Photo: Tara Angkor Hotel / Flickr

Massage does more than relieve aching muscles. Research shows that it also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, unlocks repressed emotions, increases energy, relieves pain and strengthens the immune system. Consider how your body feels as you read this. Are your neck and shoulders tense? Is your breathing shallow because of a tight diaphragm? If so, consider seeing a professional masseur or ask your partner to massage you. Read on to find out what makes for a good basic massage.

Basic massage tips

A good back of the body massage requires a minimum of half an hour plus resting time. A full body massage would need an hour but this would depend on who is giving the massage. An inexperienced person might not be able to massage for all that long due to aching hands, for example.

The room should be warm and the person being massaged should lie unclothed on a firm mattress. Towels can be used to cover areas of the body that are not being worked on. A base oil like almond oil can be used together with an essential oil like lavender. The oil should be at body temperature and the person giving the massage should use just enough to lubricate the skin.

What makes for a good massage is when the masseur is in a giving frame of mind. The masseur should have warm hands, short nails and be free of rings. One hand should be kept on the body at all times and firm massage strokes can be applied in the direction of the heart. The masseur should understand the basic techniques of stroking, pummeling, knuckling and kneading.

When not to massage

If somebody has a serious medical condition, they should refrain from being massaged unless they have the consent of a doctor. Pregnant women should not be exposed to essential oils without consulting a physician.

A lighter stroke must be applied, should the recipient of a massage experience pain. Injuries, breasts and varicose veins should be avoided.

Time factors

If there isn’t much time available, consider a scalp and neck massage, a neck and shoulder massage, a foot massage or a facial. Nothing quite beats a full back or body massage though.

Tags: relaxation, stress relief