Stop Stress with Stress Relief Massage

Massage is one of the oldest natural therapies. Stress relief massage utilizes strokes that can calm nerves and relax muscles. It is often used together with aromatherapy to provide a person maximum therapeutic benefits.

In stress relief massage, the masseur uses a lotion or oil to lubricate hands so that they will glide smoothly across the person’s skin. Being in a comfortable and peaceful surrounding contributes to the effectiveness of stress relief massage as well as the expertise of the masseur.

While spas and professional massage are very popular today, stress relief massage can be easily done at home. You can massage your arms, legs and shoulder but generally it is best to ask your partner, friend or a family member to give you a massage.

Here are instructions on the basic strokes for stress relief massage to be used by the person giving the massage:

Effleurage is usually the first stroke used in giving a massage. It is very gentle and helps spread the massage oil across the skin. Effleurage is ideal for stress relief massage as well as fort relieving muscle soreness. To do effleurage, relax your hands and hold them side by side with your fingers together. Then, glide your hands towards the head along the entire length of the muscles. Your fingers and palm should be touching the person’s skin but use only your fingertips for a gentler return stoke.

Follow effleurage with a kneading stroke known as petrissage. This stroke is best for stress relief massage for the back, buttocks, legs and upper chest. With outstretched fingers, place the heels of your hands in the center of the area that you will be massaging. Then, using the heel of each hand, push in turn and press hard. Be careful not to hurt the person.

Lastly, use friction massage to different points in the body, especially the back where muscles are often stiff. Do not press directly on the person’s spine. Your hands should move in a downward and circular motion.

To apply this stroke, use the pad of the thumb or index finger to press the target point slowly and then apply more pressure gradually. Slightly rotate for 10 seconds and then slowly release pressure. Repeat this process once or twice. Afterwards, use effleurage to soothe muscles.

Take note of basic rules in giving a stress relief massage such as using slower gentle stokes and deep short stokes to relax a person. As a precaution, remember that massage in general is not recommended if the person to be massaged has a fever, had alcohol during the day or just finished a meal