Massage With Essential Oils
The Massage Step By Step:
Back:
The back carries a lot of strain and these relaxing movements are often the most appreciated part of the massage. Don’t be tempted to use too much pressure, it is better to keep the strokes broad and flowing. Seated to the side of your partner, apply oil evenly over the back with smooth upward strokes, following the direction of the lymph flow.
Figure Of Eight: This sequence loosens the tissue all over the back and helps to stimulate blood and lymph flow, and relieve tension. You should be kneeling level with the buttocks, facing the head so that you can lean into the movement and reach the shoulders without straining.
- To begin this large sweeping movement, place both hands on the lower back, just above the base of the spine, fingers pointing toward the head.
- Slide both hands all the way up the sides of the spine to just below the base of the neck.
- Move the hands out around the shoulders and in toward each other across the upper back.
- As the hands pass each other, cross the right arm over the left and continue gliding.
- With arms still crossed, reach down around the waist.
- Pull the flesh up firmly around the waist and then gradually release the sides as the palms glide to the middle of the lower back and pass each other.
- Continue the movement by sliding the palms out around the hips and complete the figure-of-eight by returning the hands to the starting position.
Fanning: This action works on the nerves along the spine and helps to disperse the fluid that accumulates in the back tissue as a result of tension. The effect is wonderfully relaxing.
- Place one hand on the lower back, at the base of the spine. The fingers should be splayed open, with the index finger pointing to the side of the spine.
- Fan the hand round in an upward and outward motion away from the spine. The other hand follows on the same side as the first completes the movement. Work all the way up the side of the spine, alternating hands. Repeat the steps four or five times before moving round to work on the other side of the spine.
