Body Massage Technique/Procedure

The technique or procedure of body massage depends on the type of the massage and the purpose for which it is given. Each procedure concentrates on the trigger points or pressure points to be activated to treat the ailment for which the massage is given. Reflexology uses the hand, thumb and finger to stimulate the specific areas of feet that are connected by nerves to the other parts of the body, while Shiatsu massage identifies the precise pressure points of the body to which rhythmic pressure is applied to relieve pain or stress.

 

The most common massage type is a combination of shiatsu, reflexology and acupressure and is done in the following manner.

 

1. Place the patient in a comfortable room, preferably in a private room. Let the room be warm and lit up with aromatic candles. Light soothing music helps in relaxing the mind.

 

2. Use a massage oil, cream or lotion. If using oil heat it to a slightly warm temperature.

 

3. Use plenty of towels. Ideally, the client must be wearing minimum clothes to leave skin exposed as much as possible and to allow free movement of hands for the massage strokes.

 

4. Start with the feet. Use both hands to hold one foot and stroke the soles with the thumb. Use deep pressure on the arch, heel and the ball of the foot. Grab each toe at a time and give a gentle pull to relieve any tension.

 

5. Give long relaxing strokes on the back of the lower leg and calf muscles. Work your way up to the upper thigh. Some people use kneading movement to work out the calf and thigh muscles as they remove any knots inside the muscles. Once the massage is done on one leg, move to the other.

 

6. Back massage must be done by moving from lower to upper back. Place the palm of each hand on both sides of the spine. Press on the lower back and work your way upwards towards the shoulder. Once the hands reach the shoulder, hold the shoulders, give a little pressure and start again from the lower back.

 

7. Use both thumbs on both sides close the backbone and rub your way up to the nape of the neck. Use the thumb and fingers to press against the muscles on both sides of the spine and rub your way upwards.

 

8. When the clients lie down with elbows bent, you can massage the shoulder blade muscles. Gently remove the knots by rubbing repeatedly on and around the problem area.

 

9. Shoulder massage must be done by kneading the thumbs deep into the shoulder muscles. Use thumb to press against the nape of the neck and shoulders to release any knots.

 

10. Hold the hand of the client with one hand to lift the entire hand off the massage table/bed. Use your other hand to perform a deep massage stroke along the back of the forearm, moving towards the triceps, coming over the shoulder and coming back to the wrist along the upper side of the arm.

 

11. Use fingers and thumbs to knead the lower and upper arms. Massage the palm with thumbs in circular motions and gently pull each finger to release any tightness.

 

12. Ask the client to lie down in a supine position to work on the head and face. Massage the scalp with fingers and thumbs and move to massage the folds and lobes of the ears. Swipe the fingertips along the shape of the cheekbones and back to the ear.

 

13. Lift the head using your hands and stroke along the back of the head at the base of the skull.

 

14. Gently press your thumbs at the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows and move in circular motions towards the temples on either side.