THESIS: SWEDISH MASSAGE

Centro de Belleza Venus

Thesis of Grade presented by:

Elva Amparo Velásquez Godoy

As a Requisite to obteining title in:

Técnica en Masoterapia y cosmetología

Envigado

July 8

2009
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pág.
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................5
1.1 RESUME................................................................................................6
1.2 HISTORY OF SWEDISH MASSAGE.....................................................7
1.3 PRE-REQUISITE FOR MASSAGE........................................................8
1.4 YOUR HANDS........................................................................................8
1.5 WHERE TO PRACTICE MASSAGE?....................................................8
1.6 COMFORT.............................................................................................9
1.7 OILS.......................................................................................................9
1.8 HOW TO CARRY OUT A MASSAGE?.................................................10
1.9 THE PHASES OF A MASSAGE..........................................................11
1.10 CONTRA-INDICATIONS......................................................................12
1.10.1 GENERAL MASSAGE...........................................................12
1.10.2 LOCAL MASSAGE.................................................................12
1.10.3 DEEP ABDOMINAL MASSAGE.............................................13

2. MASSAGE OF THE BACK..............................................................................14

2.1 Broad Effleurage of the back................................................................14
2.2 Hand plane...........................................................................................15
2.3 Lumbar transversal Petrissage............................................................16
2.4 Effleurage of the trapezius...................................................................17
2.5 Petrissage of the neck..........................................................................18
2.6 Transversal petrissage of the upper trapezius.....................................19
2.7 Thumbs at transverse processes........................................................20

3. MASSAGE OF THE LIMB – POSTERIOR SURFACE....................................21

3.1 Effleurage of the thigh...........................................................................21
3.2 Effleurage of the buttocks.....................................................................22
3.3 Effleurage of the calf.............................................................................23
3.4 Transversal petrissage of the thigh.......................................................24
3.5 Transversal petrissage of the calf.........................................................25
3.6 Corkscrew of the calf............................................................................26
3.7 Effleurage of the plantar surface of the foot..........................................27

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 3.8 Transversal petrissage of the plantar surface.......................................28
3.9 Reversed effleu-Petrissage...................................................................29
3.10 Final drainage of the lower limb............................................................30

4. MASSAGE OF THE LOWER LIMB – ANTERIOR FACE................................31

4.1 Effleurage of the thigh...........................................................................31

4.2 Effleurage of the leg..............................................................................32
4.3 Transversal Petrissage of the thigh.......................................................33
4.4 Petrissage of the lateral ligaments of the knee.....................................34
4.5 Contour of the malleoli..........................................................................35
4.6 Final draining of the lower limb.............................................................36

5. MASSAGE OF THE ABDOMEN.....................................................................37

5.1 Circular effleurage of the abdomen.......................................................37
5.2 Transversal Petrissage of the abdomen................................................38

6. MASSAGE OF THE UPPER LIMB.................................................................39

6.1 3 step petrissage of the biceps..............................................................39
6.2 3 step petrissage of the triceps.............................................................40
6.3 Effleu-petrissage of the hand extensors................................................41
6.4 Effleu-petrissage of the hand flexors.....................................................42
6.5 Global Effleurage of the hand................................................................43
6.6 Interlocked hands..................................................................................44

7. MASSAGE OF THE NECK............................................................................45

7.1 Effleurage of the pectorals, deltoids and neck with head raised...........45

8. MASSAGE OF THE HEAD............................................................................47

8.1 Effleurage of the forehead.....................................................................47
8.2 Thumbs the eyebrows...........................................................................48
8.3 Transversal Petrissage of the forehead................................................49
8.4 Petrissage of the temples......................................................................50
8.5 Drainage of the forehead.......................................................................51
8.6 The 3 pressures....................................................................................52

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9. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS OF MANEUVER SEQUENCE WITH A
SPECIFIC GOAL RATHER THAN GLOBAL........................................................53

10. VOCABULARY.............................................................................................55

11. BIBLIOGRAPHY...........................................................................................56

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 1. INTRODUCTION

Doing Massage is not a task anyone. Through massage we can learn where you
can store tensions from one person to another. These tensions are the result of
conflicts, stress, fatigue, poor posture, etc. With the help of massage, these
tensions can be reducted and then eliminated.

The swedish massage is a sumation of many massage techniques combinated

disorder, ie, a multitude of variations in terms of techniques, each with it’s specific
caracteristics.

This technique, developed around 1830 and popularized rapidly around the
world, has served as a basis for developing a wide range of techniques derived
from Swedish massage, but who nevertheless continues to be practiced in a
Orthodox way as devised Henrik Ling.

Specifically, the Swedish massage is the application of massage (soft or hard) in

all areas of the body always going against the direction of circulation. The
movements are focused on improving blood circulation, and they are all counter-
circulation to enhance cardiovascular activity and the heart work better.

Following describes the process of realization of the Swedish massage, the

benefits, and must practice, contraindications, etc.

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 1.1 RESUME

The Swedish massage is the combination of various massage techniques. Close

attention is necessary for their development and be in complete calm, the hands
must be relaxed. Practice firm massage on a stretcher in a room with an average
temperature and properly lighted, use good quality oils, taking into account the
composition and essence, heat the oil in your palm and apply gently on the skin.
Before starting the massage accommodate either the person, then apply the oil
to perform the massage, and when let down. Not to do massage for people with
skin diseases, injuries and burns.

It massages the back, in the lower limbs at the top and bottom, in the abdomen,
upper limbs, the neck and head, with each movement Effleurage and Petrissage
each body part with an approximate length for 60 minutes in a full massage.

Swedish massage improves circulation and stimulates skin tissue, to get deep
muscle relaxation. Improved muscle tensions and stress arising from the
contraction, the body will feel freed from the daily pressures and create a sense
of calm in the patient.

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 1.2 HISTORY OF SWEDING MASSAGE

For thousands of years have used some forms of massage or put your hands on
a body to calm and heal the person that was not good. For physicians of ancient
Greece and Rome, the massage was one of the principal means of healing and
pain relief. In the V century BC, Hippocrates, the father of medicine ", wrote:" The
physician must be experienced in many things, but especially in rubbing ...
rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a union that is too rigid."

During the Middle Ages in Europe, little was heard about the massage, in part
due to disregard for bodily pleasures. But this changed in the sixteenth century,
mainly due to the strong influence of the work of the French physician Ambroise
Paré. Later, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, a Swedish called Per
Henrik Ling developed what we now know as the Swedish massage (or relaxing),
extract their knowledge about fitness and physiology of the techniques of
Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

In 1813 the first university to offer massage as part of the curriculum was to
Stockholm and henceforth began to be instituted, as included spa treatments and
expanded to all parts of the continent. People too often tend to be afraid to touch
each other. Yet, increasingly, research is testing the effectiveness of the special
touch, and touch is the basis of massage. It is shown that the simple act of
massage improves the mood of patients, speeding up its recovery.

But the massage, as you discovered in your practice is not only a physical
activity. Contains a lot of psychology. Understanding of the person in your hands
is with empathy. For this, a good massage therapist should feel internally: "I'm
here to help." A major advantage is that the massage is as enjoyable to give and
receive. It has been scientifically proven that a slight rub pet of the house has an
effect that relaxes and low blood pressure. Massage to the people, has the same
effect.

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1.3 PRE-REQUISITE FOR MASSAGE

Massage is a type of exchange particularly pleasant and beneficial. It requires

particular attention in its execution. Do not massage just anybody nor at any time!
When you massage someone, be sure to be in calm state. Allow yourself some
time to breathe in deeply. It is through your hands that you become a distributor
of well being.

1.4 YOUR HANDS

Some authors define massage as being “an act of love where the hands marries
the body”. Many people have hands that are continually contracted. To get to
know your hands and to let them “speak” and discover their incredible
intelligence, it is necessary to give them time and experience. Relax your hands.
Keep your fingernails short and well filed.

1.5 WHERE TO PRACTICE MASSAGE?

Especially not on a bed! It is always too soft. A massage given on the floor on an
exercise mat or on blankets will be efficient. However, it may not look very
professional.
Buy or build a table adjusted to your height and physical characteristics. While
standing upright beside your table with your arm along your body and hand in a
fist, the fist should be at the same level as the top of the table. Thus, it will be
easier to move around your partner.

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1.6 COMFORT

The temperature of the room should be aproximately 22 ~C. The lighting should
be at an intensity and direction that places the person being massaged at ease.
Cover the person well and only uncover the portion or segment of the body that
will be worked on. Depending on your taste or your partner’s, you may choose to
play music that will encourage relaxation.

1.7 OILS

A wide variety of massage oils are available on the market. However, here are a
few pointers to ensure the oil id a good quality:
1. COMPOSITION: first pressed vegetable oil (almond, sunflower) can be
either slightly or greatly permeable
2. SCENTED: with pure essential oils. No artifitial fragances.
3. ESSENTIAL OILS: not less than 5% and up to a maximum of 10%.

N.B.: Some essentials oils can provoke burning or allergic reactions. For
sensitive skin, it is strongly recommended to apply a small amount of oil on a
small surface and to wait a few minutes to see if the skin reacts. In the case of
reaction, choose another essential oil.
On the market, there are several types of oils that have different effects. Be
guided by your sense of smell. An oil labeled as “relaxing” may not have effect if
the scent is not pleasing to you.
The well-known oils have the followings characteristics:
 Relaxing
 Stimulating
 Warming
 Scented

Choose according to the sought after effect and olfatory preference.

IMPORTANT:NEVER use mineral oil for a massage. It is toxic and clogs the
skin’s pores.

1.8 HOW TO CARRY OUT A MASSAGE?

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Wash your hands. Warm them by rubbing together or to a source of heat.

NEVER pour the oil directly to the body. The sensation is very unpleasant and
denotes a lack of professionalisim. Pour some into the palm, warm it, and then
apply it gently to the skin on the area to be massaged. DO NOT use too much oil.
The oil should not visible on the skin. However, on hairier parts of the body, it is
necessary to apply more oil.

Focus yourself before beginning the massage. Establish a sympathetic bond with
the person to be massaged.
As soon as contact is established, it is important not break this contact
throughout the whole massage even when you need more oil. For example, you
may keep contact with your forearm or elbow.
Your hands do not massage alone. Use your bodyweight. But mostly, all your
movements should be flowing, rhythmic, regular and precise. Your hands are the
continuation of the movement of your body.

Monitor your body’s position throughout the massage. Keep your comfort in mind.
Do not tire yourself unnecessarily. Whether while sitting or standing, keep your
back straight at all times when possible.
Execute the movements continuously. Do not modify the rhythm. Increast your
pressure during the same maneuver except if there is pain.

Be attentive of the body’s reactions. If you perceive muscle tension, insist

gradually on this zone. When a part of the body needs to be moved, you must do
it yourself without the intervention of the person being massaged.
Speak as little as possible in order to avoid distraction. The person being
massaged should be totally immersed in the sensations of being touched.
However, feedback can be useful in orienting your massage.

1.9 THE PHASES OF A MASSAGE

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  Part installation with cushions required based on physical characteristics.
a) When your partner is on the back:
- Under the head
- Under the knees
b) When your partner is on the stomach:
- Under the stomach
- Under the ankles

N.B.: Cover the person well and keep them warm.

 Application of preheated oil.
 Carry out the massage without losing contact.
 When the massage is finished, cover the person with a warm blanket and
leave the person to rest and relax.

1.10 CONTRA-INDICATIONS

1.10.1 GENERAL MASSAGE

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 a) Specific infectious illness (ex.: fever, measles, anything that is is
contagious).
b) Contagious illnesses of the skin (ex.: impetigo, shingles, syphilis).
c) Body temperature above 99~F.
d) Serious illness requiered complete rest (ex.: monocleosis).
e) Atherosclerosis (some massage maneuvers increast the blood pressure
that can further damage the vessel walls).
f) Severe nervous illness (all stimulation can aggravate the condition. Ex.:
hysteria).
g) Hemophiliac condition.

1.10.2 LOCAL MASSAGE

a) Some cases of skin lesions causing pain and inflammation (ex.: exzema,
shingles).
b) In the vecinity of skin infection that would have tendency to spread (ex.:
nail, boil, infected injury).
c) Area of acute inflammation, especially if it is a bacterial infection (ex.:
acute inflammatory arthritis, active tuberculosis).
d) Injury or recent burn.
e) Recent thrombosis, phlebitis and serious varicosity.
f) Tumor, cancer.
g) Certain part of the body where the skin is fragile should not be
massaged. This also applies to parts where sub-cutaneous vascular,
nervous, lymphatic or glandular network cross. (A massage in these
areas could show signs of pathological phenomema, areas much as:
popliteal fould, scarpa triangle, crool of the arm, armpit, mamary glands
(female), vasicose veing pooling, growing cartilage in children, elbow fold
in children, center of a fracture).
h) Athlete’s foot.
i) Phanthar’s wart.

1.10.3 DEEP ABDOMINAL MASSAGE

a) Pregnant Woman (first trimester).

b) IUD.
c) Menses.
d) Diarrhea.
e) Hypertension.
f) Cardiac problems.
g) Crohn’s disease.

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2. MASSAGE OF THE BACK

2.1 Broad Effleurage of the back

Essential points:
a) Beginning at the sacrum
(triangular bone at the
base of the back).

b) Hands are parallel hand

to the lumbar level.

c) Light and uniform

pressure, hands are
relaxed.

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 d) Relax your partner.

e) Hands are placed in an arrow

towards the head.

f) Mold your hands to the back.

g) At the base of the neck, pivot

the hands.

h) Contour the shoulders.

i) Without pressure and without

losing contact return laterally to
the lumbar area.

2.2 Hand plane

Essential points:

a) Index and major fingers

apply a pressure on
either side of the spine.
Star maneuver from the
sacrum as in maneuver
#1.

b) Insist with the fingertips

(like a claw).

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 c) The underneath
hand is relaxed.

d) The hand on top

applies a pressure

e) Movement
upwards (to the
head).

f) Stop at base of
the neck.

g) Return following
the same
trajectory and
rhythm as the
upward maneuver

2.3 Lumbar transversal Petrissage

Essential points:

a) Start: hands opposite to each other.

b) Avoid pressure on the floating ribs.

c) Good contact with fingers (especially thumbs).

d) Thumbs can be opened or closed.

e) Do not to forget the 3 components of petrissage

 Compression

 Lift

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  Torsion

f) Massage from the floating ribs to the pelvic bones.

2.4 Effleurage of the trapezius

Essential points:

a) Start from the middle of

the back (last ribs).

b) Full contact with hands

on either side of the
vertebral column,
(arrow towards the
head).

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 c) Thumbs continue up until
the base of the hair
(occiput).

d) Hands move towards the

shoulders.

e) Contour the neck.

f) Hands cover the shoulders.

g) Return in the middle

while compressing the
muscle masses
vertebral column (on
the inside of the
scapulae).

h) Return to the staring

position.

2.5 Petrissage of the neck

Essential points:

a) A foot hand is placed

between the person’s
scapulae.

b) Head hand is placed on

the trapezius to be
massaged.

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 c) First movement: head
hand contours the
trapezius and the neck
in the order to reach the
occiput (in then let’s
go).

d) The foot hand begins to contours

the neck towards the occiput and
returns in the same manner
without pressure.

e) Repeat.

N.B.:the maneuver begins with the

head hand. The foot hand never
losses contact. Pay attention to the
fingers at the throat.

2.6 Transversal petrissage of the upper trapezius

Essential points:

a) Transversal torsion-pressure

b) Opposing thumbs

c) Alternating hands

d) Always the 3 components of Petrissage

e) After 3 or 4 maneuvers, the thumb of the external hand follows the

trapezius being worked on up to the occiput.

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2.7 Thumbs at transverse processes

Essential points:

a) Thumb pressure on either side of the vertebral column begins at the base
of the neck.

b) Hands are parallel to eich other.

c) Descend as slowly as possible towards the sacrum.

d) Hands open to take hold of the waist and pull upwards.

e) The hands pass in between the scapulae and come around to push the
shoulders towards the feet.

f) Contour the shoulder and end at the occiput.

19
g) Replace the thumb into starting position (one at a time to avoid loss of
contact).

N.B.: End the back massage with a final effleurage. The only change in this
maneuver is a pressure, which should be lighter.

3. MASSAGE OF THE LIMB – POSTERIOR SURFACE

3.1 Effleurage of the thigh

Essential points:

a) Hands at the popliteal

fold (behind the knee)
avoid too much pressure
in this area.

b) The external hand

begins movement

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c) The pinky fingers leas the maneuver (upwards)

d) Internal and external hands go up to the buttocks

e) The return of the external

hand is along the external
edge of the thigh and the
internal hand along the
internal edge of the thigh

f) One hand at the time

executes the effleurage
(external hand is at the top
and internal at the bottom and
vise versa)

g) Release the pressure when the hand is in the return mode.

3.2 Effleurage of the buttocks

Essential points:

a) Start: external hand

is placed at the
buttock fold

b) Circular movement
towards the exterior

21
c) The external hand moves laterally

d) The internal hand is placed perpendicular and follows the buttock fold.

e) The internal hand

returns by crossing over
the other hand

f) Always keep contact

g) Follow along the exterior

of the thigh

h) One hand executes the

effleurage at the time

i) External hand is a the top, internal hand is at the bottom and vise versa

j) Release the pressure when the hand is in the return mode

3.3 Effleurage of the calf

Essential points:

a) Start: Both hand are at the

Achilles tendon, the
external hand begins the
maneuver and internal
hand follows once the
former reaches the
popliteal fold.

b) Stop under the back of

the knee (popliteal
fold).

22
c) Same maneuver
as the effleurage of
the thigh

3.4 Transversal petrissage of the thigh

Essential points:

a) Start: opposing hands, thumbs open

b) Massage the superior portion above the back of the knee up to the
buttock fold (back and forth)

c) Do not forget the 3 components of the petrissage

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N.B.: Pay attention not to pinch the skin between the towel and fingers.
Bring the hands in on an angle.

3.5 Transversal Petrissage of the calf

Essential points:

a) Same maneuver as the previous one with the same components (lift,
compression, torsion)

b) Start from the Achilles tendon with a sliding of the thumbs and fingers on
the calf

c) Stop just under the popliteal fold

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3.6 Corkscrew of the calf

Essential points:

a) Start with thumbs at

the Achilles tendon

b) Lift the muscle mass

with the index fingers

25
c) Light pressure with the thumbs on the tendon

d) Circular movements with the fingertips

e) Thumb stay together

f) Separate the calf muscule

g) Do not apply pressure behind the knee

h) Open hands and return laterally without pressure

3.7 Effleurage of the plantar surface of the foot

N.B.: 2 possible positions to work the plantar surface:

1. At the end of the table in a standing position

2. Seated on the table with person’s foot on your thigh (place a towel
between your thigh and the person’s foot)

Essential points:

a) Start by anesthetizing the plantar nerve endings with a firm pressure of

the palm

b) Start, fingertips at the base of the toes

26
c) Avoid a contact that is too light

d) Move the palm towards the heel

e) Encircle the ankle and heel with the fingers

f) Following the same trajectory on the return to starting position, do not

loose contact with the palm

3.8 Transversal petrissage of the plantar surface

Essential points:

a) Thumbs open

b) Stretch the foot firmly

c) Give good support

with fingers

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 d) The movement is
alternately crossing
the thumbs

e) Pay attention to the

speed of the
massage

f) From the base of

the toes up to the
base of the heel

g) Back to forth

N.B.: Do not forget the breathe and loosen your shoulders

3.9 Reversed effleu-Petrissage

Essential points:

a) Start above the ankle

b) Light traction of the ankle

c) Light torsion of the foot

d) Firm contact with the thumbs pressure on the foot

e) Movement is towards the toes

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f) Wipe all excess oil

g) The thumbs should pass over the plantar side of the foot

3.10 Final drainage of the lower limb

Essential points:

a) Hands at the Achilles tendon

(external hand in front)

b) Continuous movement

c) Uniform pressure

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 d) Release the pressure
behind the knee

e) Open hands, take hold

of the whole thigh

f) End with contouring

the buttocks

g) Return without losing

contact

N.B.: End the massage of

the leg a final effleurage of
the calf and thigh pressure

4. MASSAGE OF THE LOWER LIMB – ANTERIOR FACE

4.1 Effleurage of the thigh

Essential points:

a) Start above the kneecap

with the pinky leading

b) External hands goes first

c) The pinky moves upwards

d) On hand at the top, the

other above the knee

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e) Hands meet the center of the thigh

f) Each hands stops at pelvic bone

g) Release pressure on the return

N.B.: Avoid direct pressure kneecap

4.2 Effleurage of the leg

Essential points:

a) Start above the

ankle

b) External hand at
the ankle

c) Internal hand
below

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 d) Minimal pressure on the
shin (hands are cupped)
more pressure at the
fingertips than at the palm

e) Towards to the inferior

portion of the kneecap

f) One hand at the

time

g) Release
pressure on the
return

4.3 Transversal Petrissage of the thigh

Essential points:

a) Massage above the kneecap up to the pelvic bone

b) Hands in opposition, thumbs oponed

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c) The 3 components of petrissage

d) Explore the depth

4.4 Petrissage of the lateral ligaments of the knee

Essential points:

a) Start with fingertips and tips of thumbs

b) Movement is like a “U” shape

c) Alternating top and bottom of kneecap

d) Try to avoid direct pressure on the kneecap

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4.5 Contour of the malleoli

Essential points:

a) Thumbs together on the top of the ankle

b) Circular movement with the other fingers around the malleoli

c) Take support with the thumbs of the ligaments and tendons and slide
them following the circular movement of the other fingers

d) Execute a light traction at the end of the maneuver by pulling towards

yourself

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N.B.: Avoid the maneuver on pregnant women. The acupuncture points in
this area will set off uterine contractions.

4.6 Final draining of the lower limb

Essential points:

a) Start: hand in a ring like

hold at the ankle (external
hand in front)

b) Continuous movement

c) Avoid direct pressure

on the shin by keeping
it more lateral

d) Release the pressure

at the kneecap

e) Mold the hands around

the thigh, uniform
pressure and depth

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 f) The maneuver ends at
the iliac bone (pelvis)
when the internal hand
joins the external hand

g) Return following the

same trajectory without
pressure

5. MASSAGE OF THE ABDOMEN

5.1 Circular effleurage of the abdomen

Essential points:

a) Right hand initiates the

movement

b) Left hand is placed in a waiting

mode on the side

c) Circular movements (clockwise)

d) When the right hand is

in the opposite side,
the left hand starts by
following the same
trajectory

36
e) The left hand lets go and lets the right hand finish the maneuver

f) Repeat

N.B.: Place yourself to the right of the person in order to respect the
orientation of the large intestine.

5.2 Transversal Petrissage of the abdomen

Essential points:

a) Start: hands in opposition

b) Avoid pressure on the

floating ribs

c) Thumbs can be closed

or opened

d) Reference to lumbar
transversal Petrissage

37
N.B.: Always keep visual contact with the person. The person may have
reactions and you need to be ready to react accordingly

6. MASSAGE OF THE UPPER LIMB

6.1 3 step petrissage of the biceps

Essential points:

a) Hold the forearm with the internal

hand

b) The person’s palm should be face

up

c) With external hands start at the

fleshy part of the upper arm

d) Take the muscle in a

pincer hold and in a
lifting motion move 3
times progressively
towards the shoulder

38
e) End the maneuver by contouring the shoulder from front to back

N.B.: Avoid direct

pressure in the arm fold.

6.2 3 step petrissage of the triceps

Essential points:

a) Take a cradle hold of the

forearm

b) Start at the bony

part of the elbow
(olecranon)

39
c) Same movement as
the previous maneuver

d) End the maneuver by

contouring the
shoulder from the back
to front

N.B.: Pay attention to the

contact between the
person’s hand and
yourself.

6.3 Effleu-petrissage of the hand extensors

Essential points:

a) Take hold of the

wrist, palm facing
down

b) The thumb of the

massaging hand
should correspond of
the orientation of the
person’s thumb

40
c) Encircle the forearm downwards towards the elbow

d) Before the elbow fold, execute an internal rotation (petrissage

component)

e) Return to starting position without pressure

6.4 Effleu-petrissage of the hand flexors

Essential points:

a) Take hold of the

forearm with the
palm facing up

b) Change massaging hand (same trick as for the extensors)

c) Encircle the forearm downwards towards the elbow

d) Before the elbow fold, execute an external rotation

e) Return to starting position without pressure

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N.B.: Check to see if the person lets go of their arm.

6.5 Global Effleurage of the hand

Essential points:

a) Take hold of
the person’s
hand in both
hands

b) With fingertips
scrape the palmar
surface

42
c) With your palms exert a pressure that will open and stretch the palmar
surface

d) From the wrist to the junction between the fingers and palm (the scraping
action)

6.6 Interlocked hands

Essential points:

a) Place a support
cushion under
the back of the
person’s hand

b) Interlock the
hand, the major
finger should be
free (your pinkies
on either side of
the major finger)

c) The thumbs should

come to rest on the
eminences of the
thumb and pinky and
exert a pressure

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 d) A pressure that lasts 10 to 15 seconds, repeat 3 – 4 times for each hand

N.B.: for the hand, it is possible to apply the same maneuvers as seen on
the foot: longitudinal petrissage of the palmar surface, transversal petrissage
of the palmar surface and corkscrew of the fingers.

7. MASSAGE OF THE NECK

7.1 Effleurage of the pectorals, deltoids and neck with head raised

Essential points:

a) Start: the hands are above

the clavicles, fingers towards
the sternum

b) Open along the clavicles

towards the shoulders

c) Contours the shoulders,

pivot the hands

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d) One hand at time follow
the neck to the base of
the hairline

e) Possibility to remove
the hands from under
the head without lifting
it

f) Lift the head (without

exaggerating!) at
each pass. You may
execute several
passes before
repeating the
maneuver.

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 N.B.: The head is a fragile segment. We treat it accordingly. The person
should be able to imagine that your hands are a pillow. The person should try
let go as much as possible.

8. MASSAGE OF THE HEAD

8.1 Effleurage of the forehead

Essential points:

a) Start: hands are superimposed on the forehead

b) One hand on the side and the other begins the movement

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c) Once the movement is completed, the hand that was on the side begins
the predicting movement

d) Pay attention no to rock the head

N.B.: Take the time required to take contact with the person before starting
massage. Breathe normally.

8.2 Thumbs the eyebrows

Essential points:

a) Thumbs together between

the eyebrows

b) Good support of the head

c) Uniform thumbs pressure

d) Move the thumbs in

alternating directions
towards the temples

e) Reposition one thumb

at the time

f) Repeat the maneuver

between the
eyebrows and hairline

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8.3 Transversal Petrissage of the forehead

Essential points:

a) Take a good hold of the head

b) The humbs cover the surface of the forehead from one side to the other
(like knitting)

c) Do not pass over the eyebrows

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N.B.: At the eyebrow level there is a nerve (trigeminal).
Try to avoid and accentuated contact in this area. The stimulation may cause
a headache. Therefore abstain!

8.4 Petrissage of the temples

Essential points:

a) Thumbs on temples (adapted pressure)

b) Slow clockwise rotations

c) Reassuring contact

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8.5 Drainage of the forehead

Essential points:

a) Fingertip contact in
the center of the
forehead (hands
together)

b) Mold the hands to the

head while descending
like a drop of water
would descend

c) The movement is slow

and deep

d) Finish with palms at

temples

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e) Return one hand at the time to the center of the forehead

8.6 The 3 pressures

Essential points:

a) Superimposed hands

b) 1st pressure lasts for 10 seconds (about)

c) 2nd pressure (idem)

d) 3rd pressure, hold it for a longer period (20 to 30 sec)

e) As slow as possible release release the pressure and remove hands

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9. HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS OF MANEUVER SEQUENCE WITH A
SPECIFIC GOAL RATHER THAN GLOBAL

Massage #1: back, legs, abdomen, neck and head (60 minutes)

20 minutes -back
15 minutes -legs, posterior surface
10 minutes -legs, anterior surface
5 minutes -abdomen
10 minutes -neck and head

Repeat 5 to 6 times each of the maneuvers at an average to slow speed.

Ideal for: -back pain;

-leg pain;
-fatigue and heaviness of legs.

Massage #2: back, arm, neck and head (60 minutes)

30 minutes -back
15 minutes -arm
15 minutes -neck and head

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Repeat 7 to 8 times each of the maneuvers at a slow speed.

Ideal for: -neck pain;

-headaches;
-arm pain.

Massage #3: legs, abdomen, neck, and head (60 minutes)

25 minutes -legs, posterior surface

15 minutes -legs, anterior surface
10 minutes -abdomen
15 minutes -neck and head

Repeat 5 to 6 times each of the maneuvers at a slow speed

Ideal for: -back pain;

-leg pain;
-fatigue and heaviness of legs.

Massage #4 complete (60 minutes)

15 minutes -back
15 minutes -legs, posterior surface
10 minutes -legs, anterior surface
5 minutes -abdomen
10 minutes -arm and neck
5 minutes - head

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 Repeat 3 to 4 times each of the maneuver at a moderate speed.

10. VOCABULARY

Effleurage: These movements are along the direction of the heart. They help
soothe the body, warm and relax muscles. It also helps distribute the oil in the
body for movement. With this move the person receiving the massage is familiar
with the "touch" massage.

Petrissage: These movements are similar to that of kneading (like when making
cakes or pies). This increases circulation and deeply relaxing.

Occiput: It is the scientific name for the back and bottom portion of the head, ie,
part of the head where it joins the vertebrae of the neck.

Malleoli: Each of the outgoing of the ankle bone.

Olecranon: Where to fit the movements of the forearm.

Deltoids: Muscles of the shoulder. Takes the form of a semiconductor gap, which
surrounds the shoulder joint and connects the shoulder girdle to the diaphysis
numeral.

Trigeminal nerve: Cranial nerve is the most important of the face and biggest
ever, also called the fifth cranial nerve, so named because it is 3 or budding
divisions: ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve and mandibular nerve.

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11. BIBLIOGRAPHY

 INSTITUTE KINÉ-CONCEPT. Enseignement et recherche en

massothérapie. Swedish Massage Techniques. 1998
 MASSAGE HISTORY, on line:
http://217.76.137.242/enzo/espanol/Massage%20History.htm
 MASAJE SUECO, on line: http://www.lindisima.com/spa/spahome.htm
 EL MASAJE SUECO CARACTERÍSTICAS Y PROPIEDADES, on line:
http://www.otramedicina.com/2009/01/14/el-masaje-sueco-caracteristicas-
y-propiedades/

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