Body massage is a great way to help someone relax. It also shows that you care. Before beginning the massage, ask if your partner has any specific concerns or medical conditions that may be aggravated by this treatment.
Start at the feet and work up to the legs, arms, shoulders and neck.
Start with the back
Start by helping the person who will receive the massage to get comfortable on the bed or a spot on the floor where you plan to work. Then apply some massage oil or lotion to your hands and rub them together gently, sliding them over the body’s muscles with smooth, flowing movements. You can buy special massage oils at health and beauty stores, or you can make your own by adding a few drops of a soothing essential oil like lavender, which promotes relaxation, or lemongrass, which is energizing.
Trace gentle circles with your fingertips over the person’s back, starting at the base of the spine and moving up the sides. Then focus on the muscles around the shoulders, allowing the client to bend his elbows so that you can access the area between his shoulder blades where muscle knots tend to collect.
Continue to move slowly over the back, making sure you cover every muscle in the region. As you do, pay close attention to the spine and tailbone. Avoid massaging bones, which can cause discomfort. Instead, knead the soft, fleshy muscles that surround them. Also, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can be uncomfortable for the person you’re massaging and may even hurt him.
Massage the arms and legs
During massage, friction and pressure from the hand and foot can help stimulate the circulatory system so the far extremities get the oxygen and nutrients they need. It can also release toxins that build up in the muscles and soft tissues from stress, pain and repetitive motions. Massage can also loosen tight muscles and increase flexibility.
When massaging the arms, start at the shoulders and move down to the triceps and forearms. Next, massage the hands, kneading each finger and rubbing in a circular motion. Finally, move up to the knee or hip massaging the muscles in 4 basic groups from the front, back and side of the leg. Use effleurage strokes to spread the lotion and warm the tissue, then mix in petrissage, a milking type of stroke and local compression.
Repeat the process with the other leg. Make sure to ask the client if there are any areas that are too sensitive or if they want more or less pressure. Remember that chronic leg pain should be evaluated by a medical professional as it may indicate a medical condition. Also, be sure to have the person remove any jewelry or clothes that require dry cleaning before starting the massage. This will help prevent the lotion or oil from transferring to any clothing items.
Finish with the face and head
The face and head are the final areas to address. Kneel behind the person and use your fingers to rub their temples in circles. Move down to the earlobes and gently work the lobes and folds of the ears. Finish by stroking the jaw and then applying pressure to the middle of the forehead in a circular motion. It is a good idea to let the recipient rest and offer aftercare tips at this point as they might feel slightly lightheaded.
With a little practice, these body massage tips will help you to provide your client with a great treatment. Remember to start slowly, increase the pressure gradually and pay attention to any areas that seem tense or sore. Just like a piece of classical music, your massage should build to a climax and then gradually fade away to a delicate end. By following these simple steps, you can give a professional-quality full body massage and leave your client feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Just make sure to use a massage oil or lotion that is suitable for the skin type of your client and test it on a small area to ensure it doesn’t cause any irritation. With a little dedication and plenty of practice, you can soon be giving your clients professional-quality treatments.
