Learn How To Give A Great Massage

Take a minute to think about this. Which is the quickest way to relax your tired mind and boost your sagging spirits? If your answer is a massage, then you are dead on target. Undoubtedly, a massage can be a highly soothing and stimulating activity to rejuvenate you.

Before You Begin:

It is important to create the right atmosphere for massage. It is frustating for both parties if the mood is broken by interruptions or if the patient cannot get comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the treatment.

Make sure you have all the props and equipment you will need before you begin.

• A massage table (if you have one), or foam mattress placed on the floor.
• Two nice fluffy towels. One for the bed or floor or massage table and one to cover your partner during the massage.
• Candles to set a nice mood.
• Aromatherapy oil.
• Soothing music to help the person you are masssaging relax.

Creating The Right Atmosphere

Creating an environment conductive to relaxation is a primary factor in successful massage experience.

Pointers: To Help You Get Started

• Set the scene - warm and comfortable, with cushions, subdued lighting and soft music.
• Get some flowers with a strong scent such as roses, lilies or narcissi. Be extravagant and scatter rose petals across your room or bed.
• It is important that you keep outside noises such as traffic, telephone or even children screaming, at bay.
• Warm the room, which must be well ventilated if you are using essential oils, but do not massage in a direct draught.
• It is important to make your partner feel comfortable, so cover your massage partner with a towel, exposing only the area you are massaging.

Using Massage Oils

If you are adding essential oils, prepare your blend, checking any particular likes or dislikes, because smells have strong associations. Do not blend more than three essential oils because chemical reactions take place with the plants' properties. Have a look at Essential Oil Blending

General Tips

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to give the massage, so that your movements do not get hampered.
• Remove any jewellery from your hands and wrists.
• Make sure you have clean hands and short nails.

When You Are Applying Massage

• Keep the strokes light to stimulate the body's natural internal responses, and do not apply strokes with weighted pressure that may damage body tissues, fibres and blood flow.
• Get connected: Never leave your partner without your touch. Leave one hand or fingertip on your partner's body so that the momentum is never broken.
• Try to avoid chat with your massage partner during the massage session but do ask for regular feedbacks - ask if the pressure you are applying feels good.
• When massaging different parts of the body keep the areas not being worked on covered with a large towel or blanket. This will help keep your partner from getting chilled.
• Try not to lean on your partner with one hand while massaging with the other.

Didn't find what you were looking for? - Enter your search here!

	Web MassageManual.com

Massage Manual | About Us | Link to Us | Partners | Resources | Massage FAQ

Copyright © 2005, MassageManual.com NO PART may be reproduced without author's written permission.
All rights reserved. Massage Therapy