MASSAGE THERAPY: About 17 percent of the population has had a massage from a massage therapist in the last year. But many more of us have probably asked our significant other for a massage. If your mate just can't hit the right spot, here's a little help. The most widespread style of massage is the Swedish massage. There are six basic steps to the Swedish massage, according to massage therapist Michelle Tramm from Indiana University -- Purdue University Indianapolis. The following gives you an idea of how to improve your massage technique.
Step 1: Effleurage: This the warm up, gliding stroke. The key here is to do this stroke in the direction of blood flow to the heart. The pressure is applied as you push to the heart and lessened on the stroke back. You may also want to use oil or cream.
Step 2:Petrissage: Use your fingers to perform small circles in the massaged muscle. This is a little deeper than the last step and helps get the muscles ready.
Step 3: Friction: Rubbing of the area to warm it up. Move your hands fast across the skin heating up the area.
Step 4: Kneading: This part gets a lot deeper into the muscle. You want to lift the muscle and knead it like you would bread. The goal here is to milk out the toxins in the body.
Step 5: Tapotement: This step goes even deeper with a pounding or drumming motion of the hands. You would do this on the meaty part of the muscle.
Step 6: Nerve Stroke: This is a light stroke that can be done coming away from the heart. This allows the nerve endings to know that you are finished.
BE CAREFUL:To avoid injury, researchers say be careful of joints, including vertebrae, and veins. Avoid applying heavy pressure to the kneecap, back of the knee, the abdomen and the front of the neck. Be sure to massage in the direction of blood flow. Otherwise, you could inhibit the body's natural balance, which affects blood pressure and circulation. The abdomen should be massaged in a clockwise direction because of the way the intestines are laid out. Putting too much pressure in a massage could cause bruising. Working too deep could cause a muscle or skin reaction. Experts suggest you consult a massage therapist or physician first if the recipient has any medical problems. For More Information, Contact:
Community Learning Network
IUPUI
Room 142
620 Union Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 278-7600
On the Web: www.cln.iupui.edu
American Massage Therapy Assn.
820 Davis St., Suite 100
Evanston, IL 60201-4444
(847) 864-0123
On the Web: www.amtamassage.org
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