What Exactly Is Massage Therapy?   Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues(the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.   Some Benefits Of Massage:   1. Relaxing. 2. Soothing. 3. Healing. 4. Reassuring. 5. Eases tension, stiffness, and pain. 6. Improves breathing. 7. Improves circulation. 8. Enhances well-being.         The Effects Of Massage: Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy.At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.   Massage is a systematic manual application of pressure and movement to the soft tissue of the body--the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (the membrane surrounding muscles and muscle groups). I believe that the combination of techniques and styles are the most effective way to a great massage. Since each client's needs are different, a different style, technique and approach are applied accordingly. Acupressure: "Finger Pressure" is the definition for Acupressure. It uses gentle, sustained pressure on specific points on the body to relieve stress, tension and muscular pains, and allows the body to eliminate toxins. Meridians are invisible energy pathways throughout the body that carry the vital life force and the acupressure points are located on these meridians. Aromatherapy: Aromas extracted from plants, this practice is used to open the gateway of the mind and bring forth memories, feelings, and emotions. Some are more affected than others. In the past, essential oils were used to treat the battle wounds of French soldiers during WW II. Neuromuscular Massage: Also known as trigger point therapy, this technique applies concentrated finger pressure to painful areas in muscles called trigger points. Reflexology: This is referred to as Reflex Zone Therapy of the Feet. The feet are considered to be representatives as a central switchboard, from where observable effects over the whole body could be provoked. The feet are constantly being used and abused. We should take the time and thank them for their hard work and Reflexology is one of the best ways of accomplishing this. Swedish: A collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Effleurage: Slow, rhythmic, gliding strokes; Petrissage: Kneading, pressing, and rolling muscle groups; Friction: Steady pressure or tight circular movements across muscle fibers without moving across the skin, often used in areas around joints; Percussion (Tapotement): Drumming hand movements on broad areas of the body, particularly the back; Vibration and Jostling: Vibration entails rapid movements by the therapist to transmit an oscillating action, Jostling requires rapid shaking of a muscle back and forth. Shiatsu: Definition literally means finger pressure. Natural body weight is used when pressure is applied on special points of the body. Through this pressure, the energy "Chi" flows in the meridians "channels of chi". When chi stagnates, the body becomes ill. Each meridian corresponds with an organ and is named after that specific organ. This technique is used mostly on the floor for better manipulation. Deep tissue: Slow strokes and deep finger pressure on areas that simply ache or feel contracted. This is used to go deep into the layers of muscles and fibers. When an area is over worked or injured, layers of scar tissue are formed. This is the way the body protects itself, causing shortening of the muscle (contracted state) and restricting our mobility in that affected area. Over time, toxins are released. Sports: The intent is to warm muscles, increase circulation, and invigorate the athlete. In general, sports massage techniques are deeper, more vigorous, more intense, and more interactive. Open palm sweeping and kneading are commonly used.