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Also regarded as sports massage, deep tissue massage therapy is a method of treatment wherein pressure is applied to tendons, connective tissue, fascia and muscles under the skin. This type of therapy also affects deep down muscles. Compared to Swedish massage, for instance, deep tissue massage therapy is forceful and can be used not only for athletes but for non-athletes as well.
A therapist is said to be applying this type of massage when his or her fingertips are moving in a slow stroking fashion, which is being employed when the grain of the muscle, tendon or fascia is trailed. Slow stroking fashion is also done when pressure is applied across the grains of the fibers. The purpose of deep tissue massage is to release the tension or the built up strain in the fiber.
Among the benefits of deep tissue massage therapy are relief from pain, relaxed muscles, relief from tension and promotion of healing. Massage therapy also helps the body realign itself, eliminate toxins, help destroy scar tissues, aid in better blood circulation and increase oxygen flow. Moreover, this type of therapy also helps alleviate tension, headaches and neck pain. Trigger points can be reduced because of this therapy and since it is also regarded as a form of sports massage, deep tissue massage therapy can also help heal a sports-related injury, soft tissue damage, relieve back pain, reduce discomfort of "tennis elbow" and lessen symptoms of the so-called "golfer's elbow".
As the therapist utilizes slow yet intense strokes, the effects of the massage go deep into the fiber structure and through any superficial layers. Long, slow strokes may be done with the use of the therapist's forearms, knuckles, fingertips, fists, thumbs, hands and elbows.
Therapists use oil, lotion or a certain cream when applying massage therapy. When done correctly and effectively, the targeted areas will not incur too much pain. There may be a bit of soreness, though, but the positive results will prove to be far more important. A little bit of pain will become trivial if the end results are better, long lasting and favorable to the health in the long run.
Be warned, however, that this type of therapy can be uncomfortable at times. This would then call for the therapist to first warm the soft tissue before going deep into the fibers. Even with the continuous application of pressure, better or best results will be achieved if a comprehensive therapeutic program will be followed. Still, simple stretches and other easy exercises which you can learn from the therapist can also bring about good results.
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Esalen tissue work or Esalen Massage Therapy is a style of massage therapy that combines the classical techniques of Swedish massage, with strokes specifically designed to target the muscles and the circulatory system. It also borrows from the rich heritage of oriental medicine, meditation, gestalt practice, yoga and somatic mind-body psychology, among others. The Esalen philosophy encourages practitioners to combine a wide range of methods to suit the clients' needs. It allows massage therapists to develop their own unique Esalen Massage style in accordance with their background, experience, feelings and special capabilities.
How does it work?
Esalen tissue work differs from Swedish massage in its philosophical approach. The Esalen therapist creates an environment that helps in the formation of a meditative and intuitive-connection between the therapist and the patient. Esalen therapists are expected to be able to intuitively tap into their clients physical and non-physical clues. In this way the therapist will be able to identify where their patient's body is injured or in pain and locate any blockages that are within the body without the patient having to express it verbally.
At the start of an Esalen massage session, the therapists clear their minds and center themselves so that they can respond intuitively to the cues that they receive from the patient's body. The massage itself consists of long, sweeping strokes. An Esalen massage may also consist of periods when the therapist rocks the patient's body, or stretches particular muscle groups. It includes passive manipulation to move a joint through its full range of motion, and the therapist may also sculpt the deep tissues, particularly the extremities and torso, followed by periods rest. The entire Esalen process is meant to encourage total body awareness and relaxation.
The effects of Esalen tissue work range widely. For some, it brings a renewed sense of health and vigor; others may regain a sense of safety with regard to touch. Often old tension patterns break free and the mind is cleared of old emotional baggage.
What are its benefits?
Esalen tissue work stimulates the skin and blood circulation, relaxes the muscles and nervous system, stimulates the metabolism and lymphatic system and stretches tendons and ligaments. It is very useful in the case of ailments such as chronic neck and back pain, tension in the muscles and joints, headaches or migraines, poor circulation, high blood pressure and insomnia.