Glossary: Somatic Bodywork and Massage Therapies

Gentle manual techniques applied to the abdomen, commonly for constipation, abdominal tension, and relaxation.

Massage incorporating essential oils for sensory and relaxation effects.

Traditional Indian massage using warm oils and rhythmic strokes.

Applies sustained pressure to deeper muscle and connective tissue layers to address chronic tension and restricted mobility.

Traditional Hawaiian massage using flowing, often forearm-based movements.

Uses light, rhythmic movements intended to support lymphatic fluid movement and reduce swelling.

Condition-specific massage adapted to a clinical diagnosis or rehabilitation goal.

Works with muscles and surrounding fascia to reduce tension and improve movement.

Targets muscular trigger points, nerve compression, and patterns of muscle dysfunction.

Modified, gentle massage adapted to the needs and medical status of people with cancer.

Massage modified for pregnancy, including positioning, pressure, and treatment areas.

Applies pressure to mapped areas of the feet, hands, or ears traditionally believed to correspond to other body regions.

Japanese bodywork using sustained pressure along specific points and pathways, sometimes combined with stretching.

Combines massage and stretching to support physical performance, recovery, and injury rehabilitation.

Uses long strokes, kneading, and rhythmic movements to promote relaxation, circulation, and reduce muscle tension.

Combines assisted stretching, rhythmic compression, and body positioning, often performed on a floor mat.

Individualized massage incorporating several techniques to address pain, stress, muscle tension, and functional limitations.

Applies focused pressure to sensitive muscular points associated with local or referred pain.

Traditional Chinese therapeutic massage using pressure, kneading, rolling, and mobilization techniques.

Integrates movement assessment, bodywork, and ergonomic education to improve functional movement.

Positions the body to reduce tenderness and muscular guarding.

Osteopathic approach emphasizing subtle manual assessment and treatment of cranial and related tissues.

Gentle contact with the head, spine, sacrum, and other regions, based on a proposed craniosacral system.

Practitioner-assisted stretching intended to improve flexibility and movement through muscular and fascial tissues.

Combines structural integration, movement education, and body-oriented dialogue.

Uses controlled muscle contractions against resistance to improve joint or muscle mobility.

Uses sustained manual pressure and stretching to address restrictions in fascia and associated pain or movement limitations.

Manual techniques intended to address mobility and mechanical sensitivity of peripheral nerves and surrounding tissues.

A range of hands-on techniques addressing musculoskeletal function, mobility, and tissue restrictions.

Uses comfortable body positions to reduce muscle tension and pain sensitivity.

A system of fascial manipulation and movement education intended to improve posture, alignment, and movement patterns.

Manual treatment of healed scar tissue to improve mobility and reduce sensitivity or adhesions.

Gentle manual techniques directed toward the mobility and surrounding connective tissues of internal organs.

An expressive movement practice emphasizing spontaneous movement and internal bodily experience, often with a witness.

Combines psychotherapy with breathing, movement, posture, and expressive exercises to explore emotional and muscular patterns.

Uses interoception, posture, movement, and bodily sensations as the focus of mindfulness practice.

Somatic psychotherapy focusing on muscular development, boundaries, attachment, and developmental experiences.

Incorporates awareness and modification of breathing patterns into emotional and psychological treatment.

Body-oriented psychotherapy integrating movement, emotional expression, and psychological exploration.

Psychotherapy using movement and nonverbal expression to support emotional, cognitive, and social integration.

A structured method of attending to bodily felt experience to clarify emotions and personal meaning.

Mindfulness-centered, body-oriented psychotherapy exploring habitual emotional, physical, and relational patterns.

Combines somatic awareness, breathing, psychological exploration, and relational work.

Integrates body awareness, movement, attachment, and psychotherapy to address trauma-related patterns.

Trauma-oriented therapy emphasizing awareness of bodily sensations, autonomic responses, and gradual processing of physiological activation.

Integrates Internal Family Systems concepts with bodily sensations, movement, breath, and embodied awareness.

Adapted yoga emphasizing choice, bodily awareness, and personal agency for individuals with trauma histories.

Teaches awareness of habitual posture and movement patterns to reduce unnecessary muscular effort.

Explores movement and sensory experience through anatomical, developmental, and experiential frameworks.

Uses breath, sound, and exploratory movement to develop bodily awareness and fluidity.

Uses gentle movement exploration to improve body awareness, coordination, and movement efficiency.

Uses slow voluntary movements and sensory-motor awareness to address habitual muscular contraction.

Controlled exercise emphasizing trunk stability, breathing, coordination, and movement control.

Chinese mind-body practice integrating slow movement, breath regulation, posture, and focused attention.

Chinese movement practice combining coordinated sequences, balance, breath, and mindful attention.

Adapted postures, breathing, and relaxation practices used for specific physical or psychological goals.

Combines gentle rhythmic movement and movement education to encourage relaxation and ease of motion.

A sequence of exercises intended to elicit muscular tremoring as a means of releasing tension.

Manual stimulation of traditional acupuncture points without needles.

A nonmanipulative form of craniosacral work emphasizing subtle touch, stillness, and perceived physiological rhythms.

Uses gentle rolling movements over muscles, tendons, and fascia, separated by pauses.

Practitioner-applied light touch or near-body hand movements intended to support relaxation and well-being.

Japanese energy-oriented practice using gentle hand contact at designated body locations.

Uses comfortable positioning, gentle movements, and practitioner-guided awareness to reduce discomfort.

Combines gentle bodywork, movement, and dietary concepts within an energy-balancing framework.

Japanese practice involving light touch or hands held near the body, traditionally described in terms of energy transfer.

Energy-oriented practice using hand movements near or sometimes on the body.

Aquatic bodywork combining supported floating, stretching, gentle mobilization, and rhythmic movement in warm water.

Combines sustained touch and gentle traction with an emphasis on skeletal structure and perceived energy flow.

Self-directed relaxation using mental cues involving warmth, heaviness, breathing, and bodily calm.

Therapeutic bathing in mineral-rich water, sometimes combined with mud treatments, movement, or other spa interventions.

Uses physiological measurements such as muscle tension, skin temperature, or heart-rate variability to teach self-regulation.

Guided breathing and feedback intended to improve regulation of cardiovascular and autonomic responses.

Uses water temperature, pressure, or immersion for relaxation, pain management, and physiological regulation.

Exercises that develop awareness and interpretation of internal bodily sensations, including breathing and heartbeat.

Systematic contraction and release of muscle groups to reduce physical tension and anxiety.

Uses sensory awareness, movement, pressure, or contact with surfaces to support orientation and emotional regulation.

Uses spontaneous or intentionally facilitated muscular shaking within somatic practices.

Applies sound or mechanical vibration to the body for sensory stimulation or relaxation.