Aromatherapy Massage
Massage using a preparation of fragrant essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits; broadly, the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being.
Ashiatsu
From the Japanese words "ashi," meaning foot, and "atsu," meaning pressure, this is an incredibly relaxing and deep massage therapy. The therapist uses overhead bars for balance while using foot pressure to bring about release and structural change in chronically sore, tight tissues and to stimulate circulation.
CBD Massage
Uses CBD-infused oils and massage products to help relieve inflammation, aches and pain.
Couples Massage
A couples massage is a shared experience – a massage for two people, at the same time, in the same private room, but on two separate massage tables and performed by two massage therapists.
Deep-tissue Massage
Massage method focusing on aligning the deep layers of muscles and connective tissue (called fascia) through kneading and applying slow, intense pressure. Benefits include improved range of motion and posture, and stress and pain relief.
Effleurage
Massage technique involving quick, long strokes used at the beginning and end of certain treatments.
Endermologie
French massage therapy said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Four-Handed Massage
A massage administered by two therapists at the same time often with choreographed movements.
Hot Stone Massage
Treatment in which smooth heated stones are placed on or used to stroke areas of the body, such as the back, palms and between the toes. This type of massage is intended to relax tight muscles.
Lomi Lomi
LOW-mee-LOW-mee Hawaiian massage technique derived from ancient Polynesian cultures. Sometimes referred to as the "loving hands" massage because of its gentle, continuously flowing and rocking motion. May include gentle stretches and joint rotation, as well as traditional rituals or prayers.
Lulur
LOO-lur Body treatment evolved from a traditional Javanese wedding ceremony, that typically involves a coconut oil massage, exfoliation with a mix of rice and fragrant herbs, a floral bath and a yogurt moisturizer.
Lymphatic Drainage
Therapeutic massage technique intended to increase circulation and drain trapped water and toxins from the body through the lymphatic system using delicate, wavelike movements on the face and neck or entire body. Used to reduce swelling, detoxify, regenerate tissue and relieve pain and stress.
Polarity Massage
Therapeutic, relaxing treatment involving hands placed along the energy meridians, stretching and light rocking to bring the body’s own energy into balance.
Poultice
Consisting of a paste-like substance spread on or between layers of cloth, poultices are a long-standing traditional remedy used most often to relieve swelling and inflammation. Contemporary spas incorporate this technique (often with all-natural ingredients such as muds, herbs and botanicals) into massage treatments and other therapeutic modalities.
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on ancient techniques that use pressure-point massage, usually on the feet but also on the hands and ears, to restore the flow of energy throughout the body. Practitioners believe that areas on feet and hands correspond to other areas throughout the body. Used to relieve symptoms of such conditions as back pain, migraines, arthritis, sleep disorders, injuries and stress.
Shiatsu
shee-AHT-soo Japanese for finger pressure. Japanese massage technique in which the therapist applies pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate and unblock meridians (pathways through which energy is said to flow). Similar to acupressure, but involves active and passive exercises and stretching and the therapist diagnoses the patient as the treatment is in progress.
Swedish Massage
Classical European massage technique manipulating muscles with the use of massage oils and five different movements: long strokes, kneading, tapping, friction and vibration. Used to soothe tense muscles, increase circulation and flexibility and de-stress. Generally considered the most popular type of massage in the world.
Thai Massage
Full-body treatment that involves passive, yogalike stretching and pressure-point massage along the body’s major energy channels to release blocked energy, relieve tension, align the skeletal structure and increase flexibility. Traditionally done on the floor with client wearing loose clothing.
Trager Massage
Therapy developed by boxing trainer Milton Trager, MD, that uses gentle, rhythmic movements to relieve tension, ease movement (especially in joints) and induce relaxation. Compressions, elongations and light bounces as well as rocking motions are involved.