I like to include a mixture of different types of massage and bodywork I’ve studied. Some people are quite adept at massage lingo, and are familiar with the different types. For those who aren’t, the best way I like to describe them is like this:
Zen Shiatsu - This is an eastern based, holistic approach towards working with the whole body/mind/spirit through energy meridians of the body.
Swedish Massage - I think of this as a lighter, more superficial approach towards bodywork. While it can potentially go deeper and get amazing results, I think of it as lighter and more relaxing.
Deep Tissue - I associate this with working the deeper muscles, or tissues, of the body. Sometimes muscles layer upon one another, and if Swedish is working on the more superficial layers, deep tissue massage focuses on several layers at once.
Myofascial Release - I consider this another type of deeper work that focuses on releasing the fascia that holds the muscles together. It’s a much slower approach towards working on the body as you wait for the muscles to release.
Energy Work - There are many different types of energy work. Because we are completely energy beings, the idea is that, if you address issues on an energetic level, you can help address some of the physical symptoms that occur. Some of the ones I have studied either briefly or more in depth are: Accunect™, BodyTalk, Chi Kung Healing, Core Synchronism, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Polarity Therapy, Vibrational Medicine, Visceral Manipulation and Zen Shiatsu.