Previous articles dealt with the first two basic massage techniques, effleurage and petrissage. This article we will discuss two more techniques we describe as Vibrations or vibrating movements and Tapotment or percussion type movements.
Vibrations: These are small shaking movements that are done with the fingertips along the length of the spine. This action stimulates and clears nerve paths in order to release tension and stress. Vibration movements are particularly soothing and are used toward the end of the treatment so as to reintroduce a feeling of relaxation.
Perform vibrations by placing the index and middle finger of one hand at either side of the base of the spine, contract and relax the forearm rapidly to create a vibration under the fingertips. Maintaining this action, move along the length of the spine, lightly and smoothly toward the neck. Repeat with the other hand. Do this excercise at least three times.
Vibrations are particularly soothing and can help to make the recipient feel relaxed and alert. This movement is only performed on the muscles running on either side of the spine, to release tension and aid relaxation at the end of a treatment.
Tapotment: Percussion type movements involve rapid drumming over large areas of the body such as the back. This includes hacking or chopping with the edge of the hand, cupping or striking with the fingertips and heel of the hand, and pounding with the sides of loosely clenched fists. Key is to keep the hands and wrists relaxed.
Hacking consists of very fast, light strokes done with the outer fingers of alternating hands in quick succession. Flick the fingers against the body, glide off and repeat with the other hand. Keep up the momentum for a few seconds before moving to an adjacent area.
Cupping is accomplished by flexing the fingers and thumb together to form a cup and strike rhythmically, one hand folling the other. This has a light vacuum suction effect, boosting circulation and lymph flow to the area, and is most beneficial on areas where fat is stored. Leave space between your palms and the skin’s surface to create the vacuum effect.
Pounding is when the tissue is pummeled with the sides of loosely clenched fists. This is performed on the buttocks and fleshy areas of the hips and thighs. It can be difficult to master, so practice on a cushion until you gain confidence. Percussion movements are stimulating rather than relaxing. They improve local blood circulation and produce redness and heat in the overlying skin. Pummeling causes muscles to contract, improving tone. The motions can loosen toxins trapped between fat cells and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
This concludes the four basic massage techniques, however following articles will be important in choosing various massage strokes.
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