Massage Styles

Swedish

This is the classic form of western massage. It is done on a massage table with lotion or oil, and is defined by its long, flowing, relaxing effleurage strokes. These strokes also help the body circulate its fluids, particularly blood and lymph. Swedish massage is also often used in combination with other bodywork styles, which tend to make each practitioner's style unique. If you want to be relaxed and pampered, this is the style for you.

Acupressure

Based on the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this ancient form of bodywork seeks to balance the flow of energy (Qi) in the body. The practitioner will hold acupressure points in particular sequences, or "flows", in order to promote the free flow and balancing of the body-mind-spirit. This form of bodywork is extremely safe, relaxing, and beneficial for maintaining good health.

Craniosacral

This subtle form of bodywork uses very gentle touch, and uses the movement, or pulse, of the cerebrospinal fluid as a guide to balancing the physical and energetic body. Gentle holds of the bones of the skull and the sacrum are used to release the membranes of this system, promoting better nervous system function and thereby affecting all of the body's tissues. Similar techniques are used to release other areas of the body by allowing them to unravel, or unwind, from the inside out. This deeply relaxing work is good for addressing specific issues with the body, and is an excellent form of bodywork for overall balancing.

Reflexology

Foot (and hand) reflexology is one of the best-kept secrets in bodywork. It uses specific thumb and finger techniques to apply pressure to areas of the feet that correspond to all areas of the body. The common explanation of reflex work is that we work with the nerve endings, communicating back to the central nervous system, which then has an effect of the corresponding area or zone of the body. This is an ancient form of bodywork. In its modern context, it is used in many parts of the world to deal effectively with many ailments of the body. Best of all, an hour-long foot reflexology session is one of the most blissfully relaxing and balancing experiences in bodywork.

Deep Tissue

This is one of the most commonly used modalities for dealing with specific areas of soft issue dysfunction. As the name implies, the work is physically deep and often very "sensationful". It is very good for breaking up scar tissue or adhesions (knots), and for lengthening shortened muscle and tendon. Deep tissue is often combined with Swedish massage so that specific issues can be worked out, while the relaxing strokes help the body to integrate the work and make it more effective.

Shiatsu

A Japanese form of bodywork based in the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, shiatsu is done over clothes, either on a floor mat or massage table. Thumbs, palms, fists, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet are used for pressing, kneading, rocking, and stretching. Shiatsu opens the channels (meridians) and promotes the free and balanced flow of energy (Qi) in the body. This is an excellent choice for those who like to combine deep bodywork with movement and stretching.

Chair Massage

Done over clothes in a special chair designed for massage, chair sessions usually run from 10 to 30 minutes. This is one of the most portable forms of massage, and is ideal for more public spaces. The McKinnon Professional Massage Clinic offers on-site chair massage in a wide variety of settings. If you are interested in having chair massage in your workplace, at an event, or if you want to come in and try it at our clinic, please give us a call.