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Certificate Massage Therapy (CMT)

Student Manual

Certificate Massage Therapy (CMT) – Student Manual CMT STD MAN Rev. 007

Copyright © 2011 Melbourne College of Professional Therapists of 61

Contents

# Topic Page

1 Introduction 3

1.1 Environment and Accessories 4

1.2 Oils and Creams 5

4 Anatomy and Physiology 6

4.1 Levels of Structural Organisation 7

4.2 Characteristics of Life (Life Processes) 9

4.3 Survival Needs (Life Maintenance) 10

4.4 Principal Organ Systems 11

4.5 Homoeostasis 12

4.6 Anatomical Terminology 13

4.7 Body Cavities 15

5 Precautions and Contraindications 16

6 The Oldest Healing Art 17

6.1 Massage in History 18

6.2 The Power of Touch 19

6.3 How Does Massage Work? 21

6.4 Massage Styles Around the World 22

7 Massage Techniques 29

7.1 Overview 30

7.2 Grounding: Initiation 31

7.3 Effleurage 32

7.4 Petrissage 34

7.5 Friction 37

7.6 Tapotement 39

7.7 Grounding: Closure 40

8 Massage Sequences 41

8.1 Prone: Back and Neck 42

8.2 Prone: Posterior Lower Limb 44

8.3 Supine: Anterior Lower Limb 46

8.4 Supine: Chest 48

8.5 Supine: Upper Limb 49

8.6 Supine: Neck, Face and Scalp 50

9 Key Points 51

10 Aromatherapy Essential Oils 52

11 Anatomy Diagrams 53

11.1 Skeletal Views 54

11.2 Muscular Views 57



1 Introduction

Massage is most likely one of the oldest forms of healing. It has been used by various cultures

in different ways, means and forms, probably from the beginning of time. Massage can simply mean; ‘to knead” or can be further expanded into; ‘the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, producing physiological and psychological effects’. These effects may promote a feeling of well-being and initiate healing by aiding the body’s own internal self-regulating processes. Processes that have been shown to continue long after the massage has been completed. At the Melbourne College of Professional Therapists (MCPT) our aim is to supply you with the tools, confidence and professional boundaries to enable you to provide relaxation massage at the level that you require. We aim to establish a relaxed, friendly environment that is conducive to the sharing and exchanging of knowledge and skills. Social inhibitions, the cultural taboos of touching and our own personal body awareness, coupled with the nervousness and trepidation of starting any new course are often difficult for some people. Your initial massage sessions may be very difficult and awkward for some people. Remember that it is entirely your choice who you work with and how many clothes you choose to remove or to leave on. It is important that you inform your instructor about any difficulties that you may be experiencing. They can assist you in exploring these issues at greater depth and finding a workable solution.

Figure 1 – Human holding his Skin



1.1 Environment and Accessories Introduction

The atmosphere of the environment is vitally important to the outcome of any massage. Things

such as the room temperature, presence of draughts, noises, bright lights, smells, interruptions and tidiness/cleanliness have an enormous influence on the ambiance that you are trying to create. Also the importance of the confidence the person has in you and the degree to which they can relax during the massage. The comfort of the person receiving the massage is of paramount importance but you also need to feel comfortable with your surroundings to give a good massage. Towels, cushions, pillows and blankets can be used in various ways during the massage to provide comfort and modesty. There are various ways of applying oils during a massage. Before commencing a massage session select the suitable essential oil/s and base oil that suits your given situation. Pre-mixed essential oil/s and combinations save time, whereas deciding what to put into the mix and making it up for every massage is a little time consuming. During this course we will use small bottles with a bowl to stand the bottle in. This method is a good way of avoiding spills and consequent stains. Please be careful, if you need to take the lid off, put it back on before putting the container down.

Figure 1.1 – Would anyone care for a Massage?



1.2 Oils and Creams Introduction

Oils for massage are made up of two parts – the carrier oil and the essential oil(s).

Cold pressed vegetable oils make good carrier oils, being relatively inexpensive, high in natural nutrients which they bring to the skin. They however can go rancid if large batches are made and not used within a short period of time. A Vitamin E capsule in a teaspoon of wheat germ oil can help to preserve it. Cold pressed sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel or avocado oils are of high quality and favoured by many for their texture and viscosity. Grape seed oil is inexpensive oil that is widely used. Others include olive oil, sunflower and safflower oils. It pays to experiment to see which you prefer and perhaps even try combinations. Cheaper oils tend to pervade your towels and over a period of time it is almost impossible to get the pungent rancid like smell out of them. Mineral oils such as baby oil are seen by many as dead oils, devoid of any nourishment, oils that leach nutrients from the skin. Others find that mineral oils are very inexpensive, do not go rancid, do not leave a greasy film after a massage and don’t build up in the towels and clothing. Talcum powder can also be used, but it can be very messy and does not provide the same flowing qualities as oil. If a person has a strong dislike to oils it may be necessary to use talcum in certain cases, or no lubrication at all. There is a wide array of essential oils that can be used either individually or in combination in massage oils. In aromatherapy essential oils are used to treat a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. It is wise to remember that these extracts are very concentrated and should be diluted down with the carrier oil at the rate of approximately 2 -3 drops per 5ml of oil. This is a subject in itself and there are numerous good books on the subject that can lead you in your experimentation. During the course there will be several different blends for you to experience. The essential oils can also be used in an oil burner to further enhance the massage environment. Refer to Basic Aromatherapy Chart on Page 52. Creams can also be used, especially for facials, but be sure to check that the person is not allergic to the cream being used.



4 Anatomy and Physiology

The human body begins to take shape during the earliest stages of embryonic

development. While the embryo is a tiny ball of dividing cells, it begins forming the tissues and organs that compose the human body. By the end of its third week the human embryo has bilateral symmetry (a body plan in which the left and right sides mirror each other) and is developing vertebrate characteristics that will support an upright body. 1. Objectives

a. Define Anatomy and Physiology and explain how they are related.

b. List and describe the major characteristics of life.

c. Define homeostasis and explain its importance to survival.

d. Describe a Homeostatic Mechanism.

e. List and describe the four types of tissues that make up the human body.

f. Explain how tissues, organs and organ systems are organized.

g. Summarize the functions of the primary organ systems in the human body.

h. Name and locate four human body cavities and describe the organs that each contain.

i. Properly use terms that describe relative positions, body sections and body regions.

These Objectives are explained in the following pages. 2. Anatomy and Physiology

a. The human body is a precisely structured container of CHEMICAL REACTIONS.

b. BIOLOGY is the Study of Living Things including the Study of the Human Body.

c. The Study of BODY STRUCTURE, which includes size, shape, composition and perhaps even colouration, is called ANATOMY.

d. The Study of HOW the BODY FUNCTIONS is called PHYSIOLOGY.

e. The purpose of this course is to enable you to gain an understanding of ANATOMY and PHYSIOLOGY with the emphasis on NORMAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION. You will examine the anatomy and physiology of the major body systems.



4.1 Levels of Structural Organization Anatomy and Physiology

The Human Body is divided into parts for a more detailed understanding of how it works. The

following is the simplest Organisational Division of structure. 1. Chemical Level

The Chemicals that make up the body may be divided into TWO major categories: INORGANIC and ORGANIC: a. INORGANIC CHEMICALS are usually simple molecules made of one or more elements

other than CARBON. Examples: Water, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide (an exception) and Minerals such as iron, calcium and sodium.

b. ORGANIC CHEMICALS are often VERY Complex and ALWAYS CONTAIN THE ELEMENTS CARBON AND HYDROGEN. Examples: Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins and Nucleic Acids.

2. Cellular Level a. Cells are the smallest living subunits of a multicellular organism such as a human being.

To put it simpler: THE SMALLEST LIVING UNITS OF STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION ARE CELLS.

b. There are many different types of cells; each is made of chemicals and carries out specific chemical reactions.

3. Tissue Level A TISSUE is a group of cells with similar structure and function. There are FOUR groups of tissue:

Figure 4.1 – Tissue Types



a. Muscle tissue is specialized for CONTRACTION, which brings about movement. Examples: our Skeleton Muscles and the Heart

b. Nerve tissue is specialized to generate and transmit Electrochemical Impulses that regulate body functions. Examples: the Brain and Optic Nerves

c. Epithelial tissue covers or lines body surfaces; some are capable of producing secretions with specific functions. Examples: the outer layer of the Skin and Sweat Glands

d. Connective tissue connects and supports parts of the body; some transport or store materials. Examples: Blood, Bone and Adipose Tissue (Fat)

4. Organ Level a. An Organ is a group of TWO or more different types of Tissues precisely arranged so as

to accomplish SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS and usually have recognizable shape. Examples: Heart, Brain, Kidneys, Liver and Lungs

5. Organ Systems (System Level) a. An Organ System is a group of organs that all contribute to a Particular Function.

Examples: the Circulatory, Respiratory and Digestive Systems.

b. Each organ system carries out its own specific function, but for the organism to survive the organ systems must work together – this is called INTEGRATION OF ORGAN SYSTEM.

6. Organism Level a. The MOST Complex Level.

b. ALL the Organ Systems of the body functioning with one another constitute the TOTAL

ORGANISM = ONE LIVING INDIVIDUAL.

Figure 4.1 – Levels of Organisation



4.2 Characteristics of Life (Life Processes) Anatomy and Physiology

All living organisms carry on certain processes that set them apart from nonliving things.

The Following are several of the more important life processes of Humans: 1. Metabolism is the sum of all the chemical reactions that occur in the body. One phase of

Metabolism called CATABOLISM provides the ENERGY needed to sustain life by BREAKING DOWN substances such as food molecules. The other phase called ANABOLISM uses the energy from catabolism to MAKE various substances that form body structures and enable them to function.

2. Assimilation is the changing of absorbed substances into forms that are chemically different from those that entered body fluids.

3. Responsiveness is the ability to DETECT and RESPOND to changes Outside or Inside the Body. Seeking Water to quench thirst is a response to water loss from body tissue.

4. Movement includes motion of the whole body, individual organs, single cells or even structures inside cells.

5. Growth refers to an Increase in Body Size. It may be due to an increase in the size of existing cells, the number of cells, or the amount of substance surrounding cells. It occurs whenever an organism produces new body materials faster than old ones are worn out or replaced.

6. Differentiation is the process whereby unspecialized cells become specialized cells. Specialized Cells differ in Structure and Function from the cells from which they originated.

7. Reproduction refers either to the formation of new cells for Growth, Repair or Replacement or to the making of a New Individual.

8. Others Include: a. Respiration: Obtaining OXYGEN and excreting CARBON DIOXIDE

b. Digestion: CHEMICALLY and MECHANICALLY breaking down food substances

c. Absorption: The PASSAGE of substances through certain membranes

d. Circulation: The MOVEMENT of substances within the body in Body Fluids

e. Excretion: REMOVAL of wastes that the body produces



4.3 Survival Needs (Maintenance of Life) Anatomy and Physiology

The structures and functions of almost all body parts help maintain the Life of the Organism.

The ONLY Exceptions are an Organism’s Reproductive Structures, which ensure that its species will continue into the future.

Figure 4.3 – Survival Needs

Life requires certain Environmental Factors, including the Following: 1. Water: this is the most abundant chemical in the body and it is required for many Metabolic

Processes and provides the environment in which Most of them take place. Water also transports substances within the organism and is important in regulating body temperature.

2. Food: the Substances that provide the body with necessary Chemicals (Nutrients) in addition to Water. Food is used for Energy, supply the raw materials for building new living matter and still others help regulate vital chemical reactions.

3. Oxygen: It is required to release Energy from food substances. This energy, in turn, drives metabolic processes. Approximately 20% of the air be breathe is oxygen.

4. Heat: (BODY TEMPERATURE) - a form of energy, it is a product of Metabolic Reactions. Normal Body Temperature is around 37°C (98°F). Both low and high body temperatures are dangerous to the organism.

5. Pressure: (ATMOSPHERIC) – Necessary for our Breathing.



4.4 Principal Organ Systems Anatomy and Physiology

There are different ways to reduce the Human Body into systems. Subsequently listed are 12

Organ Systems:

System Major Structures Functions Integumentary The Skin and Structures derived from it,

such as hair, nails and sweat and oil glands

PROTECTS the body as a barrier to pathogens and chemicals, helps Regulate Body Temperature, Eliminates waste, helps Synthesize Vitamin D and receives certain Stimuli such as Temperature, Pressure and Pain.

Skeletal All the Bones of the body (206 in an average Adult), their associated Cartilage and the Joints of the Body

Bones SUPPORT and Protect the body, assist in Body Movement. They also house cells that produce Blood Cells and they Store Minerals.

Sometimes Joints are separated into Articular

Muscular

Specifically refers to Skeletal Muscle Tissue and Tendons

Participates in bringing about MOVEMENT, maintaining posture and produces heat.

Cardiovascular Circ

ula

tory

The Heart, Blood and Blood Vessels TRANSPORTS Oxygen and Nutrients to Tissues and Removes waste.

Lymphatic

Imm

une

/Lym

ph

oid

The Lymph, Lymphatic Vessels and Structures or Organs (Spleen and Lymph Nodes) containing Lymph Tissue

CLEANS and Returns (DRAINS) tissue fluid to the Blood and Destroys Pathogens that enter the body.

Immune Consists of Lymph Nodes, Spleen, Lymph Vessels, Blood Vessels, Bone Marrow and White Blood Cells (Lymphocytes) and Lymph

Provides DEFENCE against Infection and Disease.

Nervous The Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves and Sense Organs (and Receptors), such as the eye and ear (and ear drum)

CONTROLS and Coordinates Body Movements, Interprets sensory information, Maintains the Consciousness and Regulates other body functions by means of Electrochemical Impulses.

Endocrine ALL Hormone-producing Glands and Cells such as the Pituitary Gland, Thyroid Gland and Pancreas

REGULATES body functions by means of Hormones via Homeostatic Mechanisms such as Metabolism, water/mineral balance, growth and sexual development and reproduction.

Respiratory The Lungs and a series of associated passageways such as the Pharynx (Throat), Larynx (Voice Box), Trachea (Windpipe) and Bronchial Tubes leading into and out of them

Through RESPIRATION, exchanges Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide between the air and Blood.

Digestive A long tube called the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract consisting of Mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach, Liver, Pancreas, Small and Large Intestines with accessory organs such as the Salivary Glands and Gallbladder

Breaks down (DIGESTS) and ABSORBS food for use by cells and ELIMINATES solid and other waste.

Sometimes Urinary is combined with Excretory

Urinary The Kidneys, Urinary Bladder and Urethra that together produce, store and eliminate Urine

Removes (ELIMINATES) waste products from the blood and regulates volume and pH of blood (FILTRATION).

Reproductive Organs that Produce, Store and Transport reproductive cells (Sperm and Ovaries)

REPRODUCTION via Ovaries ♀and Sperm ♂. In women, provides a site for the developing embryo-foetus.

Table 4.4 – Organ Systems



4.5 Homoeostasis Anatomy and Physiology

All of the previous systems function together to help the Human Body to MAINTAIN

HOMOEOSTASIS. 1. A person who is in good health is in a state of Homeostasis.

2. Homeostasis reflects the ability of the body to maintain relative Stability and to Function

Normally despite constant Changes.

3. Changes may be EXTERNAL or INTERNAL, and the body must Respond Appropriately.

4. As we continue to study the Human Body, keep in mind that the Proper Functioning of each Organ and Organ System has a role to perform in maintaining HOMOEOSTASIS.

5. The Human Body uses Homeostasis Mechanisms to maintain its stable internal environment. HOMOEOSTASIC MECHANISMS work much like a Thermostat (NEGATIVE FEEDBACK) that is sensitive to temperature and maintains a relative constant room temperature whether the room gets to Hot or Cold.

Figure 4.5 – A Homoeostatic Process



4.6 Anatomical Terminology Anatomy and Physiology

To communicate effectively with one another, researchers and clinicians have developed a set

of Terms to describe anatomy that have precise meaning. Use of these terms assumes the body is in the ANATOMICAL POSITION. 1. The Anatomical Position

This means that the body is standing erect, face forward with upper limbs at the sides and with the palms forward.

Figure 4.6 – Planes and Body Cavities



2. Planes The body is also discussed with respect to planes passing through it.

Plane Meaning

Horizontal (Transverse)

any plane dividing the body into superior and inferior portions

Frontal (Coronal)

any plane dividing the body into anterior (or ventral) and posterior (or dorsal) portions

Sagittal

a plane dividing the body into medial and lateral portions

Midsagittal (Median)

the sagittal plane at the mid-line of the body dividing it into left and right halves

Table 4.6a – Planes

3. Relative Position/Direction Terms of Relative position describe the location of one body part with respect to another. This includes the following:

Direction Meaning Example

Superior (Cranial)

uppermost or above the head is superior to the neck

Inferior (Caudal)

lowermost or below the foot is inferior to the ankle

Anterior (Ventral)

toward the front the breast is on the anterior chest wall

Posterior (Dorsal)

toward the back the vertebral column is posterior to the digestive tract

Medial

toward the Median Plane the ulna is on the medial side of the forearm, the nose is medial to the eyes

Lateral

away from the Median Plane the radius is lateral to the ulna, the ears are lateral to the eyes

Proximal

toward the trunk the elbow is proximal to the wrist

Distal

away from the trunk the fingers are distal to the wrist

Superficial

near the surface Trapezius is superficial to Rhomboideus

Peripheral

outward, near the surface The skull is peripheral to the brain

Deep

inward, internal Pectoralis minor is deep to pectoralis major

Cortex

outer layer (of an organ) The cerebral cortex is the outer brain

Medulla

inner portion (of an organ) Medulla oblongata is in the brain stem

Parietal

inside walls of a cavity the parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal wall

Visceral

covering of the organs the visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs

Cephalad toward the head the thoracic cavity lies cephalad (or superior) to the abdominal cavity

Table 4.6b – Directions



4.7 Body Cavities Anatomy and Physiology

Many organs and organ systems in the human body are housed in compartments called

CLOSED BODY CAVITIES. 1. These cavities protect delicate internal organs from

injuries and from the daily wear of walking, jumping or running.

2. The body cavities also permit organs such as the lungs, the urinary bladder and the stomach to expand and contract while remaining securely supported.

3. The organs of a cavity are collectively referred to as viscera.

4. The Closed Body Cavities are first divided into 2: a. Ventral Cavity (at the front) b. Dorsal Cavity (at the back)

5. The Ventral and Dorsal (Spinal) Cavities are separated

by the anterior Spine.

6. The Thoracic and Abdominopelvic Cavities are separated by a Skeletal Muscle called the DIAPHRAGM.

7. The Abdominal and Pelvic Cavities are separated by the Urogenital Diaphragm.

8. There is also many OPEN BODY CAVITIES called TRACTS including the Digestive and Respiratory Tracts.

Figure 4.7 – Body Cavities

Cavity Where/Between Contains

Dorsal Contains the most of the Central Nervous System

Cranial Inside Skull (not Mandible) Brain

Spinal (Vertebral) From Foramen Magnum (Occipital Bone) along Vertebral Canal of Spine to Sacral Hiatus (Sacrum)

Spinal Cord

Ventral Organs of the Ventral Cavity are involved in maintaining a constant internal environment, or homeostasis

Thoracic Thorax: Ribs and Thoracic Vertebrae and Diaphragm

Pleural Left and Right Pleura Lungs, Bronchioles

Mediastinum Between Pleurae Thymus, Great Blood Vessels, Lymph vessels, Oesophagus, Trachea, and nerves

Pericardium Inferior part of Mediastinum Heart

Abdominopelvic Is divided into 2 sections

Abdominal Surrounded by Muscles and Lumbar Spine

Kidneys, Stomach, Large and Small Intestine, Spleen, Liver, Gallbladder

Pelvic Within Pelvis Reproductive (♀ Ovaries, ♂ Prostate) and excretory organs

Table 4.7 – Body Cavities



5 Precautions and Contraindications

A relaxation massage is really a very safe procedure, but there are times when massage

should not be given at all. There are other times where it should be given only by an experienced practitioner that is qualified to do so, or under the supervision of an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Some of these occasions follow:

Elevated temperature, Fever

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Bacterial/Viral Infection

Under the influence of drugs

Skin eruptions

Thrombophlebitis (Inflammation of the veins)

Thrombosis (Blood clots)

Local joint inflammation

Recent Trauma

Burns - including sunburn

Cancer (in some cases)

Opens wounds

Eczema (Dermatitis)

Psoriasis (If severe with broken skin)

Varicose veins

Lymphoedema (Tumours, Infections)

If you have any doubts at all, seek assistance from, or refer on to a more experienced practitioner or a suitably qualified health practitioner for an assessment or for more appropriate treatment. Do not continue if you feel at all uncomfortable about the situation.



6 The Oldest Healing Art

Massage is the oldest known Healing Art. It predates all orthodox medicine and all other

complementary therapies. Massage is unique in being both a healing technique and an instinctive means of expression between humans and animals alike. We all use touch without thinking of it as “massage”. Touch is an effective means of reducing a pain, such as a headache, and giving comfort. Loving touch is best seen in the soothing caresses of a mother with her baby. For the new-born, such contact is as essential as food and warmth. The benefits of quality touch are not restricted only to the very young. Due to its phenomenal ability to redress the ravages of stress on the body, massage has become the most popular of the complementary therapies. People everywhere are taking up massage to offer to friends and family and even to train to a professional standard. From this upsurge in interest will come a wider appreciation of the unlimited, unexplored possibilities that massage has to offer us! Massage is the most wonderful skill you can ever possess. The real bonus is that you will soon enjoy giving it as much as your partner likes receiving it.



6.1 Massage in History the Oldest Healing Art

In the East, massage has always been part of a valued tradition that appreciates the

connection of the mind, body and spirit. It is an integral part of family life as well as a professional therapy. In the West, by contrast, medicine continues to isolate physical symptoms from the person as a whole. Recorded history shows that the Orientals were using massage at least three thousand years before the birth of Christ. The oldest existing medical text, the Nei Ching, acknowledges it as one of the four classical forms of medical treatments along with acupuncture, moxibustion and herbalism. In India, the Ayurveda, written about 1800 BC, recommends rubbing and shampooing to help the body to heal itself. The medical literature of Egyptian, Persian and Japanese physicians also makes many references to the benefits of massage. To ancient Greek and Roman physicians, massage was one of the chief means of relieving pain. In The Odyssey Homer describes its restorative powers for exhausted war heroes. Hippocrates, the “father” of medicine, believed that all physicians should be trained in massage, and in the early fifth century wrote, “the physician must be experienced in many things but assuredly rubbing”. The Bible too, makes numerous references to the healing power of “laying hands”. Massage continued to thrive until the Middle Ages when the needs of the physical body and the pleasures of the flesh were suppressed and held in contempt. Christianity concentrated exclusively on the spiritual self, and created a split within the individual. The Renaissance saw renewed interest in the body and physical health, with many prominent physicians incorporating massage into their approach. In the sixteenth century a French doctor, Ambroise Pare, brought massage to prominence and was so successful that he be came the physician to four French kings. In England, Mary Queen of Scots recovered from a grave illness with the help of massage. At the beginning of the nineteenth century Swedish gymnast, Per Henrik Ling, synthesized his knowledge of gymnastics and philosophy with massage skills acquired in China to form Swedish Massage; a technique that remains much the same today. The human potential and personal growth movement of the 1960s and 70s saw that massage could be a powerful agent for personal change. Massage was seen as a means of getting in touch with repressed emotions and memories locked within the musculature of the body. This makes perfect sense to us today, but at the time was truly innovative and heralded a return to traditional, oriental philosophies that understood the connectedness of mind, body and spirit.



6.2 The Power of Touch the Oldest Healing Art

Loving touch is vital to our emotional and physical well-being, yet it is grossly underestimated

and misunderstood. As new-born babies we needed touch to survive and learned how wanted we were primarily through the quality of touch we received from our parents. We formed impressions and made decisions about ourselves, other people and life itself from this initial contact. Out of these early impressions grew our sense of worth, our self-esteem, the extent of our trust and our ease in the world. In the USA during the 1930s mothers were taught that to hold the child too much would result in a dependent child leading to a selfish, arrogant adult. Unfortunately this thinking still lingers on even today. Babies who are not given a positive sense of their own value through loving touch grow up to have a poor self-image and very little innate self-acceptance. If we grow up in an emotionally cold family environment with little or no touch we feel awkward asking for or expressing affection and find it extremely difficult to form lasting, intimate relationships as adults. We may even pass this behaviour on to our own children. It is no wonder that, as a society, we are driven to find fulfilment through possessing the right partner, house, job or car etc. So often happiness becomes dependent on achieving something or someone. Our culture is characterised by aggression, greed and manic competitiveness. In such an environment we feel constantly under threat; life is a perpetual struggle and we create a dog-eat-dog world. Massage can shift this entire dynamic, and through loving touch encourage us to feel good about ourselves as we are. Through massage we can be cared for and acknowledged without having to achieve something as a condition. The better we feel about ourselves and our bodies the less dependent we will be on material gain for such fundamental security. We can be freed up to appreciate and enjoy present time and judge what we really want from the future. As long as we depend on someone or something to justify our self-worth, internal peace will be the ultimate. Regular massage and the meditative time out it brings us directly in touch with ourselves and others. Feeling balanced and at peace with ourselves encourages us to question and justify the situations that compromise this harmony. Taking care of yourself and enjoying your life can, literally, make you live longer. Conventional medicine acknowledges that stress is at the root of over 70 per cent of all illness. Professionals who take a more holistic approach would put this figure at 100 per cent; understanding that illness is merely a manifestation of a greater imbalance. Stressful events such as redundancy and bereavement frequently lead to ill-health and even death. Massage helps to reduce chronic or acute stress and so prevent the onset of illness. It also brings our attention to the fact that we are under stress, enabling us to rectify the situation before further damage is done. Once we appreciate that feeling tired and pressurized is not normal we are immediately in a position to influence our own health and vitality. As soon as we begin to develop greater awareness of our body and its reaction to uncomfortable situations, we may notice how different feelings and thoughts result in tension in specific parts of our body.



Wilhelm Reich was the founding father of modern body orientated therapy. As a pupil of Freud's, he came to realize that the body stored unresolved tensions or suppressed feelings and suggested that specific areas of 'holding' such as a tight jaw; raised shoulders, rigid pelvis or stiff neck related to specific personality types or emotions. Many of us have learned over time to keep strong emotions, such as anger, tightly locked within us. Such body 'armouring' serves to hold in the unexpressed emotion and to ward off the pain of a similar experience in the future. The price we pay is diminished vitality and a deadening of our ability to react spontaneously or to be in touch with our deeper feelings. In an attempt to protect ourselves we limit our range of experiences to ones that we hope will neither challenge nor threaten us. He also saw posture as an important map of inner tensions. If the shoulders were hunched up, it signified that the person was frightened and ready to ward off an unexpected attack. Reich's view was that physical gracefulness was an important clue to the person's emotional well-being; moving in a relaxed, easy manner indicated a healthy self. Massage dissolves the physical tension and holding from the body, but it can also dissolve the fear and anxiety that may have created the 'armour'. Sometimes when you give a massage, a person will suddenly remember the incident that led to the tension in the first place. They may feel upset as the memory surfaces, or the emotion may simply be released and the holding dissolved effortlessly. It is only when we are at peace with ourselves that we can contribute to peace on a wider scale. It is only when we experience peace that we want to maintain it. Massage has a huge part to play in generating harmony within individuals and, as individuals, we automatically extend this well-being to others and in so doing contribute to peace and happiness.



6.3 How Does Massage Work? the Oldest Healing Art

Massage works on physical, mental and sometimes spiritual levels. It restores balance and

harmony to a troubled mind and tense body, it helps us to feel better about ourselves and it leaves us with a fresh, optimistic viewpoint of life. It is the ultimate antidote to the damaging effects of chronic tension and it prevents stress from taking root in the first place. This may sound miraculous, yet experience shows that massage offers all this and more. The human body is extraordinary in its capacity to renew and regenerate itself. Its own self-regulatory mechanism returns the body to a state of internal balance and harmony even after we stretch all its systems to cope with excessive pressures, a process known as homoeostasis. Chronic, long-term stress inhibits this natural rebalancing. By constantly exploiting the body with unrelenting demands we deprive it of the time and energy to repair and restore itself to harmony. Massage intervenes, allowing the body to carry out its own healing by regulating the actions of the autonomic nervous system. The nervous system divides into two processes that govern our reaction to our surroundings in complementary ways. The sympathetic system deals with the “flight or fight” response when the body gears itself up for stress. Hormones such as adrenaline and cortisone pump into the blood stream, the heart beats faster and the digestive functions close down. This is fine if we relax once the emergency has passed. If we carry on responding to pressure, we end up on permanent alert, wearing the body out and heading towards illness: The parasympathetic system, which reverses the “flight or fight” reactions, is then blocked. Massage stimulates this restorative effect and induces relaxation. We would be wise not to underestimate the importance of containing stress and replacing it with relaxation. The stress hormones released when we feel under threat can damage the body's nervous system, organs and immune system in a self-perpetuating sequence of effects. When the pituitary gland is stimulated it releases adrenaline and cortisone. If, due to unrelieved stress, cortisone continues unchecked, it suppresses the immune system, leaving the body defenceless against viruses. Relaxation also works on the mind. In the course of our day, when we are awake, thinking or concentrating, our brain waves resonate on the 'Beta' frequency. The more anxious or angry we become, the higher we go into Beta and if we stay there for too long, we not only undermine our immune system, but become fatigued and accident-prone. Deep relaxation takes us into the much slower 'Alpha' frequency - a meditative, trance-like state that recharges us even more than sleep. Research has shown that regular meditative rest such as massage can increase immunity, improving white-cell response to stress. Massage is probably the easiest way of inducing such rest, as a chronically stressed individual may find it difficult to relax alone. Deep relaxation is also intensely pleasurable. While in this quietened state, our body produces endorphins - hormones that relieve pain and induce feelings of contentment and even euphoria. In my experience endorphins are more effective than any drug for pain relief. Touch is a great source of pleasure in itself. The skin is covered with nerve receptors that, when stimulated, feed the brain with enjoyable sensations. Massage is powerfully therapeutic and a life-affirming route to real pleasure.



6.4 Massage Styles Around the World the Oldest Healing Art

At this time we are aware of over 200 massage techniques. Below is a short list in alphabetical

order, along with a classification of light, medium or deep (if applicable). Acupressure Dating back 5000 years, acupressure is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is often described as "acupuncture without the needles." As a non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure uses deep finger pressure applied at certain points located along an invisible system of energy channels within the body called meridians. Because these points directly relate to organs and glands of the body, constrictions in the flow of energy at these points cause disease and discomfort. Acupressure stimulates these points to remove blockages, to increase the energy flow, to reduce stress, and to promote health and harmony in the body. Rated Medium. Alexander Technique The Alexander Technique is an awareness practice for identifying and developing discipline over the negative physical habits of incorrect posture and movement. Developed a century ago by actor F. Matthias Alexander, who used it to cure himself of chronic laryngitis, he believed if the vertebrae were out of alignment it was due to these poor habits. The Alexander Technique is a simple method of re-educating the mind and body to improve ease and freedom of movement, balance, and coordination. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity, giving you more energy for all your activities. Amma Therapy In Chinese, amma means "push-pull." Amma therapy is concerned with removing blockages and balancing the body's flow of energy along its meridians with a combination of many therapeutic massage techniques including shiatsu, reflexology, deep fascial and connective tissue massage, Swedish massage, and skeletal manipulations. Originated in China, interest in Amma Therapy has been regenerated by Korean-born Tina Sohn. Aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for curative and rejuvenating effects. Dating back to ancient Egypt, India, and the Far East, this simple therapy has been used for centuries to reduce stress and tension, refresh and invigorate the body, soothe emotions, and clear the mind. After an initial discussion with the client, specific essential oils are used in conjunction with other appropriate techniques, such as massage, acupressure, or reflexology. Used in oils, the essential oil is absorbed through the skin and into the body to affect physiological change. When inhaled the aroma directly affects the limbic area of the brain that is related to emotions and memories. Aston Patterning Aston Patterning is a comprehensive integration of massage, deep tissue work, and movement education. It was developed in the mid-1970s by dancer Judith Aston, while searching for an alternative to spinal fusion surgery. She became a top trainee of Ida Rolf and designer of the original exercises for Rolf movement and later tailored a program to facilitate rehabilitation, improve performance, and prevent injury called Aston Patterning. It combines not only massage work but also a reeducation of the body through movement and awareness to maintain change. Bioenergetics Bioenergetics is a combination of physical and psychological techniques used to release constrictions in the energy flow of the body. Because psychological defenses are anchored in the body, special attention is given to the muscular patterns inhibiting self-expression. Developed from the work of Wilheim Reich and refined by his pupil Alexander Lowen, this technique uses physical exercises, deep breathing, and massage to permit the body to give up its need to armor itself. Bowen Technique This massage technique is named after Australian Tom Bowen who, in the 1950's, introduced the concept of having rest periods between a series of massage movements within a treatment session to allow the body to absorb the healing process. The massage moves are a gentle but precise soft tissue manipulation made with the intention of creating harmony within the body so that the body makes its own adjustments and achieves its own cure. Canadian Deep Muscle Massage This technique addresses specific muscles and muscle groups. The practitioners are trained to fix specific problems. It is a fundamental technique that offers fast results for both pain and stress. This form of cross fiber massage was first written about in the late 1800's in New York City. A medical doctor performing autopsies noticed that diseased areas of the body were surrounded by muscle fibers that were dehydrated and stuck together. He surmised that if one would rub across these fibers, they would release and the healthy state of muscle would be restored. This technique begins gently and progresses deeply as the outer muscle fibers relax, allowing the second and third layer of muscle to be addressed.



Chair Massage When a ten or twenty minute relaxation session is needed, this is the technique for you. You are massaged fully clothed in a special chair designed to relax you. Because the chair is completely portable, you may see chair massage at the airport or health club, or you may want a practitioner to come to your office or business to massage the staff or guests at a party. Chi Nei Tsang In Chinese "chi" means energy and "nei tsang" means internal organs. Chi Nei Tsang was originally developed by Chinese Taoist monks to strengthen their bodies to carry the energy required to perform their spiritual practices. Chi Nei Tsang practitioners work mainly on the abdomen with a deep, soft and gentle touch to train internal organs to work more efficiently and to improve energy flow in the body. Core Energetics Started by Dr. John Pierralcos in 1971, core energetics adds a more spiritual aspect to bioenergetics. The core is the inner center or higher self. The vision of this psychotherapeutic work is to invite a deeper experience and identification with one's core energy and feelings, releasing the individual to create his or her life from this deep center. This is achieved gradually by bringing movement and consciousness to the body. Craniosacral Therapy Within the craniosacral system is the cerebrospinal fluid that moves in a slight but perceptible tide-like manner. Craniosacral therapists assist in facilitating change in areas of restriction where this tide-like motion is limited, confined, and immobilized. By using a gentle light touch, this fluid becomes more rhythmic and balanced, and the central nervous system is restored. Craniosacral therapy is helpful to those with nervous disorders, motor-coordination impairments, attention deficit disorders, insomnia, and other problems. Craniosacral therapy was originally developed in the early 1900's by an osteopath named William G. Sutherland and later refined and promoted by Dr. John Upledger. Cross Fibre Massage Refer to "Canadian Deep Muscle Massage" and "Pfrimmer Massage". Deep Muscle Massage Refer to "Canadian Deep Muscle Massage". Deep Tissue Massage Deep Tissue Massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, its purpose is to unstick the fibers of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension. Rated Deep. Equine Massage Equine Massage is professional sports massage therapy for horses. These massage techniques are used to increase performance levels and endurance. Eslan Massage Developed at the Eslan Institute in Big Sur, California. A very relaxing full body technique that is taught on a popular video published by the Eslan Institute. Rated Light. Haelan Haelen therapy recognizes that people who are in great pain are often unable to focus on the need to integrate body, mind and spirit. It combines therapeutic touch, psychotherapy, and counseling. Developed by Janet F. Quinn, Ph.D, R.N., a practitioner of therapeutic touch and holotropic breathwork, Haelan work attempts to assist people with physical illness to participate in their healing from a more holistic perspective. Hakomi Therapy Hakomi therapy is a system of body-centered psychotherapy that is based on the principles of mindfulness, nonviolence, and the unity of mind and body. Developed by therapist Ron Kurtz in the mid-1970s, Hakomi uses the tools of touch, massage, energy work, movement education, and body-mind awareness. By helping the client follow bodily tensions, feelings, and sensations, it leads to an awareness of the unconscious beliefs and attitudes that drive behaviour and limit responses. Hellerwork Hellerwork was developed by Joseph Heller, the first president of the Rolf Institute. Hellerwork follows up on the principles of Rolfing, with more emphasis on client/practitioner dialogue. He believed that in order to maintain alignment & mobility, clients need not only bodywork to release patterns of stress, but movement exercises designed to eliminate their bad habits and to learn how to stand, walk, sit & move with greater flexibility & ease. The goal is not only to produce physical results but also to empower clients to grow & experience more freedom and energy in their lives.



Hemme Approach Developed in 1986 by Dave Leflet, Hemme stands for history, evaluation, modalities, manipulation, and exercise. The principles in the Hemme Approach are taken from physical medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, and physical therapy. Holographic Technique Holographic Repatterning, a 6-step process of body/mind healing, acknowledges that our body's typical flight-or-fight response to stress creates non-coherent frequencies in our energy field. When the field is non-coherent, we unconsciously relate to what is life-depleting. Developed by Chloe Faith Wordsworth, Holographic Repatterning identifies these patterns through kinesiology and transforms them into life-enhancing patterns by means of a variety of modalities based on movement, energy balancing, sound, light, breathing, and many more. Horse Massage Refer to "Equine Massage". Hoshino Therapy Developed by Tomezo Hoshino in 1952, Hoshino Therapy is an official medical therapy in Argentina. It is a particular form of acupressure recognizing 250 acupuncture pressure points corresponding to the bio-mechanical functioning of the body. In this system, full hand contact is applied as well as the traditional pressure of the first joint of the thumb. Hot Stone Massage Developed in the midweast for use in health spas, this technique uses stones that have been heated. These stones are positioned on the body and some are gently moved about with light pressure being exerted on the warm stones. Infant Massage Becoming increasingly popular, infant massage is usually taught to new mothers as a way of bonding with their newborn and of encouraging infant health. Promoted by Vimala McClure, it incorporates nurturing touch, massage, and reflexology in a loving, fun, one-on-one interaction. A study at the University of Miami showed that infants who received 15 minutes of massage a day gained weight 47% faster and demonstrated other physical and neurological benefits. Integrative Massage Originally based on the work of Wilhelm Reich, this style of bodywork was developed at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy over 20 years ago. To assist in the release of emotional issues trapped in the body, long fluid strokes are used to move energy from the head down and out through the hands and feet. This is combined with the use of deep breathwork to aid the process. Jin Shin Jitsu Designed to heal the body by harmonizing its flow of energy, Jin Shin Jitsu a non-massage form of shiatsu developed by Jiro Murai in Japan. It uses 26 pressure points termed energy locks where fatigue, tension, or illness can trap energy. By applying prolonged, gentle, manual pressing of these points or movements of the practitioner's hands over such areas without contact, the body and mind are brought into harmony. Lomilomi Massage Hawaiian for "rub rub," Lomilomi is a massage technique that's been handed down from ancient Hawaiian healers. Spiritual in nature, the technique was formalized by Hawaiian-born nurse, Margaret Machado. The strokes used are similar to the shiatsu technique of Japan but are gentler and shorter. Pressure with the fingers at certain points is also part of the technique, but it is of shorter duration than most acupressure. Two identifying techniques of authentic Lomilomi are the emphasis on spirit/body connection and the use of forearm and elbow as a massage tool. LooyenWork LooyenWork was developed by Ted Looyen, a Dutch-born counselor and bodyworker from Australia now practicing in California. His system works with the core emotional issue of a client. Though the effect is deep, the massage is gentle in keeping with Looyen's belief that pain does not heal pain. This is one of many forms of bodywork that promotes emotional well-being through the physical release afforded by massage techniques. Lymph System Massage In the 1930s, a Danish doctor, Hans Vodder, noticed the connection between swollen and blocked lymph glands and colds, infections and other ailments. Since the lymph system is designed to remove bacteria and toxins from the body, he reasoned that massaging the lymph system would improve the flow of lymph and benefit the patient. Together with his wife, a massage practitioner, they developed a specific technique that massages the lymph nodes and lymph system using light rhythmic strokes. A characteristic of lymph system massage is that the strokes



are always with the muscle fiber, rather than cross-fiber, because the lymph system runs in the direction of the muscle fiber. Rated Light. Myofascial Release Therapy All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Developed in the late 1960's by John Barnes, Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions and trauma. Myotherapy Developed by Bonnie Prudden in 1976, Myotherapy is a method of relaxing muscle spasm, improving circulation and alleviating pain. It works by defusing "trigger points," which are intense knots of muscle tension that often refer pain to other areas of the body. When a trigger point is under excess emotional or physical stress it often responds by throwing a muscle into spasm. Spasm, in turn, causes pain. The myotherapist erases the spasm by pressing on the appropriate trigger points for several seconds by means of fingers, knuckles, and elbows and then re-educates the affected muscle to its normal resting relaxed condition with special exercises designed for each individual problem. Naprapathy Originated by a chiropractor in Chicago in 1907, naprapathy is a gentle massage of connective tissue to restore optimal flow of energy through the body. Naprapathy also is holistic in nature in that it pays attention to nutrition, movement, lifestyle and diet. A prime focus of this technique is the attention to the ligaments that encase the spinal column. Neuromuscular Therapy Neuromuscular Therapy is a program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes by utilizing specific massage therapy, including the pressure of trigger points, to eliminate the causes of pain patterns. This approach brings about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. It enhances the function of joints, muscles, and movement, and it releases endorphins, the body's own natural pain killers. On-Site Massage Refer to "Chair Massage". Ortho-Bionomy Loosely Translated from Greek as "correct application of the laws of life", this gentle massage technique is often called the most homeopathic of bodywork. Developed in the 1970's by Arthur Pauls, a British osteopath, ortho-bionomy uses movements and gentle manipulations to find the position of most comfort in response to a pain. The practitioner then works from there to release the core problem. Oshiatsu Developed by Oshi in New York. This unique work is the product of years of practice by Oshi who has produced his work in a book. He is a world renown speaker and teacher. Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy One of the early forms of deep muscle massage, it was developed in the 1940s by Therese Pfrimmer who had studied at the Swedish Institute in New York. Her discovery, which led to the reversal of her own paralysis, uses strong strokes across the muscle fiber rather than along the length of the fibers. This technique frees adhesions, improves circulation, both lymphatic and vascular, and causes corrective changes in the muscle on a cellular level. Working to correct and prevent serious muscular conditions, it also alleviates sports injuries, trauma, tension and stress. Polarity Therapy Developed by chiropractor/osteopath Randolph Stone, polarity therapy is a holistic method of treatment combining knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese medicine, yoga, acupuncture and shiatsu techniques. Stone saw the body as an electromagnetic energy system with each part of the body carrying electrical-like charges. By placing hands on various parts of the body, the practitioner connnects the positive and negative poles to improve the flow of energy through the body and assist healing and relaxation. To maintain well-being, diet, yoga, and self-awareness are encouraged. Postural Integration Dr. Jack Painter developed postural integration after studying various forms of bodywork. His ten-session system consists of deep tissue techniques, movement, and breathwork. Recognizing that the body traps negative emotions, Painter's technique pays special attention to the fascia and the release of emotional blocks in a psychotherapeutic manner with the aid of intentional deep breathing. Pregnancy Massage



Pregnancy places strong demands on a woman's body and is a time for the body to be nurtured and pampered. This massage not only relieves the tensions and aches caused by the extra weight and shift in the center of gravity to the body, but it reduces swelling, soothes the nervous system, acts as a tonic, reduces fatigue, and enhances energy. Rebalancing Rebalancing was developed in the 1970's by a group of long-time bodywork practitioners working under the guidance of a spiritual teacher named Osho. The idea was to create a new form of bodywork that would take the best of the presently existing modalities and imbue them with a deeper perspective. Done in ten sessions, rebalancing utilizes a combination of deep tissue massage, joint tension release, verbal dialogue, and energy balancing to relieve physical pain, release emotional holding patterns, and enhance relaxation. Reflexology Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health. Reiki Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal life energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body. Laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality and heal illnesses & spiritual growth. It was developed by Dr. Mikao Usua, a Christian monk in Japan, who came upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system in the 19th century. It was introduced to the United States in the 1930's by Hawayo Takata. Rolfing Also called structural integration, Rolfing was pioneered by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1930s. She maintained that when one part of the body is out of balance or misaligned, the rest of the body attempts to compensate until the entire structure is weakened. Even from birth, the general pressures of life and gravity push our bodies out of alignment. By manipulating the myofascial tissue in a ten session series, each building on the previous one, Rolfers assist the body to reorganize, lengthen, and integrate itself into wholeness. Rated Deep. Rosen Method This therapy, using gentle touch, breathing, and verbal interaction was developed by Marion Rosen, a physiotherapist, who noticed that clients who verbalized their sensations and emotions during treatment sessions improved more quickly than those who did not. The method applies gentle touch using hands that "listen" rather than manipulate. As practitioners touch the body where tension is held in and thus where the breath cannot move freely, it reminds the muscle and the unconscious feelings, attitudes, and memories that they can freely release. Rosen Method is used for both physical ailments and personal growth. Rubenfeld Synergy Method A onetime orchestra conductor, Ilana Rubenfeld developed this technique in the 1960s out of her own frustration at finding a therapy for her arm and back spasms that would integrate all aspects of the bodymind. Starting with the Alexander technique, she studied and added components of Gestalt psychotherapy, Feldenkrais movement, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy. Rubenfeld Method responds to the needs of the client using gentle intentional touch, movement, imagery, active listening, and verbal interaction to facilitate the integration and healing of the bodymind. Seated Massage Refer to "Chair Massage". Shiatsu Shiatsu, the most widely known form of acupressure, literally meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese, and has been practiced for more than a thousand years in Japan. Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session my also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health. Soma Neuromuscular Integration Developed in 1978 by Bill Williams, Ph.D, one of the first students of Ida Rolf, this therapy refined Rolf's work by creating easier, less intrusive ways of working with the fascia and muscles. This ten-session process, which incorporates movement training and awareness tools as well as massage and manipulation, also seeks to promote greater access to the functioning of each hemisphere of the brain. Sport Massage



This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization. Structural Integration This term was created by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1930s. She maintained that when one part of the body is out of balance or misaligned, the rest of the body attempts to compensate until the entire structure is weakened. Even from birth, the general pressures of life and gravity push our bodies out of alignment. By manipulating the myofascial tissue in a ten session series, each building on the previous one, practitioners assist the body to reorganize, lengthen, and integrate itself into wholeness. Rated Deep. Swedish Massage Swedish massage is now known as "traditional" massage. In the 1820s a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the massage techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing. Rated Medium. Tellington Touch Tellington Touch is health and behavioral therapy for pets that includes touch, manipulation, and guiding the animals through movement exercises. Designed to work on emotional and health problems, the touches are not massage or acupressure, nor are they invasive. The techniques are designed to create a calm, attentive, focused state of consciousness. Situations helped by Tellington Touch include barking, biting, jumping up, fear and shyness, inappropriate urination, separation anxiety, and more. Thai Massage Thai massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. This ancient form of massage dates back to the time of Buddha and looks like a cross between shiastu, acupressure, and yoga. Practitioners apply pressure along meridian lines with their thumbs, hands, and feet to stimulate the movement of energy in the body, and in addition, move and stretch their clients in Yoga-like poses to free muscular and joint tension. Designed to be both relaxing and stimulating, Thai massage improves flexibility, reduces tension, stimulates internal organs, and balances the body's energy system. Therapeutic Touch Therapeutic Touch Therapeutic Touch is a laying-on-of-hands technique that doesn't actually touch the body but touches the energy field around it. It was developed in the 1970s by Dolores Krieger, a nurse and professor at New York University. Is based on the theory that the human energy field extends beyond the skin and is abundant and flows in balanced patterns in health but is depleted and/or unbalanced in illness or injury. Practitioners restore health by sensing and adjusting such fields to restore health and promote well-being. Touch For Health Touch for Health is a system of energy balancing using muscle testing, touch and acupressure massage to correct various physical and emotional imbalances, stresses, and tension. Based on the applied kinesiology principles of chiropractor George Goodheart, Touch for Health was popularized by John Thie, D.C. in his book by the same name written in 1973. He showed how muscle testing can reveal weaknesses even before symptoms manifest and how by pressing reflex points, it is possible to rebalance the body and the affected organs. Trager Trager was developed over the past 55years by Milton Trager, M.D It is a combination of hands-on work, relaxation, and movement education. Theorizing that the body learns to be light and effortless by experiencing light and easy sensations, Trager practitioners gently cradle, jiggle, rock, and stretch the body. This is turn helps release deep-seated physical and mental patterns and facilitates deep relaxation, increased physical mobility, and mental clarity. Trauma Erase Trauma Erase was developed by Pauline Carte, PhD. Dr. Carte was a pioneer in the field of kinesiology and started her massage career in the 1950's. This amazing therapy literally erases trauma from ones body and mind. Rated Light. Trauma Touch Therapy Trauma touch therapy is a ten-session certified program designed to meet the needs of clients with trauma and abuse histories.



In a nurturing and unhurried manner, the therapist and client together create an emotionally safe environment in which healthy boundaries can develop, and respect and trust can unfold. Through focused awareness of sensation, breath, and movement the body is gently reconnected with the emotions, the mind, and the spirit. Tuina Medical Massage from China Requires six years of university in China to become a practitioner. One of the most remarkable healing techniques on the planet. Works with the pulses of the energy pathways known as meridians in Chinese medicine. Watsu Watsu is a form of water therapy developed by Harold Dull in the early 1980s.While practicing shiatsu; he noticed that he could deepen the effects of his therapy by working with his clients in warm water. Combining floating, cradling, stretching, shiastu techniques, and dance-like movement, Watsu frees the spine, relaxes the muscles, and increases the flow of energy in the body. Zero Balancing Zero Balancing is a non-invasive hands-on treatment developed by osteopath and acupuncturist Dr. Fritz Smith in 1973. It evaluates and balances the relationship between the energy fields of the body and its physical structure. By applying gentle pressure with particular attention paid to foundation joints, zero balancing creates clearer, stronger energy fields in the bodymind and a balanced energy in the bone and skeletal system, enabling the client to function with a deeper personal strength and harmony.



7 Massage Techniques

Massage is an instinctive and intuitive healing art at everyone's fingertips. Over the

generations, however, certain strokes and techniques have been perfected to enhance the pleasure and specific effects of a treatment. To fulfil the therapeutic potential of the massage, the strokes need to be given in a particular way and in a certain order. A treatment always opens with “making contact”. This is true whether the treatment is to last 15 or 90 minutes. Making contact slows you down, setting the tone of the treatment. You then move on to EFFLEURAGE, which relaxes not only the area you are working on but also the entire body. This paves the way for you to work deeper with PETRISSAGE type strokes such as KNEADING, releasing layers of tension in the muscles. KNEADING opens the muscles for still deeper release with FRICTION strokes. It is imperative to prepare the body thoroughly in this way, as failure to warm the muscles sufficiently would make the friction extremely unpleasant to receive. The therapeutic impact of the strokes would also be seriously undermined, reaching only the outermost layers of the muscle, and the muscles may react to the intrusion by going into spasm. Your partner would undoubtedly feel worse than before the treatment. PERCUSSION strokes, if you are using them at all, are introduced at this stage or at least after the KNEADING, when the body is thoroughly warmed up. Finally, the treatment is completed with EFFLEURAGE and “holding” the body as you did at the outset. This sequence is not only common sense but makes for a more therapeutic treatment. The formal structure of strokes and routine is invaluable at the beginning when you are likely to be unfamiliar with touching yourself or someone else in this close, nurturing way. It is essential to acknowledge massage as an art form with a particular discipline, and to master the fundamentals before allowing yourself too much creative freedom. There is a strong temptation to interpret the techniques in your own way - this may be fun for you, but is likely to feel unfocused and sloppy to your partner. This next section presents an explanation of each of the main massage techniques and information that needs to be absorbed before you go on to the actual hands-on sequences. This information will help you and increase your confidence.



7.1 Massage Styles Around the World Massage Techniques

In Swedish Massage there are four main techniques used during the Massage Treatment.

Effleurage Translated from the French means “light touch-stroking”, and it is this rhythmic stroking movement that is ideal to open a treatment, relaxing both the specific area and the whole person, while preparing the muscles for deeper work. Effleurage is used everywhere on the body although it can look quite different from one place to another.

Figure 7.1a - Effleurage

Figure 7.1b - Petrissage

Petrissage Consists of a number of movements which entail numerous ways of rhythmically kneading, rolling, wringing, whilst lifting the skin and flesh. Used on the soft fleshy parts of the body to increase blood flow into the area, milking and draining wastes from the body and increasing the supply of nutrients. Good bridge between effleurage and other various deeper techniques.

Friction Is a deep, penetrating circular massage, which is used over a specific area of tissue, in particular the connective tissue of the joints and the lymph nodes. The fingers, thumbs, flat of the hand and the knuckles may be used in friction.

Figure 7.1c - Friction

Tapotement Consists of several forms of percussive strokes that often resemble a lighter version of the alternate hand movements used to play the drums. They are performed on broad fleshy areas of the body (especially the posterior aspects). They can include, hacking, pounding, chopping and tapping.

Figure 7.1d – Tapotement (Hacking)

Figure 7.1e – Tapotement (Cupping)



7.2 Grounding: Initiation Massage Techniques

Before commencing any of the basic massage techniques, it is important to perform

Grounding. At the start of a treatment, it bridges the physical “touch” gap between practitioner and patient in a gentle, controlled way. Ideally, a practitioner places their hands on an appropriate part of the patient’s anatomy such as the upper back (prone – from head end of table), the upper chest (supine – from head end of table) or at the lower and upper back (prone – from side of table). The patient is then asked to breathe in and out several times with slow but strong breaths. This can be followed by Acupressure techniques as an accompaniment to the Grounding process. Grounding can be a good time to check with the patient for desired pressure or to remind them to speak up if there is any pain or discomfort experienced. Following this Grounding Technique, the Massage Treatment Proper can commence.



7.3 Effleurage Massage Techniques

Effleurage is the simplest and most instinctive of all massage strokes, and one we all use

unwittingly at some time, to ease a headache, pacify a sharp pain or ease tension. Effleurage comes from the French word effleurer: “to touch lightly – stroking”. This is the stroke that is generally used to spread oil and to warm the area that is to be further massaged and as a prelude to stronger techniques. Effleurage is characterised by elliptical motions with the hands. It is usually performed in a 2 phase process. The first phase is the Power Stroke where force is applied to the area. The second phase is the Recovery Stroke where the hands return to the starting position with lighter pressure. Effleurage is a General to Semi-Localised Stroke. The hands may move in the same direction, different directions, a figure eight, with constant pressure or a variation in the pressure applied. It is usually carried out over the entire length of the area to be massaged and should be applied before and after any deeper tissue work. This technique is used to stretch and relax the muscles, get tissue fluids moving and create intramuscular motion to stretch adhesions, the fibrous materials, usually resulting from injury, that bind one muscle fibre to another and restrict the natural range of motion. Effleurage uses the fingers and the flat of the hand in long, gliding strokes directed toward the heart. This motion helps the circulation of venous blood and lymph fluid, a blood like substance that removes bacteria and transports fat from the intestines. 1. Flat-Hand Effleurage

On the back, we use a flat-handed effleurage due to the wide flat surface available. The stroke here is always carried out with relaxed flat hands with the momentum on the upward stroke (Fig. 7.3a) and no pressure on the return stroke (Fig. 7.3b).

Figure 7.3a Figure 7.3b

The reason for this is physiological - to enhance the overall circulation of the blood and lymph, carrying waste products to the lymph nodes for processing and elimination.

2. Cupped-Hand Effleurage Effleurage is particularly soothing on the calf muscles which are often extremely sensitive. If circulation is poor and varicose veins are in evidence, light effleurage is the only stroke you can safely use. The great value of this light effleurage is to assist the return of the lymph fluid to the large clearing ducts in the groin. A sluggish lymphatic return in this area leads to the common problems of fluid retention and cellulite in the thigh and buttock areas.



Figure 7.3c Figure 7.3d

Effleurage, increasing the flow upwards, directly helps the body to regulate itself. The stroke is carried out with cupped hands wrapped sideways around the leg (Fig. 7.3c). It is especially important to position the hands so your inside hand can turn discreetly on your partner's inner thigh (Fig. 7.3d).

3. Feathering/Brushing Feathering should be used when completing a sequence. It is soothing, calming and heightens the sensitivity of the skin you have been working on. It can also smooth down a person's auric energy, the energy around the body, leaving a particularly relaxing and pleasant feeling. Simply stroke your fingertips lightly down your partner's back and gradually lighten your contact until your fingers are gliding slightly above the skin. Also called Brushing, it is usually used to join one area of massage to another, to finish each area of massage or to complete the whole massage.

Figure 7.3e



7.4 Petrissage Massage Techniques

Petrissage is the term for any stroke that squeezes the muscles, including Kneading and

Wringing. Petrissage is a Semi-Localised to Localised Stroke that can be broken down into combinations of Squeezing, Lifting and Rolling. It is most useful on fleshy areas (such as the shoulders, buttocks and lower extremities) but can be used on less fleshy areas (or people) as a type of Localised Effleurage. Like effleurage, petrissage relaxes and stretches muscles helps move tissue fluids and stretches adhesions. It is unsurpassed in its ability to literally squeeze toxins and tension out of the muscles. The return of fresh blood and oxygen allows the body to regulate and renew itself once again. It requires a grabbing stroke similar to the motion used to knead bread. You squeeze, compress and roll the tissues. You can use both hands to squeeze into the muscle in opposite directions (Fig. 7.4a) or squeeze with one hand and rest the other on the leg (Fig. 7.4b).

Figure 7.4a Figure 7.4b These strokes are most effective with quite strong pressure, but respond to the area you are working on, and the extent of your partner's tightness. 1. Kneading

Kneading is the most well-known and widely used stroke of the petrissage family. It is extremely versatile, forming part of a calming, relaxing massage or contributing to an invigorating, stimulating treatment.



The slower and deeper the movement, the more effective it is in squeezing tension and congestion out of the muscles. The more vigorous the movement, the more you stimulate the circulation and wake up the entire body. It is wonderful on the fleshy areas of the body like the buttocks and thighs, although it is also useful on the calves. Never knead on the legs if there are varicose veins or broken capillaries. To make the stroke effective, lean your hand firmly into the muscle before your squeeze it between your fingers and thumb (Fig. 7.4c). Ensure your hands work

rhythmically together, flowing towards each other. Failure to lean into the muscle means you may merely pinch the flesh.

Figure 7.4c

2. Wringing

When performed correctly wringing literally wrings tension and trapped toxins out of the muscles. It is most effective combined with Kneading on the large muscles of the calves and thighs.

Figure 7.4d Figure 7.4e

Wringing on the thigh is performed with the thumb close to your other fingers (Fig. 7.4d). On the calf, you keep your thumbs open wide to get a very firm grip on the muscles as you wring them (Fig. 7.4e).



3. Compression Compression is a variant of petrissage, using the palm of one hand with the other hand on top for leverage, pushing directly down into the belly, or fullest part of the muscle (Fig. 7.4f).

Figure 7.4f



7.5 Friction Massage Techniques

Friction involves bracing with the heels of the hands, then moving the fingers or thumbs in a

circle. It’s used around joints and on tough areas such as scars, knots or muscle spasms. In cross-fibre massage (also called deep transverse friction), use your thumb or fingertips to apply pressure slowly across an area of a muscle or tendon at roughly a 90-degree angle to the muscle fibres, moving the fingers with the skin, not over it. The thicker the muscle or tendon, the harder you push. 1. Circling

Circling is a friction stroke which works deeply into the muscle through pressure and slow rotation. It works well on any area that requires very deep pressure, such as the back, the tops of the shoulders and the calves. On the spine, it serves to relax the muscles and nerves that extend out from the backbone itself. You place one hand on top of the other with the fingers relaxed but straight, lean into the muscles and slowly rotate in small circles. When circling on the knee, you use the thumbs instead of the fingers.

Figure 7.5a

2. Thumb Rolling

This stroke works to smooth out knots in the muscle fibres and to iron out uric acid deposits which collect where tension inhibits the flow of blood to the area. It is particularly useful on the upper back in the area between the spine and the shoulder- blade. Using the length of your thumbs you press into the flesh, one thumb after the other in a rhythm, leaning the whole of your body weight into your thumbs to produce a powerful movement.

Figure 7.5b



3. Circular Knuckling Knuckling is universally popular. It can be used lightly on the upper chest to relax the muscles and to encourage the shoulders to release tension, or it can be worked deeply into the pectoral muscles to ease stubborn or long-standing tension. Knuckling feels good on the back of the hands and, provided the pressure is firm, can be very satisfying on the soles of the feet. You curl your hands into loose fists and, with the middle section of your fingers on the skin, rotate your fingers in a circular movement.

Figure 7.5c

4. Straight Knuckling

On the thighs and buttocks you keep your knuckles flat on the skin and do not rotate your fingers. This form of knuckling reaches deep into the muscles and tissues to break up stubborn fatty deposits and prizes tension from muscles. The movement involves curling your hands into loose fists and gliding firmly up the leg with the middle section of your fingers. Always work up the leg to assist blood from the veins to return to the heart and lymph flow to the lymph nodes in the groin, but never use this stroke if varicose veins are a problem.

Figure 7.5d



7.6 Tapotement Massage Techniques

The rhythmic tapping with various tools is called Tapotement. Depending on the tool used

(edge of hand, fists, cupped hands) it can include, hacking, pummelling/pounding, cupping, chopping and tapping. This technique increases local circulation to the skin and stimulate nerve endings assisting to tone muscles. It is a Semi-Localised to Localised Stroke. 1. Hacking

Hacking is the most dynamic of the percussive movements (Fig. 7.6a). It performs the same role as pummelling and brings the same cautions, but it takes a great deal more practice to perfect, and it is advisable to practise on your own thighs in the beginning! The two essential ingredients of the art of hacking are relaxed hands and wrists and rhythm. The edge of each hand hits the body in rapid succession with the little finger folding into your hand each time. Check that your hands do not become rigid and keep the movement slow and rhythmic.

Figure 7.6a

2. Pummelling

Pummelling is the simpler of the two percussive movements featured in this book (Fig. 7.6b). It is a stimulating, energizing movement that disperses chronic, stubborn tension and increases the blood flow to the area, leaving it tingling with energy. Because of its stimulating power, avoid pummelling if your partner is frail, elderly or needs complete relaxation. Limit this stroke to the padded fleshy areas of the body, such as thighs and buttocks. Here, its powerful impact helps to break up fatty deposits and congestion, bringing life and lustre.

Figure 7.6b



7.7 Grounding: Closure Massage Techniques

Just like at the initiation of a treatment session (or massage) contact between practitioner and

patient should be ended well. Completing your treatment in a caring, sympathetic manner is very important and sets the seal on a good treatment. At the end of a massage your partner will be feeling very relaxed and possibly quite distant. It would be quite wrong and certainly counterproductive for them to get up immediately - their minds will be quiet and slow and an abrupt change of gear would probably lead to a headache. It is also very therapeutic for them to acknowledge and savour the waves of profound relaxation rippling through their mind and body. Grounding quite simply means bringing your partner's awareness back to their feet. As at the start of a treatment, it can also mean physically maintaining contact with your partner while they breathe in and out several times. This contact can be made in several areas such as the lower and upper back (prone), upper chest (supine) and even the feet (prone/supine).

Figure 7.7a

After a treatment on the upper part of the body grounding is especially important - your partner would feel out of sync or disjointed if you failed to make contact with their feet. However you begin your massage, always complete it by holding the feet for at least 20 seconds.



8 Massage Sequences

Once a few of the basic massage movements have been mastered it is a very simple process

to adapt them to different parts of the body and combine the various strokes together; to give a full body massage. There should never be any unjustified discomfort from the massage process. In order for a massage to be beneficial, you do not have to comply with the “No Pain, No Gain” rule, in fact this approach often undermines a successful massage. You are now ready to begin your first massage. No doubt you are feeling excited, enthusiastic and maybe even a little apprehensive. This is perfectly understandable. Learning a new skill always makes us a little nervous. However, once you get started and begin to relax yourself, you will become so caught up with your partner and what you are doing, you will let go of any anxiety. You will be surprised at how little you have to do for your partner to appreciate and benefit from your touch. As long as you have a clear intention of wanting to help your partner to feel good, your care will be expressed through your touch. It is more important to convey gentleness and sympathy in your touch than to master the strokes with expertise a mechanical robot like approach. I have sometimes received a wonderful massage from an inexperienced but caring and dedicated student and often experienced a careless, unthinking and mechanical treatment from a professional who was bored and jaded. All I wanted was to relax and have a sense of well-being. Simply performing the strokes correctly never adds up to a wonderful, relaxing massage. At the same time, learning to master the various movements will mean you offer the best possible treatment. One of the best and most pleasurable ways to learn massage is by receiving it yourself. Find a good therapist and experience the many benefits of regular massage, or study this book with a friend and practise on each other. Either way, make sure you do not neglect yourself when you are giving so much to others. Points to remember: 1. The first touch is vital – be gentle 2. Relax! You are probably doing fine 3. Breathe and drop your shoulders 4. Be comfortable. If you are tense yourself, you cannot give a good treatment or enjoy giving.

Change your position until you are at ease 5. Keep your hands in full contact with your partner's body, moulding them to its contours 6. Lean your weight in to give firm pressure 7. Encourage relaxation by not initiating conversation. Speak softly if you do need to speak 8. Set up a rhythm. Keep your massage flowing and continuous, moving from one stroke into

the next. Use effleurage to connect your movements



8.1 Prone: Back and Neck Massage Sequences

1. Warm and gently place your hands on the persons back. Breathe rhythmically, and centre

your focus on your hands. This allows you to bring yourself into the here and now, and time for the person to experience your touch and become comfortable with it.

2. The first stroke will be a light, random, broad effleurage with the initial aims of spreading the oil evenly over the back and warming the underlying tissue.

3. Stand by the hips and use long rowing strokes that follow either side of the spine and pass out over the shoulders around to the top of the arm. Return down the sides of the back.

4. Turn and face the table, criss-cross across the back while longitudinally moving along the back.

5. Move to the head of the person and use longitudinal strokes down the back, travel over the buttocks if the reach allows and return along the sides of the back.

6. Move to the side of the table. Place the hands under the opposite side of the body and alternately pull the hands upwards to the other side of the couch rhythmically following the contours of the back.

7. Systematically knead the opposite side of the back, from the buttocks to the shoulders.

8. Circular strokes with one hand placed over the other, covering the same areas as the last stroke.

9. Move to the head of the table and use small circular strokes with each of the thumbs positioned slightly to either side of the spine. Traverse (go across) the spine a couple of times and then with the same hand position, move straight into a sea saw type stroke with 50cm that slowly progress down and then up the spine.

10. Apply “V” strokes.

11. At the base of the neck, feel for the slight gap between the spinous processes with your thumb and then slide your thumbs out onto the paravertebral muscles. Apply pressure, using your bodyweight. Maintain pressure for ten to twenty seconds, then move down to feel the next gap and slide the fingers out into position and start again. Continue this all the way to the base of the spine then return with some long strokes.

12. Follow the edge of the shoulder blades with small circular strokes.

13. Knead the neck and shoulder area.

14. With your hand in a pinching position massage the neck up into the base of the skull.

15. Use the forearm plough and finish the back with light raking.



Use this diagram with the previous instructions.

Figure 8.1 – Prone: Back and Neck Sequence



8.2 Prone: Posterior Lower Limb Massage Sequences

1. Apply oil evenly to both legs at the one time in long sweeping strokes (unless the other leg

is draped).

2. Position yourself at the base of the table and with a hand positioned on each of the legs glide the hands up to the buttocks and down again.

3. After several strokes allow one hand to pass over onto the other leg and repeat the long on this leg.

4. Move to one side of the couch and complete a criss-cross stroke up and down the leg.

5. On reaching the ankle move the hands into a “C” shape surrounding the contours of the leg and continue kneading the entire leg.

6. Bend the knee, by lifting the lower leg and positioning the foot on your shoulder. Work along and across the muscle fibres of the calves.

7. Move into broad circular strokes with the thumbs over the entire upper leg area.

8. Change to the sea saw action and cover the same area.

9. Move the lateral hand in broad circling movements over the top of the buttocks and around the hip joints.

10. Flow into longer strokes over the upper legs and then continue these down into the lower legs whilst slowly lowering the whole leg back down onto the couch.

11. Position yourself at the base of the table and glide the hands up to the buttocks and down again. After several repetitions move the hands over to the other leg and repeat the above for the other leg.

12. Finish off doing long light strokes over both legs and slide towel over.




Figure 8.2 – Prone: Posterior Lower Limb Sequence



8.3 Supine: Anterior Lower Limb Massage Sequences

1. Apply the oil by a series of light strokes from the foot to the groin area. After a couple of

repetitions pull one hand over to join the hand on the opposite leg, repeat and then move down to the foot.

2. Move to the dorsal aspect of the foot, steadying it with one hand and using the heel of the other hand to apply pressure over the entire sole of the foot.

3. Again steadying the foot with the opposite hand. Apply circular friction with both of the thumbs over the entire surface of the feet, working from the heel all the way up to the base of the toes. This can then be moved into backwards and forwards friction over the sole of the foot.

4. Move your hands to cover the lateral and medial malleolus of the ankle and let your fingers touch under the Achilles tendon. Move the hands backwards and forwards to loosen the ankle joint.

5. Go straight from this movement into a backwards and forwards thumb motion and then into a circular motion with the thumbs covering the entire upper service of the foot, the medial and lateral aspects of the foot and around the Achilles tendon.

6. The squeezing technique with thumbs on top and fingers underneath.

7. Stroke the toes individually.

8. Move back onto the leg with long strokes from the ankle to the groin area, travelling back down the medial and lateral aspects of the leg.

9. Now move to the side of the table and on reaching the ankle move the stroke into a kneading stroke, in which the hands form a ‘C’ shape, surrounding the contours of the leg. Gather and squeeze areas of flesh as you move up and down the leg.

10. Use a couple of long strokes and slide the sole of the foot up the couch, raising the knee. Gently sit on the side of the couch, positioning yourself so that your buttock/thigh area steadies the foot.

11. Work with the pads of the fingers, running both along and across the fibres of the muscles.

12. We then move to the front of the thighs with the leg still bent. Use the fingertips in a back and forth and circular motions following the fibres of the thigh muscles.

13. Roll the thigh and calves.

14. Use a long effleurage, stroke lowering the leg and finishing with a gentle pull of the leg at the ankle.

15. Finish with long strokes on both legs, drape the lower body and move to the abdomen and chest.




Figure 8.3 – Supine: Anterior Lower Limb Sequence



8.4 Supine: Chest Massage Sequences

1. Lay supine with a pillow under the knees to relax the stomach muscles if required.

2. Commence with applying the oil in broad sweeping strokes that cover the whole abdomen

and chest area.

3. Include the lateral aspects of the chest by using a criss-crossing stroke.

4. Move from this stroke into a pulling stroke where one hand after the other is pulled in an upward motion from the lateral aspect of the back.

5. Knead the abdomen, the lateral aspects of the chest and the pectoral muscles on a male, or gently knead the breast area of a female (ask for permission).

6. Start broad circular movements in a clockwise movement over the abdominal area with one hand doing a complete circle and the other only doing a partial circle. The clockwise movements are very important because they follow the way peristalsis (movement) occurs in the colon.

7. Again use the criss-cross stroke and traverse the torso to join the abdomen with the chest.

8. From the top of the table move into long effleurage strokes.

9. Use circular frictions over the chest area following the ribcage laterally. Only travel about 2 cm from the centreline of the sternum in women, avoiding the breast tissue. Once below the breasts again follow the full length of the ribs.

10. Move into kneading the pectorals and the anterior deltoids on one side and then change onto the other side repeating the process.

11. In females place both hands over the breasts and gently rotate them as far as you comfortably can for a few turns, both in a clockwise and an anticlockwise movement.

12. Then flow back into long effleurage down the front of the body, returning by allowing your hands to move under the back applying a slight lift and stretch up the back.

13. Slide the towel up over the chest and move onto the arms.



8.5 Supine: Upper Limb Massage Sequences

1. Apply the oil to both arms at the same time, with long strokes attempt to cover as much of

the arms as possible within a few passes.

2. Move to one side of the table, whilst at the same time bringing both hands to the one arm, where a few long strokes with the hands curved around as much of the arm as possible will disperse the oil evenly and warm the muscles of the arm.

3. Apply palm to palm; exert a comfortable pressure and a circular movement that encompasses the palm and wrist area.

4. The hand can stay in the same position and you can move into small circular frictions with the thumb. Be sure to spend plenty of time around the bulky musculature at the base of the thumb. Then rotate the hand and do the same on the top of the hand.

5. Hold the base of each their fingers between the flat pad of your thumb and your curved index finger. Do each of the fingers individually, starting with the little finger and progressively move along to the thumb. Slide the grip to the end of the finger and return to the base again in a rather brisk way, slightly rotating the grip with each longitudinal movement.

6. Move into some long effleurages to join the hand to the arm.

7. Rotate the arm so that the palm is again facing upwards and begin to do some circular kneading over the wrist area

8. Slowly lower the arm and knead it with the hands in a “V” position, allowing the hands to surround the arm as much as possible and travel all the way up onto the shoulder.

9. Bend the arm at the elbow and knead both the posterior and anterior aspects of the forearm, the upper arm, and the anterior aspect of the shoulder joint.

10. Raise the arm above the head and take the persons wrist in one hand and with the other hand gently squeeze as you push down to the to the shoulder joint.

11. Gently shake out the arm, repeat on the other side and the move onto the shoulders and neck.



8.6 Supine: Neck, Face and Scalp Massage Sequences

1. Start with both hands positioned above the sternum, move them over the front of the

shoulders, along the back of the shoulder and follow the contour of the neck around to the base of the skull.

2. Position both hands under the neck (one from either side) and one at a time pull them upwards, allowing the hands to pass over the sides of the neck.

3. With both hands, effleurage from the base skull to the bottom of the neck.

4. Rotate the head gently to one side and use circular strokes along the musculature at the sides of the neck.

5. Use a little oil, cream or remove some of the oil from your hands and the facial can be done lightly with no medium at all.

6. Lightly stroke from the base of the neck longitudinally along the neck.

7. Slide the thumbs from the centre of the forehead out and across the temples.

8. Position the pads of the thumbs between the eyebrows, slide them up to the hairline and then follow the hairline around with each thumb to their perspective temple. On each stroke move further away from the hairline until you reach the eyebrows.

9. Gently circle the temples.

10. With the tips of the fingers apply pressure to the bony orbits of the eyes, from the midline outwards.

11. Position your thumbs at the base of the chin just under the mouth and your other fingers underneath the chin. Follow the jawbone up to the lower aspect of the ears.

12. Move into the same procedure, however this time with the fingertips being pulled across the face.

13. Petrissage from the centre of the base of the chin up to the lower lip. Move up towards the ear, 10mm or so at a time repeating the petrissage 2-3 times at each position.

14. Use the index fingers, following the line between the roots of the teeth and the cheekbone.

15. Petrissage the major muscles of the jawbone.

16. Place both hands over the forehead and apply pressure.

17. Wipe the bulk of the oil from your hands. Briskly rub the scalp, follow with circular movements of the skull, a little hair pulling and finish by cradling the head.



9 Key Points

Here are some tips worth remembering:

Preheat the room if necessary, remembering that it needs to be warm enough for the person

receiving the massage (bare skin, no movement and a coating of oil can drop body temperature rapidly. Check for draughts).

Ensure privacy - address potential interruptions; telephone, family, doorbells, pets etc.

Use indirect soft lighting.

Music can add or detract from the ambiance, so choose the music carefully and adjust volume accordingly.

Give constructive feedback and inform them of anything that you are uncomfortable with.

Work on various people, to experience different body types and to receive feedback on various techniques.

Bend at your knees, not at your back - watch your posture, or you will need a massage!

Utilise your bodyweight, it not only removes much strain from these areas but it also feels far superior to the person that is receiving the massage.

Loose comfortable clothing and shoes should be worn to enable you to move freely.

Spend a short time doing a few breathing exercises, stretches, shaking the limbs out and centering yourself in the present before commencing the massage.

The person about to receive the massage should remove earrings, bracelets, necklaces, contact lenses and anything else that will impede or disrupt the massage.

Place oils and other equipment like; towels, sheets, pillows and creams within reach and make them easily accessible.

Use flowing movements, connecting one body part to the next and attempt to always maintain contact.

An enjoyable massage is a blend of many different factors. Correct technique is not enough by itself. The depth, flow and rhythm of a massage is of equal, or even greater importance and is often overlooked in the initial stages when people are struggling with correct techniques. Remember to look for constant feedback.

Often the best way to learn massage is to receive and experience massages yourself so you know how the various strokes feel.

If you are unsure of anything, check it out with the client, another practitioner and if you still feel uncomfortable “don’t do it”, refer on.



10 Aromatherapy Essential Oils

Ten of the most popular and useful essential oils are listed here. Use 1 drop of essential oil to

every 2 ml of vegetable oil. A full body treatment requires approximately 50ml of vegetable oil, so you would add no more than 24-25 drops of essential oil. Pure rose oil is known as “absolute” because it is so concentrated. No more than one or two drops will have a powerful effect. All the other oils can be used individually or mixed with each other in equal proportions. A blend of three oils is ideal as they work together synergistically. Experiment to find out which blends suit you best.

Oil Properties Bergamot Bergamot has the unique ability to balance, uplift and calm the mind without

sedating, which makes it ideal for combating depression and anxiety. The antiseptic properties of this oil make it ideal for treating skin conditions, however it sensitizes the skin to ultraviolet light, so do not use before sunbathing.

Camomile A distinctive fragrance that you will either love or hate, camomile is best known for its ability to calm irritation, both physical and mental. Use it on someone who is feeling very frayed and short-tempered, or on someone suffering from inflamed skin conditions such as eczema or acne. It is also useful for treating stomach cramps and pre-menstrual tension.

Frankincense Best known for its use in religious ceremonies, frankincense has a unique woody aroma. It is particularly useful for respiratory problems and can aid relaxation. In skin care it is valued in treating wrinkles and the more mature skin.

Geranium Best known as a hormonal-balancing oil, geranium is particularly good to use in treating pre-menstrual syndrome and the menopause. It is the perfect oil for people who experience mood swings of euphoria or depression. Men may find the aroma too floral for their taste.

Ginger A comforting, warming oil, best used to treat dampness and water retention in the body. It brings relief to rheumatic conditions and mixes well with juniper and lavender. It is also reported to have aphrodisiac qualities. High concentrations irritate the skin, so dilute well.

Lavender The most versatile and useful of all the oils, lavender is tremendous for relieving stress, headaches, insomnia, depression, scars and burns. It also stimulates the immune system and mixes wonderfully with many of the other oils. The aroma of lavender is appreciated by both men and women.

Marjoram Very similar to lavender in its uses, marjoram has a much more masculine fragrance. It is a warming oil, particularly usefule for muscular aches, especially exercise related, helping to increase local blood circulation. French Marjoram is useful for insomnia.

Neroli An exquisite, delicate oil from the blossom of the orange tree, neroli is the classic stress remedy: calming, uplifting and reassuring. It is also a beneficial oil for the skin with the ability to encourage cell regeneration.

Rose The “queen” of essential oils, rose is an all-purpose general tonic, but particularly useful for the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. It is wonderful in massage after childbirth and, like neroli, it is very good for skin complaints, from wrinkles and dryness to eczema. Be sure to buy only pure rose oil. The best types are Bulgarian or Moroccan.

Rosemary A stimulating, uplifting oil, rosemary is beneficial for all types of congestion and mental and physical sluggishness. Use for sinusitis, headaches, poor memory, migraine, coughs and flu, fluid retention, cellulite and rheumatism. It is a wonderful pick-me-up and ideal in a morning bath or before an evening out.

Table 10 – Aromatherapy Essential Oils



11 Anatomy Diagrams

The following pages contain various diagrams of Human Anatomy.

Feel free to label those that are unlabelled and to colour in any with no colours.



11.1 Skeletal Views Anatomy Diagrams

Figure 11.1a – Anterior and Posterior: Whole Body



Figure 11.1b – Left Lateral: Spinal Column



Figure 11.1c – Left Lateral: Spinal Column



11.2 Muscular Views Anatomy Diagrams

Figure 11.2a – Anterior: Whole Body



Figure 11.2b – Posterior: Whole Body



Figure 11.2c – Anterior: Whole Body



Figure 11.2d – Posterior: Whole Body



Figure 11.2e – Posterior: Back

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