Acupressure (a portmanteau of “acupuncture” and “pressure”) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. With acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices.
Two types of traditional chinese massage exist – Tuina which focuses on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle, and Zhiya (指壓) which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Both are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Though in the Western countries Tui Na is viewed as massage, it is not. Massage of Chinese Medicine is known as Anmo (按摩), which is the foundation of Japan’s Anma.
Tuina is chinese medicine’s physio-therapy. Utilized for medical purposes instead of relaxation, Tuina works to correct the patient’s problems, from musculoskeletal conditions, to diseases, cancers and even minor and major headaches. Within the foundation of Tuina, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles are followed, from meridian applications to herbal formulas, Qigong therapy and heated herbal application (Moxa). Technique applications such as friction and vibration are used as well.
Designed to target sore muscles releasing tightness and reducing muscle pain.
This massage is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues of the body to achieve therapeutic benefits and to maintain healthy body functions. Client specific education in reference to biomechanics, habits, stress reduction.
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury.
Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two.
The benefits of sports massage before exercise include loosened muscle tissue for increased elasticity and flexibility. This is a massage for anyone who desires deep relief from muscle stress and fatigue.
Sports massage after a workout has many benefits also, including the reduction of soreness and fatigue and counteraction of muscle stress before problems develop. Trigger point massage techniques and dry heat are used to ease pain and release delayed onset muscle soreness for increased energy and mobility. The massage requires patients’ participation.
A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly Basalt stones (or lava rocks) which over time have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient’s back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.
