Most Popular Bodywork Techniques for Treating Pain and Stress

If you thought that a massage was simply a massage, you may be in for a surprise. Massage is only one type of bodywork technique that involves use of the hands. There are a variety of other bodywork techniques, many of them centuries old that use the principle of the laying on of hands to heal a basic disease process or to relieve pain or stress. Here are the some of the most popular bodywork techniques being offered today:

Bodywork technique: Reflexology

Reflexology is a technique of applying pressure to the hands or feet to treat a variety of medical problems such as digestive problems, pain, and stress related disorders. It operates on the principle that the organs of the body are linked to certain areas on the hands and feet. By applying pressure to these specific areas, the reflexologist believes you can promote healing of that particular organ system. The hands and feet are carefully mapped out so the reflexologist knows what portion of the foot or hand affects which organ system and can apply pressure to the appropriate area. Most reflexology sessions are painless and quite relaxing for the client. Studies as to the effectiveness of reflexology have shown some positive results in the treatment of pain and stress related disorders.

Bodywork technique: Acupressure

This ancient Chinese bodywork technique is based on the age old principles of acupuncture. The idea is that finger pressure applied to certain areas of the body can release blocked energy that may be contributing to pain and discomfort. It is most often used to treat stress and pain related conditions such as painful menstruation, depression, insomnia, and arthritis pain. There are anecdotal reports of the effectiveness of this bodywork technique in treating pain and stress related conditions, although there aren't enough large studies to conclusively document its effectiveness.

Bodywork technique: Shiatsu