Types of Bodywork & Massage 

The definitions that follow provide a brief explanation of only a few of the techniques currently in practice. These definitions have been compiled from a wide variety of sources. While some were supplied by the developer of the technique, others were supplied by associations and educational institutions involved with the individual technique. If you would like to have your technique included here, contact james@active-health.org  

Acupressure (See Tui Na & Shiatsu)

Alexander Technique - The Alexander technique is an educational method for improving coordination, and for developing awareness of unnecessary tensions in the body.  F. M. Alexander was an actor who had a problem with losing his voice. By studying his habitual movements in a mirror, he discovered ways he was using his body that created his vocal problem and was able to resolve the difficulty. He went on to create a system for enhancing balance, posture and the use of the body, which is called the Alexander Technique. Practitioners refer to themselves as teachers of the Alexander method and refer to sessions as lessons.

AMMA® Therapy (or ANMA) - AMMA therapy is a method of restoring the flow of life energy in the body, and is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. It combines Oriental medical principles with a Western approach to organ dysfunction. AMMA Therapy may include dietary plans, detoxification, herbs and vitamins, and therapeutic exercises.

Applied Kinesiology (see also Touch for Health) - Applied Kinesiology is a technique used mainly by chiropractors to gain diagnostic information through muscle testing and to strengthen muscles to aid in structural correction. Muscles are related to specific organs or systems through the acupuncture
meridian network.

Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy involves working with aroma as a healing modality by using pure essential oils, each distilled from a single botanical source. Aromatherapy is often done in conjunction with massage, but not always.

Aston-Patterning® - Aston-Patterning aims to increase the body’s grace, resiliency and ease of movement by releasing layers of tension throughout
the body. It uses movement education, bodywork, environmental design and fitness training. 
 
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.

Bindegewebsmassage - Bindegewebsmassage is a type of connective tissue massage originated in Germany. It is an adjunctive therapy in the treatment
of organic and musculo-skeletal disorders.

Bioenergetics - Bioenergetics was created by Alexander Lowen, M.D., an outgrowth of his work with Wilhelm Reich, M.D. Bioenergetics is a way of understanding personality in terms of the body and its energetic processes. Bioenergetics therapy works with the mind and the body to release chronic stresses and chronic muscular tensions. Dr. Lowen has written 14 books. An excellent introduction to bioenergetics is Bioenergetics, available at most bookstores and libraries.

Biokinetics/Hanna Somatics Biokinetics uses a composite of techniques for rehabilitation through neuromuscular retraining. It is designed to release chronic
muscular contraction and restore voluntary control of the muscular system.

Body LogicSM - Body Logic is a system of bodywork and body understanding developed by Yamuna Zake. It uses the principle of "space making" whereby space is created around joints and locked areas to allow the body to unfold and finds its own balance,  enhancing freedom of movement, posture, strength and energy.

Body-Mind (also see "Somatics") - "Body-mind" is a term used to acknowledge the intimate connection between the state of the mind and the state of the body.
This is an awareness that is present in most forms of massage and bodywork, and many massage schools teach massage from a "body-mind" perspective. However, some forms make it the focus of the work. Curriculum includes deep tissue bodywork, body reading, using a floor-length mirror as an educational tool, working with
postural history and attitudes, and using your body with awareness and ease.

Bowen Technique - This technique was developed in Australia by Thomas Bowen. It combines energy work with gentle soft tissue manipulation.

Breema - Breema takes its name from the Kurdish mountain village of Breemava where it originated and was passed down from generation to generation. It is a comprehensive system of bodywork, done on the floor, with a variety of techniques ranging from simple holding points on the body to techniques requiring flexibility and dexterity.

Canadian Deep Muscle Massage - This work was created by Will Green, founder of the International Massage Association (IMA Group) and owner of Georgetown Bodyworks in Washington, DC. It is derived from a system of cross-fiber massage that began in northern Canada in the 1940’s. Will added insights gained from the works of Therese Pfrimmer, Joseph Pliates, Ida Rolf, Dr. Samuel West, and Debra Smith.

Chair Massage (or on-site or seated massage) - This refers to a brief bodywork session, usually a shiatsu-based routine, done in a special chair in which the client sits facing toward the cushions, exposing the scalp, shoulders, neck, back and hips. Sessions may last between five and thirty minutes. Originally pioneered as "on-site massage", a modality for the workplace, it has expanded into many other environments. Chair massage is now offered in storefronts, health food stores, airports, airplanes, health fairs, grand openings, sporting events, and other locations. It has therefore come to be called "chair massage" or "seated massage" instead of "on-site." Because of the relatively low cost of a brief session, it is more affordable than the usual full-body massage. Because it is done fully clothed, it attracts some clients who would be too uncomfortable for table massage. Because it is done in locations where the client is already present, it is more convenient than table massage. For all these reasons, the practice of chair massage has grown so fast that many of the massage table companies report they are selling more on-site chairs than massage tables. The large number of massage schools including chair massage in their curriculum (see below) is another indication of the popularity and wide-spread acceptance of this branch of the profession.
 
Chi gong (See Qi gong)

Colon Hydrotherapy (also called colonics or high colonics or colonic irrigation)
A cleansing procedure for the colon, using purified water at controlled temperature and controlled pressure, providing a gentle, deep cleansing of the colon. Practitioners often use massage, reflexology or visceral manipulation skills during a session. Of the 50 states, only Florida licenses colon hydrotherapy.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy (also called cranial-sacral) - A technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction. Practitioners work with the subtle articulations of skull sutures, and the flow of cerebro-spinal fluid.

Equine Sports Massage - Massage or other bodywork can adapted to horses for the purpose of enhancing performance and preventing injuries. This field has recently been developed and shows signs of gaining rapidly in popularity, as breeders are interested in any techniques that can give them a competitive edge.

Esalen® massage - Esalen is a variant of Swedish massage pioneered at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Esalen is the place where many therapies were tested or launched in the 60’s and 70’s, including gestalt therapy and rolfing. The unique brand of massage practiced there typically involves total nudity and long flowing stokes. Esalen is known for its original, honest, nurturing and probing atmosphere. Esalen massage tends to be nurturing, trance-like and meditative, allowing the greatest possible unfoldment to take place in the client.

Facial Rejuvenation - This bodywork was developed by Linda Burnham, N.D. It involves sculpting the face and affecting the twelve major nerve centers on the head. On another level, it involves shedding beliefs and thoughts that aren’t ours and the emotions that no longer serve us. Professional certification is in three phases.

Feldenkrais® - Moshe Feldendrais 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.

Geriatric Massage - 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.

Hakomi bodywork - Hakomi bodywork regards body, mind and spirit as one, and blends bodywork and psychotherapy into a simultaneous process. The work serves to lead a person to an awareness of limitations in his physical and psychological patterns, bringing the possibility of new openness and freedom.

Healing Touch  - Healing touch is an energy-based, hands-on technique done to balance and align the human energy field. The technique is approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association.

Hellerwork®  - Hellerwork is an outgrowth of Rolfing (see below), created by Joseph Heller. It integrates movement and verbal communication with connective tissue work.

Hoshino Therapy - A unique system of acupressure for the treatment of musculo-skeletal pain and sports injuries; physical fitness exercises are taught to complement the therapy. The training is offered in weekend workshops and intensives.

Hydrotherapy (See Spa Treatments)

Infant Massage - Infant massage instructors teach parents the art of infant massage. Trainings are offered to certify people as infant massage instructors.

Jin Shin Do® - Jin Shin Do is a synthesis of acupressure theory, psychology, taoist philosophy, and breathing methods, which helps release physical and emotional tensions and armoring.

Jin Shin Jyutsu® - This is an ancient art promoting harmony of life energy and the body. It was revived and systematized in the early 1900's by Master Jiro Murai. It was brought to the US in the 1950’s by Mary Burmeister. It is an energy technique done with a light touch, and is often used as a self-treatment.

Lymphatic drainage (manual lymphatic drainageSM 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. Two organizations certify practitioners and teachers of manual lymphatic drainage:
 
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.

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. For information about trainings contact:

Myopractic® - This is a system of posture balancing and deep relaxation developed and taught by Robert Petteway. The three basic techniques are 1. releasing tension and holding patterns; 2. clearing scar tissue, trigger points and other obstructions in soft tissue; and 3. separating to release myofascial adhesions and balance muscles. The practitioner does deep muscle therapy while keeping her own body and hands relaxed, and the system relieves chronic pain and postural imbalances.

MyotherapySM (See Trigger Point Therapies)

Neuromuscular Therapy - 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 hypercontraction 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 lymphiatic flow.

On-Site Massage (See Chair Massage)

Ortho-Bionomy - This system seeks to remind the body of its ability to find balance. The work involves positioning the client, working with points of tension in the body, and using movement. Results can include relieving pain, promoting emotional release, and improving structural alignment.

Orthopedic Massage - This term is used by Whitney W. Lowe and Benny Vaughn to describe their work. Ten modalities are combined to create a comprehensive approach to the treatment of soft-tissue pain and injury conditions. The work shares some elements of sports massage and some elements of medical massage. The Institute offers a 100-hour certification program several times each year at various locations, and also publishes a newsletter "Orthopedic & Sports Massage Reviews".

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy® - Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy is a system of corrective treatment to aid in the restoration of damaged muscles and soft tissue. It is intended to be used as one aspect of treatment for a wide range of muscular and soft-tissue conditions.


Polarity - Developed by Dr. Randolph Stone, polarity focuses on the energy currents that exist in all life. The polarity therapist uses her hands as conductors of energy. The intention is to balance the electromagnetic energy in the body, toward the ultimate goal of uniting the body, emotions, mind and soul. Polarity is commonly taught in massage schools, but programs also exist to teach polarity that have no connection to massage schools. Although many massage schools offer an introduction to polarity as part of their training, few offer a substantial amount of training.

Postural Integration (See Structural Integration)

Pregnancy Massage (or prenatal massage) - This is an adaptation of Swedish massage for the needs of pregnant women. It is sometimes called prenatal or perinatal massage, or massage for the child-bearing year.

Qi Gong – very closely allied to Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage, this may be the most commonly practiced modality in the world. It is routinely used in Chinese hospitals as a healing modality. The name literally means "skill with life energy" and it evolved over two thousand years ago in Tibet and China.

Radiance Technique - The Radiance Technique was formerly called The Official Reiki Program.

Rebirthing - Rebirthing is a technique of conscious breathing that can help in releasing physical, emotional or mental blockages. It is best learned by participating as a client in rebirthing sessions with a certified rebirther. Several books are available that describe the process. The leading author on rebirthing is Sondra Ray.

Reflexology - Reflexology is a system of massaging the feet, or feet and hands, with the intention of affecting other parts of the body. The feet and hands are regarded much like maps of the body, with points on the feet and hands corresponding to organs and tissues in the body. It is thought that sensitivity or tenderness in the feet or hands indicates imbalances in the corresponding body part and by working with the point on the foot or hand, beneficial results can be achieved in the corresponding body part. While many reflexologists spend an entire therapy session working only on the hands and feet (and sometimes ears), some spend approximately half of their time on the feet, and half on Swedish massage.
 
Reiki - Based on the principle of Universal Life Energy or Chi, Reiki is believed to date back to early Tibetan healing practices. Discovered in the 1800's by a Japanese philosopher and Christian seminary educator, Dr. Mikao Usui, Reiki was brought to the United States in the mid-1900s. As an energy healing technique, Reiki involves hands-on touch and visualization applied to the entire body, serving to align chakras and bring healing energy to organs and glands. The practitioner, trained to access and serve as a channel for the life energy, uses a passive touch which some clients experience with a warmth or tingling.

Rolfing® - Ida Rolf was the first to create, practice and teach a system of bodywork aimed toward working with the connective tissue of the body to achieve structural changes in the client. She originally called her system Structural Integration, but it came to be called Rolfing.

Rosen Method Bodywork® - Developed by Marion Rosen, this work emphasizes simplicity. The practitioner contacts contracted muscles and matches the muscle tension. The practitioner follows changes in the client’s breathing as a means of guiding the client’s inner process. The work can bring up buried feelings and memories, and can be a tool for pain relief and personal growth.

Rubenfeld Synergy - This method integrates elements of Alexander, Feldenkrais, gestalt and hypnotherapy into a body-mind therapy that helps clients contact and release energy blocks, tensions and imbalances. Rather than treating illnesses, the practitioner treats the psychophysical problems people carry with them. By dealing with the emotional body, the practitioner can often abate physical symptoms. For information, contact:

Seated Massage (See Chair Massage)

Shen Therapy -  is a remarkable healing modality, not only in its effectiveness but in the wide range of disorders and conditions it can help.  Much more than an aid to grief relief or emotional wellness, SHEN includes precise treatment courses for a range of deeply troubling emotional conditions. By working with their hands to unlock and release long-held traumatic emotions SHEN Therapists and practitioners can eliminate the cause of a great many disorders and in doing so, free clients from the effects of debilitating emotions that prevent them from living their lives in the way they would like. 

Shiatsu (or acupressure) - Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork which uses pressure to points on acupuncture meridians. Practice of shiatsu is usually accompanied by study of Chinese five-element theory and meridians, and it involves a way of looking at the body that is completely different from the "muscles, bones and blood" view of Western science, focusing instead on the flow of life energy through meridians. The name "Acupressure" is sometimes used to mean shiatsu, and is sometimes used to describe a finger-pressure technique similar to shiatsu but not identical.
 
Somatics (also called Somatics Psychology or Somatic Therapy) - "Somatic" literally means "of or pertaining to the body." In the context of Somatics Psychology, it refers to the mind-body connection and makes use of techniques to bring awareness of the mind and the body to each other. It is therefore related to the form "Body-Mind" which is described above.

Spa Treatments - Spa, or Health Spa, refers to an establishment that provides rejuvenating treatments in a residential setting (or non-residential at a day spa). Often at a resort and often luxurious in setting, spas aim for relaxation, therapeutic treatments, and beautification treatments. Modalities such as herbal wraps, seaweed wraps, mud baths, loofa scrubs and salt glows are designed to detoxify and refresh the system. Related to spa treatments is Hydrotherapy, meaning "water therapy." It includes treatments like contrast baths (alternating hot and cold water), and wet sheet wraps. Hydrotherapy is a required course for massage licensure in Texas and Florida.

Sports Massage - Sports massage is an adaptation of Swedish massage. Its purpose is to prepare athletes for sporting activity and help them recover from the exertion of sporting activity. Sports massage trainings vary widely in length, and there is no standard training length.

Structural Integration (or Postural Integration) - This is a generic term for therapies that are related to Rolfing, in that they aim to improve the structure or posture of the client.  See also Hellerwork and Berrywork.

Swedish Massage - One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive and tapping movements with the application of oil to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

Thai Massage - The traditional massage of Thailand.

Therapeutic Touch (TT) - TT is a means of attuning to and directing the universal life energy. The goal is to release congestion and balance areas where the flow of life energy has become disordered. Removal of these blockages facilitates the person’s intrinsic healing powers. TT is most commonly taught to, and used by nurses. However, some massage therapists study TT and incorporate it into their work. Several books are available on TT, including Therapeutic Touch: A Practical Guide by J. Macrae, Knopf, 1988; The Therapeutic Touch by D. Krieger, Prentice-Hall 1979; Therapeutic Touch by Borelli and Heidt, Springer Co., 1981.

Touch For Health (see also Applied Kinesiology) - This is a system for using applied kinesiology to aid the bodyworker. Applied kinesiology makes use of the fact that certain conditions result in weakening of specific muscles. Through muscle testing, the bodyworker gains information about the specifics of the client’s condition.

Trager® - Dr. Milton Trager, M.D., had a gift for bodywork from a young age, and developed his own system of bodywork which emphasizes gentle rocking of the client, and rolling body parts to encourage release and loosening and softening. Some massage schools offer brief introductory trainings in Trager bodywork, giving the massage therapist a glimpse into the system. Massage therapists with introductory training often integrate a bit of the Trager awareness into their massage work.
However, Trager practitioners practice only Trager, at least during a Trager session.

Trigger Point Therapies (Myotherapy SM or neuromuscular therapy) - This refers to any of several systems of working with trigger points. Trigger points are tender congested spots in muscle tissue,  which may radiate pain to other areas. Significant relief results when the trigger point is treated. The techniques used in trigger point therapies are similar to those used in Shiatsu or acupressure, but trigger point therapies are based on western anatomy and physiology. Several institutions have refined the art of trigger point therapy into a self-contained modality, and teach their therapy in a non-massage context.

Tui Na Chinese Medical  Massage - Tui Na is an Oriental bodywork that may be the most commonly practiced bodywork in the world. It is routinely used in Chinese hospitals as a healing modality. The original massage therapy found practiced in the largest health care system in the world. Tui Na is not only the main physiotherapy used in hospitals throughout the far east but also found in health centers where Oriental people go for a relaxing and therapeutic massage. For more information on Tui Na, click the following link Tui Na 

Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy® - This modality was developed by Patricia Cramer, founder of the World School of Massage in San Francisco (school #56). It is based on the Fluid Body Model, and brings liquid consciousness to movement and breathing. Focusing on fluidity frees up tensions and stresses which have been held in the body. Thinking, speaking, listening and bodywork are all part of the system.

Watsu (aquatic shiatsu) - Watsu (from "water" and "shiatsu") began when Harold Dull started floating people, applying the moves and stretches of the zen shiatsu he had studied in Japan. Physical and emotional blocks are removed by the work, which can be done even by small individuals since the client’s body in water is buoyant. It is done in chest-high, 94-degree water.

Yoga therapy - In this method, yoga asanas are used to facilitate healing.

Zero-Balancing  - Developed by Fritz Smith, MD, osteopath, Rolfer and acupuncturist, zero balancing works with the relationship between a person’s physical structure and their energy. The practitioner works with fulcrums, points where structure and energy can be accessed together, to bring about change.

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james@active-health.org