Appalachian Institute of Healing Arts, Inc.

Here are a few of the types of massage (modalities) and bodywork treatments that you will learn at AIHA. 

Aromatherapy is an ancient healing technique using essential oils extracted from plants and used in a variety of bodywork and skin care treatments. 

Chair massage, also known as seated massage or on-site massage, uses a specially designed portable chair and can be performed in a variety of settings. The fully clothed client sits comfortably in the massage chair for a brief session of massage therapy in any one or a combination of modalities.

Deep Tissue massage uses many of the techniques found in classical Swedish massage and other modalities, with a slower and deeper focus on areas of imbalance. This modality is helpful for chronic pain, injury rehabilitation and inflammation related pain.

Hydrotherapy has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. Today's hydrotherapy consists of a variety of treatments that use water, steam, ice, herbal baths, underwater massage or a combination of treatments.

Medical Massage uses specific treatments appropriate for working with disease, pain, and injury rehabilitation and is often performed under the supervision of a medical professional.

Shiatsu employs finger pressure techniques applied to acupuncture points to restore balance in the meridians and organs. The possible benefits of Shiatsu include relaxation, pain relief, stimulation of blood and lymphatic flow, and a strengthening of the immune system.

Sports Massage is useful for athletes in pre-event, post-event and injury treatment contexts. Pre-event sports massage invigorates blood flow and assists in warming the muscle tissue. Post-event treatments reduce recovery time by calming the nervous system and beginning the process of toxin and waste removal from the body. Sports massage injury treatment is applied to speed the healing process.

Swedish Massage uses a combination of five basic strokes to bring about relaxation, improved circulation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved flexibility. Swedish Massage is also known as Traditional Massage and forms the foundation of many massage therapy training programs.

Note: the definitions on this page were adapted in part from information provided on www.massagetherapy.com

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