Acupressure

A non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure stimulates the flow of vital energy, or chi, circulating along the body's meridians and influencing the functioning of certain internal organs. By applying thumb and fingertip pressure, specific symptoms are relieved and balance is restored to the entire body. It is said to be effective for treating stress, sciatica, arthritis, headaches, fatigue and general irritability. Other forms of acupressure include jin shin jitsu, shiatsu, zen shiatsu, shen tao, jin shen, jin shen do, tuina, acu-yoga and do-in.

  Aikido and Ki Aikido

This non-competitive technique aims to harmonize energy (chi or qi) with that of a partner or opponent to achieve both physical and emotional mastery. It combines many of the fluid, dance-like movements of t'ai chi along with more subtle, stylized techniques. Classes are both group and individual

  Alchemical Bodywork

This process uses bodywork techniques synthesized with hypnosis, allowing practitioners to address the emotional source of chronic tension and pain held in the body and facilitate its release. Practitioners are typically certified in massage, possibly in conjunction with hypnotherapy certification.

Alexander Technique

This awareness practice is an educational method for identifying and changing unconscious negative physical habits related to posture and movement, breathing, stress, tension and negative thinking. One-on-one "lessons" are recommended in a series of 20 to 25 sessions.

AMMA Therapy

In Chinese, amma means "push-pull." Using a combination of many therapeutic massage techniques including shiatsu, reflexology, deep fascial and connective tissue massage, Swedish massage and skeletal manipulation, practitioners attempt to balance the energy flow along meridians.

Aston Patterning

Originated by Judith Aston in 1977, Aston patterning is an integrated system of movement education, bodywork, ergonomic adjustments, and fitness training that recognizes the relationship between the body and mind for well being. It helps people who seek a remedy from acute or chronic pain by teaching them to improve postural and movement patterns.

Bioenergetics and Core Energetics

Stemming from the work of Wilhem Reich as refined by his pupil, psychiatrist Alexander Lowen, this combination of physical and psychological techniques is designed to identify areas of repressed trauma in the body and release blockages in energy flow. Physical exercises, deep breathing and various forms of massage are then used. It is especially effective for asthma, migraine and headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, sleep disorders and stress.

Body-Mind Insight Therapy

Deep tissue work to correct postural imbalances is combined with the techniques of relaxation, visualization and dialogue to achieve a harmonious meeting place for body and mind. This therapy helps people learn about themselves and achieve lasting structural change. Similar techniques include body-mind centering, bodymind integration and body mind integrative therapy.

Bowen Technique

Using physical manipulation of muscle and connective tissue, Bowen technique is designed to balance the body and stimulate energy flow. The technique is named after Australian Tom Bowen, an industrial chemist who, in the 1950s, introduced the concept of having periods of rest between a series of movements within a treatment session. It is effective for sprains and strains resulting from sports activity, back pain, neck pain and virtually any pain of musculoskeletal origin, acute or chronic.

Breema Bodywork

Breema restores vitality at an energetic level through either standardized sets of movements done on oneself, or through treatments given by a practitioner. Based on bodywork techniques from a small Kurdish village, this work was introduced to westerners by Manocher Movlai, a native of the village of Breemava.

Chi Nei Tsang

Chi nei tsang is a holistic approach to massage therapy, said to integrate the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person. It involves an internal organ massage to improve energy flow and restore health, and uses the principles of kung-fu and tai-chi-chuan known as chi-kung.

Core Bodywork

Core bodywork uses mysofascial and structural somatic therapy, promoted by George P. Kousaleos, a practitioner and teacher of structural integration. There are four phases of core body therapy, organized according to the level or layer of fascia, musculature and supporting soft tissues that are manipulated. They are: core massage, core extrinsic, core intrinsic and core integration.

Color Therapy

Color therapy uses the spectrum of colors associated with the body's aura to treat diseases of the body and the mind. An ancient practice from Egypt, Iran, India and China, color therapy is based on research that shows that we perceive color not only through our eyes, but also through the skin, in dreams and meditation. It is said to be effective in treating arthritis, asthma, blood pressure, circulatory disorders, depression, insomnia, migraines, stress and tension. In colorpuncture, vibrations from different colored lights are applied to acupuncture points for a healing effect. Auro-soma combines color therapy with essential oils, herbal medicine and crystal therapy.   

Cranial Osteopathy/Craniosacral Therapy

This specialized treatment approach focuses on the craniosacral system comprised of the brain, spinal cord, meninges, cranial bones and sacrum. The craniosacral system contains fluid which moves with slight but perceptible rhythmic fluctuation. By using gentle pressure, balance is restored to the central nervous system. Promoted by Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician and researcher, craniosacral therapy can help treat brain and spinal cord injuries, central nervous system disorders, motor-coordination impairments and attention deficit disorders. SomatoEmotional Release (SER), another therapeutic process put forward by Upledger, is said to help rid the body and mind of the residual effects of past trauma and associated negative responses.    

Dance Therapy

Dance therapy encourages self-expression through the creative art of dance to improve self confidence and well being. It is said to be useful in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia, anxiety, behavioral problems, headaches, heart disorders, psychological disorders and stress.

Deep Tissue Bodywork

Designed to reach deep portions of thick muscles, this therapy involves slow strokes, direct pressure or friction across the grain of the muscles using the fingers, thumbs or elbows, and aims to release chronic patterns of muscular tension. It may be used in combination with other forms of massage to treat circulatory and heart disorders, back and neck pain, stress, anxiety and depression, and other disorders.   

Feldenkrais

Feldenkrais is movement therapy that identifies how we use or misuse our bodies and the subsequent effect on health. It was developed in the 1940s by Russian-born Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais, who believed people would benefit from working with gravity instead of against it. His techniques correct poor posture and movement habits, and are useful in the treatment of arthritis, back pain, muscle injuries, stress and tension.

Haelan Work™

Haelen work recognizes that people who are in great pain are often unable to focus on the need to integrate body, mind and spirit. It combines therapeutic touch, psychotherapy and counseling. Developed by Janet F. Quinn, PhD, RN, a practitioner of therapeutic touch and holotropic breathwork, Haelan Work attempts to assist people with physical illness to participate in their healing from a more holistic perspective.    

Hakomi

Hakomi is a synthesis of psychotherapy and body therapy designed to work through both developmental and traumatic wounding. "Hakomi" is a Hopi Indian word freely translated as, "Who are you?" This body-centered psychotherapy uses touch, massage, structural and energy work, movement and somatic awareness. Developed by Ron Kurtz in the mid-1970s, it views the body as an interactive, ever-changing and living source of information about the unconscious mind.  

Hellerwork

Hellerwork follows up on the principals of Rolfing, with more emphasis on client/practitioner dialogue. Joseph Heller was the first president of the Rolf Institute and believed that in order to maintain alignment and mobility, clients needed specific movement exercises designed to eliminate their bad habits and to learn how to stand, walk, sit and move most efficiently. More prevention than treatment, conditions such as headaches, aches and pains in the musculoskeletal system and stress related disorders nonetheless respond to this therapy.    

Hemme Approach™

HEMME stands for history, evaluation, modalities, manipulation and exercise. Developed in 1986 by Dave Leflet, MS, LMT, it is derived from aspects of osteopathy, physical medicine, chiropractic and physical therapy. This technique has shown success in treating chronic low pack pain and soft tissue injury. Pain is relieved by restoring alignment and improving myofascial dysfunction.

Hoshino Therapy

Developed by Japanese-born Argentine immigrant Tomezo Hoshino, Hoshino therapy recognizes 250 vital acupuncture pressure points that relate to bio-mechanical functioning of the body. It is said to be particularly effective for soft tissue disorders such as bursitis, tendinitis, back pain and muscular tension.    

Integrative Massage

This technique is designed to move energy from the head down and out through the hands and feet. Smooth and gentle massage techniques are combined with breathwork, focusing on the release of emotional issues through complete breath. Growing out of Reichian-based bodywork, it may also be called "integrative therapeutic massage."    

Jin Shin Jitsu (Jyutsu)

Resurrected and redeveloped from ancient Japanese tradition, jin shin jyutsu is a form of acupressure harmonizing the life force within us. Through evaluating pulses, body conformation and symptoms, the practitioner customizes a session to alleviate discomfort and address cause. Utilizing the hands as jumper cables to reawaken energy, sequences of vital energy points are held to guide, redirect and reestablish harmony in spirit, mind and body.    

La Stone

This relatively new massage treatment has likely been around for ages. Most practitioners use heated basalt rocks to stimulate trigger points along the client's chakra system. Benefits include relief from chronic pain, neck and back stress, and detoxification. Hot and cold stones are used particularly at injury sites, to speed healing and allow for deeper work by the therapist. Hot stone therapy is available at most spas.    

LooyenWork™

This painless deep tissue therapy was introduced by Ted Looyen in 1985. After receiving treatment for his own serious back injury, Looyen developed a deep tissue therapy that does not cause repetition of the initial trauma. It is described as a combination of Rolfing, postural integration, Feldenkrais and Aston patterning.    

Manual Lymph Drainage

In manual lymph drainage, light, rhythmic strokes are used to improve the flow of lymph. Lymph glands act as part of the body's defense system against infection. According to practitioners, by improving lymphatic circulation, different complaints are corrected and the immune system is improved. Lymph drainage is said to be effective for lymphedema that commonly follows mastectomy surgery.    

Massage

The word "massage" can be defined in its simplest terms as rubbing or kneading the body for stimulation or relaxation. But this hands-on ancient therapy has broadened to include more than 100 different methods. Most fall into five basic categories: traditional; European; contemporary Western; structural/functional/movement integration; and Oriental or energetic. Whatever its name, the primary goal of all massage is the same - encouraging relaxation, healing and well-being through touch. Massage is not only a preventative bodywork, it is also useful in the treatment of anxiety, back pain, cancer, circulation problems, colic, depression, headaches, heart disorders, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, insomnia, sinusitis and tension.    

Metamorphic Technique

Metamorphic Technique says that due to limiting beliefs, we fail to realize our potential and become stuck in particular patterns that show up as physical or mental illness or emotional problems. In this non-invasive practice, the practitioner uses a light touch on points known as spinal reflexes in the feet, hands and head. This is not a therapy or a treatment, nor does it address specific symptoms or problems. Instead, it helps patients transform their patterns.

Myofascial Release

Massage-type techniques are employed to coax muscles in spasm to relax. Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and fatigue the body. By applying gentle pressure to connective tissues or fascia, normal alignment and function can be restored and chronic pain eliminated. Developed in the late 1960s by John Barnes, myofascial release can treat neck and back pain, headaches and recurring sports injuries, among other conditions.    

Myotherapy/Trigger Point 

Myotherapy is the diffusion of trigger points in muscles to retrain those muscles and relieve pain. It has been popularized by Bonnie Prudden. Trigger points are usually found in tight bands of muscle that may radiate pain to other areas of the body. For instance, relieving a tense trigger point in the back could help ease pain in the shoulder or reduce headaches. Myotherapy is useful in the treatment of addictions, arthritis, backache, colic, Epstein-Barr, headaches, migraine, sinusitis, sports injuries, tendonitis and TMJ.    

Neuro-Muscular Therapy

This massage technique increases blood flow to specific areas and releases trigger points - intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body. It shares similarities with trigger point massage and myotherapy. A more recently introduced therapy, neuro-emotional technique (NET), seeks to restore imbalances through the removal of biochemical and bioelectrical charges stored in the brain and manifested as illness in the body.     

Ortho-Bionomy

This homeopathic system uses gentle, non-invasive touch, dialogue and movement education in such common activities as sitting, standing and walking. Pioneered in the 1970s by Arthur Lincoln Pauls, DO, a British osteopath, ortho-bionomy loosely translates from the Greek as the "correct application of the laws of life." It has been used to treat arthritis, whiplash, muscle pain and spasms, and imbalanced posture.   

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy

Working across the muscles to manipulate deep tissues, this treatment stimulates circulation and regenerates lymphatic flow to promote detoxification and oxygenation of stagnant tissues. The therapy is named for Therese Pfrimmer, who developed the technique based on her own experience with partial paralysis.    

Point Holding

Point holding is an acupressure technique that requires multiple practitioners to hold acupressure points, designed to achieve emotional release and balance the flow of energy within the meridians.    

Polarity Therapy

Polarity is a holistic therapy that combines therapeutic bodywork, dietary adjustments, counseling aimed at awareness and yoga-style exercises. It was developed by Randolf Stone, a chiropractor and osteopath who believed that illness or pain in the body was cured more readily when awareness and relaxation were included in treatments. He chose the term "polarity" to describe the basic nature of the electromagnetic force-field of the body. Polarity is useful in the treatment of respiratory problems, tension and stress.    

Postural Integration

This body-oriented psychotherapy uses a combination of techniques to realign the body's natural balance. Gentle manipulation, bioenergetics, acupressure, breath-work, neo-Reichian techniques and Gestalt dialogue may all be employed to restore integration. It was introduced in the US by Jack Painter in the late 1960s.    

Qigong (Chi Kung)

This ancient Chinese exercise system aims to stimulate and balance the flow of qi or chi (vital energy), along with the acupuncture meridians, or energy pathways. There are many variations of qigong, but the goal of regulating posture, mind and breath are constant in all forms. Qigong is used to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, enhance immune function and treat a variety of health conditions.    

Rain Drop Therapy

Reborn from an ancient ritual, in which warm liquid substances are dropped through the so-called etheric field onto the spine, rain drop therapy is said to relax and open the body's energy centers. It blends fragrant aromatherapy, soothing heat and gentle massage. Essential oils are methodically dropped onto the spine from five or six inches above the body, then heat from a steaming towel is followed by head, shoulder and foot massage.    

Rebalancing (Osho Rebalancing)

An offshoot of Rolfing, this therapy combines sensitive deep tissue massage, joint release, energy balancing and verbal dialogue to relieve physical pain and tension, facilitate emotional healing and enhance relaxation. It was founded in 1980 by a group of therapists and practitioners of various backgrounds, including Rolfing, postural integration, psychotherapy, pulsation, Trager and cranio-sacral. Rebalancing is done in a 10-session series.    

Rebirthing

This bodywork method utilizes breathing techniques to alter the normal state of consciousness and pass through emotional blockages to overcome traumatic memories. It centers on the belief that conflicts or illnesses in adulthood stem from early childhood trauma. Rebirthing was started in the 1970s by Leonard Orr and psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, MD, and draws on the Indian yoga science of breath, pranayama.    

Reflexology

A massage technique performed on the feet, and less commonly on the hands, reflexology works on the premise that our energy zones correspond to reflex points on the body's surface. It was formally introduced in America by Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose and throat specialist, in 1913. Considered beneficial for both preventing and treating diseases, it is said to be especially effective for digestive and menstrual problems, fatigue, stress and stress-related disorders and chronic conditions. Zone therapy, the term used prior to reflexology, is also used to describe a form of reflexology.    

Reiki

Reiki is the Japanese word for "universal life" and is intended to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Reiki is believed to have evolved as a branch of Tibetan Buddhism. According to writings, the secrets of reiki power disappeared until the late 19th century when Japanese theologian Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese scholar and Christian monk, came upon some ancient Sanskrit manuscripts and rediscovered the healing system. Reiki practitioners transmit energy by a light touch, placing their hands gently in specific positions on the body. It is said to be effective for most emotional, physical and spiritual conditions.    

Rolfing

Often called a deep tissue therapy and sometimes massage, Rolfing is more accurately defined as a holistic form of education and manipulation in the way gravity impacts the human body. Originally called structural integration, Rolfing was pioneered by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf. Rolf maintained that when one part of the body is out of balance, the rest of the body attempts to compensate until the entire structure is weakened. Rolfing can improve posture through the manipulation of the myofascial system, while at the same time easing pain and chronic stress and in general enhancing well-being.    

Rosen Method

This non-invasive therapy utilizing gentle touch and verbal communication was named for Marion Rosen, a German-born physiotherapist who discovered that clients who verbalized their sensations and emotions during treatment sessions improved more quickly than those who did not. Touch is used to detect areas of muscular contraction, areas Rosen referred to as "holding breath." This technique enhances self-awareness and is effective for chronic health conditions.    

Rubenfeld Synergy Method

This blend of bodywork and psychotherapy encourages healing through touch and verbal expression, and aims to treat the cause of a problem rather than its manifestation. It was introduced by Illana Rubenfeld, a former musician and conductor who created the therapy based on her knowledge of and experience with the Alexander technique, Feldenkrais, Gestalt therapy and Ericksonian hypnosis. Practitioners, called synergists, gently move their hands around the client's body to find the tense areas or problem spots.    

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is an ancient and widely practiced Japanese form of acupressure that literally means "finger pressure." The practitioner applies rhythmic pressure for three to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians (energy channels) using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees and even feet. Shiatsu is designed to treat the whole body, but can also be effective for specific ailments. A branch of shiatsu originated in the US by Wataru Ohashi is called ohashiatsu.    

Soma Neuromuscular Integration

Also called soma bodywork, this body/mind therapy usually consists of 10 sessions. Developed in 1978 by Bill M. Williams, PhD, one of the first students of Ida Rolf, soma bodywork achieves changes by structurally balancing the body in gravity and integrating the nervous system.    

Sound Therapy

Like music therapy, this ancient energy therapy works on the theory that constant vibrations or energy waves in the universe affect the internal organs and overall health. It is said to be useful in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia, anxiety, behavioral problems, depression, headaches, heart disorders, manic depression, schizophrenia and stress. Bells, tuning forks, symphonic gongs, drums, rattles and Tibetan singing bowls are traditional healing tools. A related therapy, the Tomatis method, uses the ear to effect change in both the body and mind through music, mostly Mozart and Gregorian chants.    

Sports Massage

This massage is typically used before, during or after athletic events to promote healing and recovery as well as prevention from injuries. It may combine many forms of massage, such as Swedish or deep tissue, but is adapted to each athlete's needs. Sports massage is said to improve focus, training efficiency and recovery.   

Structural Integration

The original term used to describe Rolfing, this therapy seeks to restore the body to its normal vertical alignment through physical manipulation. (Essentially the same as Rolfing, it is said that the public preferred the eponymous title, and the name remained.) It integrates the body in relationship to gravity through manipulating the soft tissues, especially fascia, and is useful for relieving musculoskeletal pain, poor posture and breathing difficulties, and for improving well-being.     

Swedish Massage

Most modern methods of massage derive from this classic Western form of massage. A Swedish doctor, Per Henrick Ling, developed the first modern systematization of massage based on his study of gymnastics and physiology and on techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. These techniques include long gliding strokes, kneading, friction and shaking movements. Massage is effective for almost any condition but especially to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, back and neck pain, promote general relaxation and decrease stress.    

T'ai Chi Chaun (T'ai Chi)

This Chinese martial art practice is both a discipline for self-defense and an exercise system to promote healing and encourage spiritual enlightenment. Graceful, slow, body movements are performed to achieve a state of relaxation of body and mind. There are five major styles of t'ai chi, and all are intended to cultivate chi, or vital energy force of the body. It can be used for most stress-related problems, and also to encourage healing and rehabilitation. Improves flexibility, circulation and balance.     

Thai Massage

Also called nuad bo-rarn, Thai massage is an ancient Siamese (Thai) bodywork system designed to unblock trapped energy and improve vitality by applying pressure along the meridians, called sen. More than 2,500 years old, it makes up one of the four components of Thai medicine, which also include diet, medicine and herbal remedies, and spiritual or magical practices.    

Therapeutic Touch

This energetic therapy employs a laying-on-of-hands technique, with certain Eastern-inspired theories of energy flow. It was developed by Dolores Krieger, an RN and nursing professor at New York University in the early 1970s. Krieger was inspired by research showing the effectiveness of psychic healing. Therapeutic Touch (TT) has been used successfully by hospital nurses to treat illness, promote relaxation and ease anxiety.     

Touch For Health

This self-help system of muscle testing promotes energy flow to organs and glands by identifying and strengthening individual weaknesses. Based on the system of applied kinesiology developed by George Goodheart, DC, touch for health is also the name of a 1973 book, written by John Thie, DC. Thie believed the average person could understand and benefit from such a diagnostic tool. Muscle testing reveals weaknesses even before symptoms manifest. Relief to the weak muscle provides relief to the affected organs.    

Trager

Trager is designed to help release deep-seated physical and mental patterns, and facilitate deep relaxation, increased physical mobility and mental clarity. Milton Trager began teaching bodywork when he was 17 years old and introduced Trager instruction at Esalen in 1975. This reeducation and neuromuscular release technique is reinforced by "mentastics," simple exercises designed to keep the body open and pain-free. It is especially helpful for those with mobility problems, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological disorders, asthma, headaches and migraine, and high blood pressure.     

Trauma Touch Therapy™

Trauma touch therapy (TTT) is a certified program designed to meet the needs of clients with trauma and abuse histories. Therapists encourage empowerment and choice, which assists clients in accessing a bodily experience in a safe, nurturing environment. This work is done on an individual basis and supports the psychotherapeutic process.    

Watsu (Water Shiatsu)

Watsu combines the meridian stretches and acupressure of Zen shiatsu with yoga and ballet-like postures, all performed in water. A practitioner works closely with the patient in warm, chest-high water to perform techniques that relax the muscles, unlock joints and release the body from gravity. Pioneered by Harold Dull in 1980, the ultimate goal of Watsu is to free the spine and increase the flow of chi along the meridians.    

Yoga/Yoga Therapy

Yoga is an ancient holistic Indian system of exercises, postures, breathing, meditation and relaxation. Classic texts say yoga works to promote health by increasing the body's store of prana or vital energy often blocked by inactivity, stress, emotional troubles, poor diet and other factors. Yoga is said to relieve various physical ailments, reduce anxiety and relieve stress.    

Zen Shiatsu

This method of acupressure includes the practice of strenuous Buddhist meditation. It incorporates the creative use of the whole body, along with stretches and leverage to awaken the healing channels of the body. Practitioners may apply heavy pressure, using their full body weight when they press the points.     

Zero Balancing

Developed by Fritz Smith, a doctor, osteopath and acupuncturist, zero balancing integrates Eastern principles of energy and healing with Western scientific investigation of anatomy and quantum physics. Moderate pressure is applied to key joints in the body, typically through clothing. The goal is to relieve physical and mental symptoms, to improve ability to deal with stress, and to organize vibratory fields.  

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