Trigger Points and Massage Therapy

Trigger points are areas in the muscles also referred to as “knots.” The definition of a trigger point, as described in Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual By Janet G. Travell, MD and David G. Simons, MD is, “a focus of hyperirritability in a tissue that, when compressed, is locally tender and, if […]
Feather Stroking and Massage: What Is It?

There are many types of massage therapy techniques that range from deep pressure with invigorating effects to light pressure for relaxation effects. There are also techniques used between other stroke techniques in order to make the massage cohesive. Feather stroking is light pressure and often feels relaxing for the client, as well as a good […]
Cross Fiber Friction Massage: How Is It Performed?

Cross fiber friction massage is a technique that massage therapists perform, and it is applied in a very particular way. This is performed often-times with the fingertips or a tool in order to create deep pressure and friction in the area being treated. The therapist creates friction in the area by using deep pressure and […]
Circulatory Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

How Massage Therapy Can Benefit Circulatory Health There are many benefits of massage therapy for one’s circulatory health. The circulatory system is responsible for the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body. This system consists of the vital organs such as the heart, blood vessels, lymphatic glands and vessels. Circulatory health is important for […]
Reflexology Series: Foot Massage

In reflexology, pressure is applied to certain points or parts of the body and/or foot. The theory of reflexology for feet is that these regions of the body have peripheral nerve endings that sense pressure and adjust. There are certain areas of the feet that correspond with certain areas of the body, that may seem […]
The Principles of Chinese Massage

Chinese massage is thought to be the oldest system of bodywork and massage. This originated in ancient China, and is one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese Medicine. The other branches are acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine. Another name for Chinese massage is Tuina or “tui-na,” pronounced twee-nah. Chinese Massage Explained […]
Hot Stone Massage Benefits

[et_pb_section][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text] Hot Stone Massage is a technique where a hot stone is used on the body to enhance the effects of the massage. The stone can either be placed on certain specific areas of the body or the massage therapist may hold the stone in their hand as they massage the body. The hot […]
Beginner’s Guide To Swedish Massage: Percussion

What is Swedish Massage? “Swedish massage” is a popular form of massage therapy that was developed in Sweden in the 18th century. Swedish massage consists of effleurage, petrissage, friction and percussion. Effleurage is a French word that means to “touch lightly on,” and is composed of long, stroking movements. “Petrissage” is a French word that […]
Beginner’s Guide To Swedish Massage: Petrissage

As noted in Beginner’s Guide To Swedish Massage: Effleurage, Swedish massage is a type of massage from the 18th Century that consists of effleurage, petrissage, friction, and percussion. Effleurage was previously described in the blog above as a technique that is defined by long, stroking movements that are light pressure. On the other hand, “petrissage” is a […]
Beginner’s Guide To Swedish Massage: Friction

There are a few key techniques of “Swedish massage,” a popular form of massage therapy that was developed in Sweden in the 18th century. Swedish massage consists of effleurage, petrissage, friction and percussion. Effleurage is a French word that means to “touch lightly on,” and is composed of long, stroking movements. On the other hand, […]