Reference
Glossary
A comprehensive reference of massage, bodywork, and wellness terminology. Click any term to learn more.
A
Acupressure
Applying manual pressure to specific energy points on the body.
Aftercare
Post-session self-care practices that extend massage benefits.
Ambiance
The atmosphere and sensory environment of a massage studio.
Amma Therapy
Acupressure-based bodywork rooted in East Asian medicine.
Aromatherapy
The therapeutic use of essential oils to enhance wellness.
Ashiatsu
Deep tissue massage using the therapist's feet.
Ayurveda
Ancient Indian holistic healing system.
B
Biofeedback
Technique to gain control over bodily functions via monitoring.
Body Glide
A massage technique using full-body contact with a slippery medium.
Body Mapping
Awareness techniques for understanding your body's tension patterns.
Body Mechanics
The practitioner's use of their own body for effective, safe technique.
Body Scrub
An exfoliating treatment often offered before massage sessions.
Bodywork
The broad category of therapeutic physical manipulation practices.
Bolster
A supportive cushion used during massage for proper body alignment.
Booking Platform
An online service connecting clients with verified bodywork practitioners.
C
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve compression in the wrist, causing pain and numbness.
Carrier Oil
Vegetable-derived oil used to dilute essential oils.
CE Credits
Continuing education requirements for maintaining bodywork credentials.
Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord — the body's command center affected by massage.
Chakras
Energy centers in the body according to Indian wellness traditions.
Circadian Rhythm
Natural 24-hour cycle regulating sleep-wake patterns.
Client Intake
Initial process of gathering client health information.
Consent
Ongoing, informed agreement essential to professional bodywork.
Contraindication
A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable.
Cortisol
The body's primary stress hormone, reduced by massage therapy.
Craniosacral Therapy
A gentle technique working with the body's craniosacral rhythm.
Cupping
A therapy using suction cups to promote circulation and healing.
D
E
Effleurage
Long, gliding massage strokes that warm tissue and promote relaxation.
Endocannabinoid System
A body system involved in pain regulation, influenced by massage.
Endorphins
Natural pain-relieving chemicals released during bodywork.
Ergonomics
Study of designing workspaces and tools for efficiency.
Ethics
Moral principles guiding professional conduct and behavior.
F
G
H
I
Ideal Pressure
Finding the optimal massage pressure between too light and too deep.
Informed Consent
Agreement given with full understanding of the treatment involved.
Intake Form
A health questionnaire completed before your first massage session.
Integrative Bodywork
Combining multiple massage modalities in a single session.
Interosseous Membrane
Sheet of connective tissue between bones.
L
M
Massage Table
Specialized table for client comfort during bodywork.
Melatonin
A sleep-regulating hormone supported by massage-induced serotonin.
Meridians
Energy pathways in Traditional Chinese Medicine bodywork.
Modality
A specific type or method of massage or bodywork.
Myofascial Release
A technique targeting the connective tissue surrounding muscles.
N
O
P
Palpation
Using touch to examine the body.
Parasympathetic Response
The body's 'rest and digest' mode activated during deep relaxation.
Petrissage
Kneading massage technique that works deeper muscle layers.
Piriformis Muscle
Deep hip muscle, can cause sciatic nerve compression.
Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of tissue on the sole of the foot.
PNF Stretching
An advanced stretching technique using muscle contraction and release.
Polarity Therapy
An energy-based healing system balancing the body's electromagnetic field.
Porphyra Yezoensis
The nori seaweed species from which nuru gel is derived.
Posture Analysis
Assessment of body alignment to identify imbalances.
Prana
Life force energy in yogic and Ayurvedic traditions.
Prenatal Massage
Massage adapted for the unique needs of pregnant individuals.
Preventive Wellness
Using regular bodywork to prevent health issues before they arise.
Prone Position
Lying face-down on the massage table.
Proprioception
The body's sense of its own position and movement in space.
Q
R
Range of Motion
Extent a joint can move in different directions.
Recovery Massage
Bodywork specifically focused on post-activity or post-event recovery.
Reflexology
Foot and hand massage based on pressure point mapping.
Rolfing
A form of deep tissue manipulation focused on structural alignment.
Rotator Cuff
Group of four muscles stabilizing the shoulder joint.
S
Sciatic Nerve
Largest nerve, runs from lower back to feet.
Sciatica
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve pathway.
Scope of Practice
The legally defined boundaries of what a practitioner may do.
Self-Massage
Massage techniques you can perform on yourself for daily relief.
Sensory Deprivation
Reducing external stimuli to promote deep relaxation and introspection.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that regulates mood, increased by massage.
Session Duration
The length of a massage appointment, typically 60-120 minutes.
Shiatsu
A Japanese pressure-point technique meaning 'finger pressure.'
SOAP Notes
Standardized documentation method for healthcare professionals.
Somatic
Relating to the body, especially as experienced from within.
Somatic Experiencing
A body-centered approach to processing stress and trauma.
Sports Massage
Massage specifically designed for athletic performance and recovery.
Structural Integration
A systematic approach to aligning the body with gravity through fascial work.
Supine Position
Lying face-up on the massage table.
Swedish Massage
The most common Western massage modality using five core techniques.
Swedish Movement Cure
The historical therapeutic system that founded modern Western massage.
T
Table Shower
A pre-massage rinse using a multi-headed shower fixture on a waterproof table.
Tantric Massage
A holistic bodywork practice combining breathwork, energy, and touch.
Tension Headaches
Common headaches caused by muscle contractions.
Thai Massage
An ancient technique combining yoga-like stretching with pressure.
Thalassotherapy
Marine-based wellness treatments using seawater and sea products.
Therapeutic Touch
The intentional use of touch for healing and wellness promotion.
Treatment Plan
A structured approach to achieving specific wellness goals through bodywork.
Trigger Point
A hyperirritable knot in muscle tissue that refers pain.