Massage Relaxation Techniques

It is wonderful to achieve relaxation and stress relief by learning these simple massage techniques. A masseur can also vary certain elements, depending on whether the subject wants an intense or calming experience.

Increasing the speed and/or pressure will instantly transform a gentle, relaxing session into a deep tissue experience. The quantity of oil used will depend upon the amount of pressure desired. The more oil, the lighter the pressure.

Most sessions begin with a greeting to the subject’s body. A resting stroke is used, which is exactly what its name implies. One places the hands (usually on the back) for several moments. In addition to establishing a comfortable subject relationship, this stroke also tells the nerves that the masseur is friend, not foe. One can return to the resting stroke as many times as desired aromacc’s accounting software.

The actual session usually begins and/or ends with light effleurage of the surface only. The practitioner will skim the surface of the skin with four fingers, as though he is brushing away crumbs. The stroke can move in any direction on the body.

It is easy to transition into whole hand effleurage, which uses a moderate amount of pressure to stroke with the whole hand. Effleurage can also be applied with the heel of the hand and the forearms.

Next, the masseur moves on to a deeper technique, slowly compressing and releasing the large muscles of your thighs, with a slight upward pressure at the end of the stroke. This stroke tends to start out slowly and build in intensity, to condition the muscles. Sometimes the pressure is increased with each stroke.

The fourth stroke is kneading, which feels really good on the shoulders. This stroke involves pulling and rolling, just like working dough. It can be performed in a circular motion. The next technique, ischemic compression, is all about applying pressure with the thumb or the fist to the balls of the feet, both sides of the spine, the palms or anywhere the subject needs relief.

The main stroke of Swedish massage involves simultaneously pressing and rolling on the body. The practitioner may use the elbows for extra intensity. Pressure should only be applied to the client’s comfort level, and not beyond.