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Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
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California Massage
The Californian massage consists of fluid continuous enveloping movements that can target deep tissues and work out tensions. It increases body awareness and allows for a state of openness, relaxation and letting go.
My own opinion is that California massage is similar in
some maneuvers to Swedish massage (since Swedish massage is
the basis to Californian) but is more nurturing to the body.
California massage uses long flowing strokes that unifies
and relaxes the body while still addressing the needs of
tense muscles. California massage uses a less aggressive
approach to dealing with the needs of the client addressing
the entire body instead of working specific muscle groups.
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Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is now known as "traditional" massage. In the 1820s a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and well being.
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Trager Massage
Trager was developed over the past 55years by Milton Trager, M.D It is a combination of hands-on work, relaxation, and movement education. Theorizing that the body learns to be light and effortless by experiencing light and easy sensations, Trager practitioners gently cradle, jiggle, rock, and stretch the body. This is turn helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity.
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Myo-Fascial Release
Release
Therapy... All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held
together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia.
Developed in the late 1960's by John Barnes, Myofascial
Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that
connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is
bodywide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can
affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained
touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation,
tensions and trauma.
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Reflexology
Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.
As per the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC),
"Reflexology is a natural, non- invasive healing art
that is based on the principle that there are reflexes in
the feet, hands and ears that correspond to every part of
the body."
To me, Reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage that helps
to bring the mind, body and soul into a state of balance to
activate your body's natural healing mechanisms. And for
those who like a good foot massage, Reflexology is just
heavenly.
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Chair Massage
When a ten or twenty minute relaxation session is needed, this is the technique for you. You are massaged fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely portable, you may see chair massage at the airport or health club, or you may want a practitioner to come to your office or business to massage the staff or guests at a party.
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