Result for ‘massage’ in Therapies
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...massage intended to improve the circulation of lymphatic fluid throughout the body[1]. The lymphatic system is a network of fine vessels which has an important role in immune function as well as the elimination of wastes[2], toxins and excess fluid from the body’s tissues. It has a similar structure to the cardiovascular system, which carries blood around the body, but without a central pump like the heart, it relies on the action of the muscles to circulate the lymph fluid.
As a result of illness, surgery, or in some cases insufficient physical activity, the functioning of the lymphatic system may be compromised. This can lead to a build-up of lymph, which manifests as swelling[3] in a particular area such as an arm or a leg, and a chronic case of this type of swelling is called ‘lymphoedema’.
Lymphatic drainage massage can help alleviate lymphoedema, as well as less severe instances of swelling, by encouraging the circulation of fluid through the lymphatic vessels. It often involves using effleurage, or gliding motions, to help move the lymph fluid[4] away from the swollen area. Manual lymph drainage is often part of a therapeutic program to manage congestion in the lymphatic system[5], and may be complemented by the application of compression bandages or special garments designed to limit swelling. General benefits of manual lymphatic drainage include reduced swelling, improved circulation and immune function[6], as well as overall systemic detox and stress reduction. Manual lymph drainage is reported to be beneficial for reducing the pain[7] of menstrual issues, and it may be recommended after surgery[8] to reduce swelling and bruising. This therapy may also provide relief from pregnancy issues such as fluid retention and swelling in the lower limbs[9].
Many women experience lymphoedema after having lymph nodes removed during surgery for breast cancer, and there is evidence to suggest that manual lymph drainage might play an important role[10] alongside other therapies to treat this condition. Research suggests it may help reduce postoperative swelling of the face after the removal of wisdom teeth[11]. Lymphatic drainage has also been studied as a possible strategy for alleviating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis[12].
Lymphatic drainage is one of several types of massage therapy that may alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and is reported to possibly be more effective than connective-tissue massage[13] in this application. Research suggests manual lymphatic drainage may support muscle regeneration in athletes practising martial arts, possibly reducing the risk of sports injuries[14]. Lymphatic drainage practitioners are usually massage therapists who have undergone specialist training[15] to understand the lymphatic system and learn techniques for promoting lymph circulation.
To begin, your practitioner will obtain a detailed medical history from you, and ask you about the specific swelling, lymphoedema or other condition that has prompted you to seek treatment. You will need to remove some clothes for the lymph drainage massage, but you will be provided with towels[16] so you don’t feel exposed.
For the treatment itself, you will be invited to lie down on a massage table. Your lymphatic drainage practitioner will use gentle, rhythmic strokes[17] to help propel the lymph towards the thoracic duct, through which it will be returned to your bloodstream. Most practitioners do not use massage...
...massage. Dr Goodheart also incorporated osteopathic principles linking musculoskeletal function with other bodily systems[6]. After developing the modality that was later trademarked Applied Kinesiology, Dr Goodheart introduced traditional Chinese concepts such as meridians as the pathways of energy flow through the body.
A key belief in kinesiology is that your body not only has an innate ability to heal itself, but also an awareness[7] of what is needed to facilitate that healing. The aim of kinesiology is to access this information and apply suitable remedies[8] to restore balance; these may involve acupressure or massaging meridians, counselling, nutritional advice[9], or other strategies. Kinesiology is a gentle and non-invasive healing modality[10] that may be used to address a wide variety of complaints. Instead of being regarded as a ‘cure’ for acute ailments, kinesiology is intended mainly as a catalyst[11] for stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Kinesiology practitioners must undergo extensive hands-on training[12]before becoming accredited in this well-regarded modality, and research supporting the possible benefits of kinesiology is ongoing. The results of one study suggest it may be an effective way to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress[13]. There are many published testimonials and case studies of improvements in wellbeing[14] that may be attributable to kinesiology therapy.
It is reported that kinesiology may help alleviate chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis[15]. Kinesiology is said to help identify sensitivities to foods and other allergens, as well as possibly supporting the treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders[16].
It is believed to promote a sense of vitality, improved concentration and motivation[17], as well as help you find inner peace and help you sleep[18]. There are also reports suggesting kinesiology may help people suffering from ADHD and other difficulties[19] related to learning. After learning about your medical history and any specific health concerns, your kinesiology therapist will usually ask you about what you hope to achieve through the treatment and help you clarify your intention[20] if needed.
You will then be invited to lie on a massage...
...massage therapy[3].
Understanding the Distinction: Integrative Health vs. Integrative Medicine
While the terms "Integrative Health" and "Integrative Medicine" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.
Integrative Health focuses on a coordinated approach that combines conventional healthcare with complementary therapies across various healthcare providers and institutions. Integrative Medicine, on the other hand, is a clinical practice where healthcare professionals provide personalized care, combining conventional treatments with complementary approaches within a medical setting[4]. Integrative Medicine offers numerous benefits by combining evidence-based conventional treatments with complementary therapies[5]. This multifaceted approach helps to:
Enhance Overall Well-being: By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, integrative medicine promotes balance and resilience[6].
Reduce Chronic Pain: Therapies such as acupuncture, massage...
...massage that activates healing at cellular, energetic and emotional levels[3].
Acutonics offers nourishment in multiple dimensions:
Physical: releasing tension, reducing pain, easing inflammation, and improving circulation.
Emotional/psychological: calming nervous system responses, supporting resilience and emotional balance.
Energetic/spiritual: attuning body and mind to universal harmonic frequencies, aiding clarity, alignment and inner harmony[4].
It serves as a gentle yet powerful modality—not only to address specific concerns, but to restore balance and deepen your sense of well‑being. Clients and practitioners highlight the range of positive outcomes from Acutonics sound therapy:
Stress reduction & emotional equilibrium – Many find significant relief from anxiety, worry and emotional overwhelm, often experiencing a shift in perspective and enhanced mental clarity[5].
Pain relief & recovery support – Conditions such as chronic pain, muscular tension, injury recovery, arthritis, digestive or respiratory discomfort may respond well. Vibrational tuning penetrates deep tissue and energetic blockages often inaccessible by conventional approaches[6].
Improved sleep & vitality – By calming the nervous system and restoring resonance, clients often report deeper, more restorative sleep and an uplift in overall energy levels[7].
Hormonal and women’s health support – Practitioners integrate Acutonics into support for fertility, pre‑ and postnatal care, menstrual imbalance, peri‑menopause and gynaecological concerns.
Holistic harmony – Working with meridians, chakras, and archetypal planetary energies, the therapy aligns body, mind and spirit with enhanced awareness and inner peace.
Preventative & maintenance care – Many use Acutonics as regular tune‑ups—fortifying resilience, grounding energy, and maintaining alignment amidst everyday stress or environmental disruption[8].
Over 25 years of clinical experience and peer‑reviewed case studies support its efficacy, especially when integrated into complementary and holistic health approaches[9].
While Acutonics doesn’t yet have large-scale clinical trials, it draws on the broader acupuncture tradition, which is supported by numerous systematic reviews and controlled trials. Many practitioners, educators, and users report positive outcomes through structured case documentation and self‑care protocols.
However, the Acutonics® Institute and affiliates have compiled numerous narrative case studies, including:
Acutonics From Galaxies to Cells, a companion collection featuring more than 60 clinician-documented protocols and outcomes[10].
Practitioner-level dissertations exploring Acutonics for stress reduction, compassion fatigue (particularly among nurses), emotional wellness, and wound healing, using qualitative and mixed-method approaches[11].
Initial consultation
Your session begins with a conversation about your current physical, emotional or spiritual concerns. Some practitioners also use TCM diagnostic tools—such as pulse and tongue assessment—to sense energetic imbalances and inform treatment strategy
Session & sound application
You’ll lie fully clothed in a relaxed, quiet setting. The practitioner selects tuning forks and other sound tools based on specific frequencies—often planetary intervals—that correspond to your needs. These are applied directly on or above acupuncture or trigger points, trigger release zones or chakra centers. Together, pairs of forks create musical intervals that send therapeutic vibration into the body and energy field—a micro‑massage...
...massage which may also include gentle stretches and postural alignments, intended to restore the balance of qi (vital energy). The word ‘shiatsu’ literally means ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese[1], although practitioners also use their elbows, palms, thumbs, even their feet and knees, to apply pressure as appropriate.
Shiatsu is a Japanese technique of therapeutic touch which originated from traditional Chinese massage[2]. The intention of these styles of massage involves promoting a healthy flow of qi through the body’s meridians (invisible energy pathways). It is believed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concepts were introduced to Japan between the fifth and sixth century[3].
The term ‘shiatsu’ was coined by a Japanese practitioner named Tamai Tempaku, who published a book on the method in 1919[4]. Another pioneering practitioner, Tokujiro Namikoshi, further refined shiatsu techniques, and his emphasis on including a Western perspective of physiology contributed to shiatsu therapy being formally recognised as a distinct healing modality[5] by the Japanese government in 1964. Namikoshi famously treated various Western celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali[6]. Traditionally, the intention of shiatsu is to dissolve blockages of qi through the meridians of the body and restore optimal flow of qi[7] to areas of ‘energy stagnation’. It is believed that when a person’s energetic balance is restored, symptoms ranging from aches and pains to insomnia and digestive difficulties can be alleviated.
There is evidence to suggest that shiatsu may help trigger spontaneous labour[8] in post-term women, and the results of a pilot study indicate that it may have beneficial effects on pain reduction and sleep quality[9] in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Research suggests shiatsu may improve quality of life by reducing the severity[10] of chronic lower-back pain. Shiatsu combined with physical activity has also been studied as a way of significantly reducing depression[11] in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Shiatsu is reported to possibly be an effective way of managing refractory migraine[12], reducing the quantity of painkillers taken by people suffering from primary headaches. There is evidence to suggest shiatsu may be a useful way of reducing pain as well as managing anxiety and stress[13] in cancer patients, although further research is recommended. Studies suggest that shiatsu may decrease the intensity of pain[14] and levels of anxiety[15] in burns patients. The session will begin with your shiatsu practitioner asking you about your general medical history and any specific pain or ill health[16] you might be experiencing, as well as the state of your emotional wellbeing. Your practitioner may also use traditional diagnostic techniques such as looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse, as well as a hara examination[17] (evaluating your abdominal area using gentle touch).
The shiatsu treatment itself involves lying down, fully clothed, on a futon, although some practitioners may offer you a massage chair, depending on your needs[18]. Practitioners will often cover you with a sheet for greater comfort. Your practitioner will apply deep, focused pressure to key points along your energy meridians according to a sequence that is personalised to your ‘state of qi’[19]. They will use their thumbs, fingertips, palms, elbows, feet and knees to carry out the massage...
...massage (known as romiromi or mirimiri) on pressure points is often used as a technique to facilitate spiritual wellness. Rongoā Māori also uses ‘karakia’, or prayers or chants, to promote spiritual healing.
Rongoā Māori has not always had a smooth history in New Zealand. The arrival of Europeans, the introduction of new diseases and a shift towards a Western medical system saw the Tohunga Suppression Act passed in 1907 due to concerns about ‘rogue Tohunga[3]. Despite this background, Rongoā Māori is now seen as integral to the culture of New Zealand, with the Te Kāhui Rongoā Trust established to promote and protect Rongoā Māori[4]. The New Zealand government currently funds some rongoā providers[5] to provide services such as massage, prayer support and cultural support. Providers of Rongoā Māori funded by the government are required to adhere to the rongoā standards, the Tikanga ā-Rongoā[6], that sets out a framework for providing quality services. Other organisations may choose to adhere to these standards voluntarily. Every aspect of Rongoā Māori is relational, with the healing based on love and care for the person and aimed at bringing wholeness instead of simply treating the illness. Healers invite spiritual healing for their patients, and even the process of picking and preparing plants involves communication with the plants and prayer in the preparation of the medicine.
In addition to bringing healing to the spirit and soul, Rongoā Māori is also used to treat physical symptoms. The traditional knowledge of the Tohunga[7] has seen native plants used to treat conditions ranging from sunburn and wounds[8] to respiratory disorders such as cough and bronchitis, or toothache and diarrhoea. While the Māori have been using these treatments for years, scientific studies have only recently begun to examine the large array of plants used in Rongoā Rākau.
However, some native New Zealand plants have been the subject of scientific studies and are known to provide established benefits. One of the most widely studied is the Manuka plant, from which Manuka honey and Manuka oil are made. The leaves and bark of the Manuka plant have been used to treat skin diseases, heal cuts and burns, and ease itching or for pain relief, with multiple studies finding that Manuka has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties[9].
Native plants used in Rongoā Rākau have also been studied as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. In particular, natural properties in the karamu, kūmarahou, and kawakawa plants have been found to have potential effects on the metabolism of glucose in the body[10], suggesting anti-diabetic effects. Each Rongoā Māori session is customised to the person’s concerns and state of health. As a holistic modality, the healer will seek to address the root cause instead of the presenting issue. This means that your healer may ask questions you think are unrelated, or use techniques such as chanting that do not seem to directly address the issue.
Rongoā Māori often involves the use of massage, which is also used as a tool to help release emotional tension and spiritual blockages[11]. This can be an intense physical experience as masseurs utilise their arms, legs and various body parts to provide the massage...
...massage treatment[1], intended to relieve pressure and tension in myofascial tissue. The fascia is a network of thin connective tissue[2] distributed throughout the body; myofascial membranes are the ones that enclose muscle tissue. After muscle overuse, trauma, disease or other factors, it is believed that some areas of the fascia may contract[3], causing pain, restricted movement and poor circulation.
The practice of myofascial release is usually taught as continuing professional education, building on massage qualifications. By completing a short course, practitioners who are already trained in fields such as massage[4], anatomy or physiology[5] may obtain certification in myofascial release therapy. Myofascial release and myotherapy are terms which may seem similar; they both involve the root ‘myo’, meaning ‘muscle’, derived from ancient Greek[6]. The difference is that myofascial release is focused more on the fascia, while myotherapy targets the muscle tissue within, and is based on conventional Western understanding[7] of the musculoskeletal system.
The aim of myofascial release is to reduce muscular tension within the fascia[8], improving the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, and trigger a ‘stretch reflex’, allowing tight muscle groups to relax. The treatment involves a practitioner feeling for areas of tension and rigidity within the myofascial system, then massaging the area to gradually release pressure[9], increasing suppleness and flexibility.
Because the fascia comprises such a complex network within the body, myofascial massage in one area may relieve pain in a different body part[10]. The way myofascial release works is not fully understood, although ongoing research suggests the mechanism of action may be related to the high concentration of sensory nerves within the fascia[11]. The results of a randomised controlled trial suggest myofascial release techniques may be an effective complementary treatment to improve function and reduce the severity of pain[12] in people suffering from fibromyalgia. It is reported that myofascial release may be an effective way of treating myofascial pain syndrome[13], a condition with similarities to fibromyalgia, but which tends to produce more localised symptoms.
There is evidence to suggest myofascial release therapy may be a “promising treatment”[14] for restricted mobility and chronic pain following surgery for breast cancer, but more research is recommended. It is reported that myofascial release, in combination with kinesiotherapy, may improve circulatory function in post-menopausal women[15].
Research suggests both direct and indirect methods of myofascial may help relieve chronic tension-type headache[16], and it is reported that myofascial release may be a practical way of managing lateral epicondylitis[17] (‘tennis elbow’). There is also evidence to suggest myofascial release therapy may reduce “pain-related disability” and depression[18], as well as improve quality of sleep, in elderly patients suffering from chronic lower-back pain. Your first myofascial release session is likely to take up to 90 minutes, and will usually start with your practitioner asking you about your medical history[19]. Any injuries, trauma or surgery you might have had in the past may have an effect on the network of fascia in your body, and may give your practitioner a clue about problem areas they need to work on.
You will usually be invited to lie on a massage table for the treatment. Your myofascial release practitionermassage therapist will not ask you to remove any more clothing than you are comfortable with[20], and will provide you with a towel so that you don’t feel exposed. Your practitioner will use gentle touch to locate areas of myofascial tension[21] and rigidity, and then stretch and massage those areas using their hands.
Releasing the tension in each area may take several minutes, and to ensure they can accurately feel the changes in your fascia, your practitioner will not normally use massage...
...massage or physiotherapy by its unique and holistic approach to help the body heal from musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunction.
While remedial massage exclusively uses massage techniques to assist with muscle pain and physiotherapy is primarily concerned with the rehabilitation of joint injuries[4], Myotherapists have a deep understanding of the human anatomy and offer a more comprehensive treatment[5] protocol to treat pain and misalignment.
Myotherapists are considered primary healthcare providers[6] and may operate from stand-alone practices or in multidisciplinary environments.
In Australia, Myotherapists receive qualifications from government-accredited institutions and must be registered with a recognised professional body such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association[7] or Myotherapy Association Australia.[8] The benefits of myotherapy are numerous given its comprehensive approach to muscle therapy and reliance on a range of evidence-based techniques.
Trigger point dry needling[9], for example, is one such technique with clinical research to support its efficacy for reducing acute and chronic pain, as well as improving motor performance and range of motion. Notably, two separate publications validate dry needling as effective for the management of myofascial pain[10] originating in the neck[11], shoulders and spinal muscles.
Massage...
...massage, breath, ceremony and traditional plants or mixtures[1] to release blockages and heal ailments.
Indigenous Aboriginal people are the oldest known civilisation on earth[2], and traditional Aboriginal healing has a similarly rich and lengthy history. Rooted in the Indigenous belief system, Ngangkaṟi Healing understands that sickness has a spiritual component[3], which means they approach healing from a holistic perspective and utilise healing techniques not known to Western medicine. Some of the main techniques for healing include pampuni[4] (a touch or massage technique), bush medicine, smoking ceremonies and spirit realignment.
Some traditional medical settings in South Australia and Central Australia are beginning to invite Ngangkaṟi Healers to work alongside doctors in their hospitals[5]. In South Australia, the Mental Health Act 2009 recognises the importance of Ngangkaṟi Healers and specifies that mental health services for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people can “when practicable and appropriate, involve collaboration with health workers and traditional healers from their communities[6]”.
The Ngangkaṟi are the traditional healers of Anangu of the Western Desert in Central Australia[7], which includes the Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and Yankunytjatjara peoples’. 'Ngangkaṟi' means healer in the Pitjantjatjara language, with healers born into this ability through ancestral lines[8] and healing knowledge passed down through the generations.
The Aṉangu Ngangkaṟi Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation[9] (ANTAC) is the first organisation of Aboriginal traditional healers in Australia, and it makes Ngangkaṟi Services[10] accessible to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. All members are accredited through a strict accreditation process in accordance with Ngangkari’s Law which is at the core of the Ngangkaṟi’s traditional medical knowledge system, and listed in the Register of Ngangkaṟi. The Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council[11] (NPYWC) is another body that facilitates the provision of Ngangkaṟi Healing services in local communities, clinics and hospitals. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing is strongly focused on connection to the Country and embedded in the rich diversity[12] of local cultural practice across Australia. It differs[13] widely, depending on the varieties of bush medicine available, technique and name by local language groups.
While there are no scientific studies of Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island healing, it is increasingly being accepted by the mainstream healthcare system as a complementary and alternative medicine.
For instance, ANTAC now offers its services in regional clinics and at South Australia’s Royal Adelaide Hospital. In those clinics, some who have used Ngangkaṟi Healing for pain management have reported relief from their symptoms[14]. An additional benefit of having Ngangkaṟi Healers in hospital settings is their ability to help Aboriginal people feel more at ease in a medical establishment. Akeyulerre Healing Centre in Alice Springs[15] provides bush rubs and other free healing treatments to their communities, subsidised by their collection and sale of bush medicines to the wider public.
Healers work under their own unique names and techniques based on language groups, bush medicines available and local conditions.
Due to their understanding of the spirit-body connection, Ngangkaṟi Healers specialises in treating psychological issues, and some have reported a release from fear and a sense of being 'brand new'[16] after treatment. Two Ngangkaṟi healers were recognised in 2009 by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and in 2011 by the World Council for Psychotherapy for their contributions to mental health[17] in the Aboriginal communities of Central Australia.
Ngangkaṟi Healers accept the role of Western medicine[18], and some see it as the responsibility of Western systems to treat problems brought about by European settlement and not previously known to Indigenous communities – such as those caused by diets high in processed sugar and flour[19]. Their focus is to treat people suffering from mental distress or physical conditions such as knee pain, repetitive strain injuries, joint pain, trauma, and pregnancy-related issues[20].
Apart from mental and physical conditions, a key benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing is its ability to help Indigenous people right their spirit and reconnect with their culture, which is the lifeblood of their spiritual being[21]. These healing modalities are increasingly being offered to those outside local communities. The assessment process for a Ngangkaṟi healing session is very different from a traditional medical examination[8]. Instead of simply assessing the site of the problem, the Ngangkaṟi healers are likely to assess your whole body. Unlike traditional medical examinations which rely largely on your narration of the problem, Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healers will also observe, listen and use touch to assess the issue.
This will allow them to determine whether there are blockages in your body that are contributing to the presenting condition, and use techniques such as massage...
...massage therapist, in the 1950s[6]. His intuitive bodywork was systematically documented by his student and associate Oswald Rentsch, who went on to develop a structured training program educating other practitioners in the Bowen technique.
To ensure you receive Bowen treatment of the highest standard, choose a practitioner registered with a professional association such as the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia[7] and Bowen Association Australia[8]. This national organisation is committed to ensuring professional conduct and overseeing the educational standards of its members, who are obliged to uphold its Code of Ethics. Empirical research into Bowen therapy is ongoing, with the results of one study suggesting it may be an effective way to improve hamstring flexibility[9]. There is evidence to suggest Bowen therapy may increase mobility and function in cases of frozen shoulder[10], but further study is recommended. There is research to suggest Bowen therapy may reduce stress, improve the quality of sleep, increase energy levels[11] and enhance general feelings of wellbeing. The results of a pilot study also indicate that Bowen therapy may be an effective way to support the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke[12].
Conditions that are often treated using Bowen technique[13] include carpal tunnel syndrome, planar fasciitis (foot pain), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, although these have not been the subject of academic research. It is also reported that Bowen therapy may be an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis (‘tennis elbow’), various types of headaches, and lower-back pain[14]. It is recommended that you avoid any bodywork for four days prior[15] to receiving treatment. In the case of acute problems, it is advisable to commence treatment as soon as possible after you are injured or develop symptoms. This is believed to possibly prevent chronic problems from developing as other areas of the body attempt to compensate for the compromised part.
To begin, your practitioner will ask you about your medical history and general well-being [16], as well as the health concern for which you are seeking treatment. After assessing the condition you are concerned about, your practitioner will invite you to lie on a massage table and use the Bowen technique to treat the area that is troubling you.
Bowen therapy practitioners use their thumbs and fingers to massage and stimulate carefully targeted areas using characteristic ‘rolling’ motions, rather than ‘gliding’ over the skin. Between sets of moves, your practitioner will pause for calculated periods and usually leave the room, giving your body space to initiate the healing process. Bowen massage...
