How to Give the Perfect Massage
If you aren't a licensed massage therapist but want to learn the techniques of the pros in order to give the perfect massage, here are some tips to help you get started and impress everyone with your techniques.
Things You'll Need:
Oil or lotion
massage bed* (optional)
relaxing music* (optional)
How to Give the Perfect Massage
1
Get started. The perfect massage will relax muscles, relieve tension, increase flexibility, provide harmony, reduce stress and discomfort and even increase body circulation. So how to accomplish this feat? Through massage. There are many types of massage therapy such as acupressure, Swedish, reflexology, thai massage and even hot stone therapy. Because it takes special certification to learn techniques for many speciality massages we will stick with the tips on how to give just a basic massage.
2
Use the right tools. While not required, the perfect massage will most likely include the use of massage oil or lotions to decrease the friction created by kneading your skin. The use of oil or lotion also increased the amount of pressure you are able to provide. You can find massage oil almost anywhere and it doesn't have to be expensive to get the job done. Even a simple lotion you have at home can work. Be sure to warm the oil or lotion in your hands before applying.
3
Positioning. While not necessary to remove all clothing for a massage it does make it easier to give the perfect massage. Have the person receiving the massage lie on their stomach and remove their shirt so you can access their back easily. Again, there are many types of massage and specialty massage. Most people think of their back when it comes to massage so a nice back massage can be the "perfect massage" without getting too fancy.
4
Stand (or kneel if you have to, depending on location) next to the person you are massageing. Soft strokes, often called effleurage are the most common technique used to move from one area to another. As you are working in long strokes on the back and come across an area such as a knot (which is just a pocket of localized deep tissue) work in a circular motion and lightly increase pressure.
5
To make a transition to another stroke after gently massaging in long strokes down the back you can glide your hands up to the area around the neck and base of the head. Use slow movements for a soothing or calming response and fast movements for a stimulating effect.
6
Now expand your efforts to the neck, head, mid-back, shoulders, arms and buttocks. Work on one area of the body at a time, remembering long strokes as you transition from one area to the next. The circular kneading motion is great for really fleshy areas such as the shoulders and buttocks as you release pressure from the tight muscles.
7
Remember to use your fingers and thumbs to apply pressure as needed to sensitive "knot" areas. These areas will often feel hard or tight to the touch. Don't forget to massage the arms and feet of the person as well at the end of the massage. Paying extra attention to the extremities will increase blood flow and relaxation.
8
FInish off the massage with long strokes (effleurage) to again gently relax the person you are massaging and bring the massage to a close. Congratulations--you have given a perfect massage.
Tips & Warnings
Take a class at a local community college or YMCA without having to spend the money required for a license in massage therapy
Practice makes perfect.
Always use a clockwise motion of strokes to increase blood flow.
Never put any direct pressure on someone's spine.
Always use their body cues and signals or vocal cues to find out if you are too intense or too light in your massage technique.
Keep the skin and your hands lubricated for better pressure and deeper relaxation and control of your strokes.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4421390_give-perfect-massage.html
If you aren't a licensed massage therapist but want to learn the techniques of the pros in order to give the perfect massage, here are some tips to help you get started and impress everyone with your techniques.
Things You'll Need:
Oil or lotion
massage bed* (optional)
relaxing music* (optional)
How to Give the Perfect Massage
1
Get started. The perfect massage will relax muscles, relieve tension, increase flexibility, provide harmony, reduce stress and discomfort and even increase body circulation. So how to accomplish this feat? Through massage. There are many types of massage therapy such as acupressure, Swedish, reflexology, thai massage and even hot stone therapy. Because it takes special certification to learn techniques for many speciality massages we will stick with the tips on how to give just a basic massage.
2
Use the right tools. While not required, the perfect massage will most likely include the use of massage oil or lotions to decrease the friction created by kneading your skin. The use of oil or lotion also increased the amount of pressure you are able to provide. You can find massage oil almost anywhere and it doesn't have to be expensive to get the job done. Even a simple lotion you have at home can work. Be sure to warm the oil or lotion in your hands before applying.
3
Positioning. While not necessary to remove all clothing for a massage it does make it easier to give the perfect massage. Have the person receiving the massage lie on their stomach and remove their shirt so you can access their back easily. Again, there are many types of massage and specialty massage. Most people think of their back when it comes to massage so a nice back massage can be the "perfect massage" without getting too fancy.
4
Stand (or kneel if you have to, depending on location) next to the person you are massageing. Soft strokes, often called effleurage are the most common technique used to move from one area to another. As you are working in long strokes on the back and come across an area such as a knot (which is just a pocket of localized deep tissue) work in a circular motion and lightly increase pressure.
5
To make a transition to another stroke after gently massaging in long strokes down the back you can glide your hands up to the area around the neck and base of the head. Use slow movements for a soothing or calming response and fast movements for a stimulating effect.
6
Now expand your efforts to the neck, head, mid-back, shoulders, arms and buttocks. Work on one area of the body at a time, remembering long strokes as you transition from one area to the next. The circular kneading motion is great for really fleshy areas such as the shoulders and buttocks as you release pressure from the tight muscles.
7
Remember to use your fingers and thumbs to apply pressure as needed to sensitive "knot" areas. These areas will often feel hard or tight to the touch. Don't forget to massage the arms and feet of the person as well at the end of the massage. Paying extra attention to the extremities will increase blood flow and relaxation.
8
FInish off the massage with long strokes (effleurage) to again gently relax the person you are massaging and bring the massage to a close. Congratulations--you have given a perfect massage.
Tips & Warnings
Take a class at a local community college or YMCA without having to spend the money required for a license in massage therapy
Practice makes perfect.
Always use a clockwise motion of strokes to increase blood flow.
Never put any direct pressure on someone's spine.
Always use their body cues and signals or vocal cues to find out if you are too intense or too light in your massage technique.
Keep the skin and your hands lubricated for better pressure and deeper relaxation and control of your strokes.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4421390_give-perfect-massage.html
