Tips on how to give a massage
To become a professional therapist, you will need to take courses to become educated on how to give a massage. Here we will talk about some general ideas and tips on how to give a massage.
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You may want to determine what type of massage you intend to give before you begin to learn how to give a massage. For example, is it a massage technique to help your partner relax after a hard day at work, or a sensual massage for to enhance pleasing your partner.
Once you have a thought about what kind of tips you would like to know, you will be able to find the information and even products that may help you along. You will soon how the basics of how to give a massage. Chances are you will use the techniques on a regular basis once you’ve learned and mastered a few. You will want to keep in mind that the purpose is to help someone feel better with safe, simple and yet satisfying techniques.
One of the first things you will want to do is prepare your massage area. If you have a massage table or chairs, this of course would be your starting point. You may want to put some warm towels or blanket on the table or chair. If you don’t have the proper table to use, you can always set up the bed to use as your massage area. You will want the area to be firm and supportive though, so if your bed is really cushiony, that may not be the best spot.
Keep a few of extra pillows around for yourself. You never know when you will need support for some of your own limbs.
Atmosphere is the next, but one of the biggest consideration. It is a great idea to have dim lighting (no bright lights). Aromatherapy candles are a great addition to the ambiance. The other thing to not forget here is the music. Plopping in a relaxing body/soul type cd is an excellent choice. (One without words, but just soft music).
Generally it is much easier to work on someone if they are naked, but if they are self-conscious, at least have the back bare.
Apply the massage oil. Place a small amount in your hand and gently rub on the recipient’s back, shoulders and neck. Do not use too much oil at a time. You will want to test to see how fast it absorbs, and you don’t want the recipient too wet and drippy.
The fan stroke is a gentle movement that prepares the muscles for a deeper massage. Place your hands flat on either side of the spine just above the hips. Apply light pressure on both sides of the spine (not directly on the spine), slide your hands slowly forward until they reach the shoulder blades. Move them in a curse over the shoulder blades to the shoulders and then back along sides of rib cage to starting point. Do this several times.
You can move from this to more of a kneading technique. The secret is to go slowly and knead the muscle, not the skin.
Then you can try raking, which as you can imagine your hand is in a similar shape to a rake. Do not use your fingernails, just fingertips. At the end of it all, a few feather light touches are nice. Simply draw your fingers slowly and gently down the back, not applying any pressure though. Just allow your fingers to run over the skin.
Once you have the basics of how to give a massage down pat, you are sure to want to explore more techniques.
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