Health Care

Massage is a time-tested way of relaxing after a tiring day or feeling refreshed with a pleasurable sensation. Giving a good body massage is an art requiring thorough study. Besides personal skills, different massage products are used as an aid in bringing about the desired effect. Certainly you need to take courses to become a successful professional in massage business.

Simple Techniques for a Satisfying Body Massage

Some general considerations in giving a body massage include the massage area, atmosphere, clothing, and movement techniques over the body.

Massage Area: First of all, prepare your massage area. It can be a chair, a table, or a bed. In case you use a chair or a table, put warm towels or a comfortable blanket on it. Whether a chair, table, or a bed, the massage area should be firm and supportive - a soft, cushiony bed is not suitable for a good massage.

Supporting Means: It is advisable to always keep some supporting aids, like pillows, for your arms. You might need to place your arms on these in different positions during the massage.

Atmosphere: Atmosphere is very important in the effect of your body massage session. Generally, a good massage is given in a place with dim lights. Bright light tend to stress the nerves, so avoid using it. Using aromatherapy candles greatly enhances the effect of the massage. A light, relaxing music also adds to the pleasure and calm of the session. Soft, instrumental music with no lyrics is recommended.

Clothing: A good body massage will ideally be given to a bare body. However, many people will not like the idea of going without any clothes, so at least the back should be bare for the duration of the massage.

Massage Oil: Pour a little massage oil on your hands and rub gently on the recipient’s back. Don’t use too much oil so as to let it absorb well and avoid making the person’s skin slippery with it.

Fan Stroke: Fan stroke is a gentle movement given before a deeper massage. For this, place your hands flat on both sides of the recipient’s spine just above the hips. Press gently but on the sides of the spine and not on the spine itself. Slide your hands forward slowly till they reach the shoulder blades. Move them over the shoulder blades and then back to the starting point. Repeat it several times.

Kneading Technique: Move from the fan stroke to the kneading technique. This includes slowly kneading the muscles (but not the skin).

Raking: This process involves using your hands like a rake. Remember not to use your fingernails but only your fingertips. At the end, give a few feather light touches. Draw your fingers slowly and gently down the back. Do not press anywhere, just run your fingers over the skin.