Aromatherapy is a modality of massage therapy, as well as an alternative medicine, which utilizes highly concentrated essential oils and other aromatic materials to improve cognitive function, mood and health. The essential oils are extracted from natural plant parts (flowers, leaves, seeds, or roots), mixed with other active ingredients (alcohol, lotion, or oil), and then applied via aerial diffusion, direct inhalation, or a topical application. ​

Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) differs from other forms of massage therapy because it is grounded in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which evaluate health in terms of the body’s energy system in order to treat the mind, body and spirit. According to the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), strategies for assessment revolve around the Four Chinese Pillars of examination: observation, listening, asking, and touching. Strategies for treatment, however, are centered on the balance and circulation of the Five Essential Substances: jing (essence), jin-ye (bodily fluids), shen (spirit), xue (blood) and qi (energy). ​

Ayurvedic bodywork is a component of Ayurvedic medicine, or Ayurveda, an ancient system of complementary medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. The term is derived from two Sanskrit words—ayur meaning life and veda meaning knowledge or science. It is based on the concept of interconnectedness, suggesting that good health is a product of a balanced mind, body and spirit. Treatment involves the use of herbal remedies, dieting, exercise and bodywork.

Cranial-sacral therapy (CST), or craniosacral therapy, is a noninvasive system of bodywork, which aims at releasing tension deep within the body. It is based on the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM), a theory developed by William Sutherland, the founder of cranial osteopathy.

The term “deep tissue” refers to the system of connective tissue supporting and connecting the soft-tissue structures of the body, also called fascia. Deep-tissue massage is a manipulative therapy centered on treatment of said connective tissues and muscles. Often called connective-tissue massage (CTM), it aims at releasing tension and relieving pain from deep within the tissue in order to trigger healing in the internal organs. ​

Medical massage, also called clinical or treatment massage, is not a specific modality or technique, but rather an umbrella term for any outcome-based massage therapy prescribed by a physician. In short, the aim of all medical touch therapy is to encourage the body to heal itself and to promote physical and mental health and well being. ​

Fascia is the fibrous connective tissue surrounding and connecting the organs, muscles and other soft-tissue structures of the body. It is the single-most pervasive system of the body. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a system of bodywork focused on treatment of these myofascial connective tissues. Since tension is stored in the connective tissue, the fascia can easily become restricted, resulting in limited mobility. Individuals suffering from physical injuries are particularly susceptible to this due to damage of the connective tissue. ​

A noninvasive system of therapy used to treat patients with cancer. Therapists combine a variety of massage techniques in order to improve their patient’s quality of life and symptom management.

Pregnancy massage, also called prenatal or maternity massage, tailors bodywork to suit the physical and emotional needs of expectant mothers. Practitioners modify various techniques to address conditions associated with pregnancy, such as lower-back pain and insomnia. Prenatal massage serves as a particularly useful method of treatment as pregnant women are otherwise advised to abstain from taking medication. Practitioners often use customized massage tables designed to accommodate the woman’s body during pregnancy. They may also use bolsters or pillows to situate clients on their sides and prevent discomfort. Sessions may last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. ​

Reflexology is a system of bodywork, marked by the use of finger, thumb and hand techniques to apply pressure to areas on the hands, feet and ears without the use of massage oils. The underlying premise is that these areas correspond to specific internal organs, bones or systems of the body. Therefore, practitioners are able to treat internal health complications by applying pressure to said areas, known as reflex points or zones. ​

Shiatsu is a form of Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT), which attempts to improve the circulation of qi through the stimulation of various acupuncture points. The Japanese word shiatsu is comprised of two parts — shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure — which literally translate to pressure of the fingers. Practitioners use their hands to strategically apply pressure to the acupoints, thereby removing blockages in the energy pathways or meridians and stimulating the natural healing powers of the body. According to the Acupressure Institute, shiatsu differs from other styles of acupressure because of its emphasis on the length of the meridians rather than on the points alone. ​

Any bodywork administered in a spa is considered a spa therapy. Such treatments may include hydrotherapy, herbal wraps, salt scrubs, aromatherapy, massage sessions and more.

Stone massage therapy is a modality marked by the use of smooth, water-heated rocks to augment the therapeutic benefits of traditional Swedish massage. It is a system of thermotherapy, in which stones are heated to 130°F and then strategically placed along the spine, stomach, hands and feet, as well as rubbed into the muscles and soft tissues of the client. Therapists typically use basalt stones due to their ability to retain heat, and sessions last approximately 90 minutes. ​

A highly popular system of bodywork that relaxes the muscles through the use of five basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration.

A system of traditional bodywork that incorporates elements of yoga, reflexology, shiatsu and acupressure.