simple healing massage
This simple massage technique offers a simple yet powerful way to relieve the mild aches, strains, and muscle tension that can build up in our busy modern lives.
You can do this sequence on its own or include other techniques that I describe-a kind of a mix and match. For example, add an aromatic blend, or healing crystals, or include acupressure, or a guided cleansing visualization and your treatment becomes highly individual, tailored to your needs, and those of the recipient, at that moment.
This pure and simple massage is perfect for easing the normal stresses and strains of everyday life. But it is not designed to treat more serious health problems. If you have chronic back or joint pain, it is important that you seek treatment from a specialist medical practitioner before receiving a massage.
simple massage techniques
I have chosen the following techniques from my repertoire because they are easy to follow and perform, as well as being powerful, yet soothing tools for massage. As you massage, check that the pressure is at an enjoyable level. Massage should not be painful. I treat the recipient "layer by layer," with a constantly monitoring touch. Only then may I venture further by applying pressure that is a little deeper.
Before you start, check that the recipient is warm, comfortable, and does not feel over-exposed. If they are more comfortable wearing underwear, then that's perfectly okay. Use a sheet with a blanket and towels to cover any areas of the body that are not being massaged. Keep the recipient as cozy as possible and place a pillow under their ankles when they are lying on their tummy, and under their knees when they are lying on their back.
1 Applying the oil
Try to make the application of oil an enjoyable experience and as much a part of the massage as possible. Rest the nozzle of the bottle between your second and third finger, with your palm flat on the skin. Then apply the warmed oil as you move your hand in a seamless stroke. Alternatively, keep a little bowl of oil by your side and dip your fingers into the bowl and apply. The recipient is hypersensitive to your touch, so put all your attention into each move and make this initial contact really count, setting the tone for the rest of the massage.
2 Long strokes
Massage manuals often call long strokes "effleurage," but I aim to keep the terminology as simple as I can-so long strokes it is. Keep your palms flat as you glide your hands up and down the body. You can either alternate your hands-right then left-or keep them side by side. Long strokes are best for large areas of the body, such as the back, and front and back of the legs. This is an excellent move to be repeated according to your intuition. It helps to flush toxins out of the muscles, and it feels great.
3 Kneading
Kneading is a standard massage stroke and can be used on the neck, legs, arms, and shoulders to ease tense muscles. Gently knead the flesh with rhythmic, slow, left-and-right motions, as if you are kneading dough.
GETTING THE PRESSURE RIGHT
The recipient may be reticent to tell you if you are pressing too hard (even if you ask) so always look for signs of discomfort. Check to see if their face appears relaxed. See if the hands or feet are moving. Watch for wincing-an obvious sign of discomfort!
Then adjust the pressure. I find that using a deliberate but light touch melts the muscles more effectively than deep prodding.
4 Thumb rolling
Use a little pressure here to roll your thumbs into the muscles. Keep your thumbs close as you alternately roll them around each other. Thumb rolling is perfect for releasing any muscle knots you find as you massage, especially in the upper and lower back and hip area.
5 Butterfly hands
Connect both hands by linking the thumbs in a butterfly shape. This locks the hands together as you massage in circular motions around the sides of the body. This stroke can also be used to sweep down the sides of the spine, adding more strength and control.
6 Light fist rolling
Hold both hands in a fist shape and gently roll them into the neck and shoulders, to release any build-up of tension in the neck muscles. This stroke can also be used in the buttock area to release tension that can accumulate in the lower back and hip area (see page 99).
the back of the body
I like to begin a massage by working on the back, as most recipients cannot wait to have this part of their body treated. The little knots that you may find are due to lactic acid build-up in the muscle fibers.
Start with a rocking movement, which helps the recipient let go and really relax. This is a technique I learned as part of the Linn Transcadence massage, based on the tradition of the Native American Cherokee tribe.
Which side you work from depends on whether you are right- or left-handed. I'm right-handed, so I tend to favor the left side of my clients. If you're left-handed, swap the directions that I describe from right to left.
1 With the recipient on their front, covered by a towel, start by just making contact. Be present in your intention and confidence (see box, opposite). Place your left hand on the upper back, where shoulders and neck meet, and your right hand on the base of the spine (not shown). Now rock back and forth gently. This makes the connection between you and the recipient as well as gently rocking away the tension stored in the muscles, spine, and joints. We were all babies once and I often think how good it must have felt to be soothed by being rocked. Rock gently seven times. Next, put both hands gently and unobtrusively onto both hips (left) and rock back and forth. This releases the tension in the hip and legs. Rock for three sets of seven.
2 With the recipient's back still covered, walk your palms up the back, applying pressure to the sides of the spine as you go. This step is called "cat padding." It connects you with the recipient and helps them to begin to slow down and releases tension in the back.
3 Rock the hips again, this time including the legs. Then sweep your hands down the back of the legs, rocking as you go. Finish with both palms resting on the soles of the feet. This relaxes and integrates the whole body, giving a wonderful sense of freedom and connection.
4 Uncover the back and apply the oil using a flat palm down the center of the spine, as shown in technique 1 (see page 11). Then follow the arrows in this picture for application of the oil over the rest of the back. Now sweep your hands down the back, on either side of the spine, and across the waist. Circle into the waist and tops of the hips, then continue back up and over the shoulders and down the arms. This move really builds on the relaxing experience of the massage.
5 At the side of the recipient now, place one hand on top of the other and apply deeper pressure as you stroke around the shoulders and the top of the back in a figure of eight. This step releases the trapezium muscle and is perfect for tired or aching shoulders. This technique is repeated later in step 12 around the hips, the perfect way to easily apply more pressure that remains both enjoyable and effective.
MAKING CONTACT
Always be present in your intention and confidence as you massage-stay focused on your contact with the recipient and concentrate on the strokes you are giving. Always bear in mind that the person is in a heightened mode of sensitivity and is acutely aware of your every move. They will easily pick up on a sense of detachment, for example, if your mind starts to wander. For truly healing massage it is important to put your own concerns and worries to one side and make contact with the recipient on every level-not just physical but mental, emotional, and spiritual as well.
6 Knead the neck gently with cupped hands. The right hand follows the contour of the neck from the top of the shoulder to the point where it meets the base of the skull. The left hand repeats this movement going the other way. This is a blissful way to relax the neck. Stay doing this for a while. It is always greatly appreciated. Now repeat step 5 and this step for three or four rounds.
7 Use "butterfly hands" to massage the body in circular strokes, first on the right side of the body and then on the left side. This step helps to relieve tension and also enhances our breathing. This is because it aids healthy respiration, helping the body to get adequate oxygen. Now switch sides and repeat the "butterfly hands" stroke.
8 Standing or kneeling at the recipient's head, sweep your hands down the back, creating a double figure of eight that completes with a sweep down both arms. Do this in a set of seven. This step can also be performed from the side of the recipient, beginning at the hips and moving upwards. Repeat this movement at any time in the massage.
9 Still at the head of the recipient, roll your thumbs around the upper back to work out any knots you find in the trapezium muscle. This step eases stiff shoulders and neck, and relieves tension headaches. It is so enjoyable for the recipient you may want to repeat this section as many times as feels comfortable (trust your instinct). Ask the recipient to let you know if there is any discomfort at all. If so, adjust the...
