The Complete Guide to Massage A step-by-step guide to achieving the health and relaxation benefits of massage Edited by Mary Biancalana, MS, CMTPT, LMT, CPT Avon, Massachusetts Copyright © 2016 by F+W Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews. Published by Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc. 57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322. U.S.A. www.adamsmedia.com ® Contains material adapted from The Everything Massage Book by Valerie Voner, CRT, CTM, RMT, copyright © 2004 by F+W Media, Inc., ISBN 10: 1-59337-071-7, ISBN 13: 978-159337-071- 8. ISBN 10: 1-4405-9401-5 ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9401-4 eISBN 10: 1-4405-9402-3 eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9402-1 The Complete Guide to Massage is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical or fitness manual. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician about any condition that may require medical attention before adopting the suggestions and programs in this book. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book. Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and F+W Media, Inc. was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters. Cover design by Sylvia McArdle. Cover photographs by iStockphoto.com/MarsBars and Deana Travers, Home Town Photo. Interior photographs by Deana Travers, Home Town Photo. Contents Title Page Copyright Page Introduction Part 1 Chapter 1: What Is Massage? Understanding What Massage Is What Does Massage Do? The History of Massage Massage Today Who Can Benefit from Massage? Relaxation and Massage Chapter 2: The Importance of Touch Babies and Touch How Does the Body Sense Touch? Introducing Touch to Yourself and Others Touching with Compassion Ensuring an Appropriate Touch Light Touch Deep Pressure Chapter 3: The Structure of the Human Body Your Amazing Body The Skeletal System The Muscular System The Nervous System The Endocrine System The Cardiovascular System The Lymphatic System The Respiratory System The Digestive System Elimination of Waste The Integumentary System Chapter 4: Getting Started Preparing Yourself Consider the Receiver Needs Your Receiver Might Mention When Massage Is Not Recommended Tools Used in Massage Appropriate Draping Oils, Lotion, or Creams Chapter 5: Basic Massage Strokes First Touch Stroking Touch (Effleurage) Kneading Strokes (Petrissage) Friction Strokes Tapping Strokes (Tapotement) Other Basic Strokes Chapter 6: Applying the Strokes: Back Working the Back The Neck and Back of the Arms The Lower Body The Halfway Point Chapter 7: Applying the Strokes: Front Turning Over Feet and Legs from the Front Massaging the Abdomen The Chest and Front of the Arms Massaging the Back from the Front The Neck Working the Face, Head, and Scalp Ending the Massage Chapter 8: Understanding and Relieving Stress Understanding Stress Distress and Disease How the Mind Influences the Body The Effects of Stress on the Body Muscle Release Through Massage Other Relaxation Techniques Chapter 9: Finding a Professional Therapist All Therapists Are Not Created Equal Choosing the Type of Treatment Looking for the Right Place What to Expect Training in Massage Therapy Part 2 Chapter 10: Self-Massage Why Self-Massage? Begin with Stretching and Breathing An Exercise in Silence Massaging Your Abdomen Shoulders Moving Down the Arms Transitioning to Your Lower Body: Massaging Your Hips On to Your Legs! Your Feet Lower Back Face, Head, and Neck Close with Chakras Chapter 11: Chair Massage The Evolution of Chair Massage In the Office or on the Road Advantages of Chair Massage Techniques for Chair Massage A Chair-Massage Routine Chapter 12: Pregnancy and Massage Why Prenatal Massage Is So Important Avoid Some Massage Techniques Massage During Labor Following Birth Pregnancy Massage Essentials A Simple Head and Neck Routine Massaging the Body Finishing Up Chapter 13: Infant Massage The Philosophy of Infant Massage The Effects of Massage on Infants Techniques for Infant Massage A Simple Routine Massage and the Older Child Chapter 14: Sports Massage The Concept of Sports Massage The Effects of Sports Massage Techniques for Sports Massage When to Massage Athletes Routines for Sports Massage Understanding Sports Injury Chapter 15: Massage and Aging The Principles of Elder Massage The Effects of Massage on the Elderly Seniors Give Back When Massage Is Okay When Massage Is Not Okay Techniques and Considerations for Elder Massage A Routine for Senior Massage Touch and the End of Life