MM Chapter 10: Foundation Skills for Therapeutic Massage

An auditory cue, such as the ringing of a chime, can be used to signal the beginning and end of the massage session. This opening might be paired with resting and holding strokes, an aromatherapy inhalation (described in Chapter 15), or a breathing exercise.  This form of massage opening and closing creates a sense of […]

Breathwork in massage is an important skill. A breathing exercise such as the diaphragmatic breathing technique described in Technique 14, the pursed-lipped breathing technique described in Technique 15, or simply asking the client to take three deep breaths can help clients drop into their body, center themselves energetically, and consciously release unnecessary muscle tension. Using

In resting and holding strokes, the hands are placed, without lubricant, on the client with the intent to greet the client and allow time to become accustomed to the unfamiliar touch. You might match your inhalations and exhalations to those of the client during a resting stroke, to feel in sync with the client’s rhythms.

Technique 11: Draping While Moving the Client Between the Supine and Prone Positions Remove any bolsters, and place the client’s arms under the sheet. Pull the sheeting up to the neck so that there is extra drape at the top of the table. Make the sheet into a tent, and anchor the side of the

Legs. To undrape the legs, gather the sheet between the legs and pass the sheet between the legs. Legs. Circle the remainder of the sheet over the pelvis to ensure the gluteals are covered. A towel can be placed over the pelvic area for extra protection. Back. To undrape the back, ensure that the top

Anterior Pelvic Drape. An anterior pelvic drape is used when a spa product is applied to the body or during certain types of massage. After the breast drape is in place, continue to pull the main drape down until the abdomen is uncovered. Next, align the fold of the main drape with the bottom edge

Posterior Leg. To expose the posterior leg, move the bulk of the towel out of the way and undrape the leg, placing the sheet between the legs. Next, lift the leg with your hand directly above the knee, and pull the sheet under the leg. Posterior Leg. The client can grasp the edge of the

Posterior Leg. To undrape the posterior leg using a simple drape, gather the drape at the greater trochanter and at the ankle. Then, fold the bottom end of the drape at an angle across the opposite leg while holding the drape at the greater trochanter as a pivot point. Posterior Leg. With your lower hand,