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Doing Massage at Home
Excerpted from The Herbal Home Spa by Greta Breedlove
In doing massage at home, it is assumed that you have a relationship
with the individual you are touching. Most states require a license
for massages done for pay. You should be aware of any health
conditions of the person you are working on; ask the person if
you are not. It can be quite helpful, especially for repeat treatments,
to note where a person experiences pain or blockages. Monthly
massage can help to alleviate pain and improve circulation.
Getting Ready
Preparation is essential in creating a quality massage experience.
Select a place of solitude where you won’t be interrupted. A
massage table adjusted for your height is ideal, but cushioning a
long table or even using a bed or sofa can also be effective. Set
up the table so that you can get around all sides, if possible. Make
up the table or bed with both a bottom and a top sheet.
Another important factor is warmth. Warmth helps the muscles
relax and is essential to a good massage. When lying in the prone
position, the body tends to lose heat. Oil on the skin results in it
becoming easily chilled. Make sure the room is warm when you
start; bring in a space heater if necessary. Also use blankets as
needed. Select music that is soothing and pleasing to your "client."
Step-by-Step Massage
This is a simple technique. You may want to learn other massage
techniques through your local adult education center. Better yet,
take the course with your partner.
Top and bottom sheets
Pillow
Blanket or two
Massage lotion, oil, or cream
Bowl
Relaxing music
Space heater
Wash your hands thoroughly before the massage and trim fingernails if
necessary.
Pour 4 ounces (100 g) of oil into the bowl to start for easy access.
Oil your hands and rub them together to warm the oil.
Start with your "client" lying face up with his or her body covered by
a sheet (and blanket, if needed). Apply the oil to the throat using
gentle side-to-side strokes.
Gently swipe across the chin, above the lips, and then across the forehead.
Using the fingertips, gently massage in upward strokes, starting at the
jaw outside the mouth, coming up along the side of the nose, then
across the bridge of the nose.
Make several spiraling, circular motions spanning the entire forehead,
ending up above and outside the eyes.
Press the cheekbones using slight pressure from the outside to inside.
Use a spiral, circular stroke on the cheeks.
Press along the sides of the neck, working outward to the shoulders.
Massage the crown of the head using the fingertips. Press gently,
working down and around to the back of the skull.
Uncover one arm, leaving the rest of the body draped. Gently holding
the wrist, shake the arm from side to side. With both hands around
the arm, gently squeeze, working back and forth starting at the
shoulder and working down to the hand.
Do the same on the other arm and then each leg.
Have the "client" turn over, and work on the back. Starting at the
base of the spine, gently push on the spine, working up to the top
of the shoulders. Rub the shoulders and top of the back all over.
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