The Back & Arms

First you have to make a connection with your client and there are many ways of doing this. Each practitioner will find the routine that suits them the best as they perform more and more sessions. To perform massage on the back and arms the practitioner will use many combinations of massaging styles across the different areas involved. These include thumb rolls, thumb pushes, heel pushes, T-shape circling, addressing the pressure points, hand squeezing, hacking, ironing, and others. 

Neck and Head

Massaging here can be extremely beneficial in the relief of headaches without the need for drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol etc. Practitioners learn where the pressure points are to facilitate the flow of blood and eliminate the blood vessel restrictions that are the cause of headaches. Massaging techniques here include heel rubbing, hair tugging, fingertip friction, hand friction, plucking, scratching, shampooing and stroking. 

The Face

There are amazing benefits from massaging the face as strange a practice as it sounds. Those that suffer from hayfever and sinusitis will notice an almost immediate change. Massaging the face can help relieve the sinuses from blocking so reducing the pain associated with those areas. The chin, cheeks, eyebrows, forehead and temples are all massaged and have a very therapeutic affect on our well-being.

Preparation 

You are a professional therapist and as such there is an expectation from your clients whether paying or not. Since you are in close contact with the public personal hygiene is very important so try to resist that vindaloo or bowl of garlic mushrooms before you massage someone. You should remove any jewellery and tie back long hair and as you will be scratching the scalp during the massage you need to keep your nails short and clean. Clients visiting you will expect the same confidentiality that their doctor affords them so a professional approach to all aspects of this is required. 

Your client will need to be and feel comfortable so the place of massage needs to be conducive to peace and quiet. Avoid interruptions as best you can to ensure the continuity for your client.

You will need to explain to your client what will be done and find out about any issues before you start. Check out our main page on "When not to massage" for these. Your client will also need to be free of jewellery especially earrings. Above all, make sure you have discussed all aspects of the session and that your client is comfortable.

Effleurage

Is a type of massage and involves long, slow, gliding strokes. It is used to promote relaxation and rest. The word means long, soothing, stroking movements that are performed using the flat of the hand or fingers. It is any stroke that glides over the skin without attempting to move the muscle beneath by applying firm even pressure. Effleurage strokes are usually directed toward the heart and it is used more than any other stroke. One can apply oil evenly to the entire body using this method. Usually it begins and ends each treatment and is used as a bridge between many strokes. It accustoms the patient to the touch of the operator and allows the masseur to search for areas of spasms and soreness. In addition, it allows the masseur to become familiar with the condition of the patient's muscles and as such increase circulation to the skin and more superficial muscles.

Petrissage

Are the movements that involve various ways of kneading, rolling and picking up the skin and muscles. These movements help in strengthening the structures by stimulating the deep layers of tissue, and also help in increasing the supply of blood to the area. At the same time, they also improve the flow of lymph. It is used in working out a single group of muscles, or an individual muscle, at a time. A continuous action is followed which involves alternating the hands to squeeze and release. Light kneading eases the top muscle layers, while firmer kneading works on the deeper muscles.