Modalities
Modalities and their Descriptions
Neuromuscular Massage: NMT is the utilization of static pressure (compression) on specific myofascial points (trigger points) to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) using deep effleurage, petrissage, compression, and friction to balance the central nervous system. In a healthy individual, nerves transmit impulses (which are responsible for every movement, function and thought) to the body very slowly. The therapist is educated in kinesiology, biomechanics and the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems. Injury, trauma, postural distortion or stress cause nerves to speed up their transmission, inhibiting equilibrium and making the body vulnerable to pain and dysfunction. NMT addresses 5 elements that cause pain: 1)Lack of blood supply to soft tissues causing hypersensitivity, 2)Highly irritated trigger points in muscles which refer pain to other parts of the body, 3)Pressure and nerve compression or entrapment, 4) Postural imbalance or distortion resulting from the movement of the body off the longitudinal and horizontal planes. 5) Biomechanical Dysfunction or imbalance of the musculoskeletal system resulting in faulty movement patterns (i.e., poor lifting habits, bad mechanics in a golf swing of tennis stroke, computer keyboarding).
Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger point therapy is also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy and applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain. It appears that most muscular pains have a trigger point that causes the muscle to go into spasms. Trigger Point Therapy involves placing pressure on that trigger point so that the muscle can relax and the pain can be lessened. Pressure is generally applied with fingers, knuckles, and elbows. This form of therapy is often followed by stretching the muscles. The basic idea is that the trigger point which is the source of the pain is not always where the patient feels the pain. The trigger point could be several inches away from the place where they feel the discomfort or pain. IT is said that by applying pressure to the actual point of the source the practitioner in turn may be able to control the pain experienced.
Cupping:
Negative pressure, rather than tissue compression is superior for bodywork for pain, stubborn conditions, repetitive strains, inflammation, toxicity, chronic fatigue, disgestive problems and a slough of other issue we confront as we grow older.
Suction cups rapidly facilitate rigid soft tissue release, loosens & lifts connective tissue, breaks up and drains stagnation while increasing blood & lymph flow to skin & muscles in ways not possible using compression.
Another benefit of Cupping is that it can feel really great when done properly for your constitution and current physiology and/or condition. The pulling action engages the parasympathetic nervous system, thus allowing a deep relaxation to move through the entire body. It is not unusual to fall asleep when receiving this treatment. You will be surprised at how relaxed, warm and light you'll feel – hours... sometimes even days afterwards.
Swedish Massage: Swedish massage is now known as "traditional" massage. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments and sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing and over all relaxation.
Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. The term "deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is a separate category of massage therapy, used to treat particular musculoskeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. It should not be confused with "deep pressure” massage, which is one that is performed with sustained strong, occasionally intense pressure throughout an entire full-body session. Deep tissue massage is applied to both the superficial and deep layers of muscles, fascia, and other structures.
Hot Stone Massage: Hot Stone Massage is a massage technique that uses heated stones to relax and massage sore muscles. The stones can be used for their heat alone, or as massage tools used in combination with oil
Lymph System Massage: Lymphatic massage is very light massage, is very relaxing and is used to promote healthy flow of lymph, the clear fluid that flows throughout our bodies. The body system responsible for our immunity is lymphatic system.
Lomi Lomi Massage: Hawaiian for "rub rub," lomi lomi is a massage technique that's been handed down from ancient Hawaiian healers. Spiritual in nature, the strokes used are similar to the shiatsu technique of Japan but are gentler and shorter. Two identifying techniques of authentic Lomilomi are the emphasis on spirit/body connection and the use of forearm and elbow as a massage tool.
Myofascial Release Therapy: All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions and trauma.
Pregnancy Massage: Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman's body and is a time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy, also referred to as Essential Oil therapy, can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It seeks to unify physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to enhance an individual’s innate healing process.
Raindrop Technique:Young Living Essential Oils Raindrop Technique Rejuvenate the mind, balance the body Raindrop Therapy Technique is a powerful yet gentle technique developed by D. Gary Young, Aromatologist and one of North America’s leading experts on the art and science of aromatherapy. The technique involves healing through the etheric and physical bodies by dropping a synergistic combination of nine therapeutic grade essential oils and oil blends directly onto and around the spine from about six inches above the body. The oils are then worked into the spine using light strokes with the fingers which stimulate energy impulses and disperse the oils along the nervous system throughout the entire body. In this way, the body can be brought into balance and the energy centers can be energized and re-aligned. It may also help to reduce spinal inflammations and kill viruses that hibernate along the spinal column. Raindrop Therapy also incorporates the Vita-Flex Technique, a highly specialized form of reflexology developed by Stanley Burroughs, stimulating and supporting each gland and organ. Although a session lasts for about an hour, the oils may continue to work In the body for a week or more following the treatment.
Essential Oils Used in Basic Raindrop Technique:
VALOR – is the first and most important oil used in this therapy because it works on physical and emotional levels, supporting the body’s electrical and energetic alignment and relieving pain along the spine.
THYME – is used for its ability to support the immune system by attacking any bacteria, fungus, infection or virus that may be present. It may also help one overcome fatigue and physical weakness after an illness.
OREGANO – works in conjunction with thyme to strengthen the immune system and to attack bacteria and viruses. It may also act as an antiseptic for the respiratory system, help balance metabolism and help strengthen the vital centers of the body. CYPRESS- is used for its anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and diuretic properties. In addition, it may function as a decongestant for the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
WINTERGREEN – may remove discomfort associated with the inflammation of bones, muscles, and joints. Its primary (natural) constituent, methyl salicylate, has a cortisone-like activity. It may also help cleanse the lymphatic system.
BASIL – is relaxing to spastic muscles and is stimulating to the nerves and to the adrenal glands.
PEPPERMINT – is used to calm and strengthen the nerves, reduce inflammation and is highly effective when dealing with conditions related to the respiratory system. It also has a synergistic and enhancing effect on all other oils.
MARJORAM – is used to relax spastic muscles, soothe the nerves, relieve cramps, aches and pains, and to help calm the respiratory system.
AROMA SIEZ – a highly antispasmodic blend of essential oils that may help to relax sore, tense, or inflamed muscles.
ORTHO EASE MASSAGE OIL – is used to relax all the muscles of the back and legs and to help reduce any stress, arthritic pain or tension that may exist. Calming blend of vegetable oils, and therapeutic grade essential oils of wintergreen, Eucalyptus globulus, thyme, juniper, lemongrass, E. radiata, peppermint, marjoram and vetiver.
The major effects of Raindrop Technique are: Kill bacteria and viruses hibernating along the length of the spine Relieve inflammation and pain Soothe the nervous system Unwind tight and sore muscles, tendons, and ligaments Balance and harmonize the energy and structural systems of the body Produce deep relaxation and facilitate the release of stubborn emotions Enhance immunity and cleanse the body of toxins What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs. While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that simply smells good. Historically, essential oils have played a prominent role in everyday life. With more than 200 references to aromatics, incense, and ointments throughout the Bible, essential oils are said to be used for anointing and healing the sick. Today, essential oils are used for aromatherapy, massage therapy, emotional health, personal care, nutritional supplements, household solutions, and much more. Young Living Essential Oils, the leading provider of essential oils, offers more than 300 essential oil singles and blends. All Young Living essential oils meet the YLTG (Young Living Therapeutic Grade) standard. This means that every essential oil Young Living distills or sources has the optimal naturally-occurring blend of constituents to maximize the desired effect. Only YLTG essential oils should be used for the primary methods of application, which include inhalation and application.