The Shocking Truth About Widespread Injuries To Massage Therapists

English Massage Therapist Saves Careers

In a recent survey conducted by English Massage therapist and trainer Gerry Pyves, a startling statistic was revealed:

'88% of Massage Practitioners who have been practising for more than two years and massage 5 or more clients a week indicated that they could be suffering from injury.'

Even more worrying to the Massage profession was the finding that:

'98% of Massage Therapists who have been practising for 10 years or more and massage 10 or more clients a week indicated that they could be suffering from injury.'

Gerry was prompted to create this survey after his own Massage career nearly came to a premature end when he sustained severe hand and wrists injuries caused through Massaging his clients. These injuries led him to create an alternative form of Massage known as NO HANDS® Massage that does not rely on the hands and wrists to create deep invigorating massage strokes. This saved his Massage career, after which he began to teach what he had discovered to other bodyworkers so that they never had to endure the type of injuries that could prematurely end their Massage career.

In the last 15 years Gerry has taught hundreds of therapists how to avoid injury caused by repetitive Massage. In the months of February and March 2007 he personally taught NO HANDS Massage to over 350 therapists in the UK - a record number. He also teaches regularly in Taiwan where he has featured on national television news.

In order to alert the Massage profession to the dangers they face and how to save their careers, Gerry has written the book 'Protect Your Massage Career'. This ground breaking book presents the findings of the survey he conducted amongst Massage therapists. He proves that there is a very real threat of injury to every Massage therapist.

Gerry explains the 'Seven Stages of Injury' model - from Stage One where little or no discernible symptoms are felt, to Stage Seven - permanent career-ending disability. He reveals strategies that can be used to prevent therapists reaching Stage Seven.

What surprises and concerns Gerry is how few Massage training schools alert their students to the injury dangers and how to avoid them.

In today's compensation-culture society the book looks into the legal responsibilities of Massage employers and training schools. Already there has been a landmark case brought against Virgin Airlines by a person employed to massage air passengers. The court was told that her repetitive strain injuries were caused by the ' abnormal posture' of doing the massage on seated clients and doing it too frequently.

Virgin Atlantic admitted it was at fault for failing to assess the perils involved and Mr Justice Tugendhat ordered it to pay the employee £109,252 for loss of earnings, pain and suffering, plus costs.

The firm has also paid £26,000 in an out-of-court settlement to another injured beauty therapist.

How has the situation come about where so many Massage therapists find themselves injured? Gerry traces the historical development of Swedish massage. His research finds that the person credited with founding the Massage that became known as 'Swedish Massage', Per Henrik Ling, used Massage as part of a holistic therapeutic approach. He rarely Massaged his clients for more than a few minutes at a time. This meant that his hands and wrists never received prolonged repetitive pressure. Gerry's conclusion is that therapists were never meant to use the traditional Swedish massage techniques for extended periods of time.

The 'Protect Your Massage Career' book is a part of the 'Let Your Massage Fly!' ebook trilogy. The other two volumes in the series are 'Building a Successful Practice! - a guide to building a Massage Practice - and 'Massage in the Workplace' a short book that therapists can give to their clients as a way to promote their business.

The books are available as downloadable PDF files from the website:

http://www.letyourmassagefly.com

For further information about Gerry's NO HANDS Massage Company go to:

http://www.nohandsmassage.com

The books are published by Shi'Zen publications:

PO Box 57, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 6WW, UK.

Tel: 0870 24 30 876 Email: enquiries@shizen.com

Gerry can be contacted at: gerrypyves@nohandsmassage.com

Massage School Opens A Million Dollar Career for A Therapist

Massage Parlors and Spa are common. People go there for medical massage and also for relaxation. You may consider it's a luxury but it has therapeutic value. This chain of massage parlors can bring a truck load of money for an owner.

A certificate from a recognized massage school is helpful to launch a successful career in this career option. Professionally trained massage therapists are given a license, which allow them to practice anywhere in the world. You can take the course not only from massage school but from community colleges. It is not at all difficult to locate a massage school in your locality.

Massage is a natural healing technique which is being practiced by humanity irrespective of age, sex, color, caste, or creed, since time immemorial. Cave paintings show hunting expeditions and massaging the hunters after the hunt is completed. Massaging has been practiced all around the world as the most popular, scientific, and natural way to eliminate bodily stress and strain. Ayurveda, Unani, Allopathy, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Tribal Medicine, and all forms of medical knowledge accept, and recognize the healing properties of massage therapy.

How to join a massage school

Interview some of the school's graduates and personally visit massage schools in your area. Discuss and satisfy yourself on their course hours, massage techniques, exams, and training facilities in classrooms, sanitary conditions, equipment for training, and the overall environment. This preadmission evaluation helps to determine which massage institute offer programs that are compatible with your own interests. You also need to know in detail licensing requirements and legal rules for the state in which you intend to practice.

The Department of Education of USA, UK, and Australia has approved several organizations to provide accreditation to massage schools. These accredited massage institutes get grants and federal loans through these organizations. Low interest education loans are helpful to would be therapist and also massage institute. Massage therapy business is big business requiring much investment. Hence, it is best to apprentice with a successful massage therapist to see if you really will like to practice massage therapy.

What You Should Know Before You Join Massage School

It is commonly known that conventional therapies like massage have only benefits with no side effects. This is one reason behind the increasing popularity of massage schools. Still, one must consider both pros and cons of massage therapy before deciding to become a massage therapist.

Massage therapy complements mainstream medical practices and adds a positive synergistic effect to patient treatment. Massage therapy is especially beneficial after a session of exertion like after a sports event, tiresome day work. A good full body massage session improves blood circulation; quickens the healing processes of the body; helps increased mobility in joints, releases toxins and alleviates pain.

A long massage session is a very challenging task and requires great upper body strength. A massage therapist usually has a fixed number of massage sessions they can handle in a day if they follow the classical massage practices. You can use latest massage tool and equipment to improve the massage quality.

To know more on massage therapy follow the link: http://www.massagetoolandequipment.info/massage/massageschool.php and To learn how you can start your business as a massage therapist follow the link: http://www.massagetoolandequipment.info/massage/massage_therapy_career_option.php massagetoolandequipment is an information site for you to get regular and scientific information on massage and massager.

Massage Classes- Basic and Advanced Training

Find Massage Classes in the United States and Canada. If you have chosen to apply to any one of several massage classes, it is essential that you examine the particular course of study prior to enrollment. If you are primarily seeking introductory massage classes, a number of healing arts schools and technical schools may provide brief workshops and seminars in which you may participate to get an overview of this healing art.

Massage classes and courses may vary. For the most part, general curriculums include in-depth massage classes in Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage; in addition to kinesiology, anatomy and physiology. However, more advanced massage classes are offered in lengthier educational programs that encompass over 500 training hours. In massage classes and courses such as these, students can learn about animal/equine massage, acupressure, Chinese medical massage, Thai massage, meridian therapy, medical massage, geriatric massage, among several others.

Some massage classes and courses introduce students to other alternative healing arts like herbology, natural healthcare, holistic nutrition, touch therapy and the like.

Dependent upon the school or college in which you choose to apply, it is always important that you review massage classes carefully to determine whether the course meets all criteria for certification and/or licensing. While the minimum standard for most massage schools is at least 300 training hours, some massage classes entail over 1,000 clinical hours. You will find, too, that a growing number of healing arts schools are beginning to offer massage classes, which are geared toward degrees and diplomas. These career-training programs encompass basic studies as well as more comprehensive training in a wide range of massage modalities - including massage classes in craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, Trigger Point therapy, Rolfing, shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, and more.

The best way to determine which massage classes are most beneficial to your professional aspirations is to visit your local massage therapist or wellness clinic and job-shadow a professional practitioner. Ask about the specific techniques that the massage therapist uses and what massage classes s/he took to perform his/her job. In many cases, these natural healthcare providers will be more than happy to explain the different types of massage, and which massage classes are best suited to specific bodywork careers.

Of course the more advanced massage classes one takes, chances are that this will only enhance overall professional aspects. Today, certified massage therapists can earn over $30 per hour - depending on education and experience.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage classes, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Massage Classes – Basic and Advanced Training
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Classes, Massage Schools, and other Natural Healing Schools.

Just What Is Massage Therapy?

Recently, the practice of massage therapy has grown remarkably in the United States. It has become more widely accepted as a medical practice by doctors as well as the general public. Massage is defined as: ...'the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping, and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits both physical and mental' (Beck 3).

The use of massage therapy has many benefits that even medicine or other methods of relief cannot offer. Historical evidence shows that massage was probably one of the earliest remedies for pain relief and for the restoration of the body.

The roots of massage can be traced back to ancient civilizations where many artifacts have been found to support the belief that prehistoric people massaged their muscles and perhaps even used some form of oil.

Early civilizations including ancient Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Hindu, Greek and Roman used some form of massage therapy treatment. With the decline of the Roman Empire, popularity of massage and health care in general also declined.

The Renaissance period brought back the interest in health and science, and massage once again became common practice.

In the following century, medical practitioners incorporated massage therapy into their healing treatments.

Early in the nineteenth century, Per Henrik Ling, a physiologist and fencing master from Sweden developed systems of movements that he found to be beneficial in improving physical conditions. Based on the science of physiology, his movements became known as Medical Gymnastics. Ling established the Royal Swedish Central Institute of Gymnastics in 1813. Ling's Medical Gymnastics was taught in his new institute and became known as the Swedish Movements. Per Hendik Ling became known as the father of physical therapy.

Mathias Roth, an English physician who studied at Ling's institute, established his own institute in England. Then Charles Fayette Taylor, a physician from New York, studied under Roth and brought the Swedish Movements to the United States.

In the beginning of the twentieth century, massage therapy once again began to decline. A reason for the decline was that many false practitioners, taking advantage of its popularity, gave poor treatment and hurt the reputation of all practitioners.

The advancement of new medicine also helped in the decline. "Technical and intellectual advances developed new treatment strategies that were based more on pharmacology and surgical procedures. The old ideas of treating disease through diet, exercise, and bathing gave way to the more sophisticated practices of modern medicine." (Beck 13).

In the 1960's, the popularity of massage therapy once again revived. The popularity boom was caused by the increased cost of traditional Western medicines and increased awareness of physical and mental fitness.

Massage therapy gained in popularity through the years and its recognition became official in 1992 when the first National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam was given.

Massage therapy offers many benefits to the human body without the use of medicines. "Massage therapy has clearly been shown to me to be very beneficial, particularly in areas where conventional medicine has not been as successful, including chronic arthritis, musculoskeletal syndromes and chronic headache, among others" (Fritz 56).

Massage is a natural and instinctive way of relieving minor aches and pains as well as nervous tension and fatigue. Direct benefits include increased blood circulation, stretching of muscle tissue, and loosening of scar tissue.

This results in the indirect effects of reduced blood pressure and the general relaxation of muscles.

Major advantages of massage therapy include the increased health of the muscular system, the nervous system, and the circulatory system. The stimulation of the muscular system and its circulation, nerve supply and cell activity encourages the nutrition and development of the muscles. "A muscle fatigued by exercise will be more quickly restored by massage than by rest alone because massage helps to remove from the muscle the lactic acid and metabolic wastes that cause it to tighten or become sore" (Thomson 43).

Injured muscle tissue will have a faster healing time and with fewer complications with the application of therapeutic massage because it prevents, or breaks down, the formation of scar tissue.

Massage also eases the pain of an injury to a ligament or tendon by dispersing the inflammation caused by an injury.

Because of the benefits massage therapy offers the muscular system, massage is an effective means of improving muscle tone as well as muscle stamina and strength. "Massage has the ability to prevent or at least delay muscular atrophy that stems from inactivity" (Fritz 102).

Massage will also help relieve, or even prevent, muscle cramps or spasms. The nervous system can be stimulated or soothed depending on the type of massage applied. Massage stimulates the nerve endings in the skin and muscle tissue.

As easily as massage can stimulate a nerve, it can bring about a sedative effect to the nervous system helping to induce deep relaxation and even relieve insomnia. A therapeutic massage affects the quality and quantity of blood flowing through the circulatory system. "Massage dilates the blood vessels, which improves the circulation of blood" (Beck 250).

An increase in blood flow causes an increase in the blood supply and the nutrients that muscles and other vital organs receive. Massage eases the strain on the heart by helping push venous blood and lymph toward the heart. It also improves the blood-making process, resulting in the increase of the production of red and white blood cells.

Through its long history of use, therapeutic massage has become a very popular method of relief that is fairly safe. Today massage is available almost anywhere including spas, health clubs, resorts, clinics, dentist offices and even airports. Massage therapy has proven to be an effective method for treating many conditions for thousands of years and it will continue to be used for thousands of years to come.

Bibliography

Beck, Mark. Milady's Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage. 3rd ed. Albany: Milady Publishing Company, 1999. Thomson, Ann. Tidy's Physiotherapy. 12th ed. Woburn: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1999. Fritz, Sandy. Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1995.

Eric Donaldson, C.Ht., L.M.P. is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Licensed Massage Practitioner, and co-owner of Inner Rhythms Healing Arts in Vancouver, Washington, USA. Eric has been published in many newspapers and magazines, and is available for individual consultation at 360-694-7721.

How Indian Massage Can Make a World of Difference in Your Life

Indian massage can be your solution for looking gorgeous, smelling splendid and feeling on top of the world! Read this article to find out how this ancient art of touch can help you in your complete rejuvenation.

Touch is the most basic mode of communication between two human beings. Massage involves this magic of touch; thus massage promotes health---both psychological and emotional.

How?

Massage improves circulation, supports neurological functions, helps in digestion by providing gas relief and strengthens overall immunity.

Massage act as stimulant for the skin receptors and the nerves and triggers off the 'feel-good' hormones, especially the endorphins. This helps the nerves and muscles relax. Massage also helps alleviating pain simply by refusing to receive pain signals from brain.

The end result is: you get a feeling of complete relaxation---both in your body and mind. With tensions and stresses gone, you gain back the keenness of your senses.

How Indian Massage Therapy is different from any other massage therapies of the world

Massage takes different approaches in different parts of the world. The Indian massage therapy or the Ayurvedic massage has been practiced since antiquity. Massage has always received a scientific perception in the writing of the Scholars of ancient India. This traditional Indian technique was based on Ayurvedic Doshas and Marmas---the pressure points in the Western reflexology. Here are some basic points:

The focal point in Ayurvedic massage technique is: different pressure points of the body. As a healing agent, Indian massage involves the use of:


Different types of touch

Pressure or flowing movements Ayurvedic massage is applied to the skin in a way so that the tissues underlying it are relieved of muscular tension and pains.

This form of massage may involve either particular parts of body---as for example, Indian head massage---or full body massage.

Indian massage often involves the use of different types of aromatherapy oils---hot or cold.

All of these result in relaxation of the body and promote a sense of overall well-being.

Indian Massage---an experience of lifetime

In the interior of India, you will get to see people receiving massage in the corners of the streets for a few rupees; although they often lack formal training, they have acquired the art as a part of community tradition.

But for a life changing experience, you should visit a luxury Indian spa where trained and experienced masseurs will offer you traditional Ayurvedic massage for a holistic rejuvenation. Here are some of the varieties of Ayurvedic massage you can experience in the different parts of India, especially in the Spa Resorts in Kerala, in southern fringes of the peninsula.

Panchakarma treatment

The gentle process that promotes deep cleansing without discomfort. This is a massage technique that helps eliminate toxins from the body accumulated in areas like the lymph, circulatory, and immune systems.

Abhyanga Massage

The fastest toxin expelling technique - this is a luxurious full body indulgence with medicated oils containing herbs and ingredients that pacify the unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies.

Ayurvedic Head Massage

The technique that ends mental fatigue - this massage is done with oils containing herbs that pacify the nerves and stimulate the brain for better functioning. This massage can be your ultimate solution for getting rid of emotional fatigue, confusions and for enhanced clarity of mind.

Full Body Steam

Expelling toxins with the help of steam - this is a full body massage technique, much different from ordinary sauna; here the steam contains vapors of detoxifying and balancing herbs. However, the head and neck areas are excluded in this massage. In addition of relieving body from toxins, it also moisturizes and dehydrates the skin giving it a baby soft glow.

Shirodhara

The ultimate stress reliever - this amazing technique involves trickling of a warm stream of mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee over the forehead in a continuous flow. To enhance the effect, the treatment is carried on in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. If you happen to suffer from any one of these: chronic neuro-muscular disorders, hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches or restlessness---- Shirodhara is the technique you must give a try to get rid of these menaces for once and for all.

For generations, Indian massage has been trusted for having a powerful effect on the mental and emotional well being of the individuals.

Come and experience the difference yourself!

Tania Penwell provides information on Indian massage and other types of massage for Savvy Cafe - your guide to living life to the fullest!

Massage Therapy Education

For those who are interested in a Massage Therapy Education, comprehensive schools of massage and vocational massage schools have taken innovative steps to extend this unique healing art to students everywhere. In the United States alone, there are hundreds of natural healing schools that provide Massage Therapy Education in a vast assortment of massage modalities.

For inquisitive minds or career-oriented individuals who are seriously contemplating a Massage Therapy Education in order to establish a foundation for professional practice, it is important to evaluate all options prior to applying to the massage school of choice. With several massage techniques that one can explore, the selections are nearly unlimited. In today's Massage Therapy Education, students can choose to earn a certificate, diploma, or even a degree in massage therapy. In addition, curious folks can opt to partake in community workshops and seminars that also offer informal Massage Therapy Education. Clearly, the field of practical learning is vast and full of opportunity.

In a standard Massage Therapy Education, most students will encounter general studies in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, ethics, and hands-on training in deep tissue, sports massage, or Swedish massage therapies. In a more advanced Massage Therapy Education, prospective candidates may elect to learn more in-depth and varied styles of massage, such as acupressure, Alexander technique, Bowen technique, core energetics, hot stone massage, lymphatic massage, structural integration, tuina, reflexology, Rolfing, and zero balancing - to list just a small number of available applications.

With the field of massage continually expanding, a strong, quality Massage Therapy Education proves to be a valuable resource to meet and beat stiff competition in today's workforce. Whether students desire to open their own private day spa or practice, or choose to work in a health care setting, it is imperative that future therapists be prepared through an appropriate Massage Therapy Education. In particular, students who wish to work in an acupuncture clinic may consider a Massage Therapy Education that incorporates Chinese medical massage (tuina), acupressure, or shiatsu. A helpful hint for prospective sports medicine and rehabilitative clinic practitioners would be to gain an in-depth Massage Therapy Education in sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, and cross fiber technique.

Other ideal techniques that can be learned through a Massage Therapy Education include lymphatic drainage and geriatric massage. Students who aspire to work in natural health oncology clinics and geriatric centers would find these studies to be quite useful in their career objectives.

Depending on the specific massage school, the Massage Therapy Education you receive may lead you through weeks or months of practical and academic studies. Some Massage Therapy Education institutes provide day and evening classes, as well as weekend classes. Students enrolled in a Massage Therapy Education will find that they will most likely have to sit for the National Certification exam to receive professional certification in massage therapy. In many states, this is preferred, if not required. While LMTs (Licensed Massage Therapists) who have received an in-depth Massage Therapy Education will almost always earn slightly more than regular massage therapists, the field of massage therapy promises to be rewarding no matter which choice of modality or Massage Therapy Education you choose.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Education and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Massage Schools, Massage Therapy Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Vocational Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

An Introduction to Aromatherapy Massage

Touch is important to all living beings, being one of first and most basic means of communication. Massage is just one way of communicating sensations, hopefully of a pleasant nature.

Just as the body stores up the tensions of the day, both physical and emotional, in the muscles of the neck, back, head and limbs, so massage is a way of removing these muscular tensions, and as a result associated mental tension should also be eased. In addition massage can stimulate the circulation of the blood: the intended purpose of the massage should always be considered - if a massage is given to aid sleep, an invigorating rub down may have the opposite effect!

Aromatherapy massage adds an extra sense - that of smell - to the basic benefit of massage. Fragrances have the power to evoke feelings and memories independently of conscious thought. Combining aromatherapy with massage makes for a powerful experience - essentially the massage giver passes on their energy and touch to the receiver.

Contrary to popular belief, massage is not complicated or difficult and can, by following a few simple rules, form an important part of the healing process.

Always massage with the flow of your body, which is towards your heart. When massaging the abdomen the flow is in a clockwise direction, using circular movements that follow the flow.

Be aware of the needs of the person whom you are massaging, to ensure that it is a both a comforting and soothing experience, especially where the young and the very old are concerned.

The following is a simple guide to the different types of massage and the strokes that can be used to ensure the best results.

What Will I Need?

Aromatherapy massage is one of the simplest ways of using essential oils, but it still helps to prepare your tools and working space in advance.

It is important to have a warm, draught free and quiet environment, where you won't be disturbed, and where all of your oils and accessories, such as clean towels, are easily to hand.

All essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier, or base oil, before being massaged onto the body or face. As a general rule of thumb the ratio of essential oil to base oil should be:

10 - 15 drops of essential oil in 60ml (12 teaspoons) of base oil.

(Click here to see our full range of carrier oils for use in Aromatherapy massage)

The Basic Massage Strokes

Aromatherapy massage requires long slow strokes maintaining contact on the body at all times, alternating with short fast friction rubs that warm the oils and help spread them evenly over the skin. Delicate areas such as the abdomen, pelvic region and bony areas should be stroked fairly lightly, while greater pressure can be applied to the heavier muscle areas such as the shoulders, buttocks and back. The basic massage strokes listed below comprise the main movements required for Aromatherapy massage.

Effleurage (Stroking Movements)

This is a series of gentle strokes enabling the massage oil to penetrate the body, helping to bring about a state of calm and relaxation. Use the whole hand to do short or long strokes, these can be firm or gentle depending on how you feel. This type of massage helps to increase circulation, relaxation of the muscles and relieve the body of stress and tension.

Petrissage (Kneading Movements)

Petrissage is gentle kneading movements, like kneading dough. The art of petrissage is never to cause pain or discomfort and should be performed slowly and carefully. It is usually used on the back, muscular and fatty areas, and is good for releasing trapped toxins, relaxing muscles and encouraging the lymphatic system to flow. As you perform each kneading movement put a slight pressure on your thumbs.

Friction (Circular Movements)

Especially beneficial for areas that are cold or of poor circulation. Rub the skin in circular movements with the flat of the hand in short, fast movements.

Raking Movements

Hold the fingers stiffly at the joints to resemble the ends of a rake, or as if to play the piano, and with fingertips touching the skin, make firm, raking movements with one or both hands, backwards towards your body.

Pummelling Movements

Make one or both hands into fists and, keeping fingers loose and relaxed while held in a fist, bounce them up and down the body in a fast drumming movement. Pummelling can also be carried out with the hands flat, and fingertips down, or with the sides of the hands, or even with the palms turned upwards.

The Five Main Areas for Massage

Hand Massage

Head, Neck & Facial Massage

Foot Massage

Shoulders & Back Massage

Full Body Massage

>> Hand Massage

This is especially appropriate for older people and people for whom back, foot or facial massages are not appropriate. Touching the hands gently can be very calming - the fingers are packed with nerve endings, and can be as attuned to different parts of the body as the feet.

A quick de-stresser is to gently stroke the recipient's hands, from wrist to finger tips, using a light flowing touch with all five fingers.

>> Head, Neck & Facial Massage

Place your chosen essential oils on your fingertips and use the fingers to massage around the head. Use only your fingertips to gently but firmly pass around and over the head in a smooth controlled movement.

For Headaches it's best to start at the base of the neck and work upwards to the base of the scalp. Use the fingers in firm, but not hard effleurage strokes. Continue for as long as necessary. It may also help to include the upper shoulder area which is also often tense, and may in fact be the cause of the headache.

A self- facial massage of the jaw line up to a point immediately below the ears can also help to prepare us for stressful situations such as sitting exams, interviews etc.

To continue the massage onto the neck area, move the hands to the base of the neck, placing a hand on each side of the vertebrae (never put pressure on the vertebrae).

Use small but firm circular movements, working from the base of the neck, and continue upwards to the base of the scalp and then down the sides of the neck. Work around the sides of the neck using gentle but firm movements.

>> Foot Massage

Massage in an upwards direction form the toes to the ankle; if you are lucky enough to have someone do this for you, thumbs should be on the sole of the foot with the fingers on top, if you are doing your own feet you may find it easier to have your thumb on top with you fingers underneath.

>> Shoulder & Back Massage

Before you begin the massage, ensure the recipient is comfortable, preferably lying face down on a well padded floor, bed or mattress, with a rolled up towel or bolster pillow under the upper chest, to ensure that the head and neck will be relaxed in the face down position.

Beginning with the shoulders, use the thumbs and palms to massage with effleurage and petrissage actions, moving from the base of the neck outwards to the shoulder. You may also find it beneficial to take in the shoulder blade area by making large circular movements around the top of the shoulder to just under the shoulder blade.

Moving down towards the lumbar region of the back, use effleurage strokes, placing one hand either side of the vertebrae, using the whole hand, flat against the back stroke up towards the shoulder around and over the shoulder blade and slide down again the sides of the back. Repeat as often as is wished.

Note: Do NOT massage over the vertebrae, as the spine is very sensitive. Always move the hands, fingers and thumbs over either side of the spine.

>> Full Body Massage

The full body massage should incorporate all of the above massages, while also including the arms, legs and abdomen.

The Arms - Using upwards strokes from the wrist to the armpit. Using petrissage on fatty and muscular areas as appropriate.

The Abdomen - using effleurage strokes, use circular movements in a clockwise direction only.

The Legs - always massage the legs upwards from the ankle to the thigh using effleurage strokes. Where appropriate use petrissage on the fatty or muscular areas. (Never over varicose areas)

Lower abdomen and hips - using effleurage strokes start at the lower back and slide over the hips, then slide each hand over the abdomen. Use the whole of the hand flat against the skin.

Margaret McGoverne is the founder of The Holistic Shop.com website http://www.theholisticshop.com where you can buy gifts and products for the wellbeing of mind body and soul.