Every industry has its jargon, and massage therapy is no different. You will find that the terms are a little familiar: you’ve probably experienced Swedish massage, and you’ve probably seen advertisements for deep tissue massages. However, you probably haven’t heard of modalities, Ayurvedic massage, or effleurage.
If you are going to attend an AZ massage school, you can get a leg-up on in the class by learning some basic terms before you even step foot into the classroom.
Words to Know in AZ Massage School
Acupressure: This Chinese massage technique that targets specific points along invisible lines in the human body called meridians. Massage therapists trained in AZ massage school can use acupuncture to stimulate specific points in the body to restore balance and relieve pain.
Ayurvedic massage: This massage technique originates in India, and the massage therapist will use oil on the patient’s skin to allow their hands to slide smoothly over the patient’s soft tissue. There is often a holistic dietary or fitness component associated with Ayurvedic massage as well, but the technique itself is designed to release toxins from the body by promoting circulation and movement of fluid in the body.
Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue is a version of the traditional Swedish massage that, per its name, penetrates into deeper layers of the client’s body tissue to release pain and improve circulation.
Draping: Massage therapists must respect the privacy and modesty of their clients, and draping refers to covering their client’s bodies with towels, blankets, and sheets to expose only the parts of the client’s body that is being massaged.
Effleurage: In Swedish massages, effleurage is the movements or series of movements of the massage therapist’s hands on the client’s body. It is the cornerstone of the Swedish massage, and a term you will definitely hear at any AZ massage school.
Modality: This term is synonymous to the word “technique.” Modality refers to the way a massage therapist approaches the treatment of the client. Massage modalities you will learn in an AZ massage school include Swedish massage, reflexology, shiatsu, and connective tissue massage.
Neuromuscular Therapy: The human body contains multiple nerves and pathways that connect every muscle in the body to the brain. This type of massage therapy is similar to the pressure point therapy associated with acupuncture and Shiatsu, but it is designed specifically to treat chronic muscle pain ancillary to other medical treatments.
Thai Massage: Thai massage is designed to help the body stretch and become more limber. The massage therapy itself in aided by yoga, lifestyle, and diet changes, and it is designed to assist in holistic healing for the entire body.
