Although professional massages in serene settings can be a wonderful thing, not everyone has the luxury of receiving one as often as desired. At-home massage therapy can provide a very effective substitute if you know some of the basics of how to proceed. There are many massage techniques that you can use to massage your own aching muscles and even more available for use with friends and family. Massage can be done at home equally as well as in a clinical or spa setting.
Precautions to Consider
Be aware of a few safety considerations before beginning your at-home massage. Although massage can be a benefit to many medical conditions, Jocelyn Vincent, president of the Canadian Association of Medicine in Quebec, Canada, encourages consulting a physician before massaging anyone with skin, circulatory or significant organ problems since a massage could possibly provide too much stimulation and worsen the condition. Always do a skin patch test on a small area with any lubricants you plan to use, and be aware that many massage products contain ground or tree nut extracts that could provoke an allergic reaction. If using a table or platform, make sure it can hold the combined weight of the person receiving the massage and the weight of the pressure exerted by the person giving the massage.
Massaging Your Own Muscles
Providing your own massage is a great way to work on trouble spots with pinpoint precision, as long as they happen to be located in an accessible area. For areas that you can't reach, consider lying on a tennis or other hard, rubber ball placed on a hard surface to provide the specific pressure to relieve tight muscles at home. Long, slow, smooth strokes are ideal for creating relaxation while small, quick, circular strokes do more to work out the feeling of knotted muscles.
Massage for Other Adults
When massaging someone else, remember that tolerance to pressure varies widely. Ask your patient to tell you if the pressure is too deep or otherwise not comfortable. Other variables are modesty and comfort. Give your patient adequate draping in the form of a large towel or sheet to enable him to feel adequately covered and warm enough to relax during your massage.
If you are giving a full-body massage, the least invasive spot to begin your at home massage is on the patient's lower legs, gradually covering both legs, moving on to the back, then shoulders, neck and arms. Strokes feel more complete if began and ended at a joint, such as one starting at the ankle and ending at the back of the knee. You may need to ask your patient to turn over to access the face and fronts of legs and arms. Periodically check your own body so that you won't hurt yourself by working from an awkward position.
Massage for Children
At-home massage can be a great way to soothe children's mental or physical difficulties, according to Clare LaPlante, frequent contributor to the "Massage Therapy Journal" on infant and child massage topics. A pleasant massage can often usher even the most active child to a good night's sleep or help calm an anxious mind. Massage is also often used to aid children with painful stomach cramps or colic. Keep these strokes moderate in pressure and work in a clockwise direction around the navel, throughout the abdominal area. The rigors of growing and active play can cause many aches and pains; massage similar to that done for adults can relieve much of this distress. Keep the pressure a bit lighter for children but avoid light, tickle touch. Your juvenile patient may not have the attention span for lengthy massage sessions, so you may need to employ shorter sessions covering only one area of the body each time.
Tips for Making the Most of Your At-Home Massage
Use soothing music, scented candles or oils and subdued lighting to create the most relaxing environment possible for your at-home massages. Work with a plan in mind so that you can use your time to the best advantage. It doesn't feel very balanced to receive massage on only one side so remember to divide your efforts when possible between right and left, front and back, and upper and lower body.
Most of all, enjoy the experience of massage in the peace, comfort and privacy of the at-home setting. There's nothing else like it.
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