Massage therapy involves the use of the hands to stimulate the muscles and skin in the body. This stimulation can ease muscle tension and promote relaxation, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The key to giving a good massage is to alternate the levels of pressure you apply to the body and staying in tune with your subject about what areas are sensitive or require more pressure.
Step 1
Rub massage oil or lotion between your hands to warm it. This oil will help to reduce friction between your hands and your massage subject's back.
Step 2
Place one hand on top of the other and apply pressure to rub circles around the subject's shoulder blades. You may need to ask your subject if the pressure is too firm or if he would prefer more pressure.
Step 3
Apply pressure to any knots or lumps you detect in the body. These are knotted portions of muscle that can occur due to stress or holding the body in an uncomfortable position. Known as trigger point therapy, gently press on the area or rub back and forth until you feel the muscles begin to loosen and ease under the pressure, according to physician and author Andrew Weil.
Step 4
Move to the head of the massage table and place your index fingers together to make a triangle shape with your hands. Beginning at the lower portion of the back, rub in long, deep strokes toward the upper back. Return to the starting position by sliding your palms down toward the lower back. Repeat this 10 times and then perform the same movement on the sides of the back. Your subject may need to place her arm above her head for you to best reach this area.
Step 5
Lift the subject's arm up and hold the wrist in one hand. Grasp the wrist with the other hand--your thumb should be just below the pinkie. Slowly move down the arm, alternating between light and deep pressure as you slide down, then back up. Repeat a few times, then switch to massage the other arm.
Step 6
Ask your subject if he is comfortable with you massaging the buttocks. Some massage subjects prefer not to receive this as part of a full-body massage.
Step 7
Place one hand over the other and use your fingers to press down in sweeping circular strokes to the buttocks. Begin where the lower back meets the buttocks and then work your way to the lower buttocks. You can also use your palms for a more firm massage stroke.
Step 8
Instruct your subject to turn over and move to the bottom portion of the table to rub the feet. Take one foot in your hand by placing the hands on either side. Massage the ball of the foot using firm, circular motions, then work your way to the foot's arch.
Step 9
Place your knuckles underneath the toes and press down, sliding the knuckles down the foot. Use your opposite hand to hold the ankle for support. Switch to the other foot.
Tips and Warnings
- Provide your massage subject with water before and after the massage to hydrate the body, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.
Things You'll Need
- Massage oil or lotion
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