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[1-2-3-4]
Giving a Relaxation Massage
Chapter 4
With your 2 nd and 3rd finger, just below it, make tiny little circles (how about 5) from the mastoid process all the way to the center of the back of the skull. You will be massaging over the hair at this point – should they have any. If you feel tight little bunches, spend a little extra time on them. If you are finding that these bumps aren’t going away try holding some pressure on them while your partner takes a few deep breaths. You should feel a release after a few breaths. These muscles, the “suboccipitals”, are often very tight, especially if the person you are massaging is prone to having tension headaches. If you don’t feel them softening up, don’t worry, the might just need a second or third massage to loosen up. Rotate the head to the other side and repeat the whole thing.
Finally
The final touch will be to massage the head and face. You’ll want to wipe off any excess oil from your hands so as to not apply to the face and hair...
(blocking pores = pimples).
Position the head in neutral (looking straight towards the ceiling) again and work both sides simultaneously. Run your fingers through their hair a few times. With the tips of your fingers, press and do circular motion over the whole head (this type of petrissage knows as fingertip kneading). Try not to jump around the head too much; move slowly and with a plan. Concentrate on the area above the ear. On some people, this muscle, the “Temporalis”, feels like it has ridges – meaning it’s very tight.
Place your thumbs at the center of the forehead and wipe outwards until you cover the whole forehead. Next, put some gentle pressure on the temples and again perform circular motions. Cover the whole face with this technique (NOT OVER THE EYEBALLS SILLY!!!) Your partner will find it quite a soothing technique.
Conclusions
You’ve now completed your massage. If you’re partner still has a headache. Don’t be disillusioned. Practice makes perfect and you might need to adjust the pressure next time. Remember that if you tried your best and approached this with a giving heart; it will most likely have been appreciated. You might not get the “thank you” you want tonight, but tomorrow is always another day.
Rachelle Behrens,
Registered Massage Therapist
For more information, why not check out Sensual Massage for Couples for a romantic look at massage or Basic Clinical Massage Therapy
for a exellent and extremely comprehensive look at the subject matter.
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