Massage

Can be very powerful and have profound effects on health and well-being.It can help to promote mental and physical relaxation.Its Therapeutic benefits can ease a wide range of ailments. A Physiological massage can have a Psychologically relaxing effect

Aid To Healing

Massage has been found to be helpful in the treatment of a variety of conditions including

Stress-related ailments such as Headaches, Insomnia, High Blood Pressure,Sore Muscles and Backache

It can relieve Depression, Anxiety and Pain

It can alleviate Musculo-Skeletal problems such as Arthritis, Back Pain

Digestive Disorders such as Constipation and Stress-Related Abdominal Pain

Improve general Well-being and Flexibility

And enhanced Body Awareness

Both the Giver and the Recipient can benefit from the massage, both can emerge from a massage equally Refreshed and Relaxed

It is important that when you massage, your mind is just as Relaxed and Focussed as your hands.Only make positive statements during the massage and if you notice a tense area, try to dispel the tension with your hands, rather than comment on it. Silently rehearse the massage in your mind before you begin.This is the best way to learn movements an sequence

Technique

The secret of a good massage lies in the combination of Rhythm, Pressure and Focused Contact and each stroke should flow into the next.Repeating a movement will help you to establish the rhythm of the massage.In general, most movements shoud be repeated at least three times.It is this Rhythm and Repetition that is so relaxing.The hands almost hypnotizing the mind and body into letting go

Mastering a few strokes at a time is the easiest way to learn massage.Better to repeat the same movement, and to do it really well.Experiment with movements and try to develop your own uinque style

Tempo

Match your movements to your clients needs

If they feel Hyperactive - Begin Energetically and gradually work more Softly and Slowly

If they feel Lethargic - Start Slowly and Gently, then increase the Pressure and Speed

Generally - Slow Gentle Strokes - Soothes

Fast Energetic Strokes - Stimulates

If the client falls asleep - Carry on massaging.Such a state of relaxing allows you to get more easily into the muscles you stroke and knead

Applying Pressure

There is a difference of opinion how much Pressure to apply

Some believe you should taylor the Pressure to suit your client

You need to apply enough pressure for it to be effective without causing Pain

This varies according to the individual

Generally pressure should be light at first, becoming deeper as the massage progress, then gentle towards the end

To apply deep pressure, you have to lean your body weight very slowly into the area

The smaller the point of contact, the deeper the penetration

Hold the pressure for between five and thirty seconds before releasing equally slowly

Always ask feedback on how much pressure to apply

When giving a massage, it is common to come across areas that are painful yet seem to want to be pressed

These are the areas that we tend to press on ourselves to relieve aches and pains

They are refered to as Trigger Points / Acupuncture Points / Shiatsu Points / Nerve Motor Points or Connective Tissue Micro-Adhesion

If a point is particularly painful, digging away at it may lead to muscle guarding - When the muscles tense up even more. In this case it is better to lessen the pressure and gently stoke and stretch the area to relax it before going deeper

Ticklishness often indicates tension

If your client is ticklish in a certain area, spend time stroking it Fast finger movements can tickle, so flatten your hand, reduce the tempo an increase depth

Massage Tools

The hands are massage tools

They need to be strong, flexible relaxed and sensitive

Hand exercise can help you to achieve this

Exercise boost the circulation and this can also help to keep your brain fit and enhance your memory When massaging, keep your wrists and hands as relaxed as possible - this will transmit care and support

Hand Exercises - Improve Strenght & Flexiblity & Sensitivity

1. Drum fingers up and down your forearm.Vary the depth and speed of the movement, and try not to tense your hands.Do this for about 30 seconds

2. Place hands together in a praying position.Now lift you elbows up so that your palms separate.Press your fingers against each other and hold for 10 seconds

3. Hold a small soft rubber ball in one hand.Squeeze repeatedly and relax your fingers. Continue for about 30 seconds, then repeat the exercise with the other hand

4. Place one wrist on the other - elbows pointing out.Roll your hands around one another in a large circle, stretching your fingertips.Continue for 10 seconds

5. Hold hands as close as possible without touching. Slowly draw them apart, then bring them towards each other.Continue for a minute.They may feel warm or begin to tingle

**Precaution**

AVOID

On a few occasion you should NOT massage

People with certian conditions - without obtaining their Doctors advice

e.g Any serious medical conditon / A high Temperature / An infection or contagious disease

TAKE CARE

Avoid the 'local' problem spot by massaging an alternative uneffected area

e.g Oedema / Acute Inflammation or Bruising / an Open Wound / Recent Scar Tissue / Skin Infections / Weeping Skin Condition / Broken Skin / Rash / Acute Back Pain / Undiagnosed Lumps / Varicose Veins / phlebitis / Thrombosis / Pregnant - massage stocach and lower back very gently during first trimester / Keep movements gently in some one suffering of ME - post viral fatique / Keep massage gentle and no deep work - in cases of Osteoporosis or Joint Pain

info source: Massage The Ultimate Illustrated Guide - Clare Maxwell-Hudson