When most people think of massage, they think of Swedish or deep tissue.  They receive massage either for relaxation or for painful muscles.  What they don't know is that there are many forms of massage and bodywork.  The following is a list of a few methods or modalities of bodywork:

Swedish.  Used primarly for relaxation, this type of massage increases circulation, decreases blood pressure, promotes dextoxification of the body's lymph system, can relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia, and generally promotes a sense of well-being.  This is a good first-time massage.

Deep Tissue.  This massage goes deep into the musculature to releive muscle aches and can help heal injuries and break up scar tissue.  This can be uncomfortable to the client at first, but should never be painful.  The pace of this massage is slow and deep.  Usually deep tissue is part of a Swedish or other form of bodywork, as it is mostly used on the specific area that is troublesome.  Very rarely is a full-body deep tissue massage indicated.  Great for athletes and anyone who experiences tension or who has suffered an injury.

Reflexology.  Not technically massage, but a form of bodywork.  Involves stimulating points on the feet, hands, and sometimes the ears, which correspond to organs and systems in the whole body.  This work is good for detoxification and releiving symptoms of sinus congestion, PMS, sluggishness, and even headaches.  Reflexology aims to balance all body systems to acheive overall health.  This work is appropriate for pregnant women, fibromyalgia sufferers who are experiencing a flareup, or for anyone who feels out of balance.

Aromatherapy.  Essential oils of plants are used to affect the body in several ways:  through massage, through smell, or by application of compresses or in some instances orally.  The molecules of essential oils are so tiny, they are quickly absorbed through the pores in the skin and reach the bloodstream and then travel to different regions of the body.  Some common uses of aromatherapy are:  diffusing into the air to set a mood or to help clear the sinuses and refocus the mind; using oils during a masage to help relieve aching muscles or soften the skin; applying oils to a compress to ease brusing or to dress a wound; or placing the oil neat onto a tissue and inhaling to relieve a headache or ease sinus congestion.  Aromatherapy can also be used orally for medical conditions such as indigestion or bacteral/viral infections.  Orange and lemon oils are great for general cleaning around the house.  The use of essential oils is a science as well as an art, that requires consultation with a qualified practitioner if you want to use them for anything other than just the scent.

Healing Touch.  A form of energy work, Healing Touch is similar to Reiki.  Using the body's energy fields, the practitioner seeks to rebalance the body.  Consisting of mostly hands-off techniques, the practitioner first assesses the body's energy levels and then smoothes and tones them using a variety of hands-off and hands-on techniques.  This bodywork is very relaxing and is good for those in too much pain to endure more rigorous bodywork, or for the elderly.

Trigger Point Therapy.  Trigger points are areas of tenderness which usually refer pain to another part of the body.  Deep pressure and friction is applied to the trigger point to affect changes in the fascia surrounding the muscle tissue.  Sometimes ice and heat are used in conjunction with the bodywork.  This work can be painful in the beginning, but once a release is felt, the pain associated with the trigger point is also released.  Great for chronic pain and holding patterns.