A full body massage can be one of the most relaxing practices. The receiver or client should feel good after the massage is completed. There are four main techniques used during a massage.
The first and most common stroke is Effleurage. The best place to start is on the back. This stroke is performed at the beginning and end of a massage. Oil is applied to the therapist hands before placing their hands on the client’s back. The palmer surfaces of the hands are used in this stroke and they gently but firmly move around the contours of the body. The stroke is one continuous movement and firm pressure is applied on the upward movement while the downward movement is a gentle glide. The stroke is quite rhythmic and the client can quite often fall asleep during a massage.
The second stroke is Petrissage. This stroke is a kneading stroke and is usually carried out by squeezing, rolling or wringing. This technique is particularly effective when working on muscles and the fleshy areas of the body such as the calves, shoulders, thighs and the hip area. This is an excellent stroke to help release tight muscles.
The third stroke during a body massage is Friction. This also is an excellent stroke to be used on the back area and thighs. The technique involves the use of the balls of the thumbs but fingertips, knuckles and elbows can be used. This stroke is used to break down knots and nodules around the shoulder area and down around the spine.
The fourth stroke is Tapotement or a Percussion stroke. Tapotement can further be broken down into cupping, hacking and flicking. Cupping is simply forming a hollow in the palm of the hands and bringing the hands down in a quick succession of traveling movements. This can be used effectively on the back, arms and legs. Hacking, as the name suggests, is a series of movements down the back, shoulders, arms or legs using the ulna side of the hand. The wrists remain very loose and the movement again should be rhythmic and light. Flicking is simply a lighter type of hacking. The hands are formed into a fist and the little finger side is the part used.
The therapist will use a variety of strokes that can both make the massage enjoyable but also help sooth any painful or aching muscles. A massage helps eliminate toxins from the body so after every massage, the client must be reminded to drink plenty of water to flush their body.