| MASSAGE METHODS |
| NAME |
PLACE OF ORIGIN |
DESCRIPTION |
| Lomi lomi |
Hawaii and other Pacific islands |
It is a traditional massage practiced by indigenous for thousands of years that has philosophical basis (called "Huna") centered on harmony and balance in all areas of physical and mental health. That is why practitioners habitually start sessions with a chant or prayer.
Lomi lomi literally means "rub". It is a gentle technique that uses long rhythmic and flowing strokes with the hands, elbows, and forearms. It is one of the most relaxing bodywork styles that provides a feeling of wholeness.
Ma-uri Massage is a new Hawaiian form of Lomi lomi developed by Hemi Hoani Fox in 1990, focused on enhances breathing and concentration.
Recently, have become more popular two others ancient Hawaiian forms of massages: Kahi loa and Kahuna.
|
| Qi gong |
China |
It is the basic source of traditional Chinese medicine centered on a vital force or energy responsible for managing the functions of the human body. Qi (or “Chi”) flows through the body via 20 channels ("meridians") which are related with specific organs, organ systems or functions. Imbalances in the circulation of qi produce diseases and its correction re-establishes the body to balance.
This traditional Chinese treatment uses several methods that have originated many other Eastern Asian techniques like acupressure, acupuncture, shiatsu, reiki, jin shin do and Tai Chi Massage (a combined method with the Tao's principles of the Yin and Yang) among others.
|
| Reiki |
Japan |
It means "Universal Life Energy" in Japanese and is based in Qi theory. Reiki is a millenary hands-on healing art rediscovered in the late 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui, who brought it to America.
Currently, Reiki is used as a curative technique of illness and to decrease stress by placing the hands in certain positions ("chakras"). This method employs passive which produces a warmth or tingling feeling.
|
| Cachunga |
Iran |
It is antique Persian massage introduced to the old empire by Darius VIII. This is a method mainly focused on women's body-treatment. Practitioners of Cachunga massage apply oil while a fondling motion is performed in the direction of the heart to improve circulation.
|
| Champissage |
India |
It is a traditional head-massage developed for centuries that joins massage with the more delicate form of chakra balancing. In this technique, aromatic oil has to be applied over all the head.
The word English shampoo has it origin in 1762, inspired in the fragrant flowers for the hair employed in this method.
|
| Cupping |
China and other ancient cultures |
It has been used in traditional medicine for many thousand years to remove what is called "stagnation" in Chinese terms. In this technique, practitioners light an alcohol-soaked cotton ball with a match and introduce the lit portion into a bulb-form glass ("cup") with the aim of generate a vacuum. Then, the cup is placed in a stationary position upon the body or moved employing gliding strokes, according with the patient's requirements.
Cupping is helpful in the treatment of respiratory illnesses and musculoskeletal pain. Ancient belief consider that cupping allow to drain toxins, facilitate blood circulation and stimulate the body.
|
| Zhi Ya & Tui Na |
China |
They are two former systems of manual therapy based on a combination of acupressure and other forms of body manipulation. These techniques range from light and soothing massages to strong and very invigorating movements.
The principal difference between the two methods is that Zhi Ya Massage is mainly focused on acupressure points while Tui Na Massage is principally centered on the kneading of the muscles and tissues.
Both of them are effective treating headaches, constipation, premenstrual symptoms and various emotional conditions..
|
: It is the most common massage technique in the occidental world...
