There are many different techniques you can use when giving a massage. Or better yet, let your partner use them.
No idea where to start? We explain four massage techniques.
1. Effleurage
With this technique you apply the massage oil to the body and you start the blood circulation. Slowly make a smooth and long movement with both hands, following the curves of the body. You don't have to put a lot of pressure; with effleurage a light pressure is sufficient.
2. petrissage The petrissage is a massage technique in which you apply pressure to tissues and muscles. You perform the petrissage with the palm of your hand and your fingers. Your hand should follow the shape of the body, applying gentle pressure to the muscles by kneading, twisting and rolling. You always give the movements in a fixed rhythm.
3. Tappotement
This massage technique is mainly given in Swedish massage. A tapotement consists of chopping, bowling and picking. Heels are probably the best-known form, where you drum with the sides of your hands behind the back. With bowls, you make a kind of bowl out of your hands, and place the bowl firmly on your back. Picking gently lifts the skin and then releases it. Make sure you don't apply these techniques to the same place for too long, otherwise bruising can occur and that is of course anything but relaxing.
4. Vibrate
In this technique you make short and quick movements on the skin with your palms. The purpose of this is that the muscles move back and forth without pushing too hard. These techniques especially help people with stomach complaints. Massaging your abdomen can reduce blockages and improve your bowel function.
Read also our crash course on massage.
