Swedish massage is the most well-known and widely practiced type of massage in the Western world. It's often referred to as a classic or "relaxation" massage. The primary goal is to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation.
Deep tissue massage is a type of therapeutic massage that focuses on realigning the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Unlike Swedish massage, which is primarily for relaxation, deep tissue massage is used to treat specific problems, such as chronic pain, postural issues, and muscle injuries.
Gua Sha (pronounced "gwah-shah") is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves "scraping" the skin with a smooth-edged tool. The term "Gua Sha" is derived from the Chinese words for "to scrape" (gua) and "rash" (sha), which refers to the small red or purple spots that can appear on the skin after the treatment.
A hot stone massage is a form of massage therapy that uses smooth, heated stones—typically basalt, a volcanic rock that retains heat well—to warm and relax the muscles. The heat from the stones helps to increase blood flow and ease muscle tension more deeply and effectively than a standard massage.
Tui Na (pronounced "twee-nah") massage is a traditional Chinese therapeutic bodywork that is one of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The name translates to "push" (tui) and "grasp" (na), which describes some of the techniques used.
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine that involves placing special cups on the skin to create a suction effect. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues upward, which is thought to increase blood flow, release muscle tension, and promote healing.
IASTM stands for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. It is a specialized form of manual therapy that uses handheld, often stainless steel, tools to massage and scrape the skin. The purpose of IASTM is to help a practitioner identify and treat soft tissue issues like muscle adhesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that has been used for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. This treatment is often used for pain relief and to promote overall well-being.
Fire cupping is a traditional healing technique that uses a flame to create suction inside a glass cup, which is then placed on the skin. The heat from the flame rapidly removes oxygen from the cup, and as the air inside cools, a vacuum is created. This suction pulls the skin and underlying soft tissues upward into the cup.
RMT, R.Ac., R.Tcmp