First a word about energy. Manipulations made upon the human body are merely transferences of mechanical energy from yourself to the person you are massaging. The effect of the massage upon the tissues and the mind will be directly related to the degree of the energy given and the resistances overcome.

Resistance is the second part of the equation. Resistance creates and brings energy into a state of activity; there is in fact, a constant antagonism existing between energy and resistance, and that without this state of opposition, activities would cease. To achieve the greatest result, the masseuse must focus their attention on the resistance of the tissue through the energy that is exerted.

Of equal importance to the physical manipulation of muscle tissue, is the environment in which you will be working. In learning how to give a massage, thought must be given to generating a clean, calm and relaxing space. Be sure that your disposition is unhurried and cheerful.

Your hands: The hand is the study of the highest physiological and anatomical significance. The perfect hand for massage work is soft, smooth, dry and warm. The hands of the professional masseuse are strong, supple, pliable, flexible, able to yield readily, and are even delicate. A cold, damp, clammy hand is totally unfit for massage.

The room should be of comfortable temperature, around 70° F and free from distraction. The couch or bed should not be too soft or yielding. In general, you should not massage someone within one hour after a meal. During the massage, it is best not to talk. In order to focus on the energies and resistances, the masseuse must be able to concentrate. Likewise, the one being massaged should have the opportunity to quiet his or her mind and to let go of tension. After the massage, keep you client warm; it is important maintain the heat which your energy has generated.

Three classes of manipulation: Effleurage, Petrissage, and Tapotement

Effleurage manipulations are light stokes. The main tissues acted upon by effleruage are the epidermis and the peripheral ends of nerves. The effects of these movements are calming, sooting, hypnotic and sleep inducing and produce a general slowing of the circulatory system. Effleruage is a surface manipulation and is at its best is in the lightness of the movements. Even though no pressure is given, there is a definite impression made upon the tissues.

Petrissage is applied to pressure manipulations or kneading and working the deep tissues. The tissues acted upon by petrissage manipulations are skin, muscle, the trunks and extremities of the nerves, and the trunks and extremities of arteries and veins. These movements effect the respiration of tissue, increased circulation, relaxation of muscle tissue, and increased metabolism. Petrissage manipulations are especially applicable to the back and limbs.

Tapotement is energy that is applied via tapping and is vibratory in nature. Tapotement effects the trunks of the nerves and is particularly applicable to the back, shoulders and legs. To be effective, these movements are to be performed rapidly and lightly. Keep your arms close to your sides and work with your forearms and elbows, never raising the hand more than half an inch from the surface of the body. These movements are best applied with a flailed hand where the hand is worked loosely and rapidly from the wrist so that the finger tips are brought into contact with the surface of the body as quickly as possible. You can also perform this type of manipulation with the the heel of the hand or gently balled fists.

How to give a massage to the back.

If you do not have access to a massage table, position the person to be massaged on a firm surface, placing a cushion under the chest. The arms should be positioned forward on either side of the head. Do not apply pressure to or massage the spine! Always check with a health care provider before giving any type of massage.

Apply a small amount of massage oil to the palms of your hands and rub quickly to warm. Now rub lightly and briskly over every part of the back.

Begin petrissage manipulation by pressing tips of your fingers in to the muscles on either side of the spine at the small of the back. Keeping the heel of the hand on the back, travel the fingers up, moving toward the base of the neck, allowing the heels of your hand to follow. Repeat the process several times. Then, when your hands reach the base of the neck, use brisk vibratory petrissage manipulations. Return the hands to the small of the back and repeat the process several more times, finishing with the manipulation of the muscles around the base of the neck. You then place one hand flatly upon the other and work by pressure into the deep muscles on either side of the spine. Remember never to apply pressure to the spine. Finally, apply friction movements, briskly and firmly over the surface of the back.

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