There are many different types of strokes that can be used when giving a massage. Some of them are gentle finger tip touches and they work all they way down the line to a deep tissue massage. These strokes can vary in their speed and pressure and using a combination of them can make for the most effective massage. To be effective, it is important to remember to be rhythmic in your movements and gradually build up speed and pressure as you go along. Here are a few more tips to mastering this skill.

Basic Pointers

1. A rule of thumb when giving a massage is to start with strokes going in the direction of the heart. These strokes should be firm and then the pressure should let up on the return stroke.

2. Depending on the goals of the massage you are giving, the intensity of the strokes is going to be very different. The goal of some people is to relax, while others need massage to simulate or loosen muscles. Some are also given to stimulate blood flow.

3. The person receiving the massage should not feel like there is a herky, jerky type of routine going on. They should feel the strokes as one rhythmic, fluid series.

The best massage position is one that uses your entire body. Many people think they have to rely strictly on their arms and shoulders to do the work. You want to use the movement of your entire body to get behind the strokes and do your best work.

Massage Strokes

1. A great way to start out a massage and to apply oil is to use a series of gliding strokes. These can go up and down the length of the back and can vary in pressure from very light to more firm. Keeping your hands outstretched is a good way to ensure to correct technique of this stroke. The movements can also be circular or longer patterns. The function of these strokes is similar to a warm up. You want the person to relax and get their muscles stretched out.

2. Kneading is another stroke used during massage. This stroke is very different from the gliding since it focused on one area of the body. The purpose of this stroke is to loosen muscles in a specific area or increase blood flow to that area. The action to perform this stroke would be similar to that of kneading dough.

3. Draining is a third massage stroke that can be very useful. With this stroke, the thumbs or the heels of your hands are used in long strokes one after the other traveling slowly up the limb or muscle. Following the draining, a pulling stroke can be used. This stroke is for stretching the muscles of the trunk and legs.

4. Two final types of strokes that be very useful for people that need a massage are friction and percussive strokes. The friction strokes are used to get deep into the tissue to work out knots. Percussive strokes are meant to increase blood flow and circulation. One common form of the percussive stroke is chopping.

Giving a massage can help a person feel more relaxed and work out built up tension. These tips will get you off to a great start.