Full Body Massage: Step-by-Step Instructions & Hot Tips

How to give a full body massage

A full body massage is an ideal way to recharge your mind and body after a busy day. If you are in the mood for a relaxing treatment, many spas offer this type of massage. While it has become very popular among people seeking peaceful escapes from their hectic lives, many people still don’t know how to give a full body massage correctly. 

Here are certain step-by-step instructions on how to give a perfect full body massage.

How to give a full body massage

Definition: Body Massage

A massage is a process that involves working on the muscles. It can be a manual massage or done with machines, and generally involves applying tension.  Body massage is a structured and systematic procedure in which the therapist may  apply tension, motion, or vibration.

 

Benefits of getting a full body massage

  1. Reducing stress – Massage therapy can relieve both psychological and physical stress, as well as tension in the muscles and improve joint health.
  2. Relaxing – Massage helps to decrease cortisol levels in the body, which in turn can help to promote feelings of relaxation and reduce stress levels.
  3. Lower blood pressure – Massage can help lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of cardiac problems by improving overall heart health.
  4. Improve the body’s immune system – Regular massage can strengthen the body’s immune system and improve its ability to fight disease-causing agents. As a result, massage is recommended for maintaining overall general health.
  5. Massage is a way to relax and unwind – It helps reduce pain and tension in the muscles, and it improves posture by allowing the body to relax.

 

What will you prepare?

  1. A quiet, warm room with dim light to help you relax. 
  2. A relatively hard surface (a massage bed or regular bed will suffice). 
  3. A pillow
  4. Soft, fluffy towels
  5. A sheet that’s big enough for your head and long enough for your arms to hang off of.
  6. Essential oils such as lavender (for relaxation), mint (for rejuvenation) or geranium (uplifting and good for encouraging circulation), Hinoki (energizing). 
  7. A candle if you like a little ambiance.

 

How to give a full body massage

A simple massage can be a great way to boost intimacy and help your partner feel nurtured at home that you may try.

Step 1: Head and neck 

Massage your partner’s head from the top to their nape using firm, circular motions with your fingers. Move your hands gently over the top of the scalp, down the back of the head and into the nape of their neck. Work from the base of their skull up through their hairline until you reach their scalp.

Then return your fingers back down to the beginning position and repeat a few times.

Step 2: Shoulders and back

Then, massage the trapezius muscle. Gently squeeze it at the base of your neck, and work your hands outward toward your shoulders. Next, place your hands on either side of your shoulders and roll them backward and forwards, applying pressure. 

Repeat this several times, increasing pressure each time. Work inward toward the spine by applying pressure with your thumbs, then move outward toward each shoulder; repeat several times.

Step 3: Hands and arms

Now let’s move on to the hands and arms! Use your thumbs to massage the palms, pressing firmly while moving outward toward the side of the hand. Next, use long, smooth strokes using fingers and palms from the wrist to the shoulder. The strokes should move upwards. Repeat a few times and then go over to the other side’s hands and arms.

Step 4: Feet and legs

It is important to pay attention to your feet, which work so hard every day! To help them feel better, use firm pressure with your thumb on the arches and ball of the foot. Using your thumb stroke the top of the foot slowly, and firm movements from the tips of the toes to the ankle.

Step-by-step intructions for a full body massage
Step-by-step intructions for a full body massage

Next, move on to the legs. Massage them in upward strokes from ankle to knee and then from knee to thigh. Slide your hands over the shins, kneading with your thumbs. Then repeat the process on the other leg, using firm strokes this time.

 

Types of body massage

Massage is a procedure performed by professionals, health workers and amateurs. There are different kinds of massages that are named according to the procedure used.

  • Hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is a type of therapeutic massage that’s similar to a Swedish massage, only the therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. 

During this type of massage, heated stones are placed on different areas of the whole body. Your therapist may hold a hot stone and they massage different parts of your body with gentle pressure. Sometimes, cold stones are also used.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage

This type of therapeutic massage may help alleviate muscle tension, improve blood flow, reduce pain, promote relaxation and relieve stress.

  • Swedish massage

Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s great for people who are new to massage or want to release tension. It can help release muscle knots. It’s also the best choice if you want to fully relax during a massage.

Swedish massage
Swedish massage

When you have a Swedish massage, you will remove your clothes but may keep on your underwear. While lying on the massage table, you will be covered with a sheet. The therapist will use kneading and long, flowing strokes in the direction of your heart to relax tense areas of your body.

  • Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage is a more intense version of Swedish massage. This treatment can be used for muscle pain, tightness, and imbalance caused by injury or chronic problems.

This kind of massage is one of the most effective ways to relieve muscle tension and improve your flexibility. During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to ease away pain from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues.

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
  • Thai massage

Thai massage is a form of bodywork that focuses on stretching and releasing muscles. It’s great for people who want a more active type of massage and want to relieve pain and stress. Thai massage can also improve flexibility, circulation, and energy levels.

Thai Massage
Thai Massage

Thai massage focuses on the whole body using a series of movements that are similar to yoga. Your therapist will apply firm pressure with their palms and fingers. You’ll also be stretched and twisted into various positions.

  • Abhyanga massage

Abhyanga is a type of oil massage from the system of Ayurvedic medicine. The oil is heated, then gently massaged over the body to nourish and soothe the skin. This type of massage focuses on nourishing the skin rather than deeply massaging muscles.

Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga Massage

A small study suggests that Abhyanga can reduce stress, activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), improve skin health and moisture, reduce blood pressure and muscle stiffness. You can do an Abhyanga on your own or with a qualified practitioner.

  • Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage is a Japanese type of massage that can help relieve pain, reduce muscle tension and improve mood. It increases blood circulation in the body by applying pressure to acupuncture points while moving your hands in gentle circular motions over these areas.

Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is often a great alternative to traditional massage. Your therapist will use their hands,  thumb and palm to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can wear clothes during this massage.

  • Lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle form of manual lymphatic drainage that helps with a number of conditions, including lymphedema and fibromyalgia. It also helps with skin disorders and digestive problems, as well as stress and arthritis.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic Drainage Massage

If you have any of the following conditions, you shouldn’t receive lymphatic drainage massage: congestive heart failure, history of blood clots or stroke, current infection, liver problems or kidney problems. It’s possible to perform lymphatic drainage massage on yourself at home or seek out a professional. Always talk with your doctor before trying it.

  • Myofascial release therapy 

Myofascial release therapy, also called trigger point therapy, is another type of bodywork that involves releasing stiffness in the fascia, the connective tissue system that contains each muscle in the body. Your therapist will stretch and massage any areas that feel tense with light pressure.

Myofascial Release Therapy
Myofascial Release Therapy
  • Cranial sacral therapy

Cranial sacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that helps release compression in the bones of the head and low back.

Cranial sacral therapy is a gentle method of manipulating bones in the skull, spine and pelvis. This can help improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system, which may produce deeply relaxing results.

Cranial Sacral Therapy
Cranial Sacral Therapy

Some conditions that may benefit from cranial sacral therapy include the relief of migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), disturbed sleep cycles and insomnia, sinus infections and neck pain.

  • Reflexology 

Reflexology is a type of acupressure that uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. It’s best for people looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option for those who are not comfortable being touched on other parts of their body.

Reflexology Massage
Reflexology Massage

Reflexology can help you relax and feel better. It can also help reduce pain, fatigue and sleep problems, anxiety and mood problems.

 

Hot tips

  1. Before your massage session, drink lots of water to help flush out toxins.
  2. Do not plan your day during the massage session and do not encourage any thoughts in your mind.
  3. Set the mood by playing music and lighting a few scented candles
  4. Using warm up some massage oil during the massage to help your hands glide over the skin

 

Best Body Massage center in Bahrain

Bahrain is one of the most famous places to visit in the Middle East that attracts people from all over the world. This country is located near the Persian Gulf so there are a lot of seaside resorts with different massage services. 

Tourists may experience many of the most luxurious and unique massage centers in Bahrain. All staff are professionals and internationally licensed with extensive practical experience in this specialization.

There are many kinds of massage therapy such as head massage, full body massage, steam bath, face massage, neck massage,… with the best facilities. Therapists are cognizant of their efforts in supplying customers with durable pain comfort and are reputable for fulfillment in balancing the healing arts and the technology of massage.

Also visitors can refer to the highly rated massage center in Bahrain such as Manama Massage Center – #1 Body Massage in Bahrain, Juffair.

Manama Massage Center

Book Massage Via Whatsapp: +97336940053

Address: Rd Number 2425, Manama 340, Bahrain

Social 
https://www.facebook.com/manamamassage

 

Hope the above article will be useful to those who want to look for a body massage instruction.