Fan stroking.

Stroking movements are among the easiest and most calming to give and receive in massage, and you will probably return to them often to calm your friend and relax yourself. Use fan stroking to apply oil and to link different areas of the body, and when your hands are tired or you are deciding which movement to use next. Work smoothly and rhythmically. You can vary the length of the stroke, but keep the rhythm fluid.

1. Place your hands side by side on the body, palms down, and then smoothly and gently slide upward, leading with your fingers. Keeping a straight back, lean forward on your hands, using the weight of your body to apply a steady, even pressure through the palms and heels of the hands.

2. Fan your hands out to both sides of the body, reducing the pressure, and slide them down the sides, molding them to the contours of the body. Pull your hands up toward each other, and swivel them around to begin the upward movement again. Repeat several times, covering the whole area.



Circular stroking.

In this variation of fan stroking, both hands work on the same side, one hand completing a full circle while the other makes a half circle, building up a smooth and steady rhythm. Circular stroking is particularly effective on large areas, such as the back, shoulders, and abdomen. Like fan stroking, it is good for linking different areas in a full body massage. It produces a continuous flowing effect.

1. Place both hands, fingers pointing away from you, on one side of the body about 6 inches (15 cm) apart



2. Begin to circle your hands in a clockwise direction, starting with the left hand, and following with the right.



3. As your left hand meets your right arm, lift your hand over, rejoining the body on the other side to finish the circle. Repeat several times, stroking firmly on the upward and outward movement, and gliding gently to complete the circle.



Thumb stroking.

This firm movement is particularly useful on small, tense areas, such as the top of the shoulders and the neck. Alter the pressure to suit your friend's needs. If the muscles are very tight, begin gently, then stroke more firmly. To vary the effect, circle your thumbs, following steps 1-3 above for circular stroking. With your hands resting on the body, stroke firmly upward and out to the side with your left thumb. Follow with the right thumb, stroking a little higher. Make the stroke smooth and repetitive, building up a steady rhythm

Basic kneading.

In a relaxing massage, kneading should be flat and smooth to produce an amazingly soothing effect. The movement is like kneading dough and is useful on the shoulders, back, and fleshy areas such as the hips.

1. Place yow hands flat on the body with your elbows apart and fingers pointing away from you. With your right hand, gently grasp some flesh and release it into your left hand.

2. Let your left hand take the flesh and then release it into yow right hand. Repeat several times, counting to keep your strokes rhythmic, like waves washing over the muscles.

Circular pressure.

Deep, penetrating circles are useful for exploring the state of the muscles and for combating tension. Apply the pressure gradually, beginning to circle more deeply and firmly, then slowly release and move on to the next area. For tight, knotted muscles, place one thumb on top of the other, and lean into the body .

Using only a small amount of oil - too much will cause your thumbs to slide - place the pads of your thumbs on the skin and gradually lean into them. Press for a few seconds, then make small, penetrating, circular movements against the underlying muscle. Glide to the next area, and repeat the movement.

Static pressures.

Stationary pressures are extremely useful for releasing tension in the neck and shoulders, sides of the spine, buttocks, and soles of the feet. Ease into the pressure gradually and steadily, hold, and then slowly release -never poke sharply.

Treat the body with care, making sure that your fingernails do not gouge the skin. For this movement no oil is necessary. Place the pads of your thumbs on the skin and gradually lean into them. Hold for 5-9 seconds, then release slowly and glide to the next point t tension. Imagine how it feels to receive the massage this helps your hands respond to the area you are working on

Knuckling.

For a heavenly sensation, rotate your knuckles on the shoulders, chest, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and hips. You can work deeply without hurting. Curl your hands into loose fists and, with the middle section of your fingers against the skin, ripple your fingers around in small, circular movements .

Vary the pressure by leaning into the movement with more or less body weight. Work firmly and evenly to cover the entire tense area.

Holding.

Many people love just being held - especially on the head, forehead, and abdomen. Simple holds are relaxing, comforting, and as calming for the person giving the massage as for the recipient. Place one hand over the other, and gently hold. Concentrate on your partner's breathing and relax, releasing very slowly after one or two minutes .

Never hurry this movement at the end of a massage: its effect will remain long after the massage finishes. If time is short, omit an earlier stroke rather than rushing this hold.