Massage
Massage is the physical manipulation of soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) that can be used for a variety of purposes ranging from therapy to relaxation. Massage is a broad term. We would like to explore some of the various modalities we offer at Ananda Kula.
Swedish or classic massage
This is what most people envision when they think of massage. The primary purpose of a Swedish massage is relaxation. Stress – physical, mental or emotional – has very real implications on our bodies. Organs, nerves, and our overall ability to focus and concentrate suffer when we are attacked by stress. By receiving a Swedish massage, a person gets individualized attention to physical stress, creating a deeper breathing response which fosters deeper relaxation.
A Swedish massage involves an initial meeting with the therapist to discuss the intended goals of the massage will be. The client is encouraged to express problem areas or areas that should not be worked on by the therapist. The therapist will leave to wash their hands while the client will have ample opportunity to undress to their comfort level and get in between the table and the sheets. The therapist will knock before entering the room, and upon entry will ask if the client is comfortable. The therapist will only expose those areas being worked.
Thai Massage or Thai Yoga
Thai Massage is a technique developed in Thailand and has deep connections with the Ayurvedic tradition of healing. This form of massage utilizes the client’s range of motion and the therapists body weight to apply pressure. Typically, Thai Massage is performed on a cushion on the floor.
Thai Massage is practiced fully clothed. The therapist uses his/her body weight to apply pressure to specific areas of the body. The client should be as passive as possible to allow the therapist to take the client’s body through various range of motions.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of massage therapy that is intended to correct alignment issues, range-of-motion limitations, chronic pain, and post-traumatic effects of accidents. Neuromuscular Therapy is the main form of massage that chiropractors and physical therapists utilize for maximum healing.
Neuromuscular therapists are interested in understanding the causes of postural distortion in relation to pain. By understanding how a person uses their body or were injured, a treatment plan can be created with the aim of creating proper and efficient alignment. Neuromuscular therapists typically use slow, gliding strokes along with static pressure to allow muscles to release. Many times, therapists utilize a technique called ‘Edge.’ This technique allows the client to be intimately involved in the healing process by direct communication with the therapist.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue is a buzz word in the massage community. Massage should always be enjoyable. If a therapist is using too much pressure (or not enough), it perfectly acceptable for the client to ask the therapist to modify his/her approach. Deep tissue massage is a form of massage that utilizes basic massage techniques (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration) in a way that brings the client close to their edge. A deep tissue massage can relieve sore and overstrained muscles.
Sports Massage
Sports massage focuses on the needs of athletes. Sports massage can be thought of in two categories: pre-event and post-event therapy. During pre-event therapy sports massage the goal is to create lengthening, loosening, and appropriate tonacity in the musculature. During a post-event sports massage the intention is to create soothing, relaxation, and calming for hyper-inflamed muscles. Proper care of the body through sports massage is vital to maintaining an athlete’s optimal abilities.
Hot Stone Massage
One of the most relaxing modalities combining heat and pressure, Hot Stone Massage is a spa favorite for good reason. Stones are heated in water before the massage. The client getting massaged is draped with towels over their body as the heated stones are placed around bellies of muscles. Pressure is applied as the heat travels from stone to the body. The heat serves to open vascular pathways, facilitating blood flow to regions that wouldn’t normally receive fresh nutrients. This style of massage is considered a relaxation modality.