Originally, Swedish massage was not designed as a long relaxation treatment. Developed in the 19th century by Per Henrik Ling, this method was created as a quick and targeted intervention to help injured athletes recover. Its initial purpose was to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and support physical rehabilitation—often through short, dynamic sessions rather than extended treatments.

​

Over time, this technique evolved into one of the most popular styles of massage. Its flowing, soothing and deep movements help relax the muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress, making it a comprehensive therapeutic or relaxing treatment depending on individual needs.

Lomi Lomi is an ancient Hawaiian massage passed down by the kahuna, traditional healers. The “Warrior Style” draws inspiration from techniques used by ancient Polynesian warriors to prepare their bodies for physical effort, maintain strength, and recover after training or combat.

​

This powerful yet fluid technique primarily uses the forearms in long, rhythmic, and continuous movements. It enhances circulation, releases deep tension, and harmonizes body and mind according to the Hawaiian concept of mana, or life energy.

The modern development of Deep Tissue Massage is attributed to Therese Phimmer, a Canadian therapist who formalized the method in the 1940s after recovering from partial paralysis using this approach. Her intention was to create an effective method to address musculoskeletal pain, release adhesions and improve mobility.

​

Contrary to common misconceptions, Deep Tissue was never meant to “beat up” the muscles or cause pain. It is a myofascial-based modality, using slow, stable, and precise movements to reach the deeper layers of muscles and fascia. Pressure is progressive, controlled, and always adapted to the client’s comfort level.

Joint mobilizations originate from osteopathy, founded by Andrew Taylor Still in the late 1800s, and later developed through modern physiotherapy. Their initial purpose was to restore natural joint mobility without forced or abrupt manipulations.

​

Now integrated into massage therapy, these guided movements—gentle, precise, or dynamic—help improve flexibility, decrease stiffness, and optimize overall movement quality.

Tuina is one of the oldest manual therapies in the world, with more than 3,000 years of history in China. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was developed to harmonize Qi, treat internal imbalances, support organ health, and maintain musculoskeletal wellness.

​

Tuina combines acupressure, kneading, rolling, stretching, and dynamic techniques to restore energetic balance and promote optimal body function.

Cupping therapy dates back to ancient civilizations such as China, Egypt, and the Middle East. Historical evidence appears in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest known medical texts. Traditionally, cups were used to remove stagnation, improve circulation and reduce pain.

​

Today, massage therapy uses modern plastic and silicone cups alongside traditional ones, allowing safe and adaptable applications for therapeutic needs.

Nuad Boran originates from Thailand and is heavily influenced by Indian Ayurveda, Buddhism, and Chinese medicine. Tradition credits its creation to Shivago Komarpaj, the legendary physician of the Buddha. Historically, this massage was used by monks and travelers to maintain vitality, support endurance, and preserve health.

​

This approach combines acupressure, passive stretches, joint mobilizations, and energy work, offering a complete technique that enhances flexibility, increases energy flow, and brings a deep sense of lightness.

 

This modality blends Chinese medicine with Thai traditions. Originally practiced in bustling Thai markets and streets, it was created to quickly revitalize the body of travelers and workers by stimulating reflex zones and Sen energy lines.

 

It uses rhythmic pressure, thumb movements, and a traditional wooden stick to improve circulation, balance the nervous system, and induce full-body relaxation.

Derived from traditional Thai manual therapies and influenced by techniques such as Tok Sen, this massage was historically used to soothe the nervous system, clear the mind, and reduce mental fatigue among monks in temples.

 

Today, this gentle and precise technique releases tension in the scalp, neck, and facial muscles, promotes deep relaxation, and helps alleviate stress, headaches, and mental overload.

The Japanese facial massage, often associated with the tradition of Kobido, dates back to the 15th century in Japan. Originally reserved for the Imperial family, this technique was designed to promote longevity, natural beauty, and energetic balance of the face. Inspired by Anma—the oldest form of Japanese manual therapy—it uses quick, precise, and rhythmic movements to stimulate circulation and the flow of energy.

​

Today, this massage is renowned for its natural lifting effect, its ability to tone facial muscles, enhance skin radiance, reduce tension in the face and neck, and induce deep mental relaxation. It harmonizes facial energy while offering a luxurious and rejuvenating experience.

Chi Nei Tsang is a traditional technique rooted in Taoist practices, taught in Chinese temples for over 2,000 years. Its modern founder, Master Mantak Chia, introduced it to the Western world by structuring it as a therapeutic method aimed at harmonizing the internal organs. Originally, this practice was used to release emotional tensions stored in the abdomen, promote energetic flow, and support healthy digestion.

​

This massage uses gentle yet deep pressure on the abdomen to relax the internal organs, release energetic blockages, improve breathing, and reduce visceral stress. It offers a holistic approach that benefits both digestive comfort and emotional balance.

​Inspired by ancient traditions, including Ayurvedic and Polynesian practices, prenatal massage developed in the 20th century as a specialized approach to ease discomforts related to pregnancy. Its original intention was to support women through major physical changes and promote a more comfortable pregnancy.

​

Today, this safe and trimester-adapted technique helps reduce lower back tension, heavy legs, fatigue, and stress, while providing overall relaxation of both body and mind.

Baby and child massage has roots in several ancient traditions, including Indian, African, and Polynesian cultures, where it was used to strengthen bonding, support motor development, and soothe the nervous system. It was reintroduced to the Western world in the 1970s through the work of Vimala McClure, who founded the International Association of Infant Massage.

 

Today, this gentle and nurturing massage helps reduce tension, promote better sleep, ease digestive discomfort (such as colic and gas), and support emotional regulation. Adapted to each stage of development, it offers a comforting moment of connection, well-being, and nervous system balance for children of all ages.

Ashiatsu has roots in various Asian traditions—Japanese, Chinese, and Thai—where barefoot techniques have been used for centuries to deliver broad, deep pressure. The modern Western form of Ashiatsu was systematized in the 1990s by Ruthie Hardee, founder of DeepFeet.

​

Originally, this approach was designed to offer a deep yet gentle way to address chronic tension without the pointed discomfort of thumbs or elbows. The therapist uses their feet to apply deep, even pressure, supported by ceiling bars for perfect control.

​

Sarga Bodywork© is a contemporary modality created by Jivatma Massaguer and Daniel Tsukayama. It was designed to offer a deep, myofascial and fluid approach, providing stable, controlled pressure using a fabric strap anchored to the massage table.

​

This method uses primarily the therapist’s feet to deliver deep traction, gliding and three-dimensional work that releases tissues, improves mobility, and creates an enveloping experience of relaxation.

Maderotherapy originates from Latin America, particularly Colombia, where it was developed as a natural technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, improve circulation, and support tissue remodeling. The term comes from the Spanish word madera, meaning wood, referring to the wooden tools used during the treatment.

​

Originally, this method was created to promote drainage, reduce stagnation, and support bodily balance in a non-invasive way. Today, maderotherapy is used for both therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. It combines rhythmic, precise, and controlled movements using specially designed wooden tools to work superficial and deeper tissues, support toxin elimination, improve skin tone, and provide an overall feeling of lightness and well-being.