Championship Categories Defined -

For both Utah Massage Championship and US Massage Super Cup

Swedish Massage

(performed on the massage table)

Specific techniques:

• Smoothing (Effleurage).

• Friction.

• The kneading.

• Tapotement.

• Vibrations.

• Techniques performed with the heel of the palm and forearm with light and moderate intensity.

• Traction shakes of the lower and upper limbs (15 sec. per limb)

• Light pull-ups and stretches (20 sec. per segment)

Wellness

(performed on the massage table)

Specific techniques:

Spa therapies

• Without accessories: Lomi Lomi, Candle Massage

• With accessories: Hot Stone Massage, Jade Stone Massage, Herbal Ball Therapy, Bamboo Sticks and Maderotherapy (for prophylactic, physiological purposes only).

• Bamboo Sticks and Wood Therapy Accessories are included in rituals combined with other accessories, accounting for 20-30% of the time in a round.

• Bamboo Sticks and Maderotherapy cannot be applied 100% in this category.

Eastern Freestyle

(performed on a massage table or mattress)

Specific techniques:

• Thai massage

• Shiatsu therapy

• Tui Na Therapy

• Yumeiho Therapy (without chiropractic)

• Reflexology (Reflexotherapy, Auriculotherapy, Acupressure)

• Tok Sen Therapy

• Indian Massage

• Tibetan Massage

• Ayurvedic massage

• Polynesian Massage

• Massage with Bamboo Sticks and Maderotherapy for therapeutic purposes

• Cupping (massage with suction cups) for therapeutic purposes

Western Freestyle

(performed on the massage table)

Specific techniques: It is a combination of the following massage techniques: Swedish, Deep-Tissue, Passive Stretching and techniques from Sports Massage.

• The participant may perform the Passive Stretching techniques in such a way that one foot always remains on the ground. Performing the techniques with both feet on the massage table will be scored down.

• Participants specializing in Sports Massage can participate in this category.

Chair Massage

Specific techniques : all techniques applied without using cream and oil. (freestyle)

Application method:

• The massage is performed on a special massage chair. The massage is performed wearing loose clothing (T-shirt, blouse or shirt).

Accessories can be used (bamboo sticks; wood therapy; jade stones, etc.). Asian and Western-inspired techniques can be combined.

• Passive stretching can be performed (with the help of a therapist).

Facial Massage

(makeup removal is mandatory, no cosmetic equipment is used)

Classic Facial Massage

• with cream / oil / serums / mask

• Relaxing, anti-aging effect.

Accessories can be used: bamboo sticks, cupping, Gua Sha, facial wood therapy, facial rollers, jade mask, etc.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage / with Accessories

• with or without cream/oil

• with honey

• gentle/non-invasive maneuvers.

Accessories can be used: bamboo sticks, cupping, Gua Sha, facial wood therapy, facial rollers, jade mask, etc.

Acupressure / Massage on the Inside of the Mouth (gloves required)

• with or without oil/cream/serums

• massage inside the mouth – mandatory natural edible products – coconut oil, honey, etc.

Acupressure on the neckline, face, scalp.

Ayurvedic / Indian / Marma Points Massage

• to make with heated (vegetable) oil

• energetic movements

• can the kansa wand be used

• A mask with clay or other specific natural ingredients can be applied.

For Utah Massage Championship Only

Student

This category is for students. Students are defined as an individual who is currently enrolled and active in the clinic stage of the massage program OR have graduated but not licensed in that state YET, not to exceed one year.

• In states without licensure, if an individual has graduated and is practicing massage for no more than a year.

• In most states the school representative will need to attend. Please consult with your state guidelines.

• It is an approved category for the states.

American/Western Ashiatsu Category

This category has its own scorecard.

• Your working foot should be in contact with your client 80% of the time: this allows you 12 minutes to drape, lubricate and sanitize your feet before you begin, then mid-session time to turn, drape, lubricate and re-sanitize, plus additional time for transitional stretching.

• The client is mostly disrobed.

• The massage table may be raised or in a floor-based position. A massage mat can also be used, a table is not required.

• An overhead parallel bar system, where the bars run the length of the table.

• A length of fabric attached to the table.

  • Lengths of fabric used for mobilization techniques that are not used to support your balance (as in Sarga Bodywork) should not take precedence over your barefoot massage techniques.

• No abdominal or face massage with the feet is permitted

Clinical Category - 30 minutes + debrief/interviews

ACMA approved for states. You can use any modality or combination of techniques in this category.

Do not start before the start time is called. Once you are told you can start, you must then…

• Assess your client/patient area of complaint and document it.

• Treat the area of complaint.

• Reassess the area of complaint and document.

• Be able to exhibit efficacy

You must do all of this within 30 minutes. Then you can complete any notes, while your client/patient gets dressed and goes to their debrief/interview. After all clients have been debriefed, the therapist will be debriefed one by one before the judges panel.

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