A Touch Tip Sheet

THE BASICS

--Ayurvedic: Gentle surface massage aimed at calming the nerves and stimulating blood flow

--Reflexology: Stimulation of points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond to other areas of the body

--Shiatsu: A pattern of finger-thumb-palm movements along acupressure points

--Swedish: A system of long strokes, kneading and friction on the surface layer of muscles. Also involves movement of the joints. The most common form of massage

--Thai: Assisted stretches combining acupressure and yoga positions to focus on specific points on the body

VARIATIONS

--Deep tissue: Slow strokes and heavy finger pressure applied to areas of chronic tension

--Effleurage: A two-handed Swedish-massage technique using a smooth, gliding stroke to relax soft tissue

--Petrissage: Squeezing, rolling and kneading. A Swedish method that usually follows effleurage

--Reiki: A "natural healing" technique in which therapists simply place their hands on the body at various points to speed recovery from illness or injury

--Rolfing: Focuses on realigning the body along its vertical plane with pressure varying from surface to deep

FOR A LITTLE LUXURY

--Four handed: Two massage therapists working on one individual at the same time

--Hydrotherapy: An intense massage performed while the body is suspended in water to lessen the pain and discomfort of the deep pressure

--Lymphatic drainage: Gentle pumping and light raking to drain pockets of water retention and release toxins trapped in lymph nodes

--Rosen method: Tender touch coupled with verbal communication to help release suppressed emotions as well as muscle tension

--Stone therapy: The application of smooth, heated rocks

--By Nadia Mustafa