Here’s an A-to-Z of some of the most popular types of massage therapy:

Acupressure: Originated in ancient China and uses finger pressure applied to acupuncture points on the skin to regulate the flow of qi (vital energy) in the acupuncture meridians. Acupressure techniques are a part of many other therapies, including Shiatsu, tui na, Shen Tao, and Jin Shin Do.

Amatsu: Originated in Japan this is a modern day combination of anma massage, Seitai (bone adjustment), Shinden-jutsu (balancing of the ligaments and soft-tissue massage), and Kenkujutsu (Japanese cranial therapy). This therapy has recently been introduced to the West.

Anma: The oldest form of massage in Japan. Uses the thumbs, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, and feet to press, stroke, stretch, and percuss the skin. This massage is performed through clothing and no oils are used.

Aromatherapy: Combines massage with the use of essential oils extracted from plants, which are inhaled as well as absorbed through the skin.

Ayurvedic massage: Traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, employs several types of massage. Marma massage involves the application of pressure to a range of special marma points on the body, similar to the acupoints of acupuncture. Other types of massage are selected according to the person’s dosha or ‘vital energy’ type and use different oils, pressure, friction techniques, and speeds. Specialist techniques include Chavutti Thirumal, a South Indian massage done with the feet and toes by a therapist suspended on ropes, and Indian Head massage, also known as champissage, which involves scalp, neck, face, ears, and shoulders massage.

Baby massage: Incorporates gentle massage strokes and stretches to stimulate the baby’s immune system and aid digestion and relaxation. Biodynamic massage: Created by Norwegian physiotherapist and psychologist Gerda Boyesen, this massage therapy is designed to release physical and energetic blockages in the muscles and abdomen.

Chua Ka: An ancient form of Mongolian massage using a stick, called a ka, and the hands to massage deep into the muscles and release tension and fear. Deep-tissue massage: Uses deep finger pressure and slow movements to break down scar tissue and compacted muscle fibres to release toxins, and ease tension and pain.

Do-In: A traditional Japanese system for personal and spiritual development combining self-massage, acupressure, and shiatsu stretches with macrobiotic diet, breathing exercises, and meditation. Hot stone massage: Warm stones are placed on the body to increase circulation and relax muscles, or cool stones are used to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Hydrotherm massage: This massage is performed while you lie on a mattress filled with warm water. Indonesian massage: This deep massage uses the thumbs to penetrate deep into the muscles and soft tissue.

Jin Shin Do: Meaning ‘the way of the compassionate spirit’, this is a modern day synthesis of acupressure, Qi gong exercises, and psychology, developed by Iona Teeguarden in the US.

Kahuna: Sometimes called Lomi Lomi, this Hawaiian form of deep-tissue massage uses long, flowing strokes, rhythmical pressure and oils over the whole body. Manual lymphatic drainage: Danish physician Dr Emil Vodder developed this technique in the 1930s, using gentle touch and rhythmical movements to improve the flow of lymph (colourless fluid that surrounds the tissues and circulates via lymph vessels). J. R. Casley-Smith combined lymphatic drainage with skin care, compression bandaging, and special exercises to create complex physical therapy (CPT); while Australian Grace Halliday devised deep lymphatic therapy (DLT), by combining systematic lymphatic massage with hot foments (applied steam heat).

Myofascial massage: A technique used in Rolfing (see Chapter 16) and sports massage (see below) involving compression and skin rolling to stretch the fascia (tissues surrounding the bones and muscles), relieve pain and injury and increase mobility.

Neuromuscular therapy: Also known as trigger-point therapy or myotherapy, this involves concentrated thumb/finger pressure to trigger points – tender points that have become sensitive due to lack of flow of blood and nutrients.

On-site massage therapy: This is brief massage taken into the workplace using a special portable chair, which you sit on and lean forward in while massage is applied to the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands.

Pregnancy massage: Gentle massage techniques to improve blood flow and reduce pregnancy discomfort. Reflexology: The application of fingertip and thumb pressure to points on the soles of the feet believed to be connected to different parts and organs of the body via the nerve reflex system.

Remedial massage: A form of soft tissue massage used to treat muscle and joint pain and injuries.

Self-massage: Simple pressure point and kneading techniques that you can do yourself to release tension and improve circulation.

Shiatsu: Meaning finger pressure, this Japanese therapy involves stretches and pressure from the thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, knees, or feet while you lie on a padded mat, or futon, on the floor.

Sports massage: A combination of remedial, deep-tissue, and Swedish massage techniques used to relieve muscle stiffness and pain, improve athletes’ performance and aid recovery from injury.

Thai massage: Incorporates Ayurvedic and Chinese massage and uses pressure point therapy, muscle stretching, and firm compression techniques to release tension and relax the body.

Therapeutic massage (Swedish massage): Developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden at the end of the 19th-century, and systematised by Dutchman Johan Georg Mezger, this influential type of massage employs five basic moves to stimulate the tissues and ease muscle tension:

• Effleurage: This massage is designed to stretch and relax the superficial muscles

• Petrissage: This technique involves kneading and squeezing the soft tissues (the tissues around the bones and organs of the body) and both the superficial and deep muscles of the body

• Friction and compression: These rubbing and holding techniques are designed to break down build-ups of scar tissue and to relax the muscles

• Tapotement: These are rhythmical, tapping movements, usually made with the edge of the hand or the heel of the palm, designed to increase blood circulation

• Vibration: These are rhythmical, vibrational movements designed to release tension and stimulate circulation Swedish massage is usually performed without clothing and on a massage couch using oils and lotions. Most of the moves are directed towards the heart.

Tibetan massage: This involves pressure to therapeutic points on the body as well as kneading, rubbing, and tapping techniques to relax the body and ease tension. Sesame, or other, oil may be used to warm the tissues and ease the massage moves.

Tui na: Meaning ‘push and grasp’, tui na is an ancient form of Chinese massage that uses fingers, hands, arms, elbows, and knees to vigorously rub, knead, and roll the skin and tissues. This massage is designed to release energetic blockage in the acupuncture meridians and to release muscular tension.