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(A Glossary of terms we throw around that you may not be familiar with)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ACSM - The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 international, national and regional members are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

Acupressure - is a complementary medicine technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices.

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.[3] The word acupuncture comes from the Latin acus, "needle", and pungere, "to prick". In Standard Chinese, acupuncture is called 针砭 (zhēnbiān), or a related word, 针灸 (zhēnjiǔ), which refers to acupuncture together with moxibustion.[4] According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are situated on meridians along which chi (a "life energy"), flows.

Active Stretching  - A method of increasing active flexibility in which a pose (such as a high lift of the leg) is assumed and then held using no assistance other than the tension in the muscles opposing the muscles being stretched.

AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) - The American Massage Therapy Association was founded in 1943. The American Massage Therapy Association represents more than 56,000 massage therapists in 27 countries. It is the largest non-profit, member driven, professional organization of massage therapists in the United States. AMTA works to establish massage therapy as integral to the maintenance of good health and complementary to other therapeutic processes; to advance the profession through ethics and standards, certification, school accreditation, continuing education, professional publications, legislative efforts, public education, and fostering the development of members. AMTA is led by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by and from the membership at the national, chapter(state) and in some states, unit(local) levels.

Aromatherapy - The use of essential oils (which are extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy. Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the healing of wounds. Aromatherapy diffusers are utilized to fill the massage room with the scent of the oils. Specific essential oils are blended by the aromatherapist and added to an unscented carrier oil, cream or lotion to be used during the massage. Each of the oils has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Use of this technique declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed. However, the French chemist Gattefossé revived the art by coining the term aromatherapy and by publishing a book on the subject in 1928.

Auricular Therapy - Miniature acupuncture needles and/or pressure beads are taped into the outer ear to stimulate points, encouraging the body to release stress and detoxify. This therapy is primarily used to calm cravings and can also help with anxiety, insomnia, and pain management.

Ayurveda - (Devanāgarī: the 'science of life') is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning 'life', and veda, meaning 'related to knowledge' or 'science'. Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia. The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared during the Vedic period in India. Ayurvedic practitioners also identified a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases. Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the western world, where several of its methods, such as the use of herbs, massage, and Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine, are applied on their own as a form of CAM treatment.

Ballistic Stretching - The use of momentum or "bouncing" to force a limb beyond its range of motion in order to warm up or increase flexibility. Examples would be leg swings or bouncing in splits. Such stretches can be dangerous and may lead to injury, however if done carefully (with light force, small amplitude of bounce, and correct instruction), experienced stretchers may benefit from these exercises.  

Bamboo Fusion - An add-on service at Rē that employs heated bamboo rods applied to the muscles at points and glided over the body, producing deep relaxation and facilitating muscular release.Click here to go to the page on bamboo fusion.

Bartenieff Fundamentals - an extension of Laban Movement Analysis developed by Irmgard Bartenieff, who trained with Laban before becoming a physiotherapist. A set of concepts, principles and exercises that apply Laban’s movement theory to the physical / kinesiological functioning of the human body they include: Dynamic Alignment, Breath Support, Core Support, Rotary Factor, Initiation and Sequencing, Spatial Intent, Center of Weight/Weight Transference, Effort Intent, Developmental Patterning, and its Support for Level Change.

Bodywork - Any of a number of therapeutic or simply relaxing practices that involve the manipulation, massage, or regimented movement of body parts. Examples include massage, craniosacral therapy, and Pilates. Bodywork may be used as an adjunct to medical treatment, or it may be prescribed as a form of physical therapy for certain conditions.

Chair Massage - Known as chair massage, seated massage, or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the fully-clothed client sits comfortably. The modern chair massage was originally developed David Palmer, but the technique is centuries-old, with some Japanese block prints illustrating people having just emerged from a nearby bath, receiving massage while seated on a low stool.

Chronic Pain Massage - Massage focused on chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Arthritis & Bursitis. Please see our page on this subject by clicking here.

Compression – a massage technique that isolates a particular area and puts direct pressure on to it. Pressure is then held for a designated amount of time. Depth and time held is individual to the issue and body being treated.

Complementary Medicine - : A group of diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines that are used together with conventional medicine. Complementary medicine includes a large number of practices and systems of health care that, for a variety of cultural, social, economic, or scientific reasons, have not been adopted by ‘mainstream’ Western medicine. Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine. Whereas complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.

CranioSacral - (also called CST, cranial osteopathy, also spelled CranioSacral bodywork or therapy) is used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, and occupational therapists. A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which they say allows them to tune into what they call the craniosacral system. The practitioner gently works with the spine and the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia. In this way, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord is said to be optimized, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Cupping - a traditional chinese medical technique utilizing small glass cups which create a vacuum effect against the skin, usually by heat or suction. The cup is left in place for a few minutes, forming a blood stasis and localizing healing to that area. Cupping can also be used in opening up the meridians in the body. Cupping is often used to rid the body of pain, particularly pain created by a lack of blood flow and has been known to affect up to four inches deep beneath the skin. It is also used to open up airways in asthmatics and improve digestion. On one hand, while acupuncture in a sense puts something into the body, cupping takes things away by removing toxins and other harmful pathogens from the body.

Deep Tissue Massage - Deep Tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or fascia. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained physical injury. It is also not uncommon for receivers of Deep Tissue Massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Deep tissue work varies greatly. What one calls deep tissue another will call light. When receiving deep tissue work it is important to communicate what you are feeling.

Dry Brushing - As the name implies, dry brushing is brushing with a dry brush. Commonly used for exfoliation, these brushes help with several different things at the same time. Exfoliation doesn't just eliminate dead cells but also encourages the body’s lymphatic system, and promoting circulation. It is an add-on service at Rē.

Dynamic Stretching - a form of stretching beneficial in sports utilizing momentum from form, static-active stretching strength and the momentum from static-active stretching strength, in an effort to propel the muscle into an extended range of motion not exceeding one's static-passive stretching ability. Anything beyond this range of motion becomes ballistic stretching. It is a type of stretching whilst moving, as opposed to static stretching in which one stands still.

Effluerage - a French word meaning "to skim" or "to touch lightly on", is a series of massage strokes used in Swedish massage to warm up the muscle or asses the condition of tissues.This is a soothing, stroking movement used at the beginning and the end of the facial and/or body massage. It is also used as a linking move between the different strokes and movements. Effleurage can be firm or light without dragging the skin and is performed using either the padded parts of the finger tips or the palmar surface of the hands, and works as a mechanical pump on the body to encourage venous and lymphatic return.

Fascia - is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body. It interpenetrates and surrounds muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels and other structures. Fascia is an uninterrupted, three-dimensional web of tissue that extends from head to toe, from front to back, from interior to exterior. It is responsible for maintaining structural integrity; for providing support and protection; and acts as a shock absorber. Fascia has an essential role in hemodynamic and biochemical processes, and provides the medium that allows for intercellular communication.

Flexibility - the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints that is attainable in a momentary effort with the help of a partner or a piece of equipment. Flexibility in some joints can be increased to a certain degree by stretching. Flexibility has long been underestimated and perhaps overlooked by health-care professionals. Quality of life is enhanced by improving and maintaining a good range of motion in the joints. Overall flexibility should be developed with specific joint range of motion needs in mind as the individual joints vary from one to another.

Equilibrioception (sense of balance) is one of the physiological senses. It helps prevent humans and animals from falling over when walking or standing still.

Friction - strokes used to help break down connective tissue or adhesions, found within muscles, tendons and ligaments. The therapist uses small motions making certain not to evoke an inflammatory response. Stretching and ice may be applied to the treated tissue. Frictions are performed when tissue is in a relaxed neutral position and the thumb or fingers are used to compress the tissue over the  site. The pressure is increased and small back and forth movements are applied perpendicularly in the direction of the tissue fiber. No oil or lotion is used.

Functional Flexibility - a description of the amount of ability that individuals posses to move within their range of motion in direct relation to the joint and the task being attempted. Functional flexibility is a property of muscles that can be increased by a focused training program, such as Nōga. (click here for the Nōga page despite shameless plug).

Geriatric Massage - Massage focused on people that have aging-related issues. Please see our page on Geriatric Massage by clicking here.

Green Tea facial - A facial treatment offered at Rē. Green Tea is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds used to reduce the redness and puffiness of irritated skin. It is also renowned for its mildly astringent properties.

Heart Centered Therapy -Heart Centered Therapy is a verbal dialog, with a small physical component. Holistically assisting the individual to gain better emotional and physical health, Heart Centered Therapy may be the component in addressing some empty or confusing block to the client’s full health. Click here to go to our Heart Centered Therapy Page.

Jostling / Shaking /Rocking - A massage technique the act of which causes the muscles to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements, producing relaxation.

Laban - is a way and language for interpreting, describing, visualising and notating all ways of movement. Created by Rudolf Laban, LMA draws on his theories of effort and shape to describe, interpret and document human movement. Used as a tool by dancers, athletes, physical and occupational therapists, it is one of the most widely used systems of human movement analysis. Extended by the work of Irmgard Bartenieff, the system is known also as Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis or Laban Movement Studies and comprises: Laban Movement Analysis, Anatomy and Kinesiology, Bartenieff Fundamentals (sm), Labanotation. Qualified practitioners are known as "Certified Movement Analysts" (CMAs) or "Certified Laban Movement Analysts" (CLMAs).

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy - The Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) process involves the use of subtle manual maneuvers to aid in the recirculation of the lymphatic flow. Specifically, the therapist works with flat hands, using all the fingers to stimulate wave-like movements. The pressure applied is generally around five grams, or the equivalent weight of a nickel. Using this technique, trained therapists are able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body.

Lymphedema - Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid builds up in the soft tissues of the body because the lymph nodes or vessels have been damaged or removed. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run throughout your body. Lymph vessels collect lymphatic fluid that is made up of protein, water, fats, and wastes from the cells of the body. Lymph vessels carry this fluid to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter waste materials and foreign products, and then return the fluid to your blood. If the lymphatic vessels or nodes become damaged or are missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the system (lymphostatic lymphedema). In some cases, the lymphatic system is in tact, but there is dynamic swelling (lymphodynamic edema) that is not commonly regarded as a chronic condition. In Lymphedema, fluids can build up and cause swelling in the affected area. Typical treatement for Lymphedema is LDT. Click here to go to our LDT page.

Massage - is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical (anatomical), functional (physiological), and psychological purposes and goals. The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough".In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis, and the Latin was frictio. Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities.  In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partly unclothed. Parts of the body may be covered with towels or sheets.

Medical Massage - is outcome-based massage. It is primarily the application of specific treatment protocols targeted to the specific problem(s) the patient presents with physician's diagnosis and administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by the medical massage therapist.

Movement Analysis - A detailed analysis of movement which can be done visually and should involve the following:

  • A description of the actual movements which occur at the joints involved
  • The plane(s) in which the movement occurs
  • The muscles producing the movement
  • The function of the muscles involved (agonists, antagonists, synergists & fixators)
  • The type of contraction (isotonic -concentric or eccentric, isometric)
  • The range of the muscle action (inner, middle, outer)

Movement Analysis is best performed by Certified Movement Analyist. Please see our page by clicking here.

Moxibustion - (Chinese: 灸; pinyin: jiǔ) is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa, or mugwort herb. It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet, and Mongolia. Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff; practitioners burn the fluff or process it further into a stick that resembles a (non-smokable) cigar. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or sometimes burn it on a patient's skin. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and chi.

Mūv - Mūv is a dance-movement based exercise class. The exercises were created from a background in dance, enriched with an intimate knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, Laban Movement Analysis and the Bartenieff Fundamentals(sm). The movements and exercises in this class are designed to incorporate the whole body, not isolated parts.  They will help reawaken muscles that are not commonly used or may be underutilized. This will help in performing everyday actions, as well as any time movement is a factor in performance.

Myofascial Release - is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction and accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia. It is a manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

NCTMB - is an independent, private, nonprofit organization formed to set high standards of ethical and professional practice through a recognized, credible credentialing program. NCBTMB also promotes the worth of National Certification to the public and the profession, maintains the quality of the National Certification Program, and requires continuing education to keep practitioners current with advances in the field. NCBTMB certifies massage therapists and bodyworkers on behalf of the profession for the benefit of consumers, employers and practitioners.

Neuromuscular- the characteristics of the individual nerves and muscles, and the point of junction between nerve and muscle. Under the definition of neuromuscular massage, we include both the condition of the muscle (where muscle fibers are directly affected) and the affections of the nerves causing the alterations in the muscle or muscle group.

Nōga - Nōga is a combination of dynamic, resistive, and static stretching that can be utilized to enhance your health and flexibility. Based on established physiological and energetic anatomical principals, Nōga embraces the musculoskeletal and fascial systems of the body with a neuromuscular focus, which embraces all of the body’s systems. It is based on the kinetic chains of the body, not a given position or pose – Nōga focuses on increasing your strength through flexibility. Click here to go to the Nōga page.

Nuad BoRarn - is a type of massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used in Thai massage. It is known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran" (Thai: นวดแผนโบราณ, literally, the ancient-manner massage.

OMT (Osteopathic Manipulative Technique) - encompasses the treatment of health ailments of various etiologies through 'hands-on', physical intervention.
Physical treatments includes massage, soft tissue mobilization, various connective tissue techniques, myofascial release, craniosacral techniques, mobilization of joints, joint manipulation, mobilization of neural tissue, visceral mobilization, and strain and counterstrain.

Onsite Massage - Massage done out of a place of business (office, clinic) at a specified location. Onsite massage can be table-based or done on a massage chair.

Orthopedic Massage - Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates many modalities to treat soft tissue pain and injury. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria. The basic elements that are adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment to the individual issue.

Passive Stretching - is a form of static stretching in which an external force exerts upon the limb to move it into the new position. This is in contrast to active stretching. Passive stretching resistance is normally achieved through the force of gravity on the limb or on the body weighing down on it. It can also be achieved with the help of a partner, stretch bands, or mechanical devices. The more force exerted on the limb, the less time it will take to drop lower into the stretch, but this increases the potential for injury.

Pedi Karma - an inspired Ayurvedic treatment for the feet composed of a gentle foot conditioning to reduce callusing, stimulate circulation and invigorate meridians. This is followed by a balancing aromatic foot bath with Himalayan red salt and essential oils of bay, eucalyptus and ginger. Then a foot massage addresses vital energy points (Marmas) using customized Tibetan Anise Lotion and organic ghee, followed by massage with an Ayurvedic 3-metal foot massage tool known as Kansa Vataki, which balances the body energy. The final process is a gentle cleansing with Sandalwood Ubtan that will lighten your step and brighten your mood.

Personal Training - a systematic examination and instruction of the way an individual exercises. Special emphasis is placed on how a person moves, what the physical limitations are of the person, and the goals that the person has for exercising. Personal training can be accomplished by an individual or with the facilitation of a personal trainer. Click here to go to Rē's personal training page.

Pregnancy Massage - the prenatal use of massage therapy to support the physiologic, structural, and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Various forms of massage therapy, including Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular, movement, and Oriental-based therapies, may be applied throughout pregnancy as well as during labor and the postpartum period.

Petrissage - are massage movements with applied pressure which are deep and compress the underlying muscles. Kneading, wringing, skin rolling and pick-up-and-squeeze are the petrissage movements. They are all performed with the padded palmar surface of the hand, the surface of the finger and also the thumbs.

PNF  (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)  is a procedure designed in the 1940s and 1950s to rehabilitate patients with paralysis. It is often a combination of passive stretching and isometrics contractions. In the 1980s, components of PNF began to be used by sport therapists on healthy athletes. The most common PNF leg or arm positions encourage flexibility and coordination throughout the limb's entire range of motion. PNF is used to supplement daily stretching and is employed to make quick gains in range of motion to help athletes improve performance. Good range of motion makes better biomechanics, reduces fatigue and helps prevent overuse injuries. PNF is practiced by physical therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers and others.

QiGong (or ch'i kung) is an internal Chinese meditative practice which often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of qi within the human body, and enhance a practitioner's overall health. There are also many forms of qigong that are done with little or no movement at all, in standing, sitting and supine positions; likewise, not all forms of qigong use breath control techniques.

Resistive stretching - is a form of stretching in which a muscle simultaneously contracts and elongates.

- The premier place in Tulsa for massage, bodywork, traditional chinese medical therapy, and many other complementary therapies. Click here to go to our "About Us" page.

ReSoleutions - ReSoleutions is the creation of Xerlan and Christopher inspired by European, Asian and Middle Eastern approaches therapeutic and ritual foot treatments. Designed with the 5 elements in mind there are 5 elements that can be included in each session; Foot Bath, Massage, Glow, Mask and Hot Wax. Each is performed in our customized foot treatment areas, there is also an option for you to bring your friend or child with you to recieve an equal dose of pampering! These treatments can be a great pre- or post-massage addition, or can stand alone (note the pun) as a wonderful treat for your feet! Click here to go to the ReSoleution page!

Range of Motion(ROM)  is the measurement of the achievable distance between the flexed position and the extended position of a particular joint or muscle group.

Active – a measurement of ROM where the joint being measured is moved without any physical assistance.
Passive – a measurement of ROM where the joint being measured is totally assisted by an outside force.

Shiatsu - Shiatsu (指圧) ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.) is an eastern (oriental) born therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up is required for the "foot" shiatsu).

Somatic dysfunction - is the impaired or altered function of the musculo-skeletal system treated

Sports Massage - a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics. It is used to help prevent injuries, to prepare the body for athletic activity and maintain it in optimal condition, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries. Sports massage has three basic forms: pre-event massage, post-event massage, and maintenance massage.

Static Stretching - is used to stretch muscles while the body is at rest. It is composed of various techniques that gradually lengthen a muscle to an elongated position (to the point of discomfort) and hold that position for 30 seconds to two minutes. 30 seconds is the minimum duration to get the benefits of stretching, whereas two minutes is the maximum (if a position can be held for more than two minutes, a farther stretch should be performed). During this holding period or directly afterwards, participants may feel a mild discomfort or warm sensation in the muscles. Static stretching exercises involve specialized tension receptors in our muscles. When done properly, static stretching slightly lessens the sensitivity of tension receptors, which allows the muscle to relax and to be stretched to greater length.

Stretching - a form of physical exercise in which a specific skeletal muscle (or muscle group) is deliberately elongated to its fullest length (often by abduction from the torso) in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and reaffirm comfortable muscle tone.The result is a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility and range of motion. Stretching is also used therapeutically to alleviate cramps.

Swedish Massage - Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. It has also been shown to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. The term "Swedish" massage is not really known in the country of Sweden, where it is called "classic massage".

Tapotement - a rhythmic percussion, most frequently administered with the edge of the hand, a cupped hand or the tips of the fingers. Using the edge of the hand is also called Hacking. With the fingers, you wiggle them and lightly tap on the body. It is primarily used as a stimulating stroke and can release lymphatic build up in the back and gently tap the shoulder of the client.The name of the stroke is taken from the French word "Tapoter", meaning to tap or to drum.

Traditonal Chinese Medicine (TCM) - includes a range of traditional medicine practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medical system in much of the Western world. TCM practices include such treatments as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and both Tui na and Shiatsu massage. Qigong and Taijiquan are also closely associated with TCM. TCM claims to be rooted in meticulous observation of nature, the cosmos, and the human body, and to be thousands of years old. Major theories include those of Yin-yang, the Five Phases, the human body Meridian/Channel system, Zang Fu organ theory, six confirmations, four levels, etc.

Trager- a mind-body approach to movement education. It is a system of gentle, rhythmic movement and touch aimed at facilitating deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and promoting the body's optimal performance. There are several aspects of the approach: one in which the client passively receives the movement work on a padded table from a Trager practitioner; and another aspect, in which the client is taught to actively explore comfortable, free movement for themselves, is called Mentastics. Underlying to the basic aim of psychophysical integration in the Trager Approach, is a form of neuromuscular re-education called Reflex Response. This aspect of Dr.Trager’s work actively involves the client in awakening the connection between mind and body.

Trigger Point Therapy - this involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, injection, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain. Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by Janet G. Travell (president Kennedy's physician) and David Simons. Trigger points have been photomicrographed and measured electrically. In 2007 a paper was presented showing images of Trigger Points using MRI. These points relate to dysfunction in the myoneural junction, also called neuromuscular junction (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is different from reflexology, acupressure and pressure point massage.

Active – the trigger point modality where the  practitioner shortens the tissue, applies a contact tension and lengthens the tissue or makes it slide relative to the adjacent tissue
Neutral – the trigger point modality where the practitioner isolates the trigger point and holds it to facilitate the body releasing the surrounding tension.
Passive - the trigger point modality where the practitioner isolates the trigger point in the tissue, applies a contact tension and shortens the affected musculature, facilitating the release of the trigger point and the tension surrounding the affected area.

Yoga - a healing system of theory and practice. It is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. While yoga evolved as a spiritual practice in Hinduism, in the Western world, a part of yoga, known as Asana, has grown increasingly popular as a form of purely physical exercise. Some Western forms have little or nothing to do with Hinduism or spirituality, but are simply a way of keeping fit and healthy.