Massage Tips
For simplicity the text below refers to the recipient of the massage as 'your partner', although this could just as easily be a member of your family or a friend etc.
If you do not have a massage couch the best option is to use the floor. Beds are generally unsuitable unless the mattress is quite firm.
Place a folded quilt or blankets on the floor for your partner to lie on and make sure they are comfortable.
When massaging the back kneel at your partners head so you are facing down their body, use light strokes in order to warm the muscles and spread the oil.
When you are ready to perform deeper (use more pressure) movements, move around to your partners side so that you are now facing their head. You may find your back starts to ache as you have to lean over your partner to massage them - you will find it more comfortable if you sit across your partners upper thighs - but this may not be appropriate depending on your relationship to your partner!
When massaging, communication is the key - make sure your partner tells you what they like and don't like and adapt your massage accordingly. |
Hints
| * | Cover your partners body with towels, and only expose the part of the body that you are about to work on. This not only keeps your partner warm, but will reduce their feelings of vulnerability. You may ignore this if you are performing a sensual massage! |
| * | Make sure you have warm hands before starting! You can generally just rub your hands together, but if you have particularly cold hands then run them under a hot tap for a while |
| * | Pour the oil into your hands not onto your partner |
| * | Do not use too much oil, there should be enough to allow your hands to move over the skin without rubbing - but not so much that your hands slide all over the place! |
| * | In general - when performing a full body massage - it is best to start with the back/shoulder/neck, then back of legs, then turnover, then stomach, front of legs, arms, and optionally a head massage. However, there is no set pattern and you can pick and choose as required. |
| * | Use more pressure on the big muscles, and much lighter pressure across bony areas |
| * | Use faster, deeper strokes for an invigorating massage; use slower, lighter strokes for a more relaxing or sensual massage |
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Important
| * | If your partner is pregnant, or suffers from a serious illness (cancer, heart disease etc) consult a professional aromatherapist or doctor regarding the suitability of using aromatherapy based massage |
| * | Do not massage directly over cuts, burns, boils, ulcers, rashes, bruises, swellings, sprains or torn muscles/ligaments |
| * | When dealing with arthritis and rheumatism do not massage over currently inflamed or swollen areas |
| * | Do not apply pressure directly on the spine |
| * | Do not apply pressure directly over varicose veins |
| * | Do not apply pressure on the stomach or breasts |
| * | Do not massage a person suffering from thrombosis as this could be dangerous |
| * | Do not use essential oils undiluted on the skin |
| * | Keep oils out of eyes; Do not take oils internally |
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