Reflexology, also referred to as zone therapy, is an alternative medicine method.
It is based on Eastern beliefs involving the practice of massaging, or applying pressure to specific pressure point
areas of the body, (specifically many are in the feet, but they are in other areas as well,) with the goal of encouraging
a beneficial effect on other areas of the body. It is believed that there is
a link between a certain spot on the foot which then has a tie to a specific organ or internal function. By applying pressure to that specific spot you can then improve the health and function of the organ.
Aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage, but
it is done with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added into the massage oil
or lotion. The sense of smell is attached to a part of the brain called the limbic
system. This system has an influence on the nervous system and hormones, as well
as controlling emotions. When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are
transmitted that can affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system. Different oils have different
healing properties that can be calming and cleansing as well as energizing
and uplifting.
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The next category of massage is considered to be more therapeutic.
These include the Deep Tissue (also sometimes referred to as a sports massage) and neuromuscular massage.
A Deep Tissue massage uses many of the same styles and techniques used in the Swedish, but the
pressure applied is going to be a bit more intense. They will also tend to be
more focused, as the areas of constant tension and knots (called adhesions) get more time and attention so they can be worked
out. The therapist works to break up these adhesions and loosen the connective
tissue in order to relive pain and restore normal function and movement.
A Neuromuscular massage focuses on the treatment of trigger points as well as the stretching of
the muscle. Trigger points are painful points located within tight bands of muscle,
and are treated with sustained pressure, also referred to as ischemic pressure and can range from very light to heavy. By applying pressure and softening these points, constant pain can be reduced, range
of motion can be improved, and it can even correct postural distortions.
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