1. Simple and Universal Techniques: Essential Foundations
Definition:
These are the basic maneuvers, easy to learn and apply, with generalized effects. They are present in virtually all massage styles.
They are taught first because they form the "grammar" of the practice — like the 1x1 Lego blocks: small, simple, but essential.
These techniques help to establish trust and connection between the therapist and the client from the beginning of the session. The initial contact can be seen as essential to creating a relaxing environment.
Objective: General relaxation, warming up, initial contact with the body.
🧱 LEGO Example: They are like the classic 1x1 or 2x4 pieces. Every construction starts with them — simple, reliable, and compatible with everything. Without these pieces, nothing can begin.
2. Composed and Specialized Techniques: Advanced Structures
Definition:
These are combinations of simple techniques focused on a more specific or deeper effect. They require a greater technical mastery.
They combine basic building blocks into purposeful sequences. They act as the bridge between technique and intention. They introduce rhythm, coordination, adaptation, and creativity — essential for transforming the gesture into a continuous and meaningful flow.
These techniques can be adapted depending on the client's physical condition (for example, injuries, specific tensions).
Objective: Release localized tensions, improve mobility, treat muscle dysfunctions.
🧱 LEGO Example: These are like specialized pieces, such as wheels, hinges, or gears. They don’t serve every purpose, but when used correctly, they add function and complexity to the structure.
3. Rare or Signature Techniques: Sporadic Groups
Definition:
Less common techniques, specific to a school, author, or style. They are often personal marks or creative adaptations.
These are the unique gestures that come from experience, personal style, or very specific traditions. They carry artistic and identity value. They are taught in selective contexts and add mystery, narrative, and charisma to the practice.
Objective: Create a unique experience, express therapeutic identity, innovate.
🧱 LEGO: These are like rare minifigures or limited edition pieces — a golden head, a dragon, a transparent helmet. They aren’t found in every set, but they make a creation memorable and special.
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4. Integration Techniques: Harmonious Connections
Definition:
Techniques that connect areas of the body, create smooth transitions, and serve as a "bridge" between techniques or anatomical regions. They promote continuity and flow.
They combine distinct approaches with sensitivity and balance. These techniques seek harmony between systems — muscular, energetic, respiratory — creating more complete, intuitive, and holistic sessions.
Integration techniques not only connect parts of the body, but also connect the therapist to the client in a dance of sensitivity and adaptation.
Objective: Unify the session, promote a full-body sensation, mind-body connection.
🧱 LEGO: They are like hinges or transition plates that link two worlds — they connect a castle to a suspended bridge without breaking the harmony of the structure.
5. Combined Techniques: Functional Mosaics
Definition:
Sessions or sequences that mix different techniques to address the client's needs or a predefined protocol. Used with functional and aesthetic intent.
They function as therapeutic mosaics: combining several approaches within the same treatment, with the goal of maximizing effectiveness. Ideal for rehabilitation, prevention, or clients with multiple needs. Here, the therapist develops their versatility and strategic ability.
Objective: Create personalized and effective solutions, respond with flexibility and intelligence.
🧱 LEGO: They are like a creative construction with pieces from various sets: a spaceship with a zen garden and truck wheels. It works, is coherent, and serves a purpose, even when mixing styles.
6. System-Based Techniques: Functional Chains
Definition:
These are maneuvers that follow interconnected body pathways — such as lines of tension or muscle chains — treating the body as an integrated system rather than isolated areas. Instead of focusing only on one point, these techniques travel through complete paths that connect, for example, the foot to the neck or the hand to the shoulder blade, respecting the way the body organizes and compensates.
A good example is Shiatsu massage, where there is no room for innovation or imagination, or Reflexology.
Objective: These techniques approach the body as a functional unit, following structural or reflex pathways — such as meridians, muscle chains, or reflex zones — that connect different parts together.
🧱 LEGO: They are like a creative construction with pieces from various sets: a spaceship with a Zen garden and truck wheels. It works, is coherent, and serves a purpose, even when mixing styles.