Category: Massage Theory

Massage and toxins – does massage help remove toxins from the bloodstream and from a person’s body?  If you mention toxins in a Facebook discussion group for massage therapists, that is a sure way to get yourself bullied and chastised. The great debate about toxins comes from a long line of toxin claimers – people…

Definition:  also called kneading. intermittent grasping and releasing movement that attempts to lift soft tissue away from the underlying and adjacent structures.  It is most effective when it is done on a relaxed muscle.  It usually follows effleurage. Applications:  Skin and muscle tissues are raised from their ordinary position and then squeezed and rolled or…

Chair Massage- David Palmer was the person who created the concept of doing chair massage.  warnings: risk of vaso-vagul response increases Massage Nerd: 100+ Chair Massage Techniques (DVD) Chi Nei Tsang-   Holistic approach to Massage, treating the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects.  Most of the bodywork is done on the abdomen, to optimize the…

Deep Tissue Massage–  Massage applied to the deeper, core layers of the body often using the elbow as well as the usual thumb, finger and fist  pressure.  Greater awareness is often needed to go into the deeper tissues without hurting the client. Deep tissue work helps with chronic pain and injury rehabilitation. See also: Deep…

Geriatric Massage– Massage therapy geared toward the aging population and their specific needs. Geriatric massage presents a challenge, because many of them have physical problems that complicate and interfere with diagnosis and treatment of any single illness. Diseases of one organ system place stress on other systems. Many older people also have nutritional deficiencies because…