Body Massage

Massage therapy is a proven way of relaxing after a tiring day or feeling refreshed with a pleasurable sensation. Giving a good full body massage is an art requiring thorough study. Besides personal skills, different full body massage products are used as an aid in bringing about the desired effect. Certainly you need to take massage therapy courses to become a successful licensed certified massage therapist. Below are some tips on giving a full body massage.

Simple Techniques for a Satisfying Full Body Massage

Some general considerations in giving a full body massage include the massage area, atmosphere, clothing, and movement techniques over the body.  

Body Massage Area:

First of all, prepare your body massage area. It can be a chair, a table, or a bed. In case you use a chair or a table, put warm towels or a comfortable blanket on it.

Whether a chair, table, or a bed, the body massage area should be firm and supportive - a soft, cushiony bed is not suitable for a good body massage.

Supporting Means for full body massage: It is advisable to always keep some supporting aids, like pillows, for your arms. You might need to place your arms on these in different positions during the body massage.

Atmosphere for good full body massage: Atmosphere is very important in the effect of your body massage session. Generally, a good body massage is given in a place with dim lights. Bright light tend to stress the nerves, so avoid using it. Using aromatherapy candles greatly enhances the effect of the full body massage. A light, relaxing music also adds to the pleasure and calm of the session. Soft, instrumental music with no lyrics is recommended.

Clothing for full body massage: A good full body massage will ideally be given to a bare body. However, many people will not like the idea of going without any clothes, even for a full body massage, so at least the back should be bare for the duration of the full body massage.     

Body Massage Oil: Pour a little body massage oil on your hands and rub gently on the recipient’s back. Don’t use too much body massage oil so as to let it absorb well and avoid making the person’s skin slippery with it.

Fan Stroke for body massage: Fan stroke is a gentle movement given before a deeper body massage. For this, place your hands flat on both sides of the recipient’s spine just above the hips. Press gently but on the sides of the spine and not on the spine itself. Slide your hands forward slowly till they reach the shoulder blades. Move them over the shoulder blades and then back to the starting point. Repeat it several times.

Kneading Technique for body massage: Move from the fan stroke to the kneading technique. This body massage technique includes slowly kneading the muscles (but not the skin). 

Raking for body massage: This body massage process involves using your hands like a rake. Remember not to use your fingernails but only your fingertips. At the end, give a few feather light touches. Draw your fingers slowly and gently down the back. Do not press anywhere, just run your fingers over the skin.