13/08/2025
There are so many options...
What's right for me?
It's been ages since I sent out an email about massage! I've been spending time getting information out there about Self Care Saturday and online workshops, for sure, but have skipped chatting about what I've actually done the longest! Before we dive into the various massage modalities, I'm stoked to share that I'm working on my Relational Anatomy as well as an Introduction to Ayurveda online programs, hopefully launching them later this year. Relational Anatomy mirrors what I teach as part of the 300 hour yoga teacher trainings where we delve more into how our muscles work together and how we relate more to yoga students, as well as improving our communication as teachers with students and health care providers. The Introduction to Ayurveda looks at seasonal self care based on your personal constitution and body type, because no two people are exactly alike, so there is no One-Size-Fits-All approach to our wellness. I have come to really admire the Ayurvedic model of wellness, especially as it ties in so well with yoga like sister sciences. Huh, imagine that!
Anyway, back to massage... Have you ever wanted to get a massage but weren't sure which style would be best? Or have you talked to a massage therapist and been overwhelmed by all the options they can offer? Let's consider this short article your Massage 101 course.
Relaxation massage - you've had a stressful time lately, and you'd like to be able to just relax on a table with some mellow music, a warm table, and not a lot of chit chat. Sounds divine, doesn't it? Look for massage modalities like Swedish Massage, Gentle Massage, Relaxation Massage and more. There won't be a lot of pressure applied in these sessions. They focus more on letting your mind wander and letting your body settle onto the massage table. You can add aromatherapy, polarity, Reiki, heated or cooled stones, and more to these sessions to deepen the relaxation effect.
Sports massage - you've gone gung ho working out and are feeling super sore from lifting weights, kickboxing, dancing like mad, cycling, running or some other such physical exertion. Look for modalities like Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and such. You will definitely feel the therapist's elbows, forearms, and feet even! They'll use lots of pressure to move lactic acid out of your muscles. You can expect to be sore after this sort of massage, but only for a day or two. It's almost like a work out from your work out.
Therapeutic massage - you have some chronic issues in your shoulders, or your lower back, or your hips, or you have a specific soft tissue medical diagnosis even. You've tried all sorts of things to work it out, yet it's just persistent and kinda irritating. Look for modalities like Neuromuscular Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Tendon and Ligament Massage, Rehabilitative Massage, Structural Integration, Rolfing, you get the gist. These won't normally be full-body massage experiences. The therapist will focus primarily on these problem areas, using trigger point therapy, T-bars, cross-fiber friction, and other neuromuscular and therapeutic techniques to get your muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves to work better together. Trust me, you'll most definitely feel this work a few days later.
Integrated massage - what if you can't decide? What if all of the above sound delightful in their own way? Well then, I suggest scheduling with a seasoned massage therapist who tends to be able to customize sessions to what you're wanting in the moment. Look for someone who has a lot of letters after their name, and who is board certified (BCTMB), more than likely.
Where does Ashiatsu fit into all this? Well, first off, it's a style of massage where I use my feet instead of my hands, and interestingly enough, I can do any of the above styles with both my hands and my feet. Ashiatsu tends to feel like a full body deep tissue because I believe the larger surface area of the foot fools your brain and lets me work deeper than I could with a smaller surface area of my hands or my elbows. If you're not sure, just ask to try it out. Most people know within the first two minutes if Ashiatsu is for them or not!
The more specific you can be about the sort of work you'd like to receive, the happier your massage therapist will be, because we can shift between all the modalities we know to best meet your needs. It's as easy as starting the conversation the next time you walk into the massage room.
Here's the catch, you have homework. The more you can be part of your bodywork experience and be more aware of your stressors, your triggers, your tensions, the better you'll feel in the long run. The massage experience will last longer, the more you make relaxing and good self-care based decisions between your sessions.
So what are you waiting for? Get something scheduled, like now!
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