Massaging Strokes & Pressure Points

The Strokes & Pressure Points

The are various strokes which can be used, beginning from a soft touch to hardcore tissue workouts. The speed can enhance the intensity of the workout. To begin, everything and everyone must be relaxed. The process should be commenced slowly and with rhythm, slowly building up pressure and intensity. The general rule is that the strokes should be directed in the direction of the heart, and in the opposite direction for the reverse process. The client should be feeling the massage to be one series of strokes. It is best to more of your body to give the massage. Make use of your weight and your body as a whole to improve intensity and posture of the massage.

Several Massage Strokes Are Listed Below

1. Gliding: The motion is most often used many times throughout the whole massage scheme. It is very helpful, in the application of oil on the body. The touch can be either light or heavy, with the fingers held close together, with a gliding motion of the hands forward and back. The strokes should be circular or long, this increases the feel of relaxation and soothing temptations.
2. Plucking/Pinching Act: Softly pick up some skin (flesh) and let it slide back down within your oil filled tender fingers.
3. Kneading: Kneading is known as a pretty strong stroke of motion, which is greatly used to release tension in the joints and muscles. The procedure consist of gently obtaining the area, and carry out a kneeding motion with it.
4. Cupping: The procedure consists of forming your hands into a cup, with your palms facing down, and softly beat down the body.
5. Chopping: The name tells one, how the motion would seem like. Keep both palms parallel to each other, and perform a chopping motion on the area of the body. For a more intense feeling, curl your fingers to form a slight fist, and continue the chopping motion.
6. Circulation: This is a light stroke with some slight pressure, which will make one more relaxed. With one heel of the hand, follow with the other behind, gently flowing up towards the joint or muscle.
7. Cross-Pulling: The motion will be working right across the body, it is best if it used on the legs and arms. Begin with your hands on either side of the area, and slowly but gently,  move your hands in a forward/backward motion.
8. Pulling: As the word suggests, this motion is intended to pull the muscle. Usually aimed for the legs, move your hands up the body.
9. Stopping Strokes: Aimed to be worked around the joints, muscles and tendons, which will release tension. Use your fingertips and thumbs, making slight circular motions around the joints. The amount of pressure that should be applied will depend on the client.
10. Percussive Strokes: Aimed to increase the circulation in ones body, and it releases muscle tension. Can be performed on the arms, buttocks, legs and lower back. Avoid the spine region. The goal is to keep your hands very warm and relaxed.