Massage

If you want to teach yourself massage, make sure that the skin is free of infection or inflammation and that whatever pain you have is not made worst, or does not spread to other areas, when pressure is applied. Then follow these steps.

1.      Use a warm quiet, dark room where there are no distractions.

2.      Remove any watches or jewellery that could scratch the skin.

3.      Expose the area to be massage.

4.      The person being massage should lie on a firm, padded surface.

5.      Ideally use aromatherapy massage oil so that your hands can glide smoothly over the skin. A light vegetable oil or talcum powder will do otherwise.

6.      Pour no more than one teaspoon of the massage oil into the palm of one hand and warm the oil up by rubbing your hand together.

7.      Begin with circular movements, moulding your hands to the shape of the body and keeping a constant rhythm.

8.      Always keep one hand In contact with the skin at all times. If more oil is needed, pour a little onto the back of the massaging hand and continue striking as you use your other hand to transfer the extra oil onto the recipient’s skin.

9.      Keep conversation to a minimum during the massage.

10.  On small area, only use thumbs and fingertips.

11.  On larger areas, use the whole hand and firmer pressure.

12.  If muscles tensions are being treated, your thumbs should exert deep pressure, moving in small circles.

To release tension in muscles around the shoulders or pelvic girdle and thigh, a kneading technique can be used which involves pummeling with the edge of the hand to create a chopping, bouncy effect on the muscles.