Easy Steps to Do Body Massage at Home

A good body massage can quickly improve the body functions by opening the blood passages and relaxing the muscles. There are many types of body massages available at the spas and therapy clinics which can help people in improving their health and overall body wellness. If you do not have time for a body massage or fail to book an appointment at the spa, need not worry. A normal body massage can be done at home, which can help in easing the neck, shoulders, arms, hips, legs, and even face.

The type of massage also depends on your need based on any health condition or just a relaxing experience. However, a full-body massage can be effective in all ways and is beneficial to the body for improved mood and flexibility. Here are the steps to perform full body massage at home.

Basic instructions

If you are performing the massage on someone, you should know about their expectations from the massage and whether they have any medical conditions. Next, you should position your client on the massage table and provide a towel and a sheet for privacy and warmth. Develop a mental chart for the areas you will massage, and the time you will give to each body part. When you start massaging, use gentle strokes first in a milking style and apply compression to work to specific muscles or tight areas. Use long strokes on the hands and legs.

Transition to the back

The back has the most muscles that hold the upper body in a good posture. Transitions from the legs to the back happens with long strokes coming up to both sides of the spine. It can cover the whole surface of the back. Use fingers, knuckles, elbows, and wrists to apply deep yet gentle pressure once the tissues are warmed up. Release muscle tension by working on the tight areas as well as the whole length of the muscle. Finish the back massage with long strokes for improving blood circulation.

Arms and hands

Apply pressure on the arms and hands along with long strokes while lying down, face up or down. Use deeper pressure in the muscles to release any tension, for the hands use a good grip to hold the client’s hand with the little finger while leaving the palm and rest of the hand free. Make gentle circular strokes on the palm and finish with effleurage strokes to move to the other arm.

Head and Jaw

Massage the jawline with light friction circles and put gentle pressure on the face muscles. Continue the stroke up from the jawline and behind the ears with small friction circles. Use the same pressure of strokes on the head. Use the pads of your thumb and fingers to smooth the midline of the forehead to the sides. Continue the stokes similar to painting a wall until you cover the entire forehead. Come down to the nice, across cheekbones and cheeks, below the nose, and across the chin.