Three Different Kinds of Massage: An Introduction

Susan Gray selects from and often offers a combination of modalities in her private practice to best help and support each individual client. In Ohio, one must have a license from the Ohio State Medical Board for Massage Therapy to practice massage therapy. Under the scope of practice of her massage therapy license, Susan utilizes massage in its many forms, lymphatic drainage, and craniosacral techniques to create an optimal environment for each client’s health and wellness.

Massage Therapy

Massage is a broad term encompassing a large number techniques designed to promote health and wellness.  Massage is the application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to increase blood flow, decrease pain and promote relaxation. The many variations of massage account for a number of different techniques. For example: deep tissue techniques employ the use of heavy, very specific pressure, kneading techniques require less pressure applied more broadly with muscle groups, and so forth.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Lymphatic drainage is a supremely relaxing and soothing technique used to manually assist in the movement of fluid (lymph) through the endless lymphatic pathways of the whole body.  The lymphatic system is an intricate network in the body that includes organs, lymph nodes and lymph vessels. With 70 percent of the lymphatic system lying in the superficial layers of the skin (lymphatic capillaries), lymphatic drainage techniques generally require less pressure and more attention to the direction of the fluid. This technique addresses issues of inflammation, pain, toxicity and immunity.

Craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive type of hands-on body treatment in which the therapist monitors the patient’s craniosacral rhythm (subtle pulsations of the cerebral spinal fluid) by placing the hands at specific locations on the cranium, spine, and sacrum.  This therapy has a calming effect on the sympathetic nervous system, encouraging relaxation and the body’s own ability to self-correct fascial and membrane restrictions within the craniosacral system.