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.
MYOSKELETAL ALIGNMENT TECHNIQUES (MAT) - Combines Modified Therapeutic modalities from: Myofascial Release , Rolfing®, Manipulative Osteopathy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Assisted Stretching and Dalton's joint-capsule and receptor-recoil routines.
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.)