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vibration — manually or with mechanical aids — to the soft
tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons,
ligaments, joints, lymphatic vessels, organs of the gastrointestinal
system to achieve a beneficial response. Massage Therapy is performed
primarily by a professional Massage Therapist but is often used as a form
of therapy by other Healthcare practitioners such as
Chiropractors,
Osteopaths and
Physical Therapists.
Massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole
body, to aid the process of injury healing, relieve psychological stress,
manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its
physiological, mental, and mechanical benefits, it may be termed
"therapeutic massage" or manipulative therapy.
In professional settings, massage involves the client being treated while
lying on a massage table, sitting upright in a massage chair, or lying on
a pad on the floor. Except for modalities such as Acupressure, Shiatsu,
Tui Na, Thai Massage, or Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage subject is
generally unclothed or partially unclothed, also referred to as disrobed,
and their body would be "draped" with towels or sheets. The practice of
covering the parts of the body that are not being massaged is referred to
as draping and its practice varies from one part of the world to another.
In addition to making a professional statement and providing a boundary,
draping helps keep the client warm which aids in the relaxation response.
In some countries it is required that certain areas such as the genitals
on both genders and the breast/nipple area on women be draped at all
times. In the United States draping is a standard of the profession, while
in other parts of the world, such as some parts of Europe, it is not
practiced at all. In most forms of massage, the session begins with the
client face up, referred to as supine, or face down, referred to as prone,
for the first part of the session and then the client rolls over for the
second half. Relaxation is necessary for benefits to be achieved.
Communication
Good communication is essential to effective massage. The client and
therapist should discuss the type of treatment expected: intention of the
massage, areas to be massaged and to be avoided in full body massage, the
amount of pressure that is comfortable, preferred techniques and how they
affect the body. The client's medical history and current physical
condition should also be discussed. This is called informed consent.
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Looking for a great massage, massage therapists or
massage therapy, a sensual massage, or a full body massage. Here you
can find both licensed (CMTs) and unlicensed massage therapists.
You might also look for a massage under
day spas,
physical therapists, and
health spas / hot
springs.
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Alphabetical Listings
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California Institute Massage
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772 W Napa St, Sonoma, CA 707-939-9431
Massage To Go
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645 Stonehouse Dr, Napa, CA 707 252-2466
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Acubodycare-Integrative
925 Golden Gate Dr, Napa, CA 94559 707 255-2473
Advanced Body Therapeutics, Katherine Lake CMT
Napa, CA 707 334-4772
Ahh Massage
1830 Soscol Ave, Napa, CA 94559 707 226-7858
Allied Health Professionals
925 Golden Gate Dr, Napa, CA
94559 707 255-1259
Alternative Healthcare Resource
925 Golden Gate Dr, Napa, CA 707 257-7842
Amanda's Massage & Bodycare
1834 1st St # 11, Napa, CA 707 252-7079
Ana's Massage To Go
Napa, CA 707 266-8170
Andrea Blau
Napa, CA 707 255-3685
Archer Rae Bryan
497 Walnut St, Napa, CA 707 253-9512
Archer's Pilates & Massage
497 Walnut St, Napa, CA 707 253-9512
Balinson, Jay- Life Force Therapeutic Massage
Napa, CA 707 258-1803
Eleanor Bolin Massage In Napa
4020 Wisteria Way, Napa, CA 707 224-9520
Emerald Day Spa
1523 Main St, Napa, CA 707 226-2700
Enchanting Touch
3350 Linda Vista Ave, Napa, CA 707 738-9542
Exertec Fitness Ctr
1500 1st St, Napa, CA 707 226-1842
Hanna Somatic Education
925 Golden Gate Dr, Napa, CA 707 255-2418
Healing Arts Massage Therapy
1727 3rd St, Napa, CA 707 987-8710
Health & Wellness Massage
2293 Sherry Dr, Napa, CA 707 337-2685
Isabelle Saint-Guily Massage
1561 3rd St, Napa, CA 707 253-8969
Jay Bailinson Life Force
Napa, CA 707 258-1803
Jefferson Street Day Spa
1732 Jefferson St # 11, Napa, CA 707 259-0411
Julia's Massage & Wellness
1756 Oak St, Napa, CA 707 255-7359
Kirsten Niesar, CMT
1732 Jefferson St # 11, Napa, CA 707 333-9580
Kit Long
1535 Jefferson St, Napa, CA 707 226-2084
La Dora Salon
3371 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 707 255-4418
Le Spa Napa Valley
2020 Jefferson St, Napa, CA 707 255-1963
Linda's Redwood Hair Design
2360 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 707 257-2656
Massage by Anna
Napa, CA 707 815-1220
Massage Envy
3365 Solano Ave, Napa, CA 94558 707-255-8000
Napa Holistic Massage Studio
1434 3rd St, Napa, CA 707 255-5045
Napa Massage & Bodycare
1834 First St, Napa, CA 94559 707 252-7079
Napa Touch Massage Reflexology Somatics
& Cranial Sacral Therapy
1725 Jefferson St., Napa, CA 94558 707 259-1715
Napa Valley Mobile Massage
Napa, CA 707 328-6411
Napa Valley School of Massage
The
1131 Trancas St. Napa, California 94558
707 253-0627 FAX 707 257-2483
email
Neuromuscular Pain Management
3363 Beard Rd, Napa, CA 707 258-1535
Newby's Therapeutic Massage
421 Walnut St, Napa, CA 94559 707 257-8137
Relaxation Company
1401 Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA 94558 707 265-7733
Paris Day Spa
1614 Jefferson St, Napa, CA 94559 707 257-2044
St. Pierre Center for Massage
1335 W. Imola Ave, Napa, CA 94559 707 255-1640
Ultimate Look
1100 Lincoln Ave # 102, Napa, CA 707 255-0978
Your Place Not Mine
1417 B St, Napa, CA 707 738-9356 Deborah
Zaragoza, CMT 707-299-7088
Zin Yoga & Massage
Napa, CA 707 771-9998 |
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Chair Massage
A Chair Massage is, by far, the most convenient method of massage therapy.
Chair massage lasts about 15 minutes and is done while fully clothed. A
chair massage promotes better circulation and muscle stimulation. This
form of massage reduces tension in the back, neck and shoulders; thus
providing deep relaxation. A swift chair massage revitalizes the anatomy
and encourages overall well-being.
Chair massages are also advantageous, mostly because chair massage
practitioners will sometimes pay work or house calls. Chair massage can
also be found in hotels, airports and convention centers amongst other
places.
Chinese Tui Na massage (推拿)
Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage (按摩) that is similar to Zhi Ya, but
focusing more on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle.
Chinese Zhi Ya massage (指壓)
Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on acupressure. It is similar to
Tui Na massage except it focuses more on pinching and pressing at
acupressure points.
Deep muscle therapy
Deep muscle therapy (created by Therese Pfrimmer), is a massage technique
that focuses on using a very specific set of movements applied to all
muscles and concentrating on all layers of the muscle that have become
depleted of their regular blood and lymphatic flow. This technique aims to
restore the circulation with its healing properties to the cellular level.
Deep muscle therapy is widely used to treat the following ailments: carpal
tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, headaches, poor circulation,
whiplash, and more. See Pfrimmer.com
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused massage
work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner
can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and
easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement.
This is the recommended approach in this modality since each person
experiences pressure differently. If the pressure is applied too deeply or
too quickly, the muscle may tighten to protect that area, and unnecessary
damage or inflammation can be induced. Very little lubricant is used as
the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin. See also: Myofascial
Release
Erotic massage
Erotic massage is a form of massage that includes the genitals and leads
to sexual arousal and (sometimes) orgasm. Widely practiced by couples as
part of lovemaking. Also practiced commercially.
Foot or sole massage
Also known as reflexology, foot massage, as practiced by the Chinese is
performed in the context of chi, in that each spot on the sole of the foot
corresponds to an internal organ, and the applied therapy is healing to
one's overall well being. The theory supposes that an ailment of an
internal organ will be associated with the nerve ending on the sole of the
foot.
Before the massage, the patient's feet are soaked for about ten minutes in
a foot bath, typically a dark colored solution of hot water and Chinese
herbs. The massage therapist uses liberal amounts of medicated cream, to
moisturize the foot and to provide lubrication. The knuckles on the
therapist's hand are usually used to provide a hard and smooth implement
for the massage. As pressure is applied to the sole, theory holds that a
healthy patient should not feel any strong pain. Painful spots,
reflexologists believe, reflect illnesses of other parts of the body. The
practitioner rubs and massages the painful spots to break down rough spots
and accumulated crystals and increase circulation.
The ailments are healed when the sore spots of the sole are treated and
removed by massage. Based on this theory, some shoe liners are made with
pressure points to stimulate the soles of the feet to promote better
health of the overall body. The nature of these "crystals" has yet to be
elucidated or demonstrated scientifically. Regardless of the actual
correlation of reflexology to internal organs, many enjoy it for the mix
of stimulation and relaxation.
Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage
Lomilomi (meaning massage in Hawaiian) is an ancient art from the Hawaiian
healing specialists. They were taught their art over 20 years and received
their last instructions from their master on his death bed. Today there
are many styles of Lomilomi, the main ones being the style of Big Island
which was passed on by Aunty Margaret Machado, and Maui style from Uncle
Kalua Kaiahua. On the island of Kaua'i, Kahu Abraham passed on what is
today called Kahuna Bodywork (TM). It is not clear if other styles, called
temple or lomi nui, are from Native Hawaiian practitioners or are of
recent origin. Books: Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: The Traditions of Hawaiian
Massage & Healing edited by Makana Risser Chai; Hawaiian Lomilomi - Big
Island Massage by Nancy S. Kahalewai Lomilomi hawaiian massage
MA-URI massage
MA-URI is a new form of massage introduced by Hemi Hoani Fox in 1990, who
cites as its roots Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Nui dance, claiming increased
so-called energy flow within the body and mind. Focus is internal, upon
breathing, intent, and concentration. Claimed benefits include mental and
physical health. Study and advocation is primarily carried out at the
MA-URI Institute, headed by Hemi and Katja Fox. It is currently difficult
to find practitioners, though this may change as it grows more popular.
Myofascial release
Myofascial Release refers to the manual technique for stretching the
fascia with the aim to balance the body. Injuries, stress, trauma, and
poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. The goal of myofascial
release is to release fascia restriction and restore its tissue.
Myoskeletal alignment technique
Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT) identifies postural distortions to
improve and prevent pain conditions. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular
Facilitation (PNF) and myofacial techniques are used to lengthen
tight/facilitated muscles while fiber activation techniques tone
weak/inhibited muscles. MAT was developed by Erik Dalton.
Neuromuscular therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is used for pain relief and specific problems.
Structural and postural imbalances are identified through an initial
postural assessment. These are then addressed through systematic and site
specific massage. NMT reduces pain, tension, postural imbalance, and
lengthens and strengthens tissues. NMT was developed by Paul St. John.
Scalp massage
In some barber shops in Hong Kong, scalp massage often lasts 30 minutes to
45 minutes during shampooing of the hair.
Shiatsu (指圧)
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage based on acupressure. It is
uncertain whether it originated from Chinese Zhi Ya.
Stone massage
Stone massage in which hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are
used to massage the body.
Structural muscular balancing
A gentle and effective technique that releases chronic contraction in the
muscles. The nervous system is triggered to release contractions through
compression applied to muscles placed in a shortened position.
Swedish massage
This style utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but not necessarily in
the direction of the heart. Swedish massage is designed to increase
circulation and blood flow. There are six basic strokes: effleurage,
petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression and vibration. Oil, cream,
or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce friction and allow smooth
strokes. This style of massage is generally attributed to the Swedish
fencing master and gymnastics teacher Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839).
However, it was in fact the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger
(1838-1909) who adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes under
which he systemized massage as we know it today, as Swedish or classic
massage. Somehow, the term Swedish Movement System was transposed to
Swedish Massage System sometime during the second half of the 19th
century. Ling’s system was the Swedish Movement System or Swedish
Gymnastic Movement System. This may be how he has become incorrectly
associated for so long with Swedish massage. [1] In Sweden, the term
"Swedish massage" is not used. They simply call it "Svensk massage".
Thai traditional massage
Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (nuat phaen boran, IPA [nuɑt pʰɛn boraːn]),
and in English also as Thai ancient massage, Thai classical massage, Thai
bodywork, passive yoga, or assisted yoga. It is usually soothing because
of its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its roots go back
far into history, originating in India based on the Ayurveda, and then
becoming popular in Thailand.
The massage taker changes into pajamas and lies on a mat or firm mattress
on the floor. (It can be done solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients
in the same large room.) The massage giver leans on the taker's body using
hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of
the taker's body. In some gestures, legs and feet of the giver are used to
fixate the body or limbs of the taker. In other gestures, hands fixate the
body, while the feet do the massaging action. Usually no oil is applied. A
full course of Thai massage typically lasts two hours or more, and
includes pulling fingers, toes, ears etc., cracking the knuckles, walking
on the taker's back, arching the taker's back in a rolling action etc.
There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage. Sometimes in a
large group massage, the practitioners do the procedures in unison.
A full massage in Thailand of typically two hours costs around THB 300
(US$ 8 in 2005) depending on location (it may cost ten times more inside a
five star hotel).
Note: The traditional therapeutic practice of Thai massage should not be
confused with the service of the same name that is available in some
hotels and brothels.
Trigger point therapy
A trigger point is an area of a muscle that refers pain sensations to
other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy applies pressure to
these points leading to immediate release of tension and improved
muscular functioning. This work is based upon the trigger point
research and manuals of Dr. Janet Travell.
Sometimes this work is incorporated into other styles of massage
therapy such as neuromuscular therapy (NMT). |
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