Glossary
LaStone Therapy
Stones of all shapes and sizes and varying temperatures, ranging from zero to 140 degrees, are used during LaStone massage therapy to elicit physical healing, mental relaxation, and a spiritual connection to earth energy.
- Warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide soothing heat for deep-tissue work.
- Cold stones aid with inflammation, moving blood out of the area, and balancing male/female energies.
Stones are placed in varying positions on the body for energy balancing or may be used by the therapist for specific trigger-point work. The alternating heat and cold of thermotherapy brings the entire body into the healing process, with a rapid exchange of blood and oxygen and alternating rise and fall of respiration rate as the body seeks homeostasis.
LaStone therapy requires less effort from the practitioner’s own body and delivers healing warmth to the hands, benefitting the therapist, as well as the client. Founder Mary Harrigan drew from the wisdom of ancient healers in using thermotherapy as the basis for her approach.
Click here to find a stone massage practitioner.
Lenair Technique
This energy medicine therapy abates addictions, compulsions, fears, phobias, and stress-related problems with a hands-on, noninvasive treatment. It employs electromagnetic and bioelectrical modalities and works within a client’s body.
Life Enrichment Therapy
Life Enrichment Therapy (LET) was developed by Mark Hendler. It focuses on touch as a therapeutic agent. Touch is seen as a process of self expression for individuals seeking self growth and finding meaning. Through massage, a person opens up in a refreshing experience.
LET is an interpersonal approach between therapist and participant based on the premise that touch has value. Life enrichment occurs throughout life. Through massage and touch, awareness, and other tools, persons explore what it means to be human.
Lifestream Massage Technique
This method of bodywork was developed to fulfill a need for the busy massage therapist, especially those working in resorts, spas, and health clubs. Students learn a one-hour, full-body massage that provides clients with the relaxation and enjoyment of a Swedish massage with the deeper release of deep-tissue work. Students also are taught to use their body efficiently in a manner that prevents injury and burnout, yet increases stamina to maintain a busy practice.
Lomilomi
Lomilomi—Hawaiian for "rub rub"—is described by teacher Aunty Margaret Machado as “the loving touch—a connection between heart, hand, and soul with the source of all life.” This system of massage utilizes very large, broad movements. Two-handed, forearm, and elbow application of strokes, which cover a broad area, is characteristic of lomilomi. Oils are used in the application of cross-fiber friction techniques.
Although it is similar to Swedish massage in many ways, lomilomi also uses prayer and the acknowledgment of the existence of a higher power as an integral part of the technique.
Aunty Margaret was the first to teach lomilomi in a formal, classroom situation; previously the training was passed on within families by kahunas or shamans. Click here to find a lomilomi massage practitioner.
Lonsdale Method of Lymphatic Massage
This technique offers a unique integration of osteopathic visceral manipulation, using both deep and superficial lymphatic drainage techniques and strokes that are nurturing and effective in detoxifying the body. Click here to find a lymphatic massage practitioner.
Looyen Work
Developed by Ted Looyen, this technique is a painless approach to deep-tissue therapy, working with the connective tissue and fascial components. It is a combination of several restructuring systems, including Rolfing, postural integration, and Aston-Patterning.
Lymph Drainage Therapy
Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is unique in that healthcare professionals learn how to palpate the lymphatic flow. As they develop their skills, they can then identify the rhythm, direction, and quality of the lymphatic flow. Advanced practitioners will be able to precisely map the lymphatic flow to find alternate pathways for drainage.
Developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, Lymph Drainage Therapy evolved from years of training in traditional medicine, Asian medical practices, and manual therapies. (Definition provided by The Upledger Institute.)
Click here to find a Lymph Drainage Therapy practitioner.
Lypposage
Developed by Charles W. Wiltsie III, lypossage is a combination of manual deep-tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and the principles of structural integration, used to combat cellulite. An alternative to liposuction and body contouring machines, lypossage enhances firmness and tone and increases skin resilience and smoothness.
The treatment requires a series of sessions because the reduction of cellulite is only temporary unless treatment is continued. When combined with diet and exercise, lypossage produces a lifting effect in areas prone to sagging.