Massage Techniques

Want to learn different styles of therapeutic massage techniques? Here's a step-by-step description of three different massages.

When we think of massages, automatically our entire body, which is under stress most of the times, calls out for it. As a proven technique to relieve pain, relax the body, and enhance immunity, different types of massages help achieve them. The following article will give you some tips on proper massage techniques for different parts of your body. Read more on

Back Massage Techniques

When you are looking for therapeutic benefits where you need to relax and release some stress, will provide you complete satisfaction. Take a look at this step-by-step demonstration to target those .

• Choose a room which is quiet and somewhat dark. Ignite fragrant candles and put on some relaxing music to set the ambiance.
• The person who is getting the massage will lie face down on the table. Keep a pillow under the shins, as this will help him/her release pressure on the lower back.
• Ask if the person getting the massage has any problematic area where you should concentrate. You can use essential oils or massage lotions as well. Now pour few drops of essential oil in your palms and rub your hands together. This will turn the oil warm.
• Start from the shoulders. Rub the shoulders in a circular motion and keep continuing till you feel that the muscles in the area have loosened up.
• Check with the person if the pressure of the massage is comfortable or not. Alter the amount of pressure depending on the response. The areas which are more tender can be rubbed gently.
• Slowly move down the sides of the spine while you move your fingers in a circular motion. Use the tip of your fingers for gentle pressures and base of the palms for more pressures.
• Spend enough time on each of these areas for a complete relaxation. Come down to the lower back and here, use your thumbs for the massage. Make large circular motions with good pressure.
• Spend more time on problematic areas till the person is thoroughly satisfied. While ending the massage, use the palms of your hands and firmly stroke up and down the entire back. Don't put any pressure over the spine and keep asking the person if he/she is enjoying it.

Foot Massage Techniques

Foot massages help relieve headaches, sinus problems, and improve vision all at the same time. So, whether you're searching for massage techniques for headaches or strained eyes, these foot massage techniques will provide you complete satisfaction.

• Clean feet by soaking them in warm water and scrubbing them with a pumice stone. Add a cup of Epsom salts in one gallon of warm water, as it will help de-stress the feet before the massage begins.
• Dry the feet properly, especially, between the toes. Apply lotion or cream on the feet and massage each foot using gentle strokes. Don't forget to include the top and bottom of the feet, from toes to ankles.
• Use your fingers and thumbs to give deep strokes on the soles of the feet. Put some pressure and slide the thumbs between the tendons of the ankles and toes (try not to tickle, so use appropriate amount of pressure).
• At the soles and bottom of the feet, use circular motions with enough pressure. Start from the base of the toes and work your way down, towards the heels.
• At the toes, use gentle and circular motions. Stretch each foot by pulling on the toes and making the popping sound. Also, bend the toes one by one and rotate them as well. You can individually rub each toe in circular motions from the base till the tip.
• Now rotate each foot by holding them in your hands and moving them up, down, and in circles. Do a quick massage all over the feet and remove the excess lotion, if any.

Infant Massage Techniques

The most essential reason to give infants a massage is to enhance the bodily functions, increase the bond between the child and parents, and decrease any stress levels. Infant massage is a great way to show your love to the baby.

• Lay the baby on a comfortable and well-padded table. When your baby is laying on the table, both of you will get a chance to maintain eye contact and bond properly.
• Gently stroke the baby's face with the fingertips. Start at the hairline and work your stroke downwards. Come down to the area near the eyebrows and start form the central area and work your stroke outward.
• Now come down to his/her tummy and gently, in clockwise circles, move your hands over it. This way you can easily relieve any food or gas from his/her digestive system.
• When you come down to the thighs, grab them and gently squeeze them. Keep working your way down as you squeeze the baby's entire legs. Come back to the thighs and do it again. Do at least 5 routines this way. Follow the same routine with the hands as well, but make sure you don't pull on the hands too harshly.
• Now grab the baby's feet in one hand and with the other one, gently massage the sole of the foot using your thumb. Keep the thumb in one place for 3 seconds and then release. Follow this technique on the rest of the foot. Do the same for at least 2 more times on each foot.

The massage techniques, let they be for any part of your body, can only work effectively when all the elements come together. The de-stressing and inviting ambiance, concentrating the correct pressure points, releasing harmful toxins from the body, and relaxing the muscles is highly significant.