Bodywork Systems, Organizations and Trainings This list of Bodywork systems, organizations and trainings is excerpted from Massage: A Career At Your Fingertips, 5th Edition, by Martin Ashley. Acupressure (See Shiatsu) Alexander Technique The Alexander technique is an educational method for improving coordination, and for developing awareness of unnecessary tensions in the body. AMMA® Therapy (or ANMA) AMMA therapy is a method of restoring the flow of life energy in the body, and is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. It combines Oriental medical principles with a Western approach to organ dysfunction. AMMA Therapy may include dietary plans, detoxification, herbs and vitamins, and therapeutic exercises. Applied Kinesiology (see also Touch for Health) Applied Kinesiology is a technique used mainly by chiropractors to gain diagnostic information through muscle testing nd to strengthen muscles to aid in structural correction. Muscles are related to specific organs or systems through the acupuncture meridian network. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy involves working with aroma as a healing modality by using pure essential oils,each distilled from a single botanical source. Aromatherapy is often done in conjunction with massage, but not always. Berrywork This bodywork was created by the late Lauren Berry, PT He was a contemporary of Trager, Feldenkrais and Rolf who devised a system of "correctives" that involve stretches and that work the fascia, cartilage and joints. His work is passed on through the teaching of his advanced students. Bindegewebsmassage Bindegewebsmassage is a type of connective tissue massage originated in Germany. It is an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of organic and musculo-skeletal disorders. Bioenergetics Bioenergetics was created by Alexander Lowen, M.D., an outgrowth of his work with Wilhelm Reich, M.D. Bioenergetics is a way of understanding personality in terms of the body and its energetic processes. Bioenergetics therapy works with the mind and the body to release chronic stresses and chronic muscular tensions. Biokinetics/Hanna Somatics Biokinetics uses a composite of techniques for rehabilitation through neuromuscular retraining. It is designed to release chronic muscular contraction and restore voluntary control of the muscular system. Body-Mind (also see "Somatics") "Body-mind" is a term used to acknowledge the intimate connection between the state of the mind and the state of the body. This is an awareness that is present in most forms of massage and bodywork, and many massage schools teach massage from a "body-mind" perspective. However, some forms make it the focus of the work. The programs listed below are designed as advanced programs for massage therapists, and focus on the body-mind connection. Bowen Technique This technique was developed in Australia by Thomas Bowen. It combines energy work with gentle soft tissue manipulation. www.bowtech.com is the home page of the founders of the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia. A Directory of practitioners is available at www.BowenDirectory.com Breema Breema takes its name from the Kurdish mountain village of Breemava where it originated and was passed down from generation to generation. It is a comprehensive system of bodywork, done on the floor, with a variety of techniques ranging from simple holding points on the body to techniques requiring flexibility and dexterity. Canadian Deep Muscle Massage This work was created by Will Green, founder of the International Massage Association (IMA Group) and owner of Georgetown Bodyworks in Washington, DC. It is derived from a system of cross-fiber massage that began in northern Canada in the 1940's. Will added insights gained from the works of Therese Pfrimmer, Joseph Pliates, Ida Rolf, Dr. Samuel West, and Debra Smith. Chair Massage (or on-site or seated massage) This refers to a brief bodywork session, usually a shiatsu-based routine, done in a special chair in which the client sits facing toward the cushions, exposing the scalp, shoulders, neck, back and hips. Sessions may last between five and thirty minutes. Chi gong (See Qi gong) Colon Hydrotherapy (also called colonics or high colonics or colonic irrigation) A cleansing procedure for the colon, using purified water at controlled temperature and controlled pressure, providing a gentle, deep cleansing of the colon. Practitioners often use massage, reflexology or visceral manipulation skills during a session. Of the 50 states, only Florida licenses colon hydrotherapy. Cranio-Sacral Therapy (also called cranial-sacral) A technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction. Practitioners work with the subtle articulations of skull sutures, and the flow of cerebro-spinal fluid. Equine Sports Massage Massage or other bodywork can adapted to horses for the purpose of enhancing performance and preventing injuries. This field has recently been developed and shows signs of gaining rapidly in popularity, as breeders are interested in any techniques that can give them a competitive edge. Esalen® massage Esalen is a variant of Swedish massage pioneered at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Esalen is the place where many therapies were tested or launched in the 60's and 70's, including gestalt therapy and rolfing. The unique brand of massage practiced there typically involves total nudity and long flowing stokes. Esalen is known for its original, honest, nurturing and probing atmosphere. Esalen massage tends to be nurturing, trance-like and meditative, allowing the greatest possible unfoldment to take place in the client. Feldenkrais® Moshe Feldendrais was an Israeli physicist who began developing this system in mid-life. Feldenkrais work emphasizes having a coherent body image and thinking a movement through. It also uses micro-movements for neuromuscular re-education. The system is most effective for pain relief, and also promotes grace and ease of movement. Geriatric Massage Working with the elderly and the ill, often in a long-term care setting. A therapist doing geriatric massage should understand the physical and psychological characteristics of aging, and should also be familiar with the diseases that commonly afflict the elderly. Hakomi bodywork Hakomi bodywork regards body, mind and spirit as one, and blends bodywork and psychotherapy into a simultaneous process. The work serves to lead a person to an awareness of limitations in his physical and psychological patterns, bringing the possibility of new openness and freedom. Healing Touch www.healingtouch.net Healing touch is an energy-based, hands-on technique done to balance and align the human energy field. The technique is approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association. Hellerwork® www.hellerwork.com Hellerwork is an outgrowth of Rolfing (see below), created by Joseph Heller. It integrates movement and verbal communication with connective tissue work. Hoshino Therapy A unique system of acupressure for the treatment of musculo-skeletal pain and sports injuries; physical fitness exercises are taught to complement the therapy. The training is offered in weekend workshops and intensives. Hydrotherapy (See Spa Treatments) Infant Massage Infant massage instructors teach parents the art of infant massage. Trainings are offered to certify people as infant massage instructors. Jin Shin Do® Jin Shin Do is a synthesis of acupressure theory, psychology, taoist philosophy, and breathing methods, which helps release physical and emotional tensions and armoring. Jin Shin Jyutsu® This is an ancient art promoting harmony of life energy and the body. It was revived and systematized in the early 1900's by Master Jiro Murai. It was brought to the US in the 1950's by Mary Burmeister. It is an energy technique done with a light touch, and is often used as a self-treatment. Lymphatic drainage (manual lymphatic drainageSM or MLD®) The lymphatic system is a vital part of the immune system in the body. Lymphatic drainage massage assists the operation of the lymphatic system. The system was devised in the 1930's by a Danish massage therapist, Dr. Emil Vodder, and is popular and well established as a health modality in Germany and Austria. Medical Massage (clinical massage) Working with injuries, pathologies and rehabilitation; working by physician's prescription. A program of instruction in medical massage is very desirable for a therapist interested in working in the health care system and obtaining insurance reimbursement for massage services. Myofascial Release Myofascial release (MFR) is a technique for working with fascia as a means of achieving pain relief, restoring function and reducing stress. The system is taught in a series of seminars in various locations. It is designed to be used by massage therapists and physical therapists. Myopractic® This is a system of posture balancing and deep relaxation developed and taught by Robert Petteway. The three basic techniques are 1. releasing tension and holding patterns; 2. clearing scar tissue, trigger points and other obstructions in soft tissue; and 3. separating to release myofascial adhesions and balance muscles. The practitioner does deep muscle therapy while keeping her own body and hands relaxed, and the system relieves chronic pain and postural imbalances. MyotherapySM (See Trigger Point Therapies) Neuromuscular Therapy (See Trigger Point Therapies) On-Site Massage (See Chair Massage) Ortho-Bionomy This system seeks to remind the body of its ability to find balance. The work involves positioning the client, working with points of tension in the body, and using movement. Results can include relieving pain, promoting emotional release, and improving structural alignment. Orthopedic Massage This term is used by Whitney W. Lowe and Benny Vaughn to describe their work. Ten modalities are combined to create a comprehensive approach to the treatment of soft-tissue pain and injury conditions. The work shares some elements of sports massage and some elements of medical massage. http://www.omeri.com Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy® Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is a system of corrective treatment to aid in the restoration of damaged muscles and soft tissue. It is intended to be used as one aspect of treatment for a wide range of muscular and soft-tissue conditions. Polarity Developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, polarity focuses on the energy currents that exist in all life. The polarity therapist uses her hands as conductors of energy. The intention is to balance the electromagnetic energy in the body, toward the ultimate goal of uniting the body, emotions, mind and soul. Postural Integration (See Structural Integration) Pregnancy Massage (or prenatal massage) This is an adaptation of Swedish massage for the needs of pregnant women. It is sometimes called prenatal or perinatal massage, or massage for the child-bearing year. Qi Gong Also called Chinese Medical Massage, this may be the most commonly practiced modality in the world. It is routinely used in Chinese hospitals as a healing modality. The name literally means "skill with life energy" and it evolved over two thousand years ago in Tibet and China. Radiance Technique The Radiance Technique was formerly called The Official Reiki Program. Reflexology Reflexology is a system of massaging the feet, or feet and hands, with the intention of affecting other parts of the body. The feet and hands are regarded much like maps of the body, with points on the feet and hands corresponding to organs and tissues in the body. It is thought that sensitivity or tenderness in the feet or hands indicates imbalances in the corresponding body part and by working with the point on the foot or hand, beneficial results can be achieved in the corresponding body part. While many reflexologists spend an entire therapy session working only on the hands and feet (and sometimes ears), some spend approximately half of their time on the feet, and half on Swedish massage. Reflexology is taught at more US massage schools than any other form of bodywork. Reiki Reiki is an energy process for restoring and balancing life energy and promoting healing and personal transformation. The approach is thousands of years old, and was systematized in the 1800's by Dr. Mikao Usui. The practitioner attunes to and transmits reiki energy. Rolfing® Ida Rolf was the first to create, practice and teach a system of bodywork aimed toward working with the connective tissue of the body to achieve structural changes in the client. She originally called her system Structural Integration, but it came to be called Rolfing Rosen Method Bodywork® Developed by Marion Rosen, this work emphasizes simplicity. The practitioner contacts contracted muscles and matches the muscle tension. The practitioner follows changes in the client's breathing as a means of guiding the client's inner process. The work can bring up buried feelings and memories, and can be a tool for pain relief and personal growth. Rubenfeld Synergy This method integrates elements of Alexander, Feldenkrais, gestalt and hypnotherapy into a body-mind therapy that helps clients contact and release energy blocks, tensions and imbalances. Rather than treating illnesses, the practitioner treats the psychophysical problems people carry with them. By dealing with the emotional body, the practitioner can often abate physical symptoms. Seated Massage (See Chair Massage) Shiatsu (or acupressure) Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork which uses pressure to points on acupuncture meridians. Practice of shiatsu is usually accompanied by study of Chinese five-element theory and meridians, and it involves a way of looking at the body that is completely different from the "muscles, bones and blood" view of Western science, focusing instead on the flow of life energy through meridians. The name "Acupressure" is sometimes used to mean shiatsu, and is sometimes used to describe a finger-pressure technique similar to shiatsu but not identical. Somatics (also called Somatics Psychology or Somatic Therapy) "Somatic" literally means "of or pertaining to the body." In the context of Somatics Psychology, it refers to the mind-body connection and makes use of techniques to bring awareness of the mind and the body to each other. It is therefore related to the form "Body-Mind" which is described above. Spa Treatments Spa, or Health Spa, refers to an establishment that provides rejuvenating treatments in a residential setting (or non-residential at a day spa). Often at a resort and often luxurious in setting, spas aim for relaxation, therapeutic treatments, and beautification treatments. Modalities such as herbal wraps, seaweed wraps, mud baths, loofa scrubs and salt glows are designed to detoxify and refresh the system. Related to spa treatments is Hydrotherapy, meaning "water therapy." It includes treatments like contrast baths (alternating hot and cold water), and wet sheet wraps. Hydrotherapy is a required course for massage licensure in Texas and Florida. Sports Massage Sports massage is an adaptation of Swedish massage. Its purpose is to prepare athletes for sporting activity and help them recover from the exertion of sporting activity. Sports massage trainings vary widely in length, and there is no standard training length, although the American Massage Therapy Association and the United States Sports Massage Federation both have standards for approving trainings. Structural Integration (or Postural Integration) This is a generic term for therapies that are related to Rolfing, in that they aim to improve the structure or posture of the client. See also Hellerwork and Berrywork. Thai Massage The traditional massage of Thailand. Therapeutic Touch (TT) TT is a means of attuning to and directing the universal life energy. The goal is to release congestion and balance areas where the flow of life energy has become disordered. Removal of these blockages facilitates the person's intrinsic healing powers. TT is most commonly taught to, and used by nurses. However, some massage therapists study TT and incorporate it into their work. Touch For Health (see also Applied Kinesiology) This is a system for using applied kinesiology to aid the bodyworker. Applied kinesiology makes use of the fact that certain conditions result in weakening of specific muscles. Through muscle testing, the bodyworker gains information about the specifics of the client's condition. Trager® Dr. Milton Trager, M.D., had a gift for bodywork from a young age, and developed his own system of bodywork which emphasizes gentle rocking of the client, and rolling body parts to encourage release and loosening and softening. Trigger Point Therapies (MyotherapySM or neuromuscular therapy) This refers to any of several systems of working with trigger points. Trigger points are tender congested spots in muscle tissue, which may radiate pain to other areas. Significant relief results when the trigger point is treated. The techniques used in trigger point therapies are similar to those used in Shiatsu or acupressure, but trigger point therapies are based on western anatomy and physiology. Tui Na Tui Na is an Oriental bodywork related to Qi Gong. Watsu (aquatic shiatsu) www.waba.edu Watsu (from "water" and "shiatsu") began when Harold Dull started floating people, applying the moves and stretches of the zen shiatsu he had studied in Japan. Physical and emotional blocks are removed by the work, which can be done even by small individuals since the client's body in water is buoyant. It is done in chest-high, 94-degree water. Yoga therapy In this method, yoga asanas are used to facilitate healing. Zero-Balancing www.zerobalancing.com Developed by Fritz Smith, MD, osteopath, Rolfer and acupuncturist, zero balancing works with the relationship between a person's physical structure and their energy. The practitioner works with fulcrums, points where structure and energy can be accessed together, to bring about change.
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Massage: A Career At Your Fingertips