Simple Spa Techniques for Massage Therapists
A massage provides many benefits, including relieving stress, relaxing tense muscles, soothing soreness and injuries and relaxing the mind. There are many complex techniques for massage therapists, but sometimes it's the simple techniques that provide the most relaxation and benefits to a client. Simple Neck Massage
It has to carry a heavy head around all day, so it's no wonder that the neck holds a great deal of tension. By learning simple neck massage techniques, you can instantly relieve pain and discomfort. Apply enough oil to your hands so that they slide smoothly across the neck of your client. With you client lying face up, place both hands underneath the neck. Turn her head gently to the left side, using your left hand to hold her head. Use your thumb and palm to rub in a downward motion on the right side of the neck, and underneath to the bottom left side, gently squeeze the left side of the neck with finger tips, so you are working both sides at the same time. Finish on the right side with a strong stroke, from the top of the neck down over the shoulder. Turn the head to the right and repeat the same motions on the left side of the neck.
Facial Massage
The face is something that many people neglect massaging, but a facial massage can totally relax the mind, and instantly release tension in the entire body. When massaging the face, applying the right amount of pressure is key. First start out by making gently contact with the client's chin, by using your thumbs and index fingers, slightly press around the jawline, starting with the center working upward. After the jawline, move your hands up to the very top of the jaw and work small circular motions in both directions, making sure that both hands are moving in the same direction. Next, slide your hands up to the temple regions, continuing the small circular motions. Apply less pressure to the temples than you did the jawline. Slide your hands up to the forehead. Using your two index finger slide down the bridge of the nose and up to the center of the forehead, sliding your fingers to opposite hairline sides. Let your finger meet back in the center of the forehead and glide them back down the bridge of the nose. Repeat several times. Hold the sides of the client's face with your hands and use your thumbs to slide across the forehead. With your index fingers, press gently on the pressure points where the client's eyebrows start. Move your fingers down to the temple region and start the circular motions again, moving down to the jawline with the circular motions. Glide your hands from the top of the head down to the jawline. End with a neck sweep, with slight pressure.
Hand Massage
First, apply oil or lotion to the client's hand that you are massaging, using both your hands and rubbing the entire hand with quite a bit of pressure. You will want to hold the client's hand and start by "milking" the thumb in a downward motion, from very top to the very tip of the thumb, like you were milking a cow. Continue the "milking" stroke on every finger. Try to feel the muscles in the fingers, massaging the tissue. Repeat these motions at least twice on every finger. Next, gently massage in between the thin bones on the top of the client's hand, starting with the pinkie side. Then, lift the clients arm to a 90 degree angle and flex the client's wrist. Support the clients hand with your hands and use your thumbs to massage the bottom palm working your way up toward the fingers. Flex the client's hand slightly back and straighten the fingers slightly. Then extend the client's hand in the opposite direction downward. Lastly, interlace your fingers in the client's and pull your fingers through the client's fingers. Repeat steps on the opposite hand.