Increasing circulation and decreasing emotional stress are some of the benefits of massage.It's worth taking the time to set up a soothing environment and use the proper technique if you want to create a healing experience for your loved one.Everything you need to know to give an excellent massage can be found here.
Step 1: You can learn the strokes.
A Swedish massage uses four different types of strokes to relax and heal the muscles.A full-body massage uses all four techniques to relax muscles.The surface of the body should be easy to glide over with your hands.It is useful to loosen muscle tension by squeezing and rolling it between your hands.Friction is the use of deep movements with steady pressure in order to cause tissues to rub against one another.A staccato tap is done with the sides or heels of the hands.
Step 2: The focus should be on the muscles.
The key to giving a massage is to use your hands to work the muscles in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs and feet.Use a gentle touch to locate the muscles and then knead them with your hands.The spine and tailbone are important parts of a person's body.If you're not sure if a spot is made of muscle or bone, use a gentle, light touch to stroke it, then move on to another section.
Step 3: Don't apply too much pressure.
Knead the muscles with your hands and fingers.Exert a firm amount of pressure to loosen the muscles.If you press too hard, you could cause an injury or even pain, so don't use the weight of your body to push down on a person's muscles.You should be able to relax under the skin when you apply the right amount of pressure.The person you're massaging should not cry out in pain.Relax if the person complains.It's difficult to apply pressure if you get tired after a while.Try not to hold the tennis ball in your hands.Use your hand to roll the ball against the muscle you're massaging.
Step 4: Slowly massage.
The person you're massaging shouldn't see you in a hurry.If you make quick motions over the surface of the body instead of taking the time to penetrate deeper, the massage session will be less relaxing and less effective.Use steady strokes as you massage.Take the total massage time and divide it by the body parts you are massaging.If you are going to get a massage for an hour, you should spend at least 20 minutes on the neck, back, shoulders, arms, legs, and feet.
Step 5: Speak to the person you're massaging.
Ask him if the muscles are tense or tight.Tell him or her to let you know if the massage is painful or uncomfortable, and be sure to respect their wishes.
Step 6: Start with the neck and shoulders.
When you don't have time to do a full massage, focusing on the neck and shoulders can provide instant relaxation.Use your fingers to grasp the side of the neck and gently press on the muscles.Knead with your hands.You can use your hand to massage the head.Place your thumbs on the muscles on either side of the neck while resting your fingers over the shoulders.Press in with your thumbs when you squeeze the shoulders.Slow and steady is what the motion should be.You can massage the shoulders with your forearms.Rest your forearms on either shoulder and rock back and forth to loosen the shoulder muscles.
Step 7: Put your hands on the back.
Rub the muscles on either side of the back from the shoulders.The muscles in the lower back should be kneaded with your hands and thumbs.People who sit or stand for long periods of time can develop pain in this area, so you might want to loosen the muscles.Don't put too much pressure on the back bones.Make sure the muscles are on either side of the spine.If you want to go deeper, kneel beside the person and place your hand on the lower back muscle with your fingers away from the body.Place your other hand on top of your first.AfterKneading the muscle for a few minutes, switch to the other side.
Step 8: The arms and legs need to be worked on.
To make a circle around the upper arm, use both hands.Working your way down to the wrists, Knead the arm muscles with your palms and fingers.After kneading the muscles on the legs, repeat with the other arm.
Step 9: The hands and feet should be massaged.
The person you're massaging should turn over so that his or her face and torso are facing up.Taking care to work the muscles in the palms, thumbs, and each individual finger, massage each hand between your thumb and forefinger.Make sure you don't press too hard on the bones with the feet.Use gentle strokes on the feet.Don't tickle the person since that could break his or her state of relaxation.As you massage the muscles, bend the hands and feet back and forth.
Step 10: End with your head and face.
Behind the person you're massaging, use your fingers to rub his or her temples.Rub the nose and forehead.Place your fingers on the person's head and massage it.
Step 11: A peaceful room is what you should choose.
Outside distraction should be kept to a minimum during a massage.Traffic noises, outside music, and the sound of people's voices can disrupt the relaxing mood that makes massages so emotionally beneficial.The bedroom is the most obvious choice, but if there's another room in the house that isn't related to the main action in your home, consider using it as a massage room.The massage room needs to be clean so that the person you're massaging doesn't feel stressed or anxious.If you're using the bedroom and there's a pile of laundry in the corner, you should clean it up before you start the massage.There is plenty of privacy in the room you choose.You don't want to get interrupted by children, roommates or pets wandering in.If the door to the room has a lock, you may want to use it.The person you're massaging shouldn't get too cold or warm in the room.
Step 12: The massage area needs to be prepared.
Professional massages take place on massage tables, but any flat, comfortable surface is appropriate for a home massage.If it's sturdy enough to hold the weight of a person without collapsing, you can use a bed, the floor, or even your dining room table.The massage area should be lined with clean sheets.If the person you're massaging gets cold, you could line the area with a warm blanket or two.The person being massage feels as comfortable as possible while also being supported, so the surface should be smooth and flat.Provide a small pillow for the person to rest during the massage.
Step 13: The table should have massage supplies.
All you need to give a basic massage is your hands.Certain equipment can make the experience more enjoyable.Prepare for the massage by setting up a small side table with massage oil or lotion.Applying some oil or lotion before rubbing the person's body will help your hands slide across his or her skin.This prevents irritation or pain.You can buy special massage oils in health and beauty stores, but you can also use almond oil, jojoba oil or another oil from the health food store.You can make your own massage oil by mixing coconut oil with a few drops of essential oil.There are a few towels.It's a good idea to have a few towels with you if you decide to use oil or lotion.You could use the towels to keep the person warm while you work on other parts of the body.
Step 14: Consider lighting and music.
The massage room should have dim lighting to promote a relaxing atmosphere.If the sun is bright, close the shades and turn off the overhead lights in the room.Light candles around the room.If you want to help the person you're massaging feel relaxed, choose peaceful instrumental music without a steady beat.
Step 15: Help the person get used to it.
The person should be shown the bed or the floor where the massage will take place.It's up to you and the person you're massaging to decide what they wear.The massage can be done through the fabric if the clothing is thin and lightweight.Let the person know that he or she should lie down on the massage table.If you leave the room for a few minutes, he or she will have time to get comfortable before the massage begins.