For Headaches –
start at the base of the neck and work upwards to the base of the scalp. Use
the fingers in firm, but not hard effleurage*
strokes. Continue for as long as is necessary. It may also help to include
the shoulder area.
The Neck
– using the whole of the hand, at the base of the neck place a hand each
side of the vertebrae (never put pressure on the vertebrae), use small but
firm circular movements, work from the base of the neck, and continue
upwards to the base of the scalp and then down the sides of the neck. Work
around the sides of the neck using gentle but firm movements.
The Shoulders
– use the thumbs and palms to massage with effleurage*
and petrissage* actions, moving from the base of
the neck outwards to the shoulder. You may also find it beneficial to take
in the shoulder blade area by making large circular movements around the top
of the shoulder to just under the shoulder blade.
The Arms
– Using upwards strokes from the wrist to the armpit. Using petrissage*
on fatty and muscular areas as appropriate.
The Back
– Starting from the lumbar region of the back, use effleurage*
strokes, put one hand either side of the vertebrae, using the whole hand,
flat against the back stroke up towards the shoulder around and over the
shoulder blade and slide down again the sides of the back. (Do not massage
over the vertebrae). Repeat as often as is wished.
The Abdomen –
using effleurage* strokes, use circular movements
in a clockwise direction only.
The Legs
– always massage the legs upwards from the ankle to the thigh using effleurage*
strokes. Where appropriate use petrissage* on the fatty or muscular areas.
(Never over varicose areas)
The Reproductive area
(Women) – using effleurage* strokes start at the
lower back and slide over the hips, then slide each hand over the abdomen.
Use the whole of the hand flat against the skin.
The Feet –
massage in an upwards direction form the toes to the ankle, if you are lucky
enough to have someone do this for you, thumbs should be on the sole of the
foot with the fingers on top, if you are doing your own feet you may find it
easier to have your thumb on top with you fingers underneath.
* See
Massage techniques for terms and How too..
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