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There are many different styles of massage. Holistic Massage treats the whole person including mental,
social, emotional and physical factors. It's a gentle way of enabling deep physical and mental
relaxation in a caring atmosphere of warmth and calm. Massage is a partnership between the giver and the receiver. It is not something one person "does to" another, but a shared experience of communicating without words, much like a dance between partners.
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Equipment
You don’t really need much, but essentials are: A firm but soft surface. The floor's OK with enough padding if you don't have a purpose designed massage table. Try sleeping bags (do mind the zip), thick blankets or a foam pad. Working on the floor is more tiring than working at a table, so it’s best to keep floor sessions to around 30 mins. Beds or sprung mattresses are just too yielding for an effective massage & will cause back problems in no time. Linen: a clean sheet to cover your working surface; 2 large bath towels to cover your receiver; pillows, cushions, extra towels for padding - enough both for the receiver who will be lying down, & for the giver, if they're on their knees. Oil in a dispenser - a flip top container which can fit into a pocket is best, but you can get by with using a small bowl. Candles, oil burner, fresh flowers, incense or whatever you choose to create a relaxing atmosphere.
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Environment
Ideally, the temperature should be around 70 degrees, because oiled skin feels the cold more readily, and it’s miserable receiving a massage when you are feeling cold. It goes without saying that there should be no interruptions. The lighting needs to be low enough to be relaxing, but bright enough for the giver to see what they are doing. If you have to massage directly under lighting, it’s a good idea to provide eye pads for the receiver.
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Music Basically, this is the receiver’s choice, respecting the taste of the giver. It’s tough giving a
massage to music or noises you really don’t like ! Some people like natural sounds (waves, birds and
so on), others prefer ambient or gentle classical music. Indian classical ragas work well for some
people, whilst others prefer silence. New World Music have a good mail order service for CDs and
cassettes. You can visit them here & listen to some of their stuff.
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 Oils
Use vegetable oils rather than lanolin or mineral oils like baby oil. Mineral oils don’t
have the same skin nourishing properties as plant oils. They may destroy some vitamins. Skin
absorbs small amounts of any oil, so it makes sense to use something nourishing. Many vegetarians, vegans
& others prefer not to use animal products like lanolin oils, which can anyway be too sticky.
Almond oil or sunflower oil are effective & economical.
As a last resort, or where the receiver has very hairy skin, you can use talcum powder, but be prepared
to reapply frequently.
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Clothing
Givers need loose, comfortable clothing, minding that it doesn't brush the receiver’s skin
during the massage. Givers will probably become warm, so short or no sleeves is best.
Trousers or shorts rather than skirts. A pocket is handy for the oil
container. Bare feet are best. Oil massage is nicest received unclothed, but it's most important
that the receiver feels comfortable, so don’t make an issue of it if they prefer to wear a
swimming costume or underwear.
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Before you start
Check that your nails are clean & well trimmed, you have both removed any jewellery that might get
in the way, & that long hair is tied back.
Wash your hands to remove any traces of grit or stickiness.
Ask your receiver to remove contact lenses if worn.
Have some water or juice ready to drink afterwards.
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Next basic massage techniques Return to massage index |
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