S
Modalities- Different types of Massage
SHEN- Specific Human Energy Nexus
Physioemotional Release Therapy. Developed by Richard Pavek whose background
was in Gestalt work, electronics, chemistry, aeronautics.
Shiatsu-A Japanese healing modality
similar to Chinese acupressure utilizing a Japanese
healing philosophy of ki (life energy).
Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure". This form of acupressure is
a combination of many different techniques including pressing, hooking,
sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting,
pinching, rolling, brushing, and sometimes walking barefoot on the patients
back, legs, and feet. It is applied
with comfortable pressure to all parts
of the body with thumbs, palms, and elbows where the body is gently stretched
to loosen joints and muscles. Shiatsu treatments promote good health by
strengthening the body and stimulating its self-healing abilities. It is
traditionally performed on the floor with the client comfortably lying
on a futon with both client and patient dressed comfortably in a kimono
(Japanese robe). Shiatsu is considered a special kind of
dance between giver and receiver where
a unique rapport develops between the practitioner and client because shiatsu
relies on the simple but powerful experience of touch to awaken the client's
own self-healing powers. This "touch communication" between practitioner
and client is foundational to all healing methods. When the independence
of ki is restored to a free flowing state throughout the body, it touches
the physical, emotional, and spiritual sensitivity of the person, and the
natural healing flow is restored.
Somatics- Developed by Thomas Hanna
building on his work with Moshe Feldenkrais. Sensory motor amnesia
is the memory loss of muscles groups due to habitual movement patterns.
We lose awareness and feeling in such areas. The goal of Somatics
is to reawaken them through the use of movement and awareness.
Book resources:
Somatics:
Reawakening
the Minds Control of Movement, Flexibility and Health by Thomas Hanna
Web resources:
Hanna
Somatics
Soft Tissue Release- Stuart Taws-
Sports injury technique developed by Stuart Taws while working with the
British Athletic Team. Uses techniques to break up chronic scar tissue
adhesions and followed up with specific stretches that involve 3 different
levels.
Web resources:
Soft
tissue release - techniques, workshops and training
videos
Soma Neuromuscular Integration-
Developed by Bill Williams, one of Ida Rolf's first students, in 1978.
Combines structural integration with psychological therapy to realign the
body, mind, spirit.
Web resources:
Soma
Institute
Sports Massage- Massage applied
to serious athletes for training, injury prevention, rehab, pre and post
event strategies. You have to know what you are doing to work with
athletes as their life depends on their bodies. Working too deep
before an event may leave them weak and unable to compete.
They work themselves to exhaustion and do it all over the next day.
Stone Therapy - see Hot Rock Therapy
Strain Counter strain- Developed
by Lawrence Jones, DO. The work focuses on joint dysfunction and
treatment of such problems by passively putting the joint into its position
of greatest comfort. The malfunctioning muscle is shortened by placing
a mild strain (stretching) to its antagonists. His tenderpoints are
located in the deeper muscle, tendon and ligament structures.
Advanced strain counterstrain (pdf)- Massage Therapy Journal
Structural Integration- Originally
developed by Ida Rolf. Other therapies have used her work as a basis
of their programs and combined it with other techniques. 10 session
series of treatments to balance and align the body with the gravitational
field.
Web resources:
Hellerwork
International-
Developed by Joseph Heller, combines bodywork with Voice Dialogue (a form
of verbal therapy from Hal Stone)
Institute
of Psychophysical Integration
International
Center for Release and Integration: Postural Integration- Jack Painter's
work.
Aston
Paterning - Judith Aston created the movement work of Rolfing and went
on to develop her own system.
The
Rolf Institute
Guild
for Structural Integration -
Zentherapy®
- William 'Dub' Leigh's work; from his experiences with Rolfing, Feldenkrais
and Zen training. Articles: Feldenkrais
by Dub Leigh , Interview
with Dub
Kinesis - Tom Myers: Anatomy Trains Myofascial meridians.
Institute for Structural Integration - John Latz.
Getting it Straight
Scoliosis and Structural Integration By Lana Lensman: Massae and Bodywork
Magazine
Swedish Massage- A collection of
techniques designed for relaxation, using massage oils to reduce friction.
Many of the therapeutic effects include increased circulation, increased
flexibility, removal of lactic acid and toxins, relaxes nervous system,
and stimulates the skin. Techniques can be modified to treat injuries
and muscular related problems.
See the Section on Swedish Massage
