03 · TechniquesLight — the record room
Techniques & modalities.
Every record carries what it is, where it comes from, how much pressure it uses, and how confident the source behind it is. Browse the collection, or filter it down to the technique you actually need.
- 59
- Published records
- 135
- In scope
- 28
- Declared families
- 13
- Practice categories
Plate I · The census
Every published record, printed once.
Each fill identifies a published pressure label; it does not measure force or average a range. Surface is historical confidence. Select a brick to open its record.
LightDeepHighModerateLowOpen pressure category
- Abdominal massageLight–moderate
- AbhyangaLight–moderate
- Active Release TechniquesModerate
- AcupressureLight–moderate
- AnmaModerate
- Aromatherapy massageVariable
- AshiatsuModerate–deep
- Balinese massageModerate
- BowenworkLight
- Chair massageLight–moderate
- CompressionVariable
- Contrast hydrotherapyNot applicable
- Cross-fiber frictionModerate–deep
- Cryotherapy / cold applicationsNot applicable
- Deep tissueModerate–deep
- EffleurageLight
- Esalen massageLight–moderate
- Foot massageLight–moderate
- FrictionModerate–deep
- Geriatric massageLight–moderate
- Hand massageLight–moderate
- HellerworkModerate–deep
- HilotVariable
- Hospice / palliative massageVery light–moderate
- Hospital-based massageVariable
- Hot stone massageVariable
- Indian head massageLight–moderate
- Infant massageVery light
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizationModerate–deep
- Ku NyeVariable
- LomilomiLight–moderate
- Lymphatic drainageVery light
- Massage cuppingVariable suction
- Moist heat applicationsNot applicable
- Neuromuscular therapyModerate–deep
- Oncology massageVariable
- Pediatric massageVariable
- Percussive therapyVariable
- PétrissageModerate
- Positional releaseVery light
- Postpartum massageVariable
- Prenatal massageVariable
- ReflexologyLight–moderate
- Rolfing Structural IntegrationModerate–deep
- Scar tissue mobilizationVariable
- ShiatsuModerate
- Sports massageVariable
- Structural integrationModerate–deep
- Swedish massageLight–moderate
- TapotementLight–moderate
- Thai herbal compressVariable
- Thai massageModerate
- Trager ApproachLight
- Trauma-informed massageVariable
- Trigger point therapyModerate–deep
- Tui naModerate
- UdvartanaModerate
- VibrationLight–moderate
- WatsuNon-pressure / movement
14 high43 moderate2 low39 MBLEx-mapped20 use open pressure categories
Plate II · The collection
The records themselves.
59 reviewed techniques · Updated September 2026
Period · the seam above each record
- Living practice
- 19th century
- Early 20th century
- Mid 20th century
- Late 20th century
- 20th century, unspecified
- Contemporary
Exam scope
- MBLEx-mapped
- Beyond exam scope
ALL FILTERS
TECHNIQUE FAMILY
REGION / LINEAGE
INTENT
CAUTIONS & TRAINING
HISTORICAL CONFIDENCE
Group by
Density
PRACTICE CATEGORY
PRESSURE / DEPTH
PERIOD
EXAM RELEVANCE
All 59 techniques shownSORTED BY RECORD ID
Swedish massage19th centuryPractitioners combine gliding, kneading, friction, percussion, and vibration in a table-based session adapted to the client and setting.PressureLight–moderateRelaxation & wellnessCirculatory & lymphaticEurope · Sweden and the NetherlandsMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Effleurage19th centuryLong gliding strokes move over the skin with oil or lotion and often begin, connect, or close sections of a table session.PressureLightNamed strokeCirculatory & lymphaticWestern EuropeMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Pétrissage19th centuryHands knead, lift, squeeze, or wring soft tissue with a rhythm that may be broad or focused.PressureModerateNamed strokeWestern EuropeMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Tapotement19th centuryHands apply rhythmic percussion through tapping, cupping, hacking, or related contacts, usually in short intervals.PressureLight–moderateNamed strokeWestern EuropeMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Friction19th centuryFingers, thumbs, or hands use small focused rubbing movements—circular or across fibers—on a selected area.PressureModerate–deepNamed strokeClinical & rehabilitativeWestern EuropeMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →ReflexologyEarly 20th centuryA practitioner applies pressure to mapped areas, usually on the feet or hands, within a reflexology system.PressureLight–moderateEnergy-framedRelaxation & wellnessUnited StatesMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →AbhyangaLiving practiceWarm oil is applied in rhythmic, flowing whole-body strokes within an Ayurvedic practice context.PressureLight–moderateTraditional systemRelaxation & wellnessSouth Asia · AyurvedaBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →AnmaLiving practiceOften performed through clothing and without oil, using kneading, pressing, rubbing, and related manual methods.PressureModerateTraditional systemEnergy-framedJapanBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →ShiatsuEarly 20th centuryUsually performed through clothing, using sustained or rhythmic finger, thumb, palm, or other pressure according to the practitioner's school.PressureModerateEnergy-framedTraditional systemJapanMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Tui naLiving practicePractitioners combine rubbing, kneading, pressing, point work, and assisted movement within Chinese manual-therapy frameworks.PressureModerateTraditional systemClinical & rehabilitativeChinaBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Thai massageLiving practiceUsually performed clothed on a mat, with rhythmic pressure, assisted movement, positioning, and practitioner body mechanics.PressureModerateTraditional systemEnergy-framedThailandMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Deep tissueContemporarySlower, focused pressure is applied to selected soft tissues at a depth and pace guided by consent and response.PressureModerate–deepClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary Western practice · no sole origin documentedMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Lymphatic drainageEarly 20th centurySpecialized light-pressure skin-stretch movements are used in defined lymphatic and lymphedema-management contexts.PressureVery lightCirculatory & lymphaticClinical & rehabilitativeEurope · multiple clinical schoolsMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Trigger point therapyMid 20th centuryPractitioners use localized pressure and related soft-tissue methods on sensitive areas identified within a trigger-point framework.PressureModerate–deepClinical & rehabilitativeUnited StatesMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Aromatherapy massage20th century, unspecifiedMassage is paired with an aromatic topical product or inhaled aroma, with separate product choice and consent.PressureVariableRelaxation & wellnessTool-assistedFrance and United Kingdom · multiregional influencesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Hot stone massageContemporaryWarmed stones are placed as local heat sources or held as tools alongside an underlying massage modality.PressureVariableRelaxation & wellnessTool-assistedMultiregional · contemporaryMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Sports massage20th century, unspecifiedMassage methods are selected around the athlete, training phase, event timing, recovery context, and current needs.PressureVariableSpecial populationClinical & rehabilitativeMultiregional · organized sportMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Chair massageLate 20th centuryA client remains clothed in a supportive chair for a brief session, often in a workplace, airport, event, or community setting.PressureLight–moderateDelivery formatRelaxation & wellnessUnited States · contemporaryMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Neuromuscular therapyMid 20th centuryRelated European and American approaches use focused pressure, palpation, movement, and soft-tissue methods.PressureModerate–deepClinical & rehabilitativeEurope and United StatesMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Prenatal massageContemporaryMassage positioning, pressure, pacing, and areas of contact are adapted to pregnancy, health context, comfort, and obstetric guidance.PressureVariableSpecial populationRelaxation & wellnessMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Oncology massageLate 20th centuryMassage is adapted to cancer history, treatment, devices, tissue effects, symptoms, risks, goals, and care-team restrictions.PressureVariableSpecial populationClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary United StatesMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Structural integrationMid 20th centuryPractitioners combine systematic manual work with movement or body-awareness education across a planned series or individual session.PressureModerate–deepClinical & rehabilitativeUnited StatesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Massage cuppingContemporaryDry cups create non-skin-breaking suction and may remain stationary or glide over lubricated skin during a massage session.PressureVariable suctionTool-assistedClinical & rehabilitativeMultiregionalBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →AshiatsuLate 20th centuryA trained practitioner uses one or both feet as contact tools; common North American sessions are table-based and bar-supported.PressureModerate–deepBarefootClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary United States · multiregional barefoot practiceBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →AcupressureContemporaryFingers, thumbs, palms, or tools apply non-needle pressure to selected points within varied East Asian practice frameworks.PressureLight–moderateTraditional systemEnergy-framedEast Asia · multiple traditionsBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Geriatric massageContemporaryMassage methods, positioning, pacing, communication, and session length are adapted for an older adult's health, function, comfort, and care setting.PressureLight–moderateSpecial populationRelaxation & wellnessContemporary · multiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Infant massageLiving practiceGentle, developmentally responsive touch follows an infant's cues and is often taught for a caregiver to provide.PressureVery lightSpecial populationRelaxation & wellnessMultiregional · caregiver practiceBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →LomilomiLiving practicePractitioners use lineage-specific Native Hawaiian approaches that may include flowing manual work, oil, movement, prayer, or other culturally held elements.PressureLight–moderateTraditional systemRelaxation & wellnessHawaiʻi · Native HawaiianBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →WatsuLate 20th centuryIn warm chest-deep water, a practitioner supports and gently moves the receiver through stretches, rocking, and selected manual contacts.PressureNon-pressure / movementRelaxation & wellnessStretch / movementCalifornia, United StatesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Bowenwork20th century, unspecifiedLight rolling or transverse contacts are applied at selected locations, with pauses built into the named session format.PressureLightClinical & rehabilitativeAustraliaBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Trager Approach20th century, unspecifiedGentle rhythmic table work is combined with guided movement awareness in a named bodywork and movement-education system.PressureLightStretch / movementRelaxation & wellnessUnited StatesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →HellerworkLate 20th centuryA planned structural-integration series combines manual work, movement education, and verbal or experiential learning.PressureModerate–deepClinical & rehabilitativeSomatic educationUnited StatesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Indian head massageContemporaryManual work focuses on the scalp, head, neck, shoulders, and sometimes the face or upper back, often with the client seated.PressureLight–moderateTraditional systemRelaxation & wellnessSouth Asia · contemporary professional practiceBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Balinese massageContemporaryCurrent Indonesian training commonly combines oil-based massage with palm and thumb pressure and other locally taught methods.PressureModerateTraditional systemRelaxation & wellnessBali, IndonesiaBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →CompressionNot classifiedPressure is directed into soft tissue without primarily gliding across the skin; contact may be broad or focused, static or rhythmic.PressureVariableNamed strokeClinical & rehabilitativeMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Vibration19th centuryA hand or fingertips transfer rapid, small oscillations into a selected area for a brief local application.PressureLight–moderateNamed strokeEurope · multiregional professional useMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Positional release20th century, unspecifiedA body region is gently positioned in relative ease while the practitioner monitors comfort, tension, and response.PressureVery lightClinical & rehabilitativeNorth AmericaMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Thai herbal compressLiving practiceA heated cloth bundle filled with herbs is applied as a Thai traditional-medicine adjunct, alone or alongside Nuad Thai.PressureVariableTraditional systemTool-assistedThailandBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Hospice / palliative massageContemporaryMassage is adapted to comfort-focused care, changing symptoms, medical devices, positioning needs, and the person's consent and care plan.PressureVery light–moderateSpecial populationRelaxation & wellnessContemporary · multiregional care settingsMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Cross-fiber friction20th century, unspecifiedA practitioner applies short, localized back-and-forth pressure across the direction of a selected tendon, ligament, or other tissue.PressureModerate–deepNamed strokeClinical & rehabilitativeUnited Kingdom · Western orthopedic medicineMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Cryotherapy / cold applicationsContemporaryA cooled pack, cloth, bath, or comparable noninvasive source is applied locally for a limited time with skin and sensation monitoring.PressureNot applicableThermal / hydrotherapyMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Contrast hydrotherapyContemporaryWarm and cool water or local applications alternate in a planned sequence whose temperature, duration, and repetitions vary by context.PressureNot applicableThermal / hydrotherapyMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Moist heat applicationsContemporaryA warm damp towel, pack, or comparable source supplies local heat for a limited time with a protective barrier and skin monitoring.PressureNot applicableThermal / hydrotherapyMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Esalen massageMid 20th centuryA slow table session emphasizes long flowing strokes, pauses, breath awareness, attentive contact, and whole-session continuity.PressureLight–moderateRelaxation & wellnessCalifornia, United StatesMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →HilotLiving practiceCommunity and practitioner lineages may use varied manual methods within a broader Filipino traditional healing practice.PressureVariableTraditional systemPhilippinesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Rolfing Structural IntegrationMid 20th centuryThe protected Ida Rolf system combines systematic soft-tissue work with movement or body-awareness education, often across a series.PressureModerate–deepClinical & rehabilitativeUnited StatesBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Pediatric massageContemporaryTouch, positioning, communication, assent, consent, session length, and pressure are adapted to a child's age, development, health, and care context.PressureVariableSpecial populationContemporary · multiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Postpartum massageContemporaryMassage positioning, pacing, pressure, and areas of contact are adapted to recovery after birth and current medical guidance.PressureVariableSpecial populationRelaxation & wellnessMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Scar tissue mobilizationContemporaryAlso called manual scar therapy, it uses graded manual contact on or around a healed scar, often as a focused part of rehabilitation or massage care.PressureVariableClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary · interprofessional practiceMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Trauma-informed massageContemporaryThe session is organized around safety, transparency, collaboration, choice, ongoing consent, predictable transitions, and easy stopping or modification.PressureVariableSpecial populationRelaxation & wellnessContemporary · cross-disciplinaryMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Abdominal massageNot classifiedGentle, consent-led manual work is applied over the abdomen with positioning, pressure, and scope adapted to the person and context.PressureLight–moderateClinical & rehabilitativeRelaxation & wellnessMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Foot massageNot classifiedManual work on the feet and often ankles may include gliding, kneading, compression, holding, and gentle movement.PressureLight–moderateRelaxation & wellnessMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Hand massageNot classifiedManual work on the hands and sometimes wrists may include gliding, kneading, compression, holding, and gentle finger movement.PressureLight–moderateRelaxation & wellnessMultiregionalMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilizationContemporaryA trained practitioner moves a handheld instrument over selected soft tissue while controlling pressure, direction, and duration.PressureModerate–deepTool-assistedClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary · rehabilitation and manual therapyBEYOND EXAM SCOPEOpen record →Ku NyeLiving practiceWithin Sowa Rigpa, external therapy may combine oil application, rubbing, kneading, and other lineage-specific procedures.PressureVariableTraditional systemEnergy-framedTibet and the Himalayas · Sowa RigpaMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →UdvartanaLiving practiceAn Ayurvedic external procedure rubs dry powder or an herbal preparation over the body using prescribed strokes.PressureModerateTraditional systemTool-assistedSouth Asia · AyurvedaMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Active Release TechniquesContemporaryIn this protected system, a trained provider combines a specific manual contact with active or passive client movement.PressureModerateClinical & rehabilitativeStretch / movementUnited StatesMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Hospital-based massageContemporaryMassage is adapted to inpatient care, where consent, medical status, infection control, equipment, positioning, and the care team shape the session.PressureVariableSpecial populationClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary · hospital careMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →Percussive therapyContemporaryA powered handheld device rapidly moves an applicator against selected soft tissue while the user controls attachment, speed, pressure, and duration.PressureVariableTool-assistedClinical & rehabilitativeContemporary · powered-device practiceMBLEX-MAPPEDOpen record →
Plate III · Lineage
A technique arrives from somewhere.
The collection’s period filters read the published history lines. Lineage reads that history another way: not when a method appeared, but who handed it on, and whether that line is still open.
A filled node means the transmission continues in current practice. An open ring means the line branched and the branch is separately named.
Open the history →- EdoAnma, taught in-house
- 1919Shiatsu named and systematised
- 1970sSchools diverge; branches named separately
- nowTaught in current professional curricula
PRACTICE FAMILIES
Explore connected traditions and methods
FAMILY GUIDEThe Swedish familyHow the familiar Swedish massage vocabulary took shape through 19th-century European movement and manual-therapy traditions.6 RELATED TECHNIQUESFAMILY GUIDEOil-massage traditionsHow abhyanga fits within oil-based traditions while remaining distinct in its Ayurvedic context.1 RELATED TECHNIQUESFAMILY GUIDEMeridian-based frameworksHow anma, shiatsu, tui na, Thai massage, and acupressure describe pressure pathways within their own traditions.5 RELATED TECHNIQUES
Scope and safety matter. Licensing and scope of practice vary by profession and jurisdiction. Use the Licensing Atlas to check local requirements and the CE hub to explore continuing education. This library is educational and does not replace medical advice, professional training, intake screening, or referral when needed.
About this catalog
Massage and bodywork include broad modalities, named strokes, traditional systems, population adaptations, and specialized methods. Each record explains how the practice is commonly delivered, its documented history and cultural context, relevant safety considerations, training context, and reviewed sources.
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Colophon
What is published, and what is worked out.
Published per record
Name, record ID, description, stated origin, stated history, pressure description, practice categories, exam scope, and historical confidence. Nothing on a pod is inferred from another record.
Derived at render
A distinct census fill for each published pressure label. Ranges keep their own labels; no midpoint or measured force is calculated. Variable, Not applicable and Non-pressure remain named, unfilled categories. Period is read from the published history line.
Confidence is not a score
High, moderate and low describe a record’s historical sourcing. They are never averaged, ranked, or combined into a rating, and every mark carries its word as well as its surface.
The gap is stated
59 records are published of 135 in scope. Families are a declared vocabulary of 28; no record is assigned to one here, because that assignment is not yet governed.