How to Give a Proper Relaxation Massage (From a Pro)

So, here goes.

I saw the random list of images someone posted on the front page today, and I recognized them immediately. They are strokes from an orthopedic massage book I used when taking classes to become a massage therapist in Ohio. I'm currently an LMT, and if you follow those strokes without any context (especially the neck ones) you could seriously injure someone. Think I'm full of shit? Check out this article:

https://thenanfang.com/man-goes-for-a-massage-in-shenzhen-leaves-paralyzed/

Yes, it's not in the US, but you sure as hell can do the same thing here with a bit of misdirection and overconfidence, which is what that post will give you. I don't mean to bash that person, but unless there's some context and several warnings (which there clearly were not) you're just asking for trouble.

And so, here's a(n incredibly wide) overview of Swedish massage techniques that are generally safe to use. Please see disclaimer, however.

DISCLAIMER: I am an LMT, not a doctor, and none of this is intended to diagnose, advise, or teach. Its intent is to clear the air about relaxation massage, and is not intended as a replacement for a solid massage therapy education. I am not responsible for any harm, physical or otherwise, that comes out of reading this post. If you do use this information, you do so at your own risk. Any contraindications not mentioned ending in harm to you or others is not my responsibility or liability.

Let's talk about Kellogg.

Yes, that Kellogg

Did you know that the guy whose name is on your cereal box promoted massage therapy? Pretty badass, if you ask me. Yes, he did some other wacky stuff, but he's known as the "father of modern massage therapy" so I'm including him here.

Aside from totally inventing Corn Flakes in 1878, John Harvey Kellogg, M.D. (February 26, 1852 – December 14, 1943) was a nut about massage. He went so far as to recommend prostate massage and a lot of "internal" procedures that he claimed worked (and I'm sure they did in some cases) but are way way illegal now.

He was a huge fan of treating ailments such as Formication (the sensation of bugs crawling on the skin) and other insane sounding things.

Anyway...

Contraindications

There are a lot of things that massage therapy can help with in terms of relief, based on physiological and psychological effects, but there are quite a few instances where you should definitely NOT massage someone. Examples include but are not limited to (again, disclaimer!):

Total Contraindications (No Massage-y Massage-y):

Fever
Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication
Recent operations or acute injuries
Neuritis
Skin diseases
Congestive Heart Failure
Cancer

Partial Contraindications. Avoid the parts that have this stuff going on on them:

Burns (I hope I don't have to explain this one)
Post Surgery patients (surgical site and any part of the site that is not between the site and the heart. Example, if someone has had surgery on their knee, do not massage below their knee.)
Broken bones (like, duh)
High blood pressure (Any strokes that go towards the heart will increase blood pressure and can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, etc.)
Bruises or any other space that someone says hurts them (in the "it doesn't feel good" way) when you use pressure
Varicose veins
Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
Pregnancy (please NEVER massage a pregnant woman if you are not licensed)
Sunburn
Undiagnosed pain
Inflammation, including arthritis

Areas to not massage on anyone, ever:

Directly over the spine
Always massage one side of front of the neck at one time, never both (Ever pass out from lack of blood flow to the brain?)
Elbow/knee spaces
On the eyes or "in" anything (let's be legal/PG13, here)

And last but not least, always keep a feedback conversation going with the person you're rubbing down. If it hurts, twinges, burns, etc, move on to another place.

Ready for the good stuff?

Stroking - Awwwww, yeah.

No, not that kind, you pervs! This stroke is basically what you do when you run your fingers lightly across someone's stomach before hanky panky time. This is a highly stimulative stroke, and should be done centrifugally (away from the heart.) This means that you move from the shoulders to wrists, hips to ankles, and on the back, shoulders to glutes. Stomachs should be stroked in a clockwise direction, which stimulates digestion.

Friction/Effleurage

Couldn't find a good gif for this one, use your imagination!
I copied this from the internets since it's a great explanation:

Effleurage means long, soothing, stroking movements which are performed using the flat of the hand or fingers. One can apply oil evenly to the entire body using this method. Relax the hands and mould them towards the contours of the body. Apply slightly more pressure when you take the stroke in the direction of the heart to improve circulation and lymph flow. If you are working away from the heart, keep the pressure firmer on the return strokes. Following a fairly slow and continuous movement is essential.

If Effleurage is used at the start of a massage, it helps in soothing and helping your partner get used to your touch. It also gives a relaxing finish, if used at the end of a massage. In between, it helps in providing more stimulating strokes.

Knead Some Bread, or Muscles, or Whatever.

Kneading is exactly what it sounds like. Just knead bread all over them. Awwww yeah. This is an incredibly relaxing stroke, and is usually what you think of when someone mentions a massage. Just take your cues from the kitty cat, and you'll practically be a master!

Kneading Pt. 2

You may be thinking, "That's great and all, but that doesn't really work well for extremities." You are soooo right! Take a look at how this dude is making a duck quack with his hand, and do that to the fleshy part of the extremities. Boom! You're welcome.

There's several other types of strokes in massage therapy, but I wanted to put this up ASAP. If you're interested, PM me, and I'll do another set of these with some more info and some videos I'd find helpful. Until then, you've been schooled!

Part 2: http://imgur.com/gallery/SJlmf