How To Do Body Massages

By: Banks Jefferson

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Knowing how to do body massages can help a spouse or friend feel better after a long day's work. Things get hectic and create knots in the skeletal system, causing pain and discomfort, sometimes even illness. There are at least four different types of massages, Swedish, Therapeutic, and Deep Tissue massage. Getting a massage is relaxing to the body. A massage costs around $75 an hour and $35 at a school that teaches and allows the students to practice. For the discount price, put your body in the hands of a massage student.

To give a massage, you will need:

A place for the person to lie down
A sheet to cover the person
Towel
A pillow for the head
Oil

The first step is to warm the oil, this can be done with the hands. Rub them together in a circular motion. This activity is also great for reviving the skin.
Press up and down with long strokes then bring your hands to short strokes, keeping in touch with the body. Keep your hands parallel to the body as you work your way around the massage area.
With your thumbs, knuckles, or elbows, place light pressure on muscles that need to be loosened. Muscles tie up and tangle, a massage will place them in a relaxed condition.
Hold pressure for about 8 seconds and then release. This will help extremely tense muscles relax. Stroking and kneading are good techniques to use.
Use karate chop motion to relieve muscle tightness. This is one of the oldest methods of massage, and can really loosen up tight muscles.
For the back muscles, work in a circular motion drawing a figure 8 as you go. Place one hand over the other, but place absolutely no pressure on the spinal area as you massage.
Repeat this motion over the whole body, until relaxed. Rotating and stroking the body will relax tension and allow blood to flow, relieving tired muscles.
The back is a hot spot for stress, work your hands across the lower back and over the buttocks area. Using the strongest part of your hand, work up and down these lower areas. Treat the body as if it were a loaf of bread, and knead it firmly but gently avoiding the spinal area and major arteries.