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Massage is usually defined as "the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of the muscles, myofascia, tendons and ligaments."  Massage is also extremely effective and beneficial in treating chronic pain and stress, and in the restoration of metabolic balance, blood pressure reduction, and many other proven medical benefits.

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.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, its purpose is to un-stick the fibers of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.

Infant Massage

Becoming increasingly popular, infant massage is usually taught to new mothers as a way of bonding with their newborn and of encouraging infant health. It incorporates nurturing touch, massage, and reflexology in a loving, fun, one-on-one interaction. A study at the University of Miami showed that infants who received 15 minutes of massage a day gained weight 47% faster and demonstrated other physical and neurological benefits.

Massage Therapy as a complement to Prenatal Care

Being pregnant can create havoc in a woman's emotional and physical chemistry. Healthy hormonal changes occur in the mother to nourish the unborn baby and prepare the woman's body for childbirth. But many women experience extreme emotional shifts, finding themselves joyful one minute and crying the next. This is why many health professionals recommend massage therapy as a complement to prenatal care. Prenatal massage soothes tired, achy muscles and joints. Gentle, passive exercises maintain or increase joint range of motion and lubricate the joints internally. Together, the therapist and client may devote time to correct improper posture. Massage also helps the mother to prepare for her birth by identifying and isolating the muscles she will need to use during labor. Learning to use these muscles efficiently will help to conserve energy in labor.

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.

Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal life energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth. It was developed by Dr. Mikao Usua, a Christian monk in Japan, who came upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system in the 19th century.

Shiatsu included in other techniques

Shiatsu, the most widely known form of acupressure, literally meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese, and has been practiced for more than a thousand years in Japan. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session may also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.

Sport Massage

This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

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 wellbeing.