The Healing Power of Touch

Acupressure

The philosophy guiding acupressure practitioners is that injury or illness can block the flow of energy through the body, creating muscle tension and other types of discomfort. Unblocking the flow by pressing and holding specific “energy points” restores energy flow and health.

Craniosacral 

This combination of head massage and acupressure is said to release tension and restore energy balance by relaxing the head and neck muscles and promoting circulation to the brain.

Deep-Tissue

This sometimes painful technique involves manipulating the fascia, a thin layer of tissue supporting and connecting the muscles. Past injuries may make the fascia tight. 

Lymphatic Drainage

This technique uses rhythmic touch and pressure on the lymph glands, supposedly to detoxify the body by speeding elimination of waste. It is said to ease water retention.

Reflexology

Proponents believe that certain spots on the feet, hands, and ears provide direct pathways to various other body parts and organs. When these spots are pressed, rotated, grasped, and patted, the corresponding body parts benefit. 

Shiatsu

Named by combining the Japanese words shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure, shiatsu is an ancient form of acupressure massage. It traditionally is done on the floor with the client fully clothed.

Swedish

The classic massage technique, it relies on five basic strokes—kneading, rubbing, pressing, and light pounding—to work out muscle kinks, promote relaxation, and improve blood and lymph circulation.

Watsu

This new form of shiatsu massage, developed in the 1980s, is done in a small pool of warm water. Its free-flowing, relaxing, and meditative qualities are said to help those who experience it to recall soothing memories from early childhood.