Reflexology is not so much massage as it is a form of bodywork that consists of the application of pressure to certain points (or triggers) in the feet and hands. “Foot and hand reflexology is a scientific art based on the premise that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all body parts,” explains Director of ASIS Massage Education located in Arizona, Joseph Rongo.
Unlike Swedish massage, which is mostly used for relaxation, Shiatsu is usually sought out by clients who seek relief from some kind of ailment. Joseph Rongo, Director of ASIS Massage Education, stresses the importance of the philosophy behind Shiatsu: “A primary precept of Zen Shiatsu is the importance of remaining in a Zen-like—a present state—when practicing. Be in the moment.”
In laymen’s terms, Swedish massage is most commonly used for relaxation. If your client simply wants to unwind and isn’t seeking alternative therapies for chronic pain or other ailments; Swedish massage is the way to go. However, there is an additional benefit to Swedish massage, one other than relaxation.
Sports Massage is becoming more and more popular, especially after the last Olympics. Many athletes use massage therapy to maintain peak performance and to help recover faster when they do succumb to an injury. Sports or athletic organizations, such as those that own sports teams, employ massage therapists for those same reasons.
As you’ve been learning throughout our series on massage modalities, there are many kinds of massage. So far we’ve covered several, including Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Neuromuscular Therapy, Connective Tissue Therapy, and Sports Massage. In this article, we will briefly go over the healthcare-related modalities medical massage, oncology massage, and pregnancy massage.