Key Principles

1. Massage can rejuvenate and invigorate body.

2. It can aid in relaxation of tired and aching muscles andpainful and stiff joints.

3. Creates a sense of general well being and comfort.

4. Takes away tension from mind.

5. Lowers the amount of circulating stress hormones.

6. Promotes elimination of chemical wastes from the body,such as lactic acid which is said to lead to pain and stiffnessin joints and muscles.

7. Opens up pores of the skin so as to help in inducingperspiration.

8. Improves mobility and flexibility.

Basic Techniques - Mainly our techniques are employed for massaging viz.:

(i) Stroking (or Effeurage): When hands glide smoothly and rhythmically over the skin, either in a circular or slow fanning motion or alternatively.

(ii) Kneading (or Petrissage): This action is like kneading a dough and hands are used alternatively to squeeze and release flesh rhythmically between the thumbs and fingers,

(iii) Friction: This method is employed for deep penetration, when even pressure is applied from the thumbs to a static point on the spine, or as small circles on the skin.

(iv) Hacking: Hacking is done with hands relaxed and working quickly over the skin. Here the side of the hands deliver alternate short, sharp taps on the body

Vehicle used—Generally light vegetable oils or talcum powder is usually used as a vehicle for massage so that the hands glide

over the skin. One may add essential oil to vegetable massage oil.

-Precautions

• In case of any ailment, consult your doctor beforeembarking upon any non-conventional therapy.

• Do not massage during temperature rises, fractures,swellings, skin infections.

• Do not massage abdomen, legs and feet during first 3months of pregnancy and, even after that, do not massageunless advised by a doctor.

• First get lumps and swellings checked by a doctor.

• Cancer patients may get massage, only if medically advised,from a trained practitioner only.

• Stop blending essential oil with vegetable oil, if any unusualsymptom or discomfort is felt. Better consult a physician.Highly sensitive skins may even react to ordinary vegetableoils.