Massage With Oil

Massage relieves stiff muscles.

Receiving massage can be an effective way to loosen up tense muscles and relieve stress. The oils moisturize and nourish the skin while providing lubrication for the hands to run smoothly across the body. Spas generally provide full-body massages that work systematically from one body part to the next, using a variety of techniques. However, people can also massage at home on any flat, comfortable surface and either perform a full-body massage or focus on specific body parts.

Instructions

1. Cover the table with two sheets and have the person receiving the massage remove their clothes according to personal preference and lay face down on the table. Uncover the upper body and apply oil to the back. Use long, connective strokes to relax the person and to spread the oil completely over the back. Repeatedly move the palm of your hands from the upper back to the lower back without lifting your hands off the person. Also in similar fashion, go down the arms and come back up through the upper back and neck.

2. Work systematically through the back and arm muscles, using a variety of tools to apply pressure such as knuckles, fingertips, thumbs and palms. Apply deeper pressure when needed, using forearms and elbows. Get creative using circular motion, kneading action and slow, deep strokes. Stretching out the muscles while you work them relaxes them and derives more benefit from the massage. Begin working along the spine, lower back, upper hip area, going up between the shoulder blades, working the trapezius and then the neck. Go down the arms and work the bicep, triceps and finish with the forearms. Finish the back with the some light, flowing strokes or tapping, percussive strikes.