" I hear these terms often, deep tissue massage,swedish massage, shiatsu. What do they mean? "

Massage Terminology

Cranio-Sacral – is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Deep Tissue – releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
Effleurage – is a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage treatment. This smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Friction – is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

Petrissage (also called kneading) – involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.

Reflexology – massage based around a system of points in the hands and feet thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body.

Rosen Method – utilizes gentle touch and verbal communication to help clients to release suppressed emotions and subsequently muscular tension in some instances.

Shiatsu and Acupressure – Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which treat special points along acupuncture "meridians" (the invisible channels of energy flow in the body).

Sports Massage – massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport.

Swedish Massage – a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.

Tapotement – is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client.

Trigger Point Therapy (also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) – applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.

Orthobionomy-Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based form of body therapy which is highly effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns. A strong focus is placed on the comfort of the individual, no forceful manipulations are used. The practitioner also suggests home exercises that individuals can do to further facilitate the neuromuscular re-education process begun in the session. Ortho-Bionomy is very effective in helping alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.

TMJD( Temporal Madable Joint Dysfunction)- usually results in headache or facial pain, Some people even have  jaw clicking and popping when they open thier mouth. The Technique I  use for this treatment works the muscles in the face. Mostly in the temporal and the mandable area, which is from the hing of your jaw all the way down to the front of your mouth. Some might find it strang for a therapist to do one of the techniques, but I am trained and it works remarkably. That is to actually use a glove like a Dentist would and reach inside the jaw to release trigger points around the gum line. The results are amazing.

So your stressed out, when is the last time you stopped long enough to watch a sunset or sunrise ?
Stopped to smell your favorite flowers ?
Layed underneath the stars or in a field of soft  grass ?

If you can't answer the question, it's time. Click here for a nice start