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EFFLEURAGE
(combing the horse’s tail)
This basic element of Swedish massage, the effleurage is
simply a long continuous stroke in one direction.
Generally the stoke goes down the length of the body or
area being worked, or across from one side to the next.
Use Effleurage strokes to apply oil, sooth and create
tranquility. Visualize yourself combing the tale of horse
from top to tip.
To begin your massage, fill your palm with oil and slowly
rub your hands together to warm it and your hands.
Never apply oil directly
to the person you are massaging. Once you begin the
massage, make sure one hand is always touching your
partner until you complete the massage.
Using a long effleurage stroke, begin at the hips and
slowly spread the oil up the back and then with a second
effleurage stroke, beginning at the neck, spread the oil
down the back, along the spine but not over the bones.
Repeat this motion several times until the entire area
you are massaging is lubricated and easy to work with.
Keep your hands relaxed during the motion. This will
allow you to feel your partner, find the tension spots
and recognize the muscle structure.
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From the shoulders, slide your hands
down the back to the waist. |
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Petrissage:
Scoop |
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Your next move-ment is called a
petrissage, a motion best des-cribed as “picking up
and squeezing”.
Visualize yourself squeezing dough or bread.
Petrissage assists in cir-culatory problems making it
an ideal technique for people with cold hands and
feet. |
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Petrissage:
Pick up |
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Petrissage:
Squeeze |
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The motion starts by scooping up your
partners skin, followed by grasping and finally squeezing.
Begin at the waist and work your way up the torso. When you
reach the shoulder, scoop up, and circle around the
shoulder blade. Try using the heel of your hand to conform
to the tissue of the back and shoulder to deliver a
different sensation. |
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Another variation: Open your fingers and effleurage along
side of the body with your palms facing outward, circle at the
base and return to the top. Alternate this effleurage with
the petrissage to vary the massage.
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Petrissage
#4 |
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Now with
one hand still on your partner, move to the other side and
start again. Do this motion between 5 & 10 times up and
down each side before moving to the next movement.
Start from
the hips and slowly scoop around, pick up, and squeeze
your way up the back.
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begin |
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1) Massage strokes should
follow a logical progression |
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2) a
circular motion is used in kneading the shoulders |
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Kneading Shoulders
(Molding Clay)
From the
opposite side of the body, begin to stroke or effleurage up to
the neck. You’re your hands down to the fleshy "traps"
(trapezium muscles) found under the shoulder blade. Knead this
with your fingers by deeply yet gently pressing the fleshy
muscle in circular motions with your thumb. Use your other
hand for support. Minimize the motion around the area you are
holding onto. The emphasis is on keeping constant pressure
with firm thumbs. Do this motion slowly! |
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3) All
movements focus on the area of the shoulders without
interruption
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4) The
idea is to knead your partner with your fingers. |
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Your partner will feel a soothing sensation and
you should feel the muscles relax under the pressure.
You can add relief by applying acupressure down the pressure
points the spine. Repeat sequence 5-10 times
Pressure Points
along the Spine
(Snapping Snaps)
Your back
pressure points are located where
your muscle attaches to your
spine.
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Use your thumbs and press down along the spine |
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Beginning at the neck, slowly apply pressure along the
spine as if you were pressing closed snaps. |
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You can alternate hand
to hand or press concurrently |
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Gentle but firm pressure along these points provides
relief of tension and will feel very good to your partner.
Work your way down the back. When you reach the hips, complete the sequence with an
effleurage (long continuous motion) back up each side of
the back. Repeat the entire sequence 3-5 times or move on
to the next movement. NEXT
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