what do these massage terms mean? and what do I need?

It can be a bit confusing reading through various offerings for massage when you’re unfamiliar with bodywork terminology. Even if you’ve had the good fortune to receive many massage treatments, who the heck knows what Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation means, anyway?!

Here is a brief guide to help you figure out what is best for you!

Acupressure is the application of pressure (as with the thumbs or fingertips) to the same discrete points on the body stimulated in acupuncture that is used for its therapeutic effects (such as the relief of tension or pain).

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils (also known as volatile oils) from plants (flowers, herbs, or trees) for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, noninvasive hands-on treatment that aims to improve the function of the body's connective tissues, membranes, fluids, and bones. It's based on the idea that the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and central nervous system, is a hydraulic system that regulates fluid pressure. CST practitioners use gentle pressure on the skull and spine to release tension and re-establish the body's natural wave of fluid circulation. 

Cupping  is an ancient healing method that may ease back pain, neck pain, headaches and other issues. It uses suction to pull on your skin and increase blood flow to the affected area, and can cause temporary skin discoloration.

Deep Pressure is a massage technique that involves a massage therapist applying more pressure to the body. The pressure can vary depending on the area being massaged, and the therapist can adjust the pressure incrementally.  It differs from a deep tissue massage because it doesn't have to target a specific muscle group.

Deep Tissue massage targets chronic tension in muscles that lie far below the body's surface. Deep muscle techniques involve slow strokes, direct pressure or friction movements that go across the muscle grain. Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. It can relieve muscle pain and stiffness and provide stress-relieving relaxation for the body and mind.

Effleurage is a form of massage involving a circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand. Effleurage can be firm or light without dragging the skin, and is performed using either the padded parts of the finger tips or the palmar surface of the hands. Lotion may or may not be used.  This technique is used to increase blood circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote relaxation, and feels very calming and relaxing.

Gua Sha/Scraping/Graston Technique is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves scraping the skin with a tool to relieve pain and tension. The Graston Technique is a manual therapy that uses stainless steel instruments to treat soft tissue injuries and pain. It's also known as instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).

Hot Stone therapy is a type of massage in which the therapist places smooth, hot stones on your back. These stones provide heat therapy to the muscles, which can help reduce tension and pain. The stones used in hot stone massage are typically basalt, volcanic rock that is usually high in iron, which allows them to absorb heat.

Medical Massage, also known as clinical or treatment massage, is a massage therapy that uses various massage techniques to treat specific medical conditions. Medical massage therapists are licensed massage therapists (LMTs) who work closely with doctors to treat patients with pain, illness, or injury. 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique used to mobilize lymph fluid from a congested area to areas of the body where fluid can drain normally.  More information can be found here.

Myofascial Therapy is a massage technique that focuses on relieving pain in your myofascial tissues. These are the thick connective tissues that support your muscles. Your myofascial tissue is a network of tissue that spreads throughout your entire body. It connects your muscles, joints, and bones, and also provides support to your organs, helping to keep them in place.‌

Petrissage is a massage technique that applies deep pressure to the underlying muscles. Kneading, wringing, skin rolling, and pick-up-and-squeeze are the petrissage movements. They are all performed with the padded palmar surface of the hand, the surface of the finger and also the thumbs. This can be very relaxing, but be sure to tell your therapist if the pressure is too much – more is not always better when it comes to muscle tissue.

Pin & Stretch technique is a massage technique that involves pinning a muscle in place and then stretching it. It's also known as Active Release Therapy (ART).

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a therapeutic exercise technique that uses stretching and isometric contractions to improve range of motion, flexibility, and coordination. PNF is often used in clinical and athletic settings to rehabilitate injuries and improve performance. 

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It may provide pain and stress relief, among other benefits, and is based on the theory that your hands, feet, and ears are connected to certain organs and body systems.

Reiki a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

Relaxation Massage is a gentle and soothing massage that is designed to help you unwind and de-stress. It involves slow and rhythmic strokes, gentle kneading, and light pressure on the muscles, and is very calming for the nervous system and overworked adrenals.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork based on concepts in traditional Chinese medicine such as qi meridians. Shiatsu focuses on stretching muscles to relieve tension in specific areas of your body. Some people have reported that Shiatsu is too deep or too painful for them.

Sports Massage is targeted, aiming for overall relaxation and stress relief. It focuses on the areas of the body that are most used and stressed during physical activities, making it a valuable tool for those who push their bodies for performance.

Strain/Counterstrain or Positional Release Therapy is a system of gentle but precise manipulation of the soft tissues responsible for creating dysfunctions via protective reflex arcs. The objective is to shut-off these reflex arcs by recognizing their manifestations and working in cooperation with the symptoms they create.

Tapotement is a rhythmic percussion technique used in Swedish massage that involves tapping the body with the hands, fingertips, or soft fists.  Tapotement can help warm up and soften muscle tissue and strengthen deep tissue muscles.  While this technique can be calming to some, others can find it distracting or triggering to the nervous system.  If you have previous experiences with abuse, this may not be a great technique for you.

Thai Massage is always performed clothed, on a mat, or on the floor. Recipients are guided through a series of yoga-like stretches, as well as a combination of abdominal work, breath cues, deep tissue massage, and application of pressure to specific points on the body.

Trigger Point therapy is a soft tissue technique that works to release painful  tension in muscles and fascia that you would usually experience as a knot. There are many different approaches to trigger point therapy including soft tissue work, deep tissue massage, dry needling and ischemic pressure.

Tui Na is an ancient form of massage that focuses on balancing a person’s energy. Practitioners use various techniques, including kneading, pressing, rolling, and stretching.