types of bodywork

A Brief History of Massage

Massage is thought to be the oldest form of medical therapy practiced on the human body. The various types of massage and techniques that encompass them stem from traditional beliefs of the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, India and China.

Dating as far back as 2,700 B.C., ancient cultures practiced massage to heal a variety of ailments from labor pain to paralysis. Ancient Egyptian tombs have been discovered with images of figures being massaged. According to Ayurveda traditional Indian medicine, therapeutic massage was performed using a variety of plant oils and herbals for their healing properties.

Massage can support the healing process of various conditions such arthritis, lumbar back pain, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, paralysis, heart attack, stroke, depression, fatigue, anger, and insomnia.

At EarthBody we proudly incorporate many of these ancient rituals such as Aromatherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Acupressure, and Deep Tissue Massage to heal specific conditions.

Below is a brief introduction on the various bodywork modalities we’ve trained in:

A Guide of Massage Techniques + Bodywork

ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure has been used as a way to relax the mind and body, to increase blood circulation, soothe stress, muscle pain, headache, improve overall energy levels, and to help the body dispose of dangerous toxins. Acupressure was used to treat a wide range of health conditions like muscle and joint injury, labor pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.

AROMATHERAPY
The essential oils which refers to oils that come from the essence of plants are concentrated. Essential Oils support emotional disorders through the olfactory glands Aromatherapy massage works when essential oils are inhaled. When the fragrant oils are inhaled, a chemical message is sent to the brain triggering an emotional response. Aromatherapy massage taps into memory and triggers feelings of happiness, safety, relaxation, peace or energy. This combination can also provide stress relief and pain relief, help aid a sleeping disorder or physical condition, or energize the mind and body.

A’ SHIATSU
A Japanese form uniting breath with pressure points by walking and rolling through the major muscles of the body inspiring flow in the meridian channels.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (CST)
CST is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the Cranio Sacral system (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid, which surround and protect the brain and spinal cord). CST helps relieve pain from physical injury, emotional trauma and may be very effective with children.

SWEDISH MASSAGE
Encourages the lymphatic system to release toxins in the body through long, repetitive strokes.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Structured pressure applied with deliberate points to release chronic areas of tension in the deeper layers of the body.

NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY(NMT)
This modality uses soft-tissue manipulation to balance the body’s central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. The goal is to relieve pain and dysfunction by removing the underlying cause. NMT releases spasms that cause referred pain and restores postural alignment and flexibility.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
When trauma or injury surface, the fascia, a thin connective tissue covering the entire body, becomes restricted tightening the muscles it envelops. This work aims to lengthen the fascia again, facilitating relief through release.

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

Triggers are areas of tenderness located within a muscle. Through direct steady pressure, triggers are de-activated and muscles are re-educated into
a pain-free pattern.

PRE-NATAL MASSAGE
This nurturing treatment focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be by engaging the circulatory system, which keep blood flowing to both the mother and the baby. By relieving nervous tension and stress on joints, neck and back areas, the work also helps to stabilize hormone levels throughout the body.

REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is a form of foot massage where the therapist applies pressure, stretching and movement to the feet to effect corresponding parts of the body. Similar techniques can also be applied to the hands. It relieves stress and promotes health to the entire organ system and body.

VIBRATIONAL HEALING THERAPY®
This form focuses on releasing the synovial fluid of the joints by compressing and de-compressing the body to create space. Physical and emotional tension is released from the knees, hips, wrists, and sockets. Sound is utilized from the practitioner and encouraged from the client.

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE
An ancient form of body work that dances through yogic asanas, sen lines of energy, and rhythmic pressure to stretch, open, and awaken deep layers of muscle and mind. Non-oil, clothed and floor based or table based.

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