FASCIAL MOBILIZATION - The fascial system is one continuous, laminated, connective-tissue sheath that spreads without interruption throughout the entire body in a three-dimensional web. Fascial mobilization allows therapists to locate and address restrictions in the fascial system that are causing asymmetries, postural malalignment, abnormal tensions and pressures that can lead to pain and dysfunction. The goal of fascial mobilization is to produce a well-balanced, symmetrical and mobile body within the skeletal, soft-tissue
and craniosacral systems.
FACIAL REJUVENATION - Linda Burnham, N.D, developed this bodywork. It involves sculpting the face and affecting the twelve major nerve centres on the head. On another level, it involves shedding beliefs and thoughts that aren’t ours and the emotions that no longer serve us.
FELDENKRAIS - Moshe Feldenkrais 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.
FENG SHUI - is the ancient Chinese art of placement. It involves balancing, healing, and enhancing energies by integrating people, buildings, and landscape to achieve harmony with nature. The goal is to optimize the flow of Qi, or vital energy life force of the universe, to result in good health and relationships, prosperity, career growth, happiness, and more. Feng Shui uses the practitioner's intuition, diagnostic and investigative communication skills. Practitioners may assist their clients in creating a healthy environment by visiting their current home or office. Or they may work as teachers or consultants to large groups.
FIVE-ELEMENT SHIATSU - This technique is based on classical Chinese medicine's law of the five elements. The five-element system views the human body as a microcosm of the universe with the tides of energy and emotions waxing and waning. These energies and
emotions are stored in the visceral organs and move through specific pathways or meridians in the body in a regular and cyclical fashion.
When these energies or emotions become blocked, or deficient or excessive through stress, trauma or disease, the five element practitioner may use carefully controlled pressure on certain meridian points to help move the energy or emotions and restore the natural cycle of energy and emotional movement, thus helping the person's natural ability to heal.
FLOTATION REPATTERNING - This aquatic treatment is performed in water heated to body temperature. The therapist and the client work as a team, following the client's innate intelligence as their body guides the work. With the water allowing uninhibited movement, the body moves freely to release old holding patterns, blockages and restrictions, then repatterns into wholeness.
FOLK MASSAGE - refers to massage which applying within the family or general public. It is said that its characteristic depends on local culture. It is suitable for villagers to massage each other by using hands, elbows, knees, forehands, and the edge of feet. So, folk massage is well know and widespread in Thai society for a long time.
FOOT ZONE THERAPY - Foot Zone Therapy is based on the premise that energy flows through the body in meridians from the brain to the feet. Every organ and cell has a representative point. On the foot, and when pressure is applied, the brain sends a signal to the corresponding part of the body to facilitate healing and to restore balance. Temporary pain, defined also as a blockage of energy flow, is felt on areas of the foot that correspond to the affected organ or body part. When the pain is relieved or reduced, the healing process has begun. Positive and apparent results are felt almost immediately. Foot Zone Therapy dates back 5,000 years and was used in ancient China and India. Egyptian hieroglyphs and paintings also show the use of this same method. But not until the 20th century, when Dr. Erdal of Norway used a form of this therapy to cure himself of paralysis, did foot zone therapy get "rediscovered." After 23 years of intensive clinical research, Dr. Erdal has codified his findings into a medical science widely respected throughout Europe.
FOUR-HAND MASSAGE (QUAD MASSAGE) - A therapist is on the client’s upper half and the other therapist is on the client’s lower half. Also it can be done with one therapist on each side of the client mimicking the same techniques as the other therapist (make sure one therapist is the leader and the other therapist is the follower).
GERIATRIC MASSAGE (GERONTOLOGY) - 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.
GERMAN MASSAGE - Massage that combines many Swedish movements and emphasizes the use of various kinds of therapeutic baths
GRASTON TECHNIQUE - Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, which enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique is performed with stainless steel instruments designed to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
GRINBERG METHOD - The Grinberg Method is a systematic educational method that teaches people to mobilize their own strength and vitality in pursuit of their well-being. It shows people how they can achieve much more in their lives simply by paying more attention to their bodies.
GUA SHA - Used in China for more than 2,000 years, Gua Sha means to "scrape toxins." A method of promoting blood circulation and removing toxic heat, blood and lymph from the body, Gua Sha involves scraping the skin with a flat tool to facilitate pain relief. Olive oil and herbs are usually applied to the skin to open pores, increase deep cleansing and improve circulation.
GUIDED IMAGERY - Also known as visualization, guided imagery is a relaxation system utilizing imagination and thoughts to improve one's physical, mental and emotional health. Often involving a process of listening to music or a person's voice, the participant can take hold of imagery, symbols and deep feelings to stimulate the body's immune system, fight disease and improve their overall health. Many seriously ill patients have used this technique to imagine the destruction of their disease and/or disorder.
HAELEN THERAPY - Recognizes that people who are in great pain are often unable to focus on the need to integrate body, mind, and spirit.
It combines therapeutic touch, psychotherapy, and counseling. Developed by Janet F. Quinn, PhD, R.N., a practitioner of therapeutic touch and holotropic breathwork, Haelan work attempts to assist people with physical illness to participate in their healing from a more holistic perspective.
HAKOMI BODYWORK - A system of body-centered psychotherapy that is based on the principles of mindfulness, nonviolence, and the unity of mind and body. Developed by therapist Ron Kurtz in the mid-1970s, Hakomi uses the tools of touch, massage, energy work, movement education, and body-mind awareness. By helping the client follow bodily tensions, feelings, and sensations, it leads to an awareness of the unconscious beliefs and attitudes that drive behavior and limit responses.
HEALING SOUNDS - The use of sound to create balance and alignment in the physical body, the energy centers (chakras) and/or the etheric fields. It is a vibration applied by an instrument or the human voice, and can be understood as a field of energy medicine. The
primary question in this field is: What are the correct resonant frequencies of the body?
HEALING TOUCH - Healing touch is an energy-based, hands-on technique done to balance and align the human energy field. The American Holistic Nurses Association approves the technique. In a session, the Healing Touch Practitioner moves their hands lightly over the client's body to re-align the energy flow and eliminate blockages. Clients are empowered and encouraged to participate fully in their self-healing journey.
HELLERWORK - Hellerwork is an outgrowth of Rolfing, created by Joseph Heller. It integrates movement and verbal communication with connective tissue work.
HEMME APPROACH - Developed in 1986 by Dave Leflet, Hemme stands for history, evaluation, modalities, manipulation, and exercise. The principles in the Hemme Approach are taken from physical medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, and physical therapy.
HOSHINO THERAPY - Developed by Tomezo Hoshino in 1952, Hoshino Therapy is an official medical therapy in Argentina. It is a particular form of acupressure recognizing 250 acupuncture pressure points corresponding to the bio-mechanical functioning of the body. In this system, full hand contact is applied as well as the traditional pressure of the first joint of the thumb.
HOLOGRAPHIC MEMORY RELEASE - This is a powerful and subtle technique, developed by Charles Daily, D.C., that allows the HMR practitioner to quickly locate specific holographic touch points that are referenced to the individual's on-going process. As in reflexology, where the entire body is represented on the foot, these touch points correlate to whole-body microsystems. Through very light and specific digital contacts, a piezoelectric effect is created within the crystalline connective tissue memory system for instantaneous memory reframing. This self-assembly process enhances subtle self-observation within the individual. It increases individual somatic awareness and releases self-limiting beliefs and tension patterns that have been stored within the body/mind continuum. A 15-minute HMR session spontaneously generates coherent waves of cellular resonance in the connective tissue matrix and releases information log-jams that have robbed the individual of necessary vital capacity.
HOLOGRAPHIC NATURE OF HEALING - The holographic nature of healing is a year-long training program that combines hands-on energy work with verbal process work. The purpose of the training is to add skill to those who are already working energetically and to assist in providing supervised sessions with feedback in a group setting. There are three focus areas: The chakra system, hands-on healing technique and quantum psychology for process work.
HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK - Developed by Dr. Stanislov Grof, a psychiatrist working with people in non-ordinary states of consciousness, and by Christina Grof, a transpersonal teacher, this is a simple, yet powerful technique for self-exploration and healing based on combined insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology and perennial spiritual practices. The method activates non-ordinary states of consciousness that mobilize the spontaneous healing potential of the psyche. Sustained effective breathing, evocative music, focused energy work and mandala drawing are components of this subjective journey. "Holotropic" literally means "moving toward wholeness." Virtually all ancient and native traditions recognize the psychological and spiritual healing potential of states of consciousness that differ from what we call ordinary. Holotropic Breath-work is a powerful method of self-exploration and healing. This work can be useful for artists wishing to facilitate their creativity, persons seeking a deep level of healing, those seeking to explore their inner self and/or the transpersonal dimensions, and it can lead to a spiritual opening and transformation.
HOSHINO THERAPY - Developed by Japanese-born, Argentine immigrant Tomezo Hoshino, Hoshino Therapy was declared an official medical therapy in Argentina in 1952. Hoshino is a non-intrusive massage and movement system to relieve and prevent musculoskeletal pain and restore vitality. Hoshino therapy recognizes 250 vital acupuncture pressure points directly over the muscles, tendons and ligaments that relate to the biomechanical functioning of the body. Pressure and body warmth are applied by the first joint of the thumb and with full-hand contact to reverse the hardening of the soft tissues. Therapy is combined with daily exercises called Hoshino Action.
HUMA TRANSPERSONAL BODYWORK - A method of bodywork that integrates subtle, articulate touch and verbal communication by combining the focus of physical and psychological health found in Western body-based tradition (Rosen Method is part of the foundation) with the deeper self, or inner guide, found in Eastern traditions.
HUMAN ENERGY DYNAMICS - This therapy, though similar to reiki, uses the English language instead of symbols. It involves setting up and normalizing polarities, as well as bringing universal energy into structures of the body. It is the mental manipulation of human energy to affect changes in one's self and in others.
HUNA KANE - This Hawaiian technique espouses that emotions and experiences are trapped in the fibers of each muscle group and organ in the body. Through a rhythmic massage technique where the practitioner "dances" with the forearm softly across their client's muscles while informing the client of the particular emotion being addressed (i.e., guilt, fear, anger, etc.), Huna Kane allows the client to re-experience that emotion and to clear it from their body. From this place of clarity, awareness, balance, peace and harmony become more accessible. Huna Kane is practiced on fully-clothed individuals lying on a mat on the floor. No table is involved.
HURLEY-OSBORNE TECHNIQUE™ - A soothing, non-force, non-invasive form of healing. Its aim is to correct postural distortions and promote vitality and good health. It does so by realigning the body through light touch to key contact points, releasing tension, strain, and fatigue. a.k.a Bio-Mechanics. Aquarian-Age Healing
HYDROTHERAPY - Originated by a Silesian farmer, Vincenz Priessnitz (1791-1851) and developed by Father Sebastian Kneipp (1821-97), who believed in the notion that water would dissolve and remove diseased matter from the body. Popular in Europe, it uses aerated baths, like Jacuzzis, with both warm and cold water. It claims to help with relaxation, pain relief, varicose veins, swollen ankles and wound healing. Skeptics point to its contribution to the death of an early believer - John Roebling, architect of the Brooklyn Bridge.
HYPNOTHERAPY - evolved from an Austrian physician, Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). It is currently used in a variety of medical and dental environments, from helping people to lose weight, to stop smoking, reduce stress, relieve pain, anxiety, phobias, depression, low self-esteem, etc. It can include regression work or "progression," to visualize future positive outcomes and possibilities. Hypnosis involves a state of focused relaxation, when the subconscious mind is open to suggestions. The therapist facilitates communication between the right and left sides of the brain with the client in a state of consciousness somewhere between waking and sleeping. The client benefits the most when the desire to be hypnotizes is there, and he/she knows the environment is completely safe and peaceful. The client, though relaxed, is always in control. Some practitioners have their own private practices, while others use hypnotherapy in their already existing acupuncture, massage, psychotherapy, or nursing careers.
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE - Ayurvedic treatment that incorporates massage into the scalp, face, and neck (Sometimes oils are used).
INDONESIAN BODY TREATMENTS - Javanese Lulur, and Balinese Boreh make the best use of the treasures of the Spice Islands. The Royal Mandi Lulur is a special treatment to exfoliate the skin, followed with a cooling yogurt application to help remove the herbs, and the special Boreh mix is a heating treatment traditionally used by fishermen and rice farmers to warm their body. These treatments are followed with a flower petal bath and the guest is offered ginger tea or jamu, an indigenous herbal drink.
INFANT MASSAGE - Infant massage instructors teach parents the art of infant massage. Trainings are offered to certify people as infant massage instructors.
INGHAM METHOD - The Ingham Method is a form of zone therapy or reflexology. In the 1930s, Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist working for a physician, used zone therapy on patients. She mapped the entire body as represented on the feet. At first used to reduce pain, Ingham developed the work into the Ingham Reflex Method of Compression Massage, later known as reflexology. Only the hands are used to apply the pressure to the reflex points on the feet. It is used primarily to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Two-day seminars are available nationwide and many practitioners integrate the practice of reflexology with other forms of bodywork. It's now known as the Original Ingham Method of Reflexology.
INSIGHT BODYWORK - Insight Bodywork, developed by Barry Kapke, is a floor-based energy work that seamlessly integrates massage, movement and meditation. Earthy, gentle and spontaneous, its integrative approach to somatic discovery and education facilitates energetic balance and flow, brings awareness to embodied experience, and supports the body to find greater ease and ability. Insight Bodywork utilizes acupressure and myofascial techniques, giving maximum support to the body while mobilizing joints, moving into slow deep stretches, integrating with soothing brushes and holds, and, when appropriate, energizing through shaking, rocking, swinging or
dropping. It is a work that is both playful and sacred in its approach.
INTEGRATED KABBALISTIC HEALING - Integrated Kabbalistic Healing is a system of energy healing, developed by Jason Shulman, based
on the traditional Judaic metaphysical path (Kabbalah), object-relations and advaitic (non-dualistic) perspectives with the understandings of psychology and the power of healing touch. A session is approximately one hour in length and consists of discussion, followed by a hands-on healing based upon what has been discussed. The goal is personal transformation by changing the fundamental patterns keeping the client from living the life they want, ultimately affecting change on all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
INTEGRATED/ECLECTIC MASSAGE - Indicates a combination of various massage, bodywork and somatic therapy techniques utilized by a practitioner in the course of a session.
INTEGRATIVE MANUAL THERAPY - This therapy recognizes that each person is more than the total components of anatomy, physics and chemistry, and is instead affected by emotions, thoughts, social interactions, mind, spirit, consciousness, soul and more. Integrative
Manual Therapy (IMT) combines multiple therapies to locate and alleviate health challenges through individual body systems. Utilizing a combination of structural rehabilitation (a manual therapy process of normalization) and functional rehabilitation (a therapy to restore functional outcome according to the optimal potential of the client), IMT utilizes the expertise of professionals in many fields - physical therapy, osteopathic medicine, homeopathy, audiology, massage therapy, etc.
INTEGRATED NEUROMUSCULAR INHIBITION - This form includes NMT, PRT & MET.
INTEGRATIVE MASSAGE - Originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, this style of bodywork was developed at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy over 20 years ago. To assist in the release of emotional issues trapped in the body, long fluid strokes are used to move energy from the head down and out through the hands and feet. This is combined with the use of deep breathwork to aid the process.
INTERACTIVE GUIDED IMAGERY - An effective set of tools that can be used to mobilize the latent, innate healing abilities of clients to support rehabilitation, recovery and health. It helps the client facilitate an enhanced awareness of the unconscious imagery they already have, while helping them learn to meaningfully and effectively interact with this process on their own behalf.
INTUITIVE WORK - Intuitive work is a way of incorporating the perceived and received information that extends beyond the five senses, transcending what is considered ordinary thinking patterns and reasoning processes. The four main mediums by which intuitives receive and perceive information are clairsentience; clairvoyance; clairaudience; and "knowingness," impression or inspirational thought. The
challenge for bodyworkers is how to respectfully incorporate intuition into their work while maintaining responsibility/respect toward the client. While the science aspect of bodywork focuses on the technique of touch (information accessed through the left hemisphere of the brain), the art aspect of bodywork focuses on how to touch with care and sensitivity (information accessed through the right hemisphere of
the brain). As obvious tools for listening, hands touch with the intent to hear and see - information accessed through the temporal lobe.
These three parts of the neurological system are considered the intuitive network.
INTUITIVE MASSAGE - Distinguished from Swedish massage because, they are different forms of bodywork. Intuitive massage treats the body as a whole, rather than just concentrating on physical conditions, and its movements are generally slower and more meditative.
INVIGORATING MASSAGE - Fast techniques for awaking the body.
IRIDOLOGY - Iridology is a diagnostic science in which the study of markings in specific areas of the iris are used to indicate dysfunction in corresponding organs of the body. Used by physicians, naturopaths, chiropractors and other healers, iridology is a non-invasive technique that supplies information not clearly delineated by other means regarding the condition of the body. Based on this information, the practitioner can make recommendations for changes in diet or lifestyle as a preventative approach.
ISOMETRIC MUSCLE BALANCING - Developed by Charlotte Vandergrift, ISM is based on the muscle testing positions used in kinesiology.
Balancing and strengthening the 42 major muscles are accomplished by isometric action, producing a feeling of lightness and an increase in energy. A 45- to 60-minute session also includes instruction in creating and maintaining balance and proper postural habits, as well as attention to diet and attitude.
JAMU MASSAGE - Jamu massage is a Balinese-inspired technique based upon Indian, Chinese and European techniques involving acupressure, rolling motions, long strokes and percussion-like drumming. Beginning slowly and building to a staccato pace, Jamu
massage is designed to energize and increase blood circulation.
JAPANESE RESTORATION THERAPY & OKAZAKI LONG-LIFE MASSAGE - These are an integral part of traditional martial arts training that emphasizes a concern for physical well-being. Restoration therapy has been practiced in Japan for more than 1,500 years. It is a combination of amma, shiatsu, osteopathy, herbal medicine and suggestive healing techniques. To be a successful practitioner of restoration therapy, a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology is imperative, as well as knowledge of pathology, dietetics, psychology and herbal medicines.
JIN SHIN DO - Developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Jin Shin Do combines gentle, yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension. The client determines the depth of the pressure. Jin Shin Do promotes a pleasurable, trancelike state during which the recipient can get in touch with the body and access feelings or
emotions related to the physical condition. This body/mind approach, performed on the fully-clothed client, is a synthesis of a traditional
Japanese acupressure technique, classic Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist yogic philosophy and breathing methods, and Reichian segmental theory. The client lies on her back on a massage table while the practitioner holds "local points" in tension areas together with related "distal points," which help the armored places to release more easily and deeply. A typical session is about 11/2 hours. Jin Shin Do acupressure is effective in helping relieve tension and fatigue, stress-related headaches and gastro-intestinal problems, back and shoulder pain, eye strain, menstrual and menopausal imbalances, sinus pain and allergies. (With medical problems, the client is asked to consult a doctor.) Over a period of 10 or more sessions, armoring is progressively released in the head, neck, shoulders, chest, diaphragm, abdomen, pelvis and legs. After sessions, clients typically feel deeply relaxed and may even feel euphoric. If the client is responsive, there will be significantly less tension and pain together with an increased sense of well-being for hours or days. This response will tend to extend after further sessions. In the case of chronic fatigue, initially the client may feel more tired after a session, because the body is demanding rest. It is advisable to schedule sessions with time to rest and relax afterward. On the other hand, Jin Shin Do can be used before athletic events to improve performance, for horses as well as for people. "The Way of the Compassionate Spirit" is based on the eight "Strange Flows," which regulate the entire body/mind energy.
JIN SHIN JYUTSU - Jin Shin Jyutsu physio-philosophy is an ancient art of harmonizing the life energy in the body. Born of innate wisdom and passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth, the art had fallen into relative obscurity when it was dramatically revived in the early 1900s by Master Jiro Murai in Japan. After clearing himself of life-threatening illness, Master Murai devoted the rest of his life to the research and development of Jin Shin Jyutsu, gathering insight from a range of experiences and resources including the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Things). The resulting knowledge of Jin Shin Jyutsu was then given to Mary Burmeister who brought it to the United States in the 1950s. Burmeister began teaching the art of Jin Shin Jyutsu to others in the early 1960s and today there are thousands of students and practitioners throughout the United States and around the world. Jin Shin Jyutsu brings balance to the body's energies, which promotes optimal health and well-being and facilitates a profound healing capacity. It is a valuable complement to conventional healing methods, inducing relaxation and reducing the effects of stress. Jin Shin Jyutsu employs 26 "safety energy locks" along energy pathways that feed life into our bodies. When one or more of the paths becomes blocked, the resulting stagnation can disrupt the local area and eventually disharmonize the complete path of energy flow. Holding these energy locks in combination can bring balance to mind, body and spirit. Jin Shin Jyutsu can be applied as self-help and also by a trained practitioner. A Jin Shin Jyutsu session generally lasts about one hour. It does not involve massage, manipulation of muscles, or use of drugs or substances. It is a gentle art, practiced by placing the fingertips (over clothing) on designated safety energy locks, to harmonize and restore the energy flow. This facilitates the reduction of tension and stress that accumulate through normal daily living.
JOINT MOBILIZATION - Joint mobilization (basic, advanced, thrust, as well as traction and gliding) is a passive movement technique that when applied to joints increases mobility and may be localized or regional. Traction, vibrations, and oscillations are used as techniques relieving symptoms.
KENTRO - Kentro body balance is a technique of gentle centering and balancing movements that stretch, exercise, relax, limber and strengthen every area of the body. Founded by Angelika Thusius, Kentro is based on her observation of people around the world who move with ease into an advanced age. Kentro movements can be practiced by anyone and are easily integrated into everyday activities for muscular and joint relief.
KINETIC CHAIN RELEASE (KCR) - was developed over the past ten years by Hugh Gilbert, P.T. It is a combination of assessment skills, joint mobilizations, soft tissue stretches, and muscle energy techniques and offers a consistent protocol for every patient. It is in essence a method of correcting the vast majority of apparent leg length discrepancies in one treatment.
KINETIC AWARENESS - Developed by dancer/choreographer Elaine Summers, kinetic awareness is a system of bodywork that aims to increase knowledge of the human body by understanding tension as a positive and necessary part of movement affecting health, attitude and emotional well-being. Designed to improve mental image, clients can gain a heightened sensitivity to posture and movement. All parts of the body are encouraged to be free to move in all directions in which it's possible. A goal of kinetic awareness is to free the body so it is always moving away from pain and toward pleasure. There are five phases of awareness, including attention to breathing, simultaneous movement of body parts, level of tension, speed of movement and relation to others.
KODO BODY MASSAGE - The Kodo Massage (means ‘melody’) is a rhythmic body massage incorporating Australian Aboriginal techniques which tone and re-align energy flow, enhancing mind and body balance and wellness. The Aboriginal touch therapy works with the understanding of the body chakra system. The massage itself is performed in a continuous flow using the circular technique that encompasses the principles of the energy of the magnetic field. The massage technique is skin rolling followed by slow relaxing strokes starting with the back of the body to the front.
KOREAN MARTIAL THERAPY - This is an effective deep-tissue modality that includes massage strokes, body movement, stretches, pressure point therapy, yum yang therapy and Korean energy work. Gentle on the practitioner, Korean martial therapy (KMT) may be performed with the client on a table, the floor or in a chair, and may or may not incorporate the use of oils. Derived from Hapkido and Traditional Korean Medicine, KMT began as self-therapy stretches that were found useful for keeping warriors in top condition and helping them recover quickly from injury.
KRIYA MASSAGE - A full body connected, intuitive massage bringing together mind, body and spirit. Done in a relaxing atmosphere with soft lighting and beautiful music. For relief from excess emotional and physical stress.
KRIPALU MASSAGE - The Kripalu bodyworker guides the client into a state of deep relaxation and meditation for the purpose of releasing physical and mental tension. This technique, based on Kripalu yoga, uses specific massage strokes and verbal/nonverbal procedures to aide clients in reconnecting with their body's own healing wisdom.
KRIYA MASSAGE - Developed by Kamala Renner in 1970, is different from any traditional bodywork training because of the emphasis on the intuitive aspect by the practitioner in flowing with the "Kriya" movement while performing the massage. "Kriya" is defined as spontaneous energy movement. Kriya Massage is an art form that integrates the universal, life-affirming flow of energy between the practitioner and client, with any classical massage techniques integrated into the dance. Kriya Massage is a bodywork dance with the individual creating their own style in harmony with four universal forces. The strokes and techniques used in Kriya Massage are a combination of energy work, Swedish, neuromuscular and somato-emotional release work done in a connected smooth pattern. The experience of a Kriya Massage is one of stepping out of time and space as a means of taking inventory of one's condition, then allowing the subconscious to shift and adjust programmed responses to life. The healing quality of Kriya Massage is accomplished by transforming attitudes. Giving, as well as receiving, a Kriya Massage is a regenerating experience.
KUNDALINI ENERGIZATION - This is a form of healing energy in which the objective is to raise the client's Kundalini energy for the purpose of spiritual enlightenment. First, the chakras and energy bodies are thoroughly cleansed and balanced by undergoing Ro-Hun transformational therapy. The therapist then performs non-invasive, light physical touch and manipulation of the chakras and energy bodies through use of the hands.
LAUREN BERRY METHOD - Lauren Berry was a mechanic and engineer who believed that the distortion of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons contributed to the distortion of the spine and the extremities. If the center of gravity, which lies in the pelvic girdle according the Berry, is not aligned, then whatever lies above and below will be distorted as well. Soft-tissue manipulation and deep massage are used to break up muscle spasms and adhesions.
LENAIR TECHNIQUE - This energy medicine therapy abates addictions, compulsions, fears, phobias and stress-related problems with a hands-on, non-invasive treatment. It employs electromagnetic and bioelectrical modalities and works within a client's body.
LEVA - A specific machine recognized by Health Canada that is used in clinics to augment massage therapy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatments through carefully-modulated microcurrent stimulation of muscle and connective tissue. The specific pulse waveform is gentle, and stimulates healing in the area.
LIFESTREAM MASSAGE TECHNIQUE - This is a unique signature massage taught only at LifeStream Massage School in Napa Valley, Calif. This is a method of bodywork developed to fulfill a need for the busy massage therapist, especially those working in resorts, spas and health clubs. Students learn a one-hour, full-body massage that provides clients with the relaxation and enjoyment of a Swedish massage with the deeper release of deep-tissue work. They also are taught to use their body efficiently in a manner that prevents injury and burnout, yet increases stamina to maintain a busy practice.
LOMI-LOMI MASSAGE - This is a system of massage that utilizes very large, broad movements. Two-handed, forearm and elbow
application of strokes, which cover a broad area, is characteristic of lomilomi. Similar to Swedish massage in many aspects, this system uses prayer and the acknowledgment of the existence of a higher power as an integral part of the technique. Lomilomi - Hawaiian for "rub rub" - is described by teacher Aunty Margaret Machado as "the loving touch - a connection between heart, hand and soul with the source of
all life." Aunty Margaret was the first to teach lomilomi in a formal, classroom situation; previously the training was passed on within the family by Kahunas or shamans. Oils are used in the application of cross-fiber friction techniques. The practitioner often uses the forearm and elbow in the application of pressure.
LONSDALE METHOD OF LYMPHATIC MASSAGE - This technique offers a unique integration of osteopathic visceral manipulation, using both deep and superficial lymphatic drainage techniques and strokes that are nurturing and effective in detoxifying the body.
LOOYENWORK - Developed by Ted Looyen, a Dutch-born counselor and bodyworker from Australia now practicing in California. His system works with the core emotional issue of a client. Though the effect is deep, the massage is gentle in keeping with Looyen's belief that pain does not heal pain. This is one of many forms of bodywork that promotes emotional well-being through the physical release afforded by massage techniques.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE 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. Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual processes, LDT enables practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. From there they can use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) of the vessels to assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations. Therapists work with flat hands, using all the fingers to simulate gentle, specific wave-like movements. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems.
LYPPOSAGE - Developed by Charles W. Wiltsie III, lypossage is a combination of manual deep-tissue massage, lymphatic drainage and the principles of structural integration used to combat cellulite. An alternative to liposuction and body contouring machines, lypossage enhances firmness and tone, and increases skin resilience and smoothness. The treatment requires a series of sessions because the reduction of cellulite is only temporary unless treatment is continued. When combined with diet and exercise, lypossage produces a lifting effect in areas prone to sagging.
