Some of the most popular massage styles in the UK are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage. For the purposes of this article, 'other massage styles' will refer to these three styles. Raynor Massage is a much lesser-known massage style, but how does it compare with the aforementioned massages? Here are some of the main differences.
Based on Eastern Modalities
Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage are Western styles of massage where the techniques are based on the Western anatomical perspective, and treat malfunction in specific muscles and joints.Raynor Massage is generally based on Eastern modalities. The techniques tend to be much older, view the body more holistically, and have their own anatomical models based on energy systems.Raynor Massage is a holistic system of bodywork which integrates multiple healing systems. It has originated from Ayurvedic Massage, Chinese Medicine, Lomi Lomi, Reflexology, Shiatsu, and Yoga breathwork. As well as considering the physical body, energy within the body (chi or prana) is an important component. A blockage or disruption in the flow of chi or prana can occur due to physical or emotional issues. This can cause muscles to tighten and cause tension in the body.Raynor Bands (see below) have been developed from subtle energy systems similar to Meridians in Chinese Medicine, Sen Lines in Thai Massage, or Nadis in Ayurvedic Massage. The difference, though, is that Raynor Bands can be physically traced through the body rather than being theoretical.
Focus on Raynor Bands
In Raynor Massage the body is interconnected with bands called Raynor Bands. These bands are physical, consisting of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues. It is along these bands where tension is held. The majority of bands have ends in the head, fingers, or toes. And this is where tension is often anchored in the body. So if a client is holding tension in the head, hands, or feet, these are massaged first. Then, in the case of the hands or feet, the bands holding tension in the arms or legs would respectively be massaged next to free up the tension. In the case of the head, the bands in the back would be massaged next if they contained tension. In general, a Raynor massage focuses on bands containing tension, starting at the extremities (where tension is anchored) and working towards the abdomen. The other massage styles are not performed in this way.
Tension Diagnosis
Unlike the other massage styles, a new client will undergo a 'tension diagnosis'. This involves pressing on points along Raynor Bands to see whether they feel hard or the client reports that they feel sore. For example, if a client is complaining of a sore shoulder, bands in the shoulder will feel sore. But it is also likely that there are sore areas down the arm. So points down the arm are pressed and tension might be traced to the hand (with the thumb and fingers anchoring the tension). The whole body is covered which results in an understanding of where there is tension in the client's body. With this information, the therapist can determine a strategy of which parts of the body need to be massaged, and get an initial indication of how many treatment sessions might be required.
Detailed Head Massage
Unlike the other massage styles, a Raynor Massage often starts with a head massage. This is a good way to reduce the client's 'mind chatter' and to get them to relax. The face and head contain many pressure points and tension bands. It can also be a root of where tension is held. A variety of strokes are used to target these areas. They are also a great way of relieving headaches and migraines.
Detailed Hands and Feet Massage
Hands and feet are often neglected by the other massage styles. In Raynor Massage there is much emphasis on them as they are often the root of tension in the body. A detailed massage of a foot using fingers and thumbs can take20-30 minutes and the same is true for a hand. This is because there are many tension bands in the fingers and toes so there is a lot of work to do! When there is deep-rooted tension in the hands and feet, Raynor Massage uses 'micro-massage' on the fingers on toes. This involves tools such as a chopstick and an acupressure pen. Because the root of tension is frequently in the hands and feet, asignificant portion of a massage session involves working on these areas.
Use of Tools
As mentioned above, tools such as chopsticks and acupressure pens may be used on fingers and toes. This is necessary as the 'micro-massage' needs to be very precise and we are working on a very small area; fingers are too large and cannot provide enough pressure on a small area for a sustained period (your fingers would quickly tire!).
Other tools used in a Raynor Massage are wooden Thai massage tools. For example, the 'rounded stick' is ideal for pressing into the sole of your foot, around the edges of your foot, and on the fleshy parts of the hand (especially below the thumb and little finger).
Another Thai massage tool is the 'three-pronged tool', also good for pressing soft tissue as well as 'scraping' soft tissue with its wooden blade. The other massage styles do not typically use tools.
Client Breathwork
An important aspect of Raynor Massage is deep breathing by the client. The breath is a key mechanism for removing tension (considered as “bad energy”) from the body. When reducing deep-rooted tension in the fingers or toes, the massage techniques are very intense (due to the use of tools). This is when it is especially important for the client to breathe deeply to breathe out the tension. If the client is struggling with breathing deeply, the therapist canuse 'assisted breathing'. As the name implies, the therapist repeatedly pushes a hand on the client's belly which encourages deeper breaths. Another benefit of breathing deeply is that it helps with managing more pressure. For example, when tools are used to 'micro-massage' fingers and toes, and when deep tissue techniques are used on the larger muscles of the body.
Partnership Model
A successful Raynor Massage requires a 'partnership model' between therapist and client. That is, the client must be keen to get rid of tension in their body and is willing to work closely with the therapist. Otherwise the best results will not be achieved. Examples include:
Telling the therapist which areas are sore during tension diagnosis
Guiding the therapist with the pressure level when tools are used
Breathing deeply when the massage is intense (to remove the tension)
Allowing the therapist to perform 'assisted breathing' if required
Other styles of massage obviously encourage active communication between therapist and client (e.g. for pressure level), but it is particularly important in Raynor Massage, especially the deep breathing aspect to remove tension.
Tailored Massage
Every client is different in terms of how much tension they are holding and where in the body. For this reason, every Raynor Massage is tailored to the individual. Fact finding is done using tension diagnosis and a massage strategy is derived from this. A sports massage is similar in that a specific area of the body ismassaged and the techniques used relate to the particular injury being addressed. Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are likely to be more of a set routine of strokes, especially if they are a full body massage. A Raynor massage always 'suits the client' and is never a set routine.
Combination of Massage Techniques
Raynor Massage uses a wide range of techniques. As well as its Eastern influences, it makes use of Western massage styles too. Swedish massage strokes are used with varying levels of pressure and deep tissue massage is used once the muscles have been warmed up. Techniques for the latter include working a client's muscles under pressure (e.g. with client in prone position, moving a lower leg when the hamstrings are pressed). Raynor Massage also employs a range of stretching techniques (like sports massage). Specialised techniques are used on fingers and toes (including the use of tools), and also on the face and head. These techniques are generally not used by the other massage styles.
Summary
When comparing Raynor Massage with Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage, the main differences stem from the fact that much of it is based on Eastern modalities. Energy systems are considered, breathwork is a major aspect, and tension bands are the key areas to massage. In addition, Raynor Massage considers the head, hands and feet as anchor points for tension, necessitating that these are massaged first in a treatment session. Specialised techniques and tools are used to 'micro-massage' fingers and toes. There are also specialised techniques for massaging the face and head. And for a successful massage, a 'partnership model' must exist between therapist and client. Raynor Massage does use many techniques of the other massage styles, but it also has many more due to the influences from Eastern modalities. The large range of techniques make it a very effective form of massage for reducing/removing tension from the body and alleviating symptoms associated with that tension.
18th July 2024
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