aston Patterning combines massage work and reeducation of the body through movement and awareness to improve performance and prevent injury.

Bioenergetics combines both physical and psychological techniques to release constrictions in the bodies’ energy flow. Developed by Alexander Lowen Bioenergetics uses physical exercises, deep breathing techniques and massage to allow the body to relax and more easily accept treatment.

The Bowen Technique introduced the concept of having rests or breaks between a series of massage techniques within a treatment session. This is done to allow the body time to absorb the healing process. The massage technique used is gentle but precise soft tissue manipulation in order to create harmony within the body so it can create its’ own cure.

The Canadian Deep Muscle Massage Modality addresses specific muscles and muscle groups. This modality was first written about in the late 1800’s by a New York City doctor who surmised that rubbing or massaging muscle fibers that were dehydrated and stuck together would release and the healthy state of the muscle would be restored. This modality begins gently and increases in depth as the outer or first layer of muscle fibers relax allowing the other layers of muscle fiber to be addressed.

Chair Massage or Executive Massage as it is also known by is the perfect modality for a quick relaxation massage session. The client remains clothed during the massage and the session takes place on specially designed chairs that help to relax the body. These types of massage are often given in public places such as airports, health clubs, malls and offices.

Posted By David Fried, Custom Craftworks
Modalities of Massage Part 1

As I learn more about massage and the healing arts, I am amazed at how many different types or modalities of massage there are. There are modalities for relaxation, modalities for healing injuries and wounds, modalities for pre natal, there are even modalities for child and animal massage. No matter what one wants to accomplish by having massage therapy performed there is at least one modality or style of massage that will benefit their condition or need. A modality, when referring to massage is defined as “the application of a therapeutic agent, usually a physical therapeutic agent.” This week and in the coming weeks we will explore the different modalities available for massage therapy and their uses.

Not every massage therapist is trained in all modalities of massage, so if you have a specific need or are looking for a specific effect you may have to do some research in finding a therapist that can accommodate your needs. Therapists are very helpful and honest and will let you know whether they can help your needs or not. If they are not able to treat you they will be integral in assisting you find the therapist that will be able to perform the type of healing you require.

Acupressure is the art and science of stimulating Meridians, or energy channels, within the body to remove blockages, increase energy flow, reduce stress and promote health and harmony within the body. This practice has been used by healers for over 5,000 years and is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is described as acupuncture without the needles.

The Alexander Technique is an awareness practice developed to identify and correct poor physical habits of incorrect posture and movement. The Alexander Technique is a simple method of reeducating the mind and body to improve freedom of movement, balance and coordination.

Amma Therapy is an extremely specialized modality of massage that also dates back over 5,000 years and was developed in China. Amma combines deep tissue manipulation with the application of touch, friction and pressure to specific points. Amma Therapy is concerned with removing blockages and balancing the body’s flow of energy.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to reduce stress and tension, rejuvenate and invigorate the body, sooth emotions and clear the mind. Aromatherapy is often used while other modalities of massage are being performed and affects the Limbic region of the brain as it relates to memory and emotions.

Join me again in the coming weeks as we discuss and explore other modalities of massage and their origins and effects. If there is an area of massage that you are interested in learning more about but have not found enough information, let me know and I will research it as well and report about it in the upcoming weeks.

Posted By David Fried, Custom Craftworks