M TECHNIQUE - The 'M' Technique is a series of stroking movements performed in a set sequence. Each movement, identified with a mnemonic name, is repeated three times. Because the technique is structured in terms of order and number, the technique is completely reproducible and therefore useful in research. The technique was created by Jane Buckle, a critical care nurse, for the very fragile or critically ill patient and produces a measurable parasympathetic response. The 'M' stands for manual.
MACROBIOTIC SHIATSU - This is a combination of macrobiotic diet, philosophy and shiatsu. Macrobiotic shiatsu makes use of the classical Oriental meridians. The feet are utilized considerably in the application of this method.
MAGNETIC THERAPY - A painful area usually lacks blood circulation and oxygen. The area usually is highly acidic and has a positive polarity. The negative (Unipole) magnet increases the circulation, thus bringing more oxygen to the painful area, reducing inflammation. The negative energy field produced by the magnet also counteracts the positive field associated with the painful condition.
MARIEL - Developed by Reiki Master Ethel Lombardi, the expression "MariEL" refers to a transformational healing energy that works at the cellular level to help clients discover and release emotional and physical traumas.
MARMA THERAPY (Ayurvedic lymphatic massage, Ayurvedic massage, marma technique) - A form of massage that supposedly stimulates marmas--107 alleged vital, epidermal, invisible but palpable "junction points" between mind and matter.
MASSOTHERAPY - Treatment of disease by massage.
MECHANICAL LINK - Mechanical link is a system of evaluation that allows practitioners to locate and release primary restrictions within the fascial system. These gentle techniques help reduce structural tensions and encourage the body to adjust itself and regulate its systems, including the autoimmune system.
MEDICAL GYMNASTICS - System of movements applied to the treatment of disease and consisting of active, duplicated, and passive movements; developed by Per Ling.
MEDICAL MASSAGE (CLINICAL MASSAGE) - Working with injuries, pathologies and rehabilitation; working by physician’s prescription. A program of instruction in medical massage is very desirable for a therapist interested in working in the health care system and obtaining insurance reimbursement for massage services.
MIDDENDORF BREATHWORK - Through a series of spontaneous movement exercises, participants use basic sensing, focusing, vocalizing and hands-on techniques to consciously experience the meaning of their personal breath movement. Since its inception, this artistic form of breathing education, developed by Professor Ilse Middendorf, has achieved international attention for its effectiveness as a somatic healing and growth process. Professor Middendorf began practicing her work in 1935. In 1965 in Berlin, she founded the Institute for the Perceptible Breath (now called The Experience of Breath) which certifies practitioners in Middendorf Breathwork. This work has seen a pattern of steady growth, so there are now several Middendorf schools in Europe. Each year these schools graduate between 70-90 new practitioners who work in a variety of areas - private practice, music and acting schools, clinics for rehabilitation and psychology, etc. In 1986, Advanced Seminars of Berkeley, Calif., and the Berlin Institute sponsored the introduction of Professor Middendorf's work to the United States. Since then, Middendorf and her close associate, Juerg Roffler, have returned each year to conduct workshops and training seminars. In 1989, to support the growing interest in Middendorf Breathwork, Roffler initiated the first training program leading to the certification of Middendorf practitioners in the United States. In 1991 she founded the Middendorf Breath Institute of San Francisco and the first group of certified practitioners graduated in April 1992.
MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION - Relaxation techniques, meditation and easy stretching exercises are combined to allow the client to become "mindful" in order to access inner sources of power. By being fully mindful and awake in life, clients may cope more effectively with stress and illness.
MOROCCAN MASSAGE - In morocco, as with most of North Africa, massage is available at local bathhouses. Certain full body techniques can be performed in only 15 minutes. The techniques consist mostly of fast stroking. The strength of the rubbing frees both mind and body, imprinting on the receiver a revitalization.
MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE (MET) - Following the holding of the isometric contraction for an appropriate period, the muscle housing the point of local soft tissue dysfunction is stretched
MUSCLE RELEASE TECHNIQUE (MRT) - Unique injury therapy that combines compression, extension, movement and breath to give the therapist a tool to provide, in many cases, relief from pain in one treatment. With MRT scar tissue is broken up, the muscle is lengthened, muscle memory is restored and relief from pain starts immediately. MRT can be performed on just about any muscle in the body. With Muscle Release Technique®, the client is placed in particular positions so that the muscle begins to stretch in a very specific direction of plane. Then pressure is applied directly into the focal point of the affected tissue. The combination of a specific extension, precise pinpoint compression, and an exact plane of movement, while working with the breath, can produce an immediate release. The scar tissue is broken up and the muscle length is restored.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE - Myofascial release (MFR) is a technique for working with fascia as a means of achieving pain relief, restoring function and reducing stress. The system is taught in a series of seminars in various locations. It is designed to be used by massage therapists and physical therapists.
MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT THERAPY - MTPT is a unique treatment protocol for the treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The protocol is based on the seminal works of Janet G. Travell, MD and David G. Simons, MD and integrates current scientific concepts and research.
MYOMASSOLOGY - A wholistic branch of massage therapy, that teaches the integration of massage, chair massage, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, acupressure, and energy work. Practitioners also have the choice of several other elective therapies of interest to better support the client wholistically.
MYOPATHIC MUSCULAR THERAPY - Myopathy is a system of muscular manipulation designed to accomplish relaxation in muscles in which there is progressive and residual tension from physical strain, nervous strain, sports injuries, accidents, infections and/or years of declining health. Created by Dr. Claude Heckman, myopathy reduces inflammation and pain, restores circulation and motion, and aids in the restoration of normal body functions without the use of oil, cream, powder or lotion.
MYOPRACTIC - Robert Petteway developed the Myopractic system after 30 years in the healing arts. His experience in structural integration, biomechanics, acupuncture, Oriental medicine and a wide variety of muscle therapies contribute to the system. He worked with physicians, surgeons and chiropractors for more than 20 years to develop this therapeutic model. Myopractic muscle therapy combines three basic techniques: Compression stretching, which achieves deep relaxation, relieves tension, spasms and holding patterns; clearing methods, which use the myopractic covered thumb and framing techniques to clean obstructions from soft tissue (e.g., trigger points, scar tissue, muscle bundles and old bruise); and separating techniques to release myofascial adhesions, separate fascial planes and rebalance muscles. Myopractic muscle therapy integrates its own unique style of energetic work, Swedish, sports, trigger point, myofascial and even structural integration techniques into one easy-to-learn system. Myopractic teaches user-friendly, pain-free therapy for both client and practitioner. This is accomplished using the therapist's body weight and leverage, rather than relying on size and strength. Myopractic posture balancing evaluation identifies the source of chronic pain misalignments in the body's structure and realigns them. Myopractic treatments focus especially on misalignments in the lower body, particularly in the feet, ankles and the hips. Addressing lower-body misalignments often relieves tension injuries in the upper body. Myopractic espouses a therapist can clear their clients only to the degree they themselves are clear. Therefore the seminars focus on clearing the therapist, as well as learning new techniques.
MYOTHERAPY - Developed by Bonnie Prudden in 1976, Myotherapy is a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation and alleviating pain. There are four components to treatment: 1) Trigger Point Compression (direct pressure applied to irritable points along a muscle.). 2) Myo-Massage (to aid in healing and circulation.). 3) Passive Stretch (therapist assisted flexibility movements.). 4) Corrective Exercise Program (home exercises to re-educate involved musculature.)
NAMBUDRIPAD'S ALLERGY ELIMINATION TECHNIQUE - This therapy involves light acupressure applied along both sides of the spinal column in an area where the energy flow of a meridian intersects with the nerve roots at acupressure points. It is considered a safe, effective, natural approach to detecting and eliminating all types of allergies.
NAPRAPATHY - With influences from osteopathy and chiropractic, this system of treatment uses soft-tissue manipulation to release tension and balance energy flows in the body. The practitioner uses palpation to explore the tissue, looking for rigid, contracted areas of the body. He then begins repetitive, rhythmic, thrusts to gently stretch the contracted connective tissues. Sessions usually last 30 minutes, focusing mainly on the ligaments near the spinal column. Diet, exercise and postural adjustments help improve circulatory and nervous system function.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE - Naturopathy integrates a wide range of natural therapeutics emphasizing the healing power of nature to treat the causes of disease, rather than suppressing the symptoms. As part of a holistic medical health care system with an emphasis on education and prevention, the naturopathic physician seeks to motivate the individual toward a healthy and balanced diet, lifestyle and mental attitude. Treatments such as homeopathic medicines, clinical nutrition, traditional Oriental medicine and acupuncture are used to enhance the body's natural healing process.
NEUROLINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING (NLP) - NLP helps people detect and reprogram unconscious patterns of thought and behavior in order to alter psychological responses and enhance the healing process. The NLP practitioner looks for clues in a person's set speech and behavior patterns and provides the client with mental tools that they can use to alter that behavior and its results.This set of techniques works in a similar manner to hypnosis while not requiring the client to lose conscious control during a session.
NEURAL KINESIOLOGY - This technique is a holistic healing system that utilizes the best of American kinesiology and European neural therapy. Neural Kinesiology recognizes and assesses the need for therapies in each of the four primary categories - neurological, structural, biochemical and psychological.
NEURO MUSCULAR STRETCH RELEASE - Based on the work of Stuart Taws' Soft Tissue Release. A very powerful technique that re-establishes the length and breaks up adhesion along the specific muscle. Utilizes stretches specific to the target muscle and pins along the length of it. This is a very effective method with immediate results. Athletes have a great respect for this specific technique because it wastes no time and causes no down time which can sometimes happen with traditional approaches.
NEURO-STRUCTURAL BODYWORK - Neuro-Structural Bodywork (NSB) is a somatic therapy that combines a variety of techniques, including fascial release, neuromuscular re-education, craniosacral adjustment and breathwork in balancing the musculoskeletal, nervous and chakra systems. NSB techniques restore sensory perception and motor control, and allow for new neurological impulses that support postural balance and free range of motion, ultimately enhancing one's poise, balance and sense of well-being. NSB is effective in treating both acute injuries and chronic conditions including strained muscles, upper/lower back and disc problems, frozen shoulder, joint injuries, fibromyalgia, migraines, TMJ and chronic fatigue syndrome. NSB helps create a more receptive environment for a variety of other modalities (especially chiropractic and physical therapy), improving results from exercise, and supporting the body in sustaining skeletal adjustments. It also provides a possible alternative to more invasive treatments (including surgery) in cases where the underlying cause of the problem is fascial restriction and/or loss of sensory perception and motor control. Developed by Nancy DeLucrezia, NSB can also be used to stimulate and support emotional release and as an adjunct to psychological integration therapies.
NEUROMUSCULAR INTEGRATION AND STRUCTURAL ALIGNMENT - A technique developed from SOMA bodywork, NISA is a soft version of Rolfing. NISA consists of 12 sessions and approaches the body somewhat more gently to accomplish the same goal of structural alignment. The NISA technique is designed to affect the fascia by separating and stretching it.
NEUROMUSCULAR INTEGRATIVE ACTION - Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) is an expressive fitness and awareness movement program and a holistic approach to health. It combines movements from t'ai chi, yoga, martial arts and modern ethnic dances. NIA uses a variety of movements blended with the conscious use of mind and energy, combined in a total fitness program.
NEUROMUSCULAR THERAPY (Also called NMT or Trigger Point Therapy) - NMT, is, by definition, the manual application of specialized strokes and pressure, usually delivered by a finger or thumb for diagnostic (assessment mode) and therapeutic (treatment mode) objective. The treatment aims to restore circulation and reduce pain in an area. Also, the aim is to normalize imbalances in fibrotic tissue where adhesions of scar tissue and calcium deposits have restricted movement in a joint. This comprehensive program of soft-tissue manipulation balances the body's central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system. Based on neurological laws, which explain how the central nervous system initiates and maintains pain, the goal is to help relieve the pain and dysfunction by understanding and alleviating the underlying cause. Neuromuscular therapy can help individuals who experience distortion and biomechanical dysfunction, which is often a symptom of a deeper problem. It is also used to locate and release spasms and hyper-contraction in the tissue, eliminate trigger points that cause referred pain, restore postural alignment, proper biomechanics and flexibility to the tissues, rebuild the strength of injured tissues, and assist venous and lymphatic flow.
NEUROMUSCULAR REPROGRAMMING - This therapy utilizes a form of positive kinesthetic conversation with the body to imprint new learnings on the motor control center of the brain, and replace damaged imprints created through trauma, injury or repetitive strain.
NIKKON RESTORATIVE MASSAGE (OKAZAKI RESTORATIVE MASSAGE) - Nikkon Restorative Massage was developed by Professor Henry Seishiro Okazaki in Hawaii in the 1920s. He incorporated Japanese, Chinese and Hawaiian techniques. The goal of Okazaki's style was to restore health and pull toxins out of the body through proper application of pressure using fingers, forearms and elbows. The result is proper realignment of the body to its highest potential.
NORMALIZATION OF SOFT TISSUE (NST) - NST is treatment-oriented massage applied to bring relief from pain, increase range of motion, lengthen and strengthen muscles and improve quality of muscle and connective tissue and postural dysfunctions resulting from muscular imbalances. Techniques include myofascial release, trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage, muscle energy techniques, and other forms of neuromuscular therapy.
NUAT THAI - This form of traditional Thai medical massage originated in the Vajrayana Yogic medicine of Tibet. Translated and creatively adapted to the needs of the modern West by Anthony B. James, Ph.D., Nuat Thai massage facilitates and promotes a harmonious state of being. The ancient Tibetans and subsequently the Thai carefully recorded various states of disease and imbalances of the body, mind and emotions and, over time, devised methods for influencing the course of these imbalances. This was important, since these imbalances often kept people from experiencing life in a full and productive way. Nuat Thai incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching and rhythmic compression to create a singular healing experience. This work, a unique form of Vajrayana yoga, focuses on balancing energy and creating wholeness of mind, body and spirit in the client and practitioner. The four principle methods used in Nuat Thai are Wai Khruu (prayers and spiritual practice), herbs, diet and laying-on of hands. In the hands-on aspect, the practitioner literally takes the client through a series of specific postures called asanas, progressively facilitating energy and balancing chakra function. Nuat Thai massage is an excellent alternative therapy for rehabilitation, pain relief and stress reduction. It is nurturing, calming and enlivening. Training is comprehensive and the practitioner level may take up to two years.
