Table of Contents

Frequently asked questions about massage.

1. History of Massage
2. What is Therapeutic Massage?
3. Which technique is used most?
4. What are the benefits of Therapeutic Massage/Bodywork?
5. Who can benefit from receiving massage/bodywork?
6. When is massage/bodywork contraindicated?
7. About the massage/bodywork sessions…...
8. How does the practitioner know how many units of continuing education are required?
9. What is the requirement for National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)?
10. What industry segments are looking to employ massage practitioners/bodyworkers?
11. How much can a massage therapist/bodyworker earn?
12. How many hours do practitioners usually work per week?
13. How do I choose a school?
14. What is the difference between and Eastern and Western based curriculum?
15. What credentials should the school have?
16. What should I be looking for when I visit a school?

What are the different types of Modalities (i.e. techniques)?

1. Acupressure
2. Alexander Techniques
3. Anatomy
4. Anma Massage
5. Applied Kinesiology (AK)
6. Aromatherapy
7. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy
8. Aston-Patterning
9. Attunement
10. Ayurvedic Massage
11. Back Facials
12. Berrywork
13. Bindgewebs/Connective Tissue Reflex Massage
14. Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy
15. Bowen Therapy
16. Breast Massage
17. Breema and Self-Breema
18. Chair or Seated Massage
19. Chi Nei Tsang
20. Clinical Practices
21. Couples Massage
22. CranioSacral
23. Cupping Massage
24. Deep Tissue
25. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
26. Energy Bodywork
27. Facial Massage
28. Feldenkrais
29. Fitness Trainer - Bodyworker
30. Foot Reflexology
31. Geriatric Massage
32. Hand Reflexology
33. Hawaiian Lomilomi
34. Hellerwork
35. Hospice Massage
36. Hot Stone Massage
37. Hydrotherapy
38. Infant Massage
39. Integrated Energy Therapy
40. Intuitive Massage
41. Jin Shin Do
42. Kahuna Healing
43. Kinesiology
44. Kolden Technique
45. Looyenwork
46. Manual Lymph Drainage
47. Marma-Point Massage
48. Massotherapy
49. Medical Massage
50. Muscle Energy Technique
51. Muscle Release Technique
52. Myofascial Techniques
53. Myotherapy
54. Naprapathy
55. Neuromuscular Therapy
56. Newborn Massage
57. Oncology Massage
58. Ortho-bionomy
59. Orthopedic Massage
60. Pain Management
61. Pathology
62. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle
63. Physiology
64. Polarity
65. Postural Integration
66. Pregnancy Massage
67. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
68. QiGong
69. Raindrop Technique
70. Reflexology
71. Reiki
72. Relaxation Massage
73. Rolfing
74. Rosen Method
75. Rubenfeld Synergy Method
76. Shiatsu
77. Soft Tissue Release
78. Soma Neuromuscular Integration
79. Somatics
80. Spa Techniques
81. Sports Massage
82. Strain Counter Strain
83. Stress Reduction
84. Structural Integration
85. Swedish Massage
86. Thai Massage
87. Therapeutic Massage
88. Therapeutic Touch
89. Touch For Health
90. Trager
91. Trigger Point Therapy
92. Tui Na
93. Visceral Manipulation
94. Watsu
95. Zero Balancing

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Dating back as far as 3,000 BC in the Chinese and Japanese cultures and 4,000 BC in Greek history, massage therapy is considered to be one of the oldest treatments used by man. Hypocrites’ writings include recommendations for the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulation problems. In the United States during World War I & II, massage therapists were employed in Army and Navy hospitals.

Massage and bodywork are becoming more widely accepted in rehabilitation programs, pain clinics, stress reduction centers, HIV clinics, and hospices to name a few.

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Therapeutic Massage is the systematic manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the restoration of metabolic balance. Any one particular technique, or a combination of several techniques can be used.

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Swedish massage is the most widely known modality. The technique includes long strokes (effleurage), kneading movements (pettrissage), friction both superficial and deep, vibration and percussion. Oils, lotions and lubricants are usually applied. This technique is often used in combination with other techniques.

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Therapeutic massage and bodywork can improve circulation, help to loosen contracted muscles and stimulate weak muscles. Therapeutic massage and bodywork can also aid relaxation, help to reduce stress, help to prevent and relieve pain from injuries and muscle spasm, and improve flexibility. It promotes deeper and easier breathing, improves posture and strengthens the immune system. Therapeutic massage and bodywork also fosters a peace of mind and a feeling of well-being, promotes mental alertness, improves the ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately, and enhances one’s ability to calm thinking and creativity. It also increases the awareness of mind-body connection.

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Individuals in all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of massage/bodywork. If you are a stressed-out executive, a student, a laborer, a stay-at-home mom, or an ill and homebound person, massage/bodywork may be an option to aid you on the road to recovery, well-being or maintaining your level of health. Massage/bodywork can help release muscular tension and pain, reduce mental and physical fatigue, reduce stress, and promote faster healing.

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There are specific situations where massage and bodywork will not be warranted, including, but not limited to broken bones, recent surgery, inflammation of the skin, varicose veins, open wounds, acute infectious diseases, acute pain, fever and blood clots to name a few. It is important that the client inform the practitioner of their current health status. There will be cases where the practitioner will require a release from the physician prior to the treatment.

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 About the massage/bodywork sessions…...

Prior to the actual massage/bodywork session, the practitioner usually asks the client to fill out a client information form to document pertinent medical information. The practitioner will then speak with the client and discuss the treatment.

The massage/bodywork session is usually conducted in an atmosphere of calm, quiet and comfort so that the client can relax. Most sessions last 60 minutes, however, shorter as well as longer treatments are not uncommon.

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The number of continuing education units or CEU’s is determined by state requirements, by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) and by the professional associations. Upon licensure/certification or joining an association, the practitioner will receive information regarding the number of CEU’s required.

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To keep your NCBTMB status, (you are not required to pass the National Certification Examination every four years, although that is an option) you will need 50 hours of CEU’s during the four year certification period – 2 of those hours must include professional ethics, plus 200 therapeutic sessions of massage and bodywork.

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The industry is experiencing strong growth and diversity. Areas of employment include chiropractic offices, physicians or osteopathic practices, physical therapy/rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, mental health/counseling, and stress reduction practices. Additionally, health clubs, holistic centers, wellness clinics, salons, spas, pain centers, pre-natal and infant massage, sports teams, actors/actresses within the theatrical community, hospice settings, and cruise ships offer great opportunities. The corporate arena has also shown pronounced growth and in many states hospitals have services in place as well. Private practices at office locations or at in home-offices as well as home visits are enjoying growth as does work with the animal community including horses, felines, canines and with veterinarians. In addition, massage and bodywork is practiced at airports, in country clubs, at resorts, at fun runs, and bike & automobile races.

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How much can a massage therapist/bodyworker earn?

Location and demographics determine the going rate in any particular area. In many areas of the country, a practitioner earns 50% of the amount charged for a session. Depending upon the services and support she/he receives from the employer, this rate may vary. Items to consider are advertising, linens, booking of appointments, oils, benefits, etc. Many practitioners work as independent contractors while others are employed.

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Although the amount of hours will vary by practitioner, 25 hours per week is considered full time.

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You will need to decide the purpose of going through this education and how you will use it. Things to consider are the reputation/name recognition of the institution, credentials/accreditations, focus of study, school philosophy, distance to travel, cost, college credits, are there provisions for situations with special needs, is the school an approved school for the state licensure/certification process. Visit their website, request a catalog and go visit or attend their open house or career night.

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What is the difference between and Eastern and Western based curriculum?

In an Eastern-based program the focus of the studies could include meridians and organ physiology, conception and governing vessels and the five elements. In the Western approach the courses usually include human anatomy, physiology, pathology and kinesiology involving the major systems of the body along with biomechanics.

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Understanding what the state laws and regulations require will give you a place to start. Use that as your guide to find an approved school. The state department of education approves many schools. The most recognized accreditations include, COMTA – Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, the accrediting body of the American Massage Therapy Association, IMSTAC – Integrative Massage & Somatic Therapies Accreditation Council, the accrediting division for the Associated Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals, and ACCET – Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. Please refer to our section on Accreditations for particular information on the accrediting agencies.

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What should I be looking for when I visit a school?

Evaluate your first impressions - were you treated in a professional manner, does the physical school appear to be clean and safe? Are the classrooms spacious and well ventilated? Look at the student lounge, locker rooms, library, and study areas. Do you feel comfortable when on the premises? Notice the students and staff and speak with them.

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Acupressure

Using fingers to apply firm and gentle pressure to key points on the body to stimulate the body`s natural healing abilities. The points are the same as used in Acupuncture, where needles are inserted into the body. Use of this ancient healing art releases muscular tension and increases circulation to aid in healing.

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Alexander Techniques

Treatment which is utilized to restore the natural balance and coordination of the body. It focuses on basic functions such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and can affect your breathing, circulation, digestion, and mental attitudes. Widely used by actors, musicians, dancers and athletes.

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Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body.

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Anma Massage

Uses energy points. A form of Qigong.

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Applied Kinesiology (AK)

Developed by George Goodheart, DC in 1964, this technique includes muscle testing to evaluate and restore balance to the body. The use of nutrition, diet, acupressure, education, exercise and manipulation are included in the treatment.

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Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing art that has been used for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. Using essential oils (oils extracted from flowers, herbs, resin, woods and roots) for skin care treatments and bodywork, aromatherapy is used to aid in relaxation, improve circulation and promote the healing of skin problems to name a few.

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Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

An adaptation of an ancient form of barefoot massage using deep compression effleurage gliding over the body. Gravitational force is combined with centrifugal and centripetal movements to bring about a structural change in chronic soft tissue damage. Correct application will provide deep relaxation and stimulate the lymphatic system of the body. Bars are used over the head for balance and lubricant is applied.

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Aston-Patterning

A form of myofascial release which includes movements. Developed in 1977 by Judith Aston.

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Attunement

A non-invasive therapy incorporating non-touch and occasional light touch that balances the physiologic and energetic functions of the body. Attunement opens the sacred space for health, healing and well-being.

(International Association of Attunement Practitioners, June, 2000)

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Ayurvedic Massage

Used in India, means “life knowledge” or “right living”. Included in the treatment is the use of Sesame oil to help cleanse the body and aid in the removal of toxins.

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Back Facials

Usually incorporates Swedish massage of the back with aromatherapy and salt glows to relieve dry, oily, and itchy skin.

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Berrywork

This bodywork was created by the late Lauren Berry, PT. He was a contemporary of Trager, Feldenkrais and Rolf who devised a system of "correctives" that involve stretches and that work the fascia, cartilage and joints. His work is passed on through the teaching of his advanced students.

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Bindgewebs/Connective Tissue Reflex Massage

Developed by Elizabeth Dicke in the 1930`s, light strokes with focus on the superficial fascia are employed. No oils or lubricants are used.

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Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy

A method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation, and alleviating pain. Method was developed by Bonnie Prudden in 1976.

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Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy, developed by Tom Bowen in the mid 50`s, is a very gentle technique using thumbs and fingers over specific muscle groups and connective tissue. With frequent pausing between each series of moves, the body is given time to allow energy to flow to the specific area. This treatment enables results by activating the body`s own ability to realign, balance and heal itself resulting in healing.

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Breast Massage

Massage of the breast tissue for the prevention as well as treatment of breast cancer. Helps to rid body of toxin build-up and facilitate lymph flow.

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Breema and Self-Breema

Breema bodywork and Self-Breema exercises use nurturing touch, tension-relieving stretches, and rhythmic movement to create balance between mind, body, and feelings. Breema`s Nine Principles of Harmony support the body`s instinctive healing energy and guide us toward our natural state of balance. Breema bodywork is done fully clothed and is comfortable, enjoyable, and beneficial for both recipient and practitioner. Self-Breema can be practiced by oneself at any time.

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Chair or Seated Massage

Usually provided in a business or corporate setting. Also used for introducing clients to massage and bodywork. Clients remained fully clothed. Swedish Massage is generally the technique that is used.

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Chi Nei Tsang

Working mostly on the abdomen, this treatment will optimize the function of internal organs by treating the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas.

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Clinical Practices

Clinical Practices are often facilities where the general public receives massage and bodywork within a supervised setting. This gives the student the opportunity to integrate the modalities learned within a clinical setting. It can be an integral piece in the overall development of the professional skills, business savvy, and self-confidence needed for success.

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Couples Massage

Usually offered to teach couples, partners, and friends the basic elements of therapeutic massage. Swedish massage and reflexology are the most popular techniques, however, acupressure, aromatherapy, and polarity as well as many other modalities may be included

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CranioSacral

Using the core rhythm in the body, Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle and non-invasive treatment used to evaluate and enhance the physiological body system called the cranioscaral system. This therapy is used for clients with chronic pain, learning disabilities, dysfunctions of the central nervous system, fibromyalgia, postural problems and more.

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Cupping Massage

Cupping is a therapy in which a glass or plastic cup is placed upon the skin creating a vacuum. The skin and muscle inside the cup is suctioned in such a way that releases toxins and moves Qi and blood. This technique is an excellent way to treat tightness or pain in the upper or lower back or remove toxins from the body. It is also wonderful to move the Lung Qi with cupping, in the event of severe colds or flu, asthma or even hoarseness and vocal cord constriction.

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Deep Tissue

A variety of hands-on techniques are used to restore the connective tissue to its natural state. Another name for connective tissue is fascia - tissue surrounding the muscles. Techniques used can restore flexibility and functionality to the muscles and remove pain.

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Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) involves tapping along the meridians with one`s fingertips as done during acupuncture treatments to help reduce and eliminate the disruption in the body`s energy system. This technique can be self-applied. It is used for treating trauma, abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, headaches, body pains, and breathing problems.

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Energy Bodywork

Incorporating `life energy` / `universal energy` into techniques and treatments. Modalities include, but are not limited to Qi Gong, Reiki, Shiatsu, Therapeutic Touch, Acupressure, and Meridian Massage

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Facial Massage

Consists of light strokes incorporating acupressure points for a stimulating and rejuvenating treatment. It is usually offered in spas.

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Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais focuses on the body’s movement to improve ones capabilities to function in daily life. Concentrating on functional integration and movement (postures), the importance of awareness in human functioning is relayed to the treated person.

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Fitness Trainer - Bodyworker

A practitioner who has credentials in both bodywork and fitness training and integrates both disciplines when working with clients to improve their well-being

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Foot Reflexology

This modality is based on the science that there are pressure maps represented on the feet. Practitioner will apply gentle pressure to various points on the feet that correspond to areas of the body in order to restore health and rejuvenate the entire body.

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Geriatric Massage

Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork specifically designed to address the geriatric clients` needs. It can be performed at home, hospitals and nursing homes

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Hand Reflexology

Hand Reflexology incorporates the use of pressure and deep massage to specific nerve endings in the hand to stimulate major organs including pituitary glands, lungs, bladder, kidneys, stomach and spleen to open energy pathways to trigger the body`s own healing system.

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Hawaiian Lomilomi

Often referred to as a spiritual massage because it was used by Kahuna lomilomi priests who practiced the healing art with much reverence, love and spirituality. Lomilomi is renowned as a means of soothing pain and relaxing tired and stiff muscles. Consists of both a gentle and deep technique such as rubbing and stroking, kneading, pounding, pressing, shaking, vibrating, pulling, pinching, rolling, and deep pressure-point compressions.

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Hellerwork

In 1979, Joseph Heller founded this deep-tissue bodywork affecting the muscular and nervous systems. Also known as movement therapy, clients are involved in a re-education process involving vertical alignment.

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Hospice Massage

Gentle massage techniques, which help to bring comfort to the terminal client.

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Hot Stone Massage

A method of massage using heated and iced stones for relaxation. Stones are used intermittently throughout the body with the comfort level of the client paramount at all times. This penetrating therapy has become quite popular and is offered in private offices as well as spas and wellness centers.

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Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the application of massage and bodywork techniques that incorporates the use of water, which includes but is not limited to ice therapy, water massage, Vichy showers and many include herbs and aromatherapy.

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Infant Massage

Gentle massage techniques performed on children from the moment of their birth and beyond.

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Integrated Energy Therapy

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Intuitive Massage

Intuitive Massage can be a combination of breathing, massage, and meditation, to relieve stress and cultivate intuition.

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Jin Shin Do

Using meditation and fingertips, gentle pressure is applied to points to balance energy or “chi”.

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Kahuna Healing

A traditional Hawaiian healing.

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Kinesiology

Developed by George Goodheart, DC in 1964, this technique includes muscle testing to evaluate and restore balance to the body. The use of nutrition, diet, acupressure, education, exercise and manipulation are included in the treatment.

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Kolden Technique

The Kolden Technique(s), developed by Sandra Skildum of Janesville, Wisconsin, is a combination of therapies and energy work, which allow the body to facilitate its own healing. This technique helps the body to release both physical pain and emotional remembrance, which can cause pain and disease. This technique can be effective for chronic pain relief for fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, neck pain, soft tissue damage, whiplash, sciatica, carpel tunnel, bursitis/tendonitis, shoulder-elbow-wrist pain, sports injuries and more.

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Looyenwork

Developed by Ten Looyen, an Australian bodyworker used connective tissue techniques to remove adhesions.

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Manual Lymph Drainage

Gentle, specific stokes intended to influence the flow of lymphatic fluids to assist the body in cleansing. Certified practitioners map the lymphatic flow to find alternative pathways for drainage. Used with clients involved in cancer therapy and on burn victims.

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Marma-Point Massage

Marma-Point Massage has been used for thousands of years in India is now being used in many spas in the United States. It is used to cleanse blocked energy. The practitioner uses a very light stimulation of certain points on the body.

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Massotherapy

The scientific art and system of assessment of and manual application of certain techniques to the superficial soft tissue of skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments and fascia and the structures that lie within the superficial tissue. The use of the fingers, hand, forearm, and elbow for the external application of stroking, friction, vibration, percussion, kneading, stretching and percussion can be used.

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Medical Massage

Therapeutic Massage Treatments provided by a credentialed massage therapist who functions as part of a health care team, following the objectives of a comprehensively designed treatment plan.

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Muscle Energy Technique

Muscle Energy Technique is a manual therapy, which involves manipulation of the spinal segments and the pelvis. It is a gentle, non-invasive technique, which uses light isometric contractions to affect changes in alignment. These changes will result in increased joint mobility, which will help to alleviate pain and allow for more freedom of movement. It is an excellent treatment for neck and back pain and restriction, headaches, hip problems and whiplash.

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Muscle Release Technique

This has been developed by Michael Young, NCTMB and is derived from a technique taught in Europe for years. The treatment combines compression, extension, movement, and breath to provide relief from pain. It helps to break up scar tissue and pain relief is often immediate.

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Myofascial Techniques

Fascia, also known as connective tissue, surrounds all muscles. It provides them with support and allows nutrients to penetrate cells. Engaging deep tissue techniques causes the muscles to release from the fascia which helps in the process of restoring the body`s health.

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Myotherapy

A deep muscle massage with connective tissue massage, tissue integrity and other techniques to reduce muscle pain popularized by Bonnie Prudden. Emphasis is placed on the relief of muscle pain through pressure applied at trigger points.

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Naprapathy

Founded by Oakley G. Smith, DC, uses bodywork that includes nutritional, postural and exercise counseling.

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Neuromuscular Therapy

Used to treat soft-tissue pain and dysfunctional patterns utilizing specific massage therapy techniques, stretching and instruction for at-home care in order to restore health in the body. Focus can be trigger points, posture, nutrition, and stress. Commonly used on clients involved in pain management, sports injuries and rehabilitation.

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Newborn Massage

Given to babies as soon after birth as possible. New Born Massage helps get the digestive system organized and functioning, soothes the nervous system, can help prevent unnecessary weight loss, and dehydration that can lead to jaundice. It promotes deeper and more restful sleep.

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Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage helps clients with cancer to reduce anxiety, pain, nausea, fatigue, depression, muscular tension, and emotional stress. This modality may be used in the various stages of cancer (terminal, recovery, chemo, radiation, and survivor). Therapists usually are knowledgeable not only in the pathology and physiology aspects of the disease, but the indications and counter indications.

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Ortho-bionomy

This system of working with reflexes was developed by Arthur Lincoln Pauls in the 1970`s, an Osteopath and Judo instructor. The use of gentle, non-intrusive, non-forceful movements encourages natural structural realignment and balance.

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Orthopedic Massage

Massage treatments employing by Osteopathic techniques.

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Pain Management

Generally a combination of modalities are used to alleviate the client`s pain. Techniques include but are not limited to, Therapeutic Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial Release, Reiki, and Shiatsu

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Pathology

Pathology is the study of disease. Having a basic understanding of the pathologic process will enable the practitioner to practice safely.

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Pfrimmer Deep Muscle

Developed by Therese Pfrimmer of Canada, this deep muscle therapeutic technique utilizes deep cross-fiber strokes. This discipline is used to treat multiple sclerosis, fibrositis, and arthritis to name a few.

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Physiology

Physiology is the study of the body functions.

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Polarity

Polarity, developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, is a blend of Eastern and Western healing sciences used to realign and unite body, mind, spirit and emotions into harmony. Treatment uses dietary principals, posture, stretches and energy balancing.

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Postural Integration

Using breathwork, deep fascia manipulation, emotional expression and meditation, Jack Painters developed this work from his training in Rolfing.

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Pregnancy Massage

Massage provided during pregnancy to address both the physical and emotional needs of the mother. Could also include massage during labor and postpartum.

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Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

Was developed by Dorothy Voss, using stretches to lengthen and re-organize the muscles.

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QiGong

Traditional Chinese treatment utilizing both hands-on and hands-off techniques to balance the flow of `Qi` or energy throughout the body. Helps to improve circulation.

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Raindrop Technique

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Reflexology

Based on the science that there are pressure maps represented on the feet, hands and outer ears. Practitioner will apply gentle pressure to various points on the hands, feet and outer ears that correspond to areas of the body in order to restore health and rejuvenate the entire body. Foot Reflexology appears to be the most requested treatment.

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Reiki

Being a gentle hands-on energy healing technique, Reiki treatments can activate and balance the body`s power to heal. This modality can be used as a health maintenance program, healing art and in the prevention of diseases.

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Relaxation Massage

Relaxation Massage may incorporate several modalities including Swedish, Hot Stones, Spa Treatments, and Energy Bodywork just to name a few. Inclusion of aromatherapy and essentials oils it is very common too. As the term suggests, the focus of this treatment is total relaxation.

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Rolfing

Rolfing, developed by Ida Rolf, is a method of structural integration focused to bring the physical structure of the body into an efficient relationship with the perpendicular alignment of the body gravity. The technique involves stretches and moving the connective tissue - fascia (fascia - is a form of connective tissue that surrounds and separates every structure and cell in the body) to lengthen and balance the body along its natural vertical axis. Used for treating accident victims, emotional tension or past traumas to name a few, this application is usually a series of ten sessions progressing from superficial to deeper layers of tissue.

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Rosen Method

Developed by Marion Rosen techniques for improving alignment and flexibility using non-intrusive touching, verbal interaction and breathing.

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Rubenfeld Synergy Method

A body-centered psychotherapy developed by Ilana Rubenfield. Techniques include berbal expression, movement, breathing, posture, awareness and sound.

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Shiatsu

This Japanese system of palpation and rhythms is used to balance the life-energy flowing through specific pathways of the body. Shiatsu is used to prevent and relieve chronic and acute conditions on both a physical and emotional level.

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Soft Tissue Release

Developed by Stuart Taws uses techniques to break up chronic scar tissue adhesions. Also includes several levels of specific stretches.

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Soma Neuromuscular Integration

Developed by Bill Williams this technique combines structural integration with psychological therapy to realign mind, body and spirit.

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Somatics

Developed by Thomas Hanna this treatment works to restore the memory loss of muscle groups due to habitual movement.

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Spa Techniques

Techniques that are usually offered in a spa setting that may include salt-glow, hot stone massage, aromatherapy, paraffin treatments, various wraps and hydrotherapy.

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Sports Massage

Massage for the athlete and those with sports injuries. Various techniques including stretching and instruction for at-home care are employed to promote wellness, maintain good health, and prevent injuries.

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Strain Counter Strain

Developed by Lawerence Jones, DO. Focusing on the dysfunction of the joints, this technique uses a passive approach of putting the joint into its position of greatest comfort.

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Stress Reduction

Usually a combination of modalities are used to help clients with reducing the effects of stress. Some of the applied techniques could be massage, relaxation training, Reiki, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Yoga and Hypnotherapy.

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Structural Integration

Structural integration is a scientifically validated body therapeutic massage, that works on the root cause of chronic pain. It not only focuses on the musculature but also on their protective layers called fascia or connective tissue. It is designed to align and balance the body segments by lengthening and repositioning the fascia. Fascia can get distorted and create strain and pain throughout the body by physical and emotional stress. Structural integration is designed in a multi-session protocol ranging from 12 to 15 sessions where the entire body is worked on to establish balance. This approach is a product of over 50 years of studies and is the result of the pioneering work of Dr. Ida. P. Rolf, Ph. D. The physical benefits are: Enhancement of body posture and body alignment, improvement of balance, and creation of a freer range of movement with less effort. The emotional benefits are: Reduction of a person’s anxieties, enhancement of psychological / spiritual growth, and an increase in a person’s confidence and maturity. Research has shown that realigning the whole body and treating the root cause of pain can positively affect a person’s behavior, belief system, and emotional well-being.

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Swedish Massage

One of the most popular and well-known techniques, Swedish massage incorporates: effleurage (which are long sweeping strokes), petrissage (a kneading technique to influence the circulation), friction (to warm up the layers of muscle or work in a specific problem area). Vibration (to break up adhesions in muscle tissues) and percussion in order to stimulate the circulation.

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Thai Massage

Based on the theory that invisible lines of force run through the body, Thai Massage seeks to release blockages and allow the flow of energy throughout the body. Practitioners incorporate the use of hands, feet, arms and legs to stretch, balance and energize the clients` body. The client remains clothed.

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Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic Massage can incorporate many modalities where the focus is therapeutic and restoration of muscles to well being. Many Eastern and Western disciplines can be used.

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Therapeutic Touch

Founded by Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz more that 20 years ago is used to calm, to soothe, to comfort, and to ease pain. Therapeutic Touch is a healing art based on the theory of human energy fields. The treatment helps people to relax and rest deeply by facilitating the natural healing process. Is used in clinics, private practice and hospitals.

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Touch For Health

Developed by John Thie, DC is a type of applied kinesiology. Muscle testing will determine the weakness of the structure.

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Trager

In the 1920`s Dr. Milton Trager, an American medical doctor, developed this discipline using gentle, rocking movements providing deep, non-invasive hands-on work.

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Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy incorporates many of the techniques used in Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy as well as those of Shiatsu and Acupressure to release the trigger points and help to restore homeostasis within the muscle.

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Tui Na

Originating in China, Tui Na is a comprehensive system including therapeutic massage along with passive/active joint restoration used in the treatment of physical/structural imbalance.

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Visceral Manipulation

Soft tissue manipulation of internal organs to separate adhesions.

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Watsu

Shiatsu done in water.

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Zero Balancing

Developed by Fritz Smith, aligns the physical body with the energetic body.

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What is a Browser?

A browser is a computer software program that allows a user to view Web Pages while connected to the Internet. Two of the most popular browsers are Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

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What is Cyber Space?

The "place" computer users travel to when they go online.  A universe inside computer networks.

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What is a Domain Name?

A unique name that identifies a Web Site. There are two types of domains: a (Full)-Domain and a Sub-Domain. A (Full)-Domain name is the Internet equivalent of a postal address for a building while the Sub-Domain is the equivalent of an apartment within a building. Typically domain names contain the name of the company or individual who owns them.

To go to a Web Site you must enter a domain name in your Browser. Domain Names are often called URLs (Uniform Record Locator).

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What is E-Commerce?

Short for electronic commerce and refers to conducting business over the Internet. By utilizing e-commerce via one’s Web Site, any company or person can sell goods or services on–line and collect payments electronically.

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What is E-Mail? 

Short for electronic mail, the transmission of messages over communications networks such as the World Wide Web.

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What is a Forum?

An online discussion group where participants with common interests exchange open messages. Forums are sometimes called newsgroups.

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What is a Home Page?

The main page of a Web Site. Typically, the home page serves as an index or table of contents to other documents or files contained in the site.

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What is a Hyperlink?

An area of a picture, or a section of text, that activates a function when selected. Hyperlinks are particularly common in multimedia applications. Clicking on a hyperlink can make the application display a picture, run a video, or open a new window of information.

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What is the Internet?

A global network connecting millions of computers.

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What is a NavBar? 

Short for Navigation Bar. This is an area on a Web Site, which is used to navigate around a Web Site. It usually contains buttons that connect to other pages and areas of the Site.

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What is a (Web/Internet) Portal or Hub?

A Web Site or service that offers a broad array of resources and services, such as E-Mail, Forums, Search Engines, and on-line shopping malls. Many of the traditional Search Engines have transformed themselves into Portals. Examples are Yahoo and AOL.

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What is a Search Engine? 

A program accessed via the Internet that searches Web Sites and documents on the Internet for specified keywords and returns a list of the web addresses and documents in which the keywords were found. Although the term “search engine” really is a description of a general class of programs, it is often used to specifically describe systems like Yahoo, Alta Vista, and Lycos that enable users to search for documents on the World Wide Web. To have a Web Site listed on any search engine, it is best for the owner of the site to electronically submit keywords to the search engines.

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What is a URL?

See: What is a Domain Name?

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What is a templated Web Site?

A Web Site that is built by using pre-defined templates that usually contain a number of basic style (color, lay-out) and functional (NavBar, buttons, pages) elements.

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What is a Web Site?

A location on the World Wide Web. Each Web site contains a Home Page, which is the first document of page visitors see when they enter the site.  From there, a visitor usually has options to open other pages containing information or files.  Each site is owned and managed by an individual, company or organization.

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What is a Web Surfer? 

A person traveling through cyberspace via his/her computer.

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What is the World Wide Web?

A system of computers on the Internet that support specially formatted documents. The documents are formatted in a programming language called HTML (HyperText Markup Language) that supports links to other documents, as well as graphics, audio, and video files. This means you can jump from one document to another simply by clicking on hyperlinks. Not all Internet servers are part of the World Wide Web.

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How do I change my monitor's resolution?

If you can't see the entire page from side-to-side, then you need to adjust your monitor's resolution. Here's how to do it for Windows^® and the Macintosh^®.

For Windows:

• Go to the Start menu at the lower left of your screen
• Select Settings and then Control Panel
• Open the Display application
• Choose the Settings tab at the top of the window
• In the Desktop Area section, reset your monitor's display to 800x600 or greater
• Click OK

For Macintosh:

• Click on the Apple icon at the upper left of your screen
• Select Control Panels / Monitors and Sound from the pull-down list
• In the Resolution section, reset your monitor's display to 800x600 or greater

If you can't see the entire page from top to bottom, simply use the scroll bar at the right of your screen to move up and down.

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Why can't I see the entire screen?

You can't see the entire screen because your monitor's screen resolution needs to be changed to a higher setting, such as 800x600 or greater. Here's why:

At a higher resolution, everything onscreen (text, images, navigation buttons, etc.) is smaller, so more can fit on your display. But if the resolution is set too low, for example, at 640x480, all objects are displayed larger and not all items can fit on your screen. When this happens you have to scroll up, down, or sideways to see everything on a Web page.

Increasing your screen resolution will fix this. In fact, most Web sites won't display properly at a resolution of 640x480. So adjusting your resolution will actually make all your Web experiences more enjoyable.

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What is resolution?

Resolution is the width and height of your screen's display, and it is measured in pixels. (Pixels are the individual points that make up a picture.)