Massage Terminology

Cranio-Sacral – is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or
blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Deep Tissue – releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and
deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of
muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper
layers of muscle tissue.

Effleurage – is a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage treatment. This smooth, gliding
stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Friction – is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep,
circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub
against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

Myofascial Release – is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to
rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized
to release muscular tension.

On-site Massage (also known as chair massage or corporate massage) – is administered
while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs most often
slope forward allowing access to the large muscles of the back. On-site massage usually
lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is intended to relax and improve circulation.

Petrissage (also called kneading) – involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and
usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.

Reflexology – massage based around a system of points in the hands and feet thought to
correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body.

Rosen Method – utilizes gentle touch and verbal communication to help clients to release
suppressed emotions and subsequently muscular tension in some instances.

Shiatsu and Acupressure – Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special
points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body).

Sports Massage – massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to a particular
sport.

Swedish Massage – a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the
more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of
the joints.

Tapotement – is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short,
alternating taps to the client.

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) – applies
concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break
cycles of spasm and pain.