There are so many styles of massage these days that you may be wondering what kind of massage do I offer? What is the difference between “deep tissue” and “relaxation” or “swedish” massage? And what is “energy work” anyways?
There are as many definitions as there are therapists out there- and everyone has their own unique touch (thank goodness)!
Due to the nature of my massage education, my background and the other modalities I am trained in, there is rarely a session that does not constitute as energy work. It seems the longer I am practicing in my field, the more I am humbled to realize there fundamentally isn’t even a difference!
Needless to say, I know that when I have pulled a muscle or woke up from a poor nights rest and can’t seem to rotate my neck all the way or am suffering in some way from pain or tension, I am usually grateful when my massage therapist actually takes the time to listen to my issues (and my tissues) and focuses my precious massage time on the areas I most need attention. When I want energy work I ask for it. When I want massage, I am always grateful when there is more than just laying on of hands.
Generally in my practice the main difference between deep tissue massage and relaxation massage is the latter is comprised of longer gentler strokes focusing on increasing circulation, lymphatic flow and flushing out toxins. The result is usually and ideally a very deeply relaxing experience geared towards releasing general overall tension in a nurturing, supportive environment.
As for deep tissue or injury treatment massage, the difference is simply deeper more focused strokes where I may use pinning and stretching techniques and often use my fists or my elbows to slowly sink into the muscle tissue until a deeper more structural release is invited to unwind and let go. This type of work usually involves more communication and less quiet relaxation, but not always. The other main difference is that I may stay in one location or limited parts of the body for the entire session- as opposed to a full body treatment which takes more time.
When I am specifically doing Energy work such as Polarity or Craniosacral therapy, there is no need to disrobe or remove any clothing other than shoes or bulky outer items and jewelry. There is usually dialogue involved in the beginning, end and sometimes during the session, and very gentle hand positions without the use of oil (unless essential oil is requested), are applied to various parts of the body. When used in combination with massage I will generally do the massage first then the energy work in the second half of the session and I will apply the hand positions over the sheet and blanket so you will remain covered and modestly draped at all times.
Energy work implies a more holistic and intuitive approach than bodywork which implies working with just the body. In my practice, however, I think of energy work as a form of deeper listening which allows for intuition, creativity and imagination. When I am aware of many levels of healing at once, I am doing energy work. In this light, there is never a session that does not somehow involve awareness of energy. Even when I am working deeply on muscle tissue, I am aware that I am also working with connective tissue which stores memories and emotions and I am being mindful at all times that the physical body is just a denser form of energy, therefor- it is all energy work regardless of how deep or shallow the pressure.
I enjoy giving the kind of massage I most would want to receive. That is why I strive to:
A. LISTEN to my clients. I try to take good notes, to make eye contact and to make sure I am clear before I leave the room that I know where it hurts and what the main focus of the session will be. Once you are on the table I continue to listen; with my intuition, my hands, my heart and to YOU as I am continuously reminding my clients to always communicate about pressure, comfort level etc. It is hard to relax and release when you are cold or holding your bladder or just not sure when to say “uncle” if the pressure is too much. That is why you are always encouraged to SPEAK UP!
B. Offer SUPPORT and TRUST. This is so important to me when I get a massage. I want to know that the therapist has “got my back”. I need to feel safe enough to relax and to communicate my needs without fear of being judged or dismissed. Sometimes I get a massage because my body hurts and sometimes its because I need nurturing in a holistic way- because I am overworked or undernourished or experiencing emotional challenges. I know that it is good self care for me to seek support from a trusted therapist who will listen not just to my body but to my deeper souls needs. I enjoy being able to talk about my life sometimes and other times I just want to sink into a deep quiet oblivion and know that my therapist will hold space for me to receive exactly what I need by saying the right words or being totally silent the whole time. It takes empathy and skill to know how to build trust and create a nurturing supportive environment conducive to healing on all levels. When this is achieved, I know I have not only had a great massage, but I have received exactly the healing I needed.
This is how I know that massage is never just physical even if my elbow is as far into someones back as it will physically go, there is always deeper. Deeper may not be about muscling my way into someones muscles, but really listening to the body and to the stories the muscles are holding. I may “hear” something that isn’t spoken out loud and I may not even speak the language in a way that it can be relayed- but I am always listening and striving to be present enough to be available for whatever healing wants to occur.
C. Be VERSATILE. I have many tools in my toolbox and I am learning new ones every day. Having been working consistently for seven years now, I feel I have barely dipped my toe into the vast ocean of all that my profession has to offer. My educational background at the Institute of Psycho Structural Balancing where I did most of my massage training, taught me how to use by body to work with the body on the table through tai chi. It is a constant practice to stay present in my own body so that my work feels more like a dance that is rejeuvinating for me as well as my clients, and not draining. My body is my most valuable tool and I need to always honor and be aware of how I am working so that I do not injure or wear myself out. I know I am doing this when after six or seven hours of continuous massage, I feel grounded and calm yet energized and full of vitality or by noticing that I am excited and interested in what is happening rather than getting bored or spaced out. By staying in tune with my own body, I can better listen to my clients.
I have taken many different kinds of classes and workshops in my field and I am always scoping out new ones. Sometimes I am drawing from things I have studied in the fields of craniosacral therapy or polarity therapy- or yoga. Sometimes I am inspired by what I learned from working with acupuncturists in Los Angeles. Or the studying I have done in reflexology or nutrition or shamanic healing or meditation. Perhaps I am drawing from years of dancing 5 rhythms or from running and my experience training for marathons.
Whatever tools I draw from, I am always aware of staying attuned to my clients needs so that I am able to taylor each session individually. One day you might need a whole hour on just the feet and neck-maybe to tend an injury whether it be acute or chronic. Maybe another day you just need a full body relaxing circulatory/ swedish massage utilizing longer lighter strokes to flush out toxins, tension or stress. Or perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or emotional upset and need a polarity session to bring greater balance to your body and your life- or a craniosacral session to sink into your own deeper internal rhythm or unwind on multiple levels.
Whatever the need may be, if I can continue to work on mastering my ability to listen to my clients and if I am creating a supportive trusting environment even if I only get one hour one time to make a difference, then I know I am showing up and doing my best to meet it.
I have had some of the most profound healing moments of my life on massage tables. My greatest intention is to give back even a fraction of what massage has offered to me!
For more information and research on massage therapy please check out these links to the American Massage Therapy Association and
the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
