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Types of Massage

There are a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. We've provided a description of some of the more popular and well known types of massage being used today.


Craniosacral Therapy/SomatoEmotional Release

Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, also spelled CranioSacral bodywork or therapy) is an alternative medicine therapy used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and occupational therapists. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which they say allows them to tune into what they call the craniosacral system. The practitioner gently works with the spine and the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. In this way, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord is said to be optimized, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

SomatoEmotional Release( also called SER) is a therapeutic procedure that uses the concepts of cranio-sacral therapy to free the body and mind of the discomforting side effects of trauma. The therapy focuses on establishing a strong mind-body connection in order for the release of emotional trauma and the resolution of physical symptoms.


Rachel has studied Craniosacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute and completed CST 1, CST2, SER 1, CSP 1, UMAC 1

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic massage".

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is similar to massage during non-pregnancy in terms of the goals (relaxation, pain relief, increased circulation & mobility, etc.). However, due to the changes undergone during pregnancy, modification are made. To accommodate swollen tender breasts and a growing belly, special pillows, positioning and techniques are utilized to ensure comfort for both the expecting mother and baby. With increasing weight, a changing center of gravity and the many other changes associated with pregnancy, prenatal massage can help provide relief and a sense of well being that is much deserved.[1]

Rachel has been assisting women on their birthing journeys for the last 18 years.

Sports Massage/Dance Massage

Sports massage is actually a form of Swedish massage that is delivered to athletes. Most commonly, sports massage focuses on increasing blood and lymphatic fluid flow, reducing and eliminating pain as well as tender trigger points, and increasing range of motion of the affected area. Sports massages can be broken into 4 distinct types - the pre-event sports massage, the post-event sports massage, the restorative sports massage and the rehabilitative sports massage. As the names indicate, each type of sports massage has a different focus for the athlete as they are delivered at different times during their training and performance schedule.


Rachel has experience working with professional dancers, and has been the official massage therapist for Ballet Fantastique for the last 4 years.

KinesioTaping

The KinesioTaping Method is felt to cause physiological effects on several body systems. The systems affected by the body are thought to include the circulatory/lymphatic, neural, muscular, and fascial systems, as well as the joints. Kinesio Taping is currently being used by therapists to change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture. The KinesioTaping Method is a unique method of applying kinesiotape in a specific manner to create changes in the aforementioned systems. Benefits of using the tape are that it is more economical over time than other modalities, it is easy to learn and apply and it may be used over a longer period of time.

Massage Cupping

A wonderful ancient tool has found its place in the contemporary world of health care. Massage Cupping is a modern form of vacuum therapy, and the incredible results that this simple treatment produces have truly impressed those who experience its subtle power. By creating suction and vacuum pressure, Massage Cupping is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachments, loosen adhesions and lift connective tissue, bring hydration and blood flow to body tissues, move deep inflammation to the skin surface for release, and drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing. Although the word “aroma” makes it sound as if the oils are inhaled, they can also be massaged into the skin or taken by mouth. You should never take essential oils by mouth without specific instruction from a trained and qualified specialist. Whether inhaled or applied on the skin, essential oils are beneficial for addressing physical, mental, emotional or spiritual issues and patterns.

Rachel uses only CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils from doTerra®. For more information, please visit mydoterra.com/crimsonspiral.

Plant Spirit Healing

Plant Spirit Healing is a shamanic practice of working directly with the consciousness and healing properties of plants. It enhances well-being on all levels, deepens self-awareness, and mediates integration with our soul selves.

Through Plant Spirit Healing we can:

  • clear, strengthen and balance the chakras, organs and other aspects of our energy systems
  • calming and soothing the heart, mind, spirit and soul during times of stress and tension
  • restore vital force compromised by trauma, injury, illness, or sustained challenges in life
  • release foreign or inhospitable imprints and entities caught or embedded in the energy field
  • renew the spirit and address spiritual malnourishment after a period of struggle or painful loss
  • ease depression, fears, relationship woes, lethargy, fogginess, indecisiveness, insecurities
  • mediate soul retrievals, integration of the mind/body/spirit complex, embodiment of personal power
  • help us clarify our self-identity, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen our true nature
  • enhance our ability to be more consciously, actively, confidently, insightfully engaged in our lives
  • support our capacity to know and fulfill our life purpose, soul mission and personal destiny

[1] Content Copyright ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC dba MassagePlanet.com
[2] Content Obtained from Wikipedia.com.