Learn How To Master Massage

It’s time to knead away those stresses!

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

For centuries Indian women have used oils on their scalp to moisturise and nourish their hair, but an Indian head massage treatment goes further than this and has become a ritual of stimulation and relaxation for the head, neck and shoulders, as well as a nourishing treatment for hair follicles. These areas are important energy centres in the body and tension accumulates when you are stressed or angry. This tenseness may manifest itself as a stiff neck or shoulders, eye strain or, in some cases, hair loss. An Indian head massage session allows time to balance the three higher chakras (the crown, third eye and throat chakra) to promote balance and harmony throughout the whole body.

How to do it:

 • Ensure that the person is lying down. To aid relaxation, take a few breaths in time with each other to harmonise energy flow. To set the mood, play some relaxing music, dim the lights and light a few candles.

• Turn the person’s head on each side to be able to knead their neck and base of their scalp with your fingertips. This kneading method is similar to a deep shampooing technique used in salons at the backwash basin.

• Use various parts of your hands, arms and fingertips to encourage circulation to the shoulder and neck areas to release tension.

• Place both hands on the chest area above the throat and rub gently, then move to the point above the nose in the centre of the forehead and massage to balance the brow chakras.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

Swedish massage techniques are not just for relaxing the body – they also promote and increase levels of oxygen in the blood, decrease toxins and improve circulation, leaving you feeling more flexible. This is a deep tissue massage that relieves tension and knots in the muscles.

How to do it:

• Apply warm oil to soothe the muscles and massage in circular motions, sliding up the back from base to neck and sweeping over the shoulders.

• To ease tension in the shoulder blades, use thumb circles to loosen knots.

• Use your thumbs and the knuckles of your fingers to knead the muscles of the body.

• Rub your palms together vigorously, then rub them onto the skin of the person being massaged in order to produce heat by friction. This technique can be used as a warm up for the muscles of the body.

• After the massage, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.

THAI MASSAGE

Thai massage is an ancient healing technique with roots in Thailand and India. It involves the application of pressure on various energy lines and pressure points. Thai massage contains a variety of stretching movements that are performed by the masseuse with the feet, knees, hands and elbows. In addition to assisting relaxation, Thai massage also increases the flow of energy and flexibility throughout the body while stimulating internal organs.

How to do it:

• Have your friend or lover sit comfortably on the ground, leaning their head to the left. Roll the part of your forearm that is not as bony up the side of their head, working down towards their left shoulder and rolling upwards.

• Move their left arm up and down in circles several times.

• Circle their right arm up past their right ear as their left arm comes down. Make sure the movements are smooth as you rotate each arm back and forth.

• Repeat these steps on the right side of their neck.

SHIATSU MASSAGE

Unlike most other massages that require the removal of clothing, a Shiatsu massage can be given through fabric. This treatment is about promoting energy flow through stimulating the body’s meridians, combining traditional massage with acupressure techniques from Chinese medicine. To perform it, you need a meridian chart.

How to do it:

• Using a chart that states the body’s meridian points, note where these spots are and massage them firmly with your thumbs using both pressing and circular motions, working in the direction of arrows given on the diagram.

• Follow the arrows on the chart, working head to feet, left to right, making the energy flow along these directions.

• If you encounter any personal boundaries set by your partner, simply make a motion of touching these restricted areas in the air near the spot in order to send positive energy to these parts while remaining respectful.