The massage bible _ the definitive guide to massage therapy

Application 250 Indian head massage ta kes place sea ted . th rough clothes. First t he upper UJ \\) back is relaxed - w hic h is w here most people store a lo t o f tensio n - beFo re ..: Vl V..:l working over th e neck and head. Th e strokes are Fairly bri sk and vigo ro us. ~ o stimu lating the ner vous system as well as energy po ints a nd channels. ;::5 I Z FOCUS POINTS ;..::; Indian head massage is also known as z champissage. from which the word 'shampoo' is derived. It has been Techniques, The main strokes are practised in famili es in Asia fo r mo re percussion. rotating. rubbing. finger than a tho usand years and fo rms part pressure and sawing. of a grooming and beauty ri tual. Indian head massage helps to relax the Movements, These are vigorous and muscles. improves the circulation energizing. yet sensitive to energy. (particularly to t he scalp. where it can maintaining a good balanced promote healthy hair growth) and posture and using the body weight. promotes lymph flow. It can help to Equipment, You need a seat with a relieve tensio n headaches. sinus low back; a small cushion or towel problems. eyestrain and even jaw for support; and some oil for the problems related to tension. The hair if you choose to use this. massage works o n the three upper Feedback, Check for any health chakras and ca n induce calmness and problems first (particularly any neck mental relaxation . Oil s may (but need problems) and ask your partner for not be) used over t he scalp. and should feedback. because the techniques be left o n the hair fo r several hours are relatively vigorous. afterwards; t hey should o nly be used in Timing, An Indian head massage the last phase o f t he massage. The should take about 30 minutes. posture of the receiver sho uld be upright. but relaxed. and a seat with a low back is ideal.

25 1 > ;\"': n o~ z The beau ty of Indian head massage A traditional Indian head massage is that it can be perfo rmed almost energizes the upper body. relieves tension anywhere and is completed in about and promotes a health y heart. two - thirds t he time o f a full body massage. While it is stimu lating . the especially careful where there are any effect is a co mplete sense of well - being . neck problems and . if in do ubt. seek balance and ca lm. However. be professio na l advice.

The upper back 252 The massage begins on the upper back and prog ressively relaxes t he body UJ «<.) as you move up towa rds t he head. Keep an eye o n your own posture and Vl V«l make your movements brisk and dynamic. Once th e back is relaxed. half ::;: o your work is done! ~ I Z« oz first touch Stand behind your 2 rubbing Rub briskly over your partner and suggest some relaxed. slow partner's back w it h t he flats o f your breaths. Breathe deeply yourself and hands. one on either side o f t he spine. make sure that your posture is w ell Begin just by the shoulders. then balanced. w ith both feet planted evenly spread out and fun up and down t he on t he ground. Take a breath in and. sides o f t he spine. Th is helps to as you breathe out. place your hands stimulate the muscles and prepares the slowly on t he crown o f your partner's back for massage. Contact at t his stage head. Relax. hold for a few moments. is on t he surfuce rather t han deep. t hen w it hdraw your hands.

25 3 --I I c \"\"m n»C'\"D \" 3 circlin g Place your thumbs on either 4 heel pressu re Stand to o ne side side of t he spine. with your fin gers and place t he heel o f your hand resting over the tops o f t he sho ulders. between t he shoulder blade and t he Locate t he prominent vertebra. C7. at spi ne. Use your other hand to suppor t the top of the spine and Circle around the body. Rub briskly over t he muscles the area wit h your t humbs. Avo id any and apply as much pressure as feels pressure on the spine itself. You ca n good. ote that w hen t hese muscles use fu irly firm pressu re here as long as are tense. t hey can be quite sensitive. it feels comfortable. Repeat on t he other side.

254 w («) V1 «V1 :;; 0 :5 I z ~ 0z 5 elbow press ure Stand to one side 6 thumb pressu re Keeping one hand of your partner. Locate the vertebra in on the body for support. locate the line with the top of the shou lder blade. outline of the shoulder blade. Press Using your finger as a gUide. support between the ribs with the ball of your and modifier of pressure. relax your thumb. beginning level with the top of elbow and press between the ribs. the blade. Press in four equal spaces working about 2.5 cm (1 in) out from around the shoulder. Keep the the spine. Keep your elbow rounded so movements close in to the bone and that the movement does not jab. and repeat the sequence on the other side. continue until you are level with the bottom of the blade. Repeat on the other side.

7 percussio n Stand behind your 255 partner. Keeping both hands relaxed. .., place your palms facing each other over one shoulder. Hack over the top I of the shou lder from the neck towards the arm and back several t imes. The c movements shou ld be like chopping alternately with your hands. and need .\" to be light. sharp and quick. Repeat on .\" the other shou lder. n''':>\"\"\"- '\" 8 squeezing Place both hands over the tops of the shoulders. with your thumbs !acing the spine and your fingers curled over the collarbone. Feel the line of fleshy muscle along the top of the shoulders. Lift and squeeze between the thumbs and fingers. Take care that the movements do not pinch. and work out towards the arms from the neck.

256 9 kneading Knead and squeeze along \"-' the tops of your partner's shoulders, rolling over the muscles with your l«J fingers and thumbs. Press in with your thumbs and squeeze the muscles as V) you roll your fingers back towards you. Work across the shou lders with both «V) hands at once, from the neck towards ::;: the arms, then back again. o « \"-' I Z« oz 10 pummelling Form both hands into loose fists and begin pummelling over one shoulder. Work from the arm towards the neck, then down one side of the spine to the lower back. Your movements should be brisk and quick, pummelling with the fists alternately. Work up and down the muscles alongside the spine several times, then cross to the other shoulder and repeat.

11 stretching with the forearms 257 Stand to one side. Lean forward with -i your spine straight, and place your I forearm over the muscles at the top of the shou lder. Lean your weight forward c again and apply pressure with your forearm, pressing w ith your other hand \"\"m at t he wrist to guide the movement. Press in three equal spaces between '\" the neck and shoulder, then repeat on the other side. CD :>- n \"\" 12 stretching w it h t he forearms Lean with the backs of your forearms over the shou lder muscles, applying pressure and drawing them out across the shoulders towards the arms. This helps to relax the upper back as well as connect to the next sequence. Do this several times, ending by rolling your forearms to continue the movement down the upper arms.

The arms 258 Work on the arms Follows on From the shoulder sequence and helps to w «<.) relax the upper body. Ensure that you can move around your partner easily, Vl V«l and bend your knees so that you can reach comFortably rather than having ~ o to stoop over them. ~ I Z :5 effleurage With your partner's arms 2 rubbing Repeat the same movem ents oz relaxed, stroke down the upper arms. down the outer arms with a brisk This is an effleurage stroke done rubbing movement, using the flats of without oil. Mould your hands to the your hands. Rub down the arms to t he shape of the arms and stroke as fur as elbows, as before. Your spine should the elbows. Repeat several times, then remain as straight as possible, and you repeat over the back of the arms to shou ld bend at the knees rather than help relax the muscles. leaning over your partner. Repeat briskly several times.

259 3 lifting Reach forward and cradle your 4 squeezing Curl your fingers around partner's elbows in your hands so that the upper arms, using full hand contact the arms feel secure. Raise both elbows with the heels and the palms. Squeeze at the same time so that the shoulders the muscles between your fingers and hunch, but do not force or strain them. heels, being careful not to pinch the Keep your hands close to the body to skin. Squeeze down the arms at equal protect the elbows. Hold for a few distances from shoulder to elbow, then moments, then release and your repeat several times. partner's shoulders shou ld relax and drop down.

The neck 260 w A lot of tension tends to centre in the neck. Encourage relaxation there by l«J repetitive movements . and as you work on the neck reduce your pressure (/) (/) « ::;: and speed. Support your partner's body as you massage so that the head CJ does not drop Forward. ~ I Z« Czi sawing Use your index and middle 2 ci rcling Place both thumbs on the fingers together for this movement. muscles at the base of the neck. about Place them on the crest of the muscles 2.5 cm (I in) out from the spine on at the top of your partner's shoulder. either side. With your fingers sitting on Begin a sawing movement back and the shoulders for support. begin forth over the muscles to relax them. circling over the muscles with your Check the pressure with your partner. thumbs. The circles should be like Continue sawing at equal distances spirals travelling up to the base of the along the shoulder and carefully up the sku ll. Repeat several times. neck. Repeat on the other side.

26 1 --i I nz '\" 3 squ eezin g Place your hand at the 4 sawi ng Place your index and middle back of the neck. with your thumb over fingers together. Begin sawing li ghtly the muscles on one side of the spine over the muscles at the base of the and your fingers over the muscles on sku ll. moving towards the spine. Check the other side. Draw your hand back that the pressure is okay with your towards you. squeezing between partner. as the movements should be fingers and thumb. Squeeze in several quite brisk. Stop 2.5 cm (I in) away positions as fur as the base of the from the spine. then repeat on the skull. Change hands as you repeat other side. t he movement.

The head 262 Working over the head is what makes this massage stand out. Use the w -<<..J techniques given below and repeat them as often as you like. Smooth the (/) (/) :-:<;: hair each time after ruffling it, and keep the head supported so that your Cl partner can relax more easily. :5 I Z -< rub bing Supporting your partner's Cl Z head with one hand, rub over one side of the scalp with your other hand. Keep it flat and rub briskly over the hair. The movements should be quick and light and should cover as much of the head as possible. Change hands and repeat so that you cover the whole head with sufficient pressure to stimulate the scalp and boost the circulation. 2 Anger pressure Supporting the head with one hand, rake the fingers of your other hand through the hair. Use your fingertips to stimulate the scalp and to comb the hair away from the face. Make wave-like movements through the hair and over the scalp, always working towards the back of the head. Change hands to cover the whole scalp.

3 plucking Place your thumbs and 263 fingertips on the scalp, then pull away -; with light plucking movements. One I hand should follow the other, working over the head. As you pluck, lift the I hair away from the scalp. The accent is on lifting and pulling away. This lightens o'»\" the energy around the head. 4 rubbing Smooth the hair and then, supporting the head with one hand, rub over the hairline with the other. Your fingers should point downwards and move lightly over the scalp, creating a windscreen-wiper effect. Begin at the forehead and work to the back of the head, flicking the hair as much as possible. Change hands to cover the rest of the head.

5 thumb circling Place both thumbs 264 in t he centre of t he scalp, with your fingers cupped around your partner's cu head. With the fl ats of your thumbs, <«..J (/) Circle in continuous spirals in a line to (/) « :2 t he back of the head. Change position 0 to work back in a line a little furth er ~ I out, then repeat so that you cover as z« much of the head as possible. Make 0 z sure that you reach t he back of the ears and circle around the hairline. 6 thumb pressure Hold the head firmly, then place your thumb and fing ers on top of the head and rotate over t he scalp with your t humb. Work back in lines from t he forehead, app lying pressure on t he spot each time. Cover as much of the scalp as you can, paying equal attention to the sides and back of t he head.

7 percussion Place both hands, palms 265 facing each other, in position over the ~ scalp. K.eeping your hands relaxed, hack up and down over the head. The :I chopping movements sho uld be quick :I and light. As your little fingers make brief contact w ith t he scalp, you should m»- create t he typical snapping sound. The more relaxed your wrists are, the better 0 your movements will be. 8 squeezing Place both hands, palms fl at, just above t he ears. Your fingers sho uld face to the front, with t he palms cupped around the head. Gently squeeze your hands together and lift sli ghtly so that you move the scalp. Relax your hands without losing contact or changing position. Repeat the movement slowly twice more.

The face 266 These strokes help to relax key poin ts on t he face to complete the relaxation '<«\".) process. Place th e towel so that your partner feels secure - you should th en V'l «V'l be able to reach the points quite easily. Take extra care to keep your Angers ~ o away From the eyes. :5 I Z« Czi finger pressure Ask your partner 2 ci rcl ing Place your fingertips over the to lean back against a small cushion or temples. Gently circl e over t he temples. towel. Place your fing ertips together in rotating back towards you. The skin t he centre o f t he forehead and slow ly should move under your fin gers. This draw your hands apar t. It is best to helps to relax the mind and is good for press with t he flats o f your fing ers. relieving headaches. How ever, take Imag ine that you are drawing all t he great care not to press too firm ly, and tension away from the fo rehead. Repeat check with your partner that the level severa l times. o f pressure feels comforta ble.

3 finger pressure Place t he tips of 267 your midd le fin gers just below t he :;; bridge of the nose. Press in light ly close to t he bone. Repeat in four places, n ending just below t he nostrils. Yo u can press a li ttle more firm ly here and hold m for a little longer. Make sure you keep to the sides o f t he nostrils and do not obstruct your partner's breath ing. End by stroking the length of the nose. 4 squ eezing Massage the ears by squeezing them between yo ur fingers and t humbs. Work from the tops o f the ears right round to the lobes, t hen again along the inner line of the ear. Ret urn to the lobes and squeeze and massage them t horoughly. End t he sequence by gent ly pu lling at the earlobes, t hen slide your fin gers away.

The hair and scalp 268 These strokes shou ld be performed with o il after the Face sequence. Using oi l \"-' «<..J feels luxurious and is good for the hair. If you choose not to use o il, these Vl V«l steps can follow on directly from t he previous sequence on t he head. In either :;;; o case, the resting technique (Step 4) is the final contact for the whole massage. ~ I :Z:; oz finger pressure If you are going to 2 rotating Hold your partner's head use oil, this is the time to apply it: pour with one hand, and place the tips of some oil into your hands and apply it your Angers and thumb over t he scalp. to your partner's hair, rubbing it in and Spread your Angers and maintain that massaging t hrough to the ends. If you position. Rotate on the spot with your are not using oil, perform th is sequence Angertips so that the scalp moves before working on the face. Begin under your hand each time. Change shampooing movements over the scalp, hands so t hat you cover as much of applying pressure w ith the tips of your the head as you can. Angers for wonderfu l relaxation.

269 :»:I '»z\" o Vn»l r- \"\"0 3 tugging Supporting t he head w ith 4 resting To end, breathe calmly and one hand, reach under the hair and place your hands just above the crown grasp Armly at the roots. This prevents of your partner's head. Hold for a few the technique from being painful. Tug moments, then gradually lower your fairly Arm ly without sliding, and work hands so that they rest on top of the over the scalp tugg ing small handfuls head. Breathe calm ly once more, ho ld of hair. This feels particularly good at for a few moments, then slide your the back of the head. Change hands to hands down over your partner's work over the remainder of the scalp. shoulders to end the massage.

Indian head massage quick fix 270 w If you o nly have a few moments in wh ich to do Indian head massage, try C) the following sequence, which sho uld ease tension in the neck and «: Vl V«:l sho ulders and stimulate the sca lp. This can be done almost anywhere ::;: o and provides a great energy boost. ::s I :z:r; squeezing the shoulders Stand oz behind your partner. Place your hands over t he muscles along the tops of the shoulders. Lift: and squeeze them between your fingers and thumbs. Grasp the muscles firmly to avoid l pinching, li ft and briefly hold. Work from the neck out towards the arms. 2 percussion on the back Form your hands in to loose fists and pummel along t he top of one shoulder towards t he neck and back. Pummel lightly by the neck, then continue over the muscles down to the lower back. Repeat several times, then repeat o n t he other side of the spine. Keep your wrists relaxed in o rder to make the slightly dull, pummelling sound.

27 1 z o )- z :r ;; o ;: )- Vl Vl )- [) () c n '\" 3 circling the neck Resting your 4 rotating the scalp Supporting fing ers over the shoulders. place your your partner 's head with o ne hand, thumbs at the base of the neck, about spread your other fingers w ide and 2.5 cm (J in) away from the spine. Circl e place the fingertips and thumb o n the over the neck muscles up to the base scalp. Rotate on the spot to create as of t he skull. As you circle, the skin much movement as you can. Fairly firm should also move under your thumbs. pressure is usually good. Move to Repeat the movements several times to different positions, then change hands relax t he neck. to stimulate the remainder of t he scalp.

Self-massage 272 The Fo llowing steps comprise Indian head- massage techniques to perfo rm ~ l«J o n yourself so t hat you ca n get t he Full beneAts too. They are excellent t/l «t/l when you Feel stressed o r headachy and are also ver y good to promote ::;: o lust ro us and healt hy hair. ~ I oZ« rubbing the upper back Reach 2 percussion on the arms Cup z over your shoulder with t he opposite your hand around yo ur upper arm . with hand. Keeping your hand fl at. rub your knuckl es raised. making contact v igorously across t he top of the wi t h t he Fingers and t he heel of your sho ulder. The pressure sho uld be fast. hand. Cup quickly up and down t he w ith eno ugh fri ction to create warm t h. outer arm . working as far as the w rist Rub back and fort h between the neck to stimulate the circulation. Your and arm. then repeat t he movement movements sho uld be quick. and over the o ther shoulder. keeping your w r ist relaxed w ill produce the hollow cupping sound. Repeat over the other arm. II

3 squeezing the neck Reach o ne 273 hand behind your neck. with your V1 Fingers to one side of t he spine and m your heel to t he other. Keep your knuckles raised over t he spine itself. ~ Starting at t he base of t he neck. squeeze and knead t he muscl es. ,.\" w o rking up to the base of t he skull. Repeat w it h your other hand to even ;: t he pressure. » V1 »V1 () 4 sawing the neck Using your index and middle Fingers together. reach round to t he base of t he skull. Saw quickly and li ght ly over the muscles. working out towards t he ea r. Work backwa rds and for wards severa l tim es to relax t he muscles. then repeat on the opposite side of the spine.

5 thumb pressure on the neck 2 74 Place your thumbs at the back o f your head, with the fing ers on the scalp for w u« support. Yo ur thumbs sho uld be about Vl 2.5 cm (I in) away from the spine and V«l :;: just under the base of the skull. Circle Cl ::5 over t he muscles with the ba lls o f your I thumbs, massag ing towards the ears. z ~ This is great for reducing tension. Czl 6 rotating over t he head Place both hands over the scalp, knuckles raised and fing ers spread. Rotate on the spot wh ile applying pressure, workin g over the scalp w ith both hands at once. Th is feels particularly good around the ears, temples and back of t he head. Pressure should come from the balls of the fingers and th umbs.

7 rubbing the head Use the flat of 275 your hand to rub vigorously over the V> scalp. Your movements should be sharp m and brisk to stimulate the scalp and r- hair roots. Work over half the scalp ..\" with one hand, then change hands to cover the remainder of the head. Flick »~ the ends of your hair as you rub so that it becomes quite ruffled. V> V»> Cl 8 Anger pressure on the face Place the tips of the fingers together in the middl e of your fo rehead. Slowly draw your hands towards the temples, dragging your fingers slightly as you do so. This helps to relieve tension. Repeat in several lines across the forehead. It may help the relaxation process to keep your eyes closed.



Massage for special situations When you massage . your partner might have particular needs (such as deep- tissue or sports massage). or you may wish to alter the focus of your techniques (say. to give massage to a pregnant woman or couple massage). On the following pages are some suggestions to incorporate into your massage or to be used on their own . If you use them on their own . remember to follow the principles of relaxing the muscles beforehand and using light strokes to close. Familiarize yourself with the techniques (see pages 48-101) before you begin. and ask your partner for feedback. That way you can build up your range and experience. Baby massage is presented as a self-contained full-body sequence for you and your baby to enjoy.

Baby massage 278 Baby massage is a wonderful way of bonding with your baby. If you oz</) experienced massage through pregnancy, your baby will recognize the gentle ~ rhythm of the movements. If not, massage is a great boost to the start of ::J t:: a baby's life. You can quite easily adapt techniques to suit your baby. </) Babies thrive o n touch. Massage Your movements must be gentle and stimulates their responses and increases pleasurable, wit h lots of effleurage the natural mother-baby connection. and very little pressure. Wh ile gentle stimulatio n of the mu scles and jo ints Baby massage just requires a mother's is good For a baby's development. the instinct and a little knowledge about the movements need to be intuitive, you r strokes and suitable oils. approach to massage flexible. and

279 ')\"- '-\"< :;: )- V> V> )- () en nothing should ever be Forced - Use only the purest of oils to moisturize especially iFyour baby does not Feel like the skin which can be very delicate. For keeping still. However. by developing a essential oils, consult an aromatherapist. relaXing routine. massage can help to ca lm your baby. Massage o nly when of oi l: nothing strong-smelling or heavy. you Feel ca lm you rse lF, and take time to and nothing t hat may cause sensitivity. create a nurturing environment. Avoid Use o il s with a beneAcial. moisturizing massage immediately aFter Feeding. effect. Sunflower oil mixed w ith a li ttle jojoba oi l is perFect. or even some Suitable oils ca lendula o il. Use organ ic oi ls wherever possible. Essential oils shou ld on ly be A baby's skin is extremely sensitive. and used in a pre - blended mix. care should be taken wit h your cho ice

Application 280 Baby massage is beneAcial to both mother and baby and is a special quiet time when you can bond. The strokes suggested in the massage sequence are fo r you to pick and choose from . as it is impo rtant not to tire or overstimulate you r baby. Make massage part of your dail y routine FOCUS POINTS from the outset. and continue fo r as lo ng as you r baby enjoys it. If you need Techniques: The main strokes to use guidance. it may help to attend baby are gentle fingertip pressure. massage classes. Oils should be kept effleurage and light wringing. si mple. o rganic and unfragranced (see page 279). Massage before rather than Movements: These should be gentle. after a feed. Baby massage is about sensitive. soothing and reassuring. nurturing . to uch and increasin g with no heavy pressure and no fast sensor y stimu lation. and shou ld above or sudden strokes. all be playful. enjoyable and fun. Equipment: You need somewhere Prepare ever ything you need comfortable where your back is beforehand. so have within reach oi ls supported: blankets. towels and (if you are usi ng them l. some t iss ues. nappies. tissues and w ipes to hand: wi pes. nappies and a blanket o r towel. soothing music to create a restfu l It o ften helps to build massage into environment: pure vegetable oil. your daily routi ne. for example before a bath. at bedtime. before a feed o r Feedback: Your baby will give you nap. If you are using oi l. do a patch test instant feedback. o n the in side of your baby's elbow 24 ho urs befo rehand to test for sensitivity. TIming: A baby massage should take as a baby's skin is ver y delicate and 5-10 minutes. depending on your may react. The massage ca n also be baby's age. perfo rmed as a 'dry massage' if you

28 1 » \"U \"U r n o~ z prefer. using less pressure to avoid any Make baby massage part of your daily frictio n over the skin . It can even be routine. It should be lOVing and fun with done t hrough clothes. as much body contact as possible. You ca n ei ther sit o n a chair w ith a CAUTION back suppo rt or o n the floor agai nst Movements of the join ts should not the wa ll. The baby ca n either be o n be attempted until after the first special padding o n a table (but do bear two months. safety in mind) o r o n a blanket o n t he floor in front of you. W hen your baby is very small. he or she is probably best on you r knees o r lap - it's a personal preference. but body contact is ideal.

Front of the body 282 Beginning on the Front of the body is reassuring because you can keep eye Vl oZ contact with your baby which helps your baby to relax. Your strokes shou ld '< be sweeping and Flow one into another. Work intu itively and adapt or ~ f- Vl shorten the sequence as Feels best. -' ~ 8 c.. Vl 'o\" ~ cu u <: Vl Vl <: :2 first contact Begin massage on the 2 effleurage Begin the massage with front so that you can maintain eye light sweeping strokes from the contact while your baby gets used to abdomen, up over the shoulders and the movements. Find a position that down the r ibcage to your starting works for you. Rub a little oil over your position. Repeat several times to relax fingers, then position your hands on and reassure your baby. Mould your the abdomen, with your fingertips just hands to the muscles and keep your below the navel. Pause for a few movements gentle and rhythmic. Use moments and simply observe. very little pressure as you return on the downward stroke.

3 effleurage Repeat the effleurage 283 strokes, th is time sweeping up over ..\" the abdomen and continuing down the length of the arms. Squeeze the 'oz\" muscles very gently as part of the stroke. Repeat several times in different ~ positions to spread the oi l. Repeat in continuous, repetitive strokes. o ..\" oOJ o -< 4 circling As you complete the effleurage routine, continue over the hands and circle with your thumbs. Depending on your baby's position, you can either circle over the palms or the backs of the hands. The emphasis should be on relaxing the hand and opening out the fingers. Repeat several times.

284 V'l Z 2 t;;: ::> t: V'l :-:-;:' ~ \"- V'l '0\" U.- W 0« V'l «V'l :;;; 5 squeezing Gently squeeze each o f 6 palm pressure Stroke with a little your baby's fing ers in turn. using the mo re pressure over each arm. using li ghtest o f pressures to work down your hands alternately in a series of each fin ger to the tip. Either do this on short sweeps. Beg in at the wrist and both hands simultaneously or o ne at a massage right over t he sho ulder. time. 'Bicycl ing ' the fingers is another cupping your hands around the jOint. favourite. Gently move the wrists as Pressure should come from the palms well . so that the whole arm is invo lved of the hands. Alternatively. use one in the strokes. hand for support and the other to massage upwards over t he arm.

285 -n '0z\" --i 0 --i I co 0 0 -< 7 feathering Use your fingertips in a 8 circling Supporting the wrist from series of light feathering strokes down underneath. make little circles with the arm. Work from shou lder to wrist. your thumbs. Beg in with both thumbs This is a li ght. playful stroke. but also together in the centre of the wrist. serves to stimulate t he skin and then circle outwards in spi rals over the increase sensatio n. Keep your wrists joint. Pressure should be quite li ght raised and your hands relaxed so that with the balls of the thumbs. and your the movement becomes like a ser ies strokes sho uld glide over the skin. of waves.

286 9 thumb circling Continue the V> circling strokes over t he back o f your baby's hand. Support it w it h your oZ fin gers underneath, and circle outwards over t he hands using t he balls o f your :;: t humbs. The movements should be like spirals, with the strokes sliding over ::J t he skin . Repeat in several lines over the back o f your baby's hand. t:: V> 10 thumb circling Turn your baby's hand over, with the palm facing upwards. Yo ur fing ers sho uld support it from underneath. Wi t h t he fl ats o f your thum bs make small circles over th e pa lm o f t he hand, so t hat yo u massage as much o f the palm as possible. Your fin gers underneath provide resistance. Squeeze t he hand gently as you fini sh.

II feathering Still suppo rting t he hand, 287 use light feathering strokes over the ..\" back of t he hand and then turn it over. Continue feathering wi t h your '0z\" fing ertips over the palm, and then feather the length o f each fing er in \"0\" turn . The strokes wi ll provide enjoyable sensations and skin stimulation for ..\" your baby. Then repeat all the movements on the other arm . :\"r\" 0> 0 0 -< 12 wringing Return to the chest , repeat the effl eurage stroke, t hen w ring light ly over the torso on the downward stroke. With t he baby in a secure position, cross your hands to opposite sides o f the ribs, wi th your hands mo ulded around t he chest. Slowly sli de your hands towards each other and across to t he other side. Repeat the movements to t he low er abdomen.

288 13 effl eurage Use more oil if necessary. III t hen effl eurage outward over your baby's abdomen and t his time down oZ t he legs. Squeeze gently to stimu late ~ t he muscles as part of t he stroke. and wrin g and twist light ly over the skin. :::) Repeat in several positions to spread t he o il over as much of the skin as f- you can. III 14 squeezing When you have -«-' u completed the effl eurage seq uence. squeeze both feet between your hands. UJ with your Angers on top and thumbs underneath. Massage t he soles of the c.. feet with your thumbs. or one foot at a time if th is feels easier. Sli de your III hands. still gently squeezing. across the foot and over the toes. '2\" UJ u« til «til :i

15 palm pressure With your palms 289 flat. massage over one leg. beginn ing .,., just above the ankle and ending over the hip. Then stroke. using slightly 'oz\" more pressure w ith the palms. in a ser ies of short movements. Massage o\".,'.\", up t he leg and over the hip. curving your hands around the join t. Repeat oco severa l more times to cover t he whole thigh thorough ly. o -< 16 wringing cup your hands around the outside of t he thigh. w ith your Angers pointing inwards. Gently slide both hands towards the centre of the leg. and then cross to t he opposite side. Wring lightly over the thigh. continuing down the leg as far as you can. Yo u can apply a little pressure with th is movement. as long as your hands glide rather than stick on the skin.

290 17 thumb circling Support your baby's foot in your hand. then make small circles over the sole w it h your t humbs. The Circles should spiral under t he foot. You can press gently at t he base o f the toes. Work over as much of t he sole as you can. but do not apply pressure on the instep. If in doubt . simply massage t he ball and over the heel. 18 wringing Place your thumbs underneath t he foot . w ith your fin gers over t he top. Wring backward and fo r ward over the foot. forming a complete movement with each hand. Continue to the toes and repeat several times. wit h your t humbs underneath providing resistance. This is good for relaxing t he muscles.

19 stretching cup t he heel in your 2 91 hand and place your fingers aga inst t he sole of t he foot. Gent ly press t he foot -n dow nwards but aim to stop before you feel resistance. Passive exercise is good o'\" for strengthening t he jo in ts. How ever. beca use a baby's joints can be very Z mo bile. it is best to do this gently. -l 20stretching Support t he leg by o holding it under t he heel and at th e knee. Gently push back towards t he -n body to give a stretch at the hip. Do -l this several times. Your grip must be I very light so you can relax befo re t here is any resistance. Try again wi t h t he leg oco to t he side. Li ght ly feather to the ankle and repeat on t he o ther leg. o -<

292 21circling Return to the abdomen and Vl effl eurage as far as t he baby 's chest. Zo ~ t hen separate your hands and slide ::> back down the sides of t he ribs. f rom f- Vl here make large circles over the rib s. -' ~ sliding up the side of the bo dy and u u.J c.. circling back down again . Repeat Vl \"2\" several times with your fingers splayed u.J wide and your hands relaxed. sliding <..J < over t he skin. Vl V1 :<z 22 effleurage Place your thumbs together in t he centre of t he chest. just beneath t he collarbone. Apply a lit t le more oil. if you need to. Slow ly st roke out over t he top o f the chest to the shoulders w ith t he balls of your thumbs. Round your hands over t he shoulders and repeat several times.

23 finger pressure Reach around t he 293 back o f your baby's neck w it h your -n fing ertips. index fin gers cradling the baby 's sku ll. Place your middle and 'o\" fourt h fingers on the muscles to the sides o f t he spine. Ver y. ver y gently. Z press the muscles with your fingertips --i and massage upwards to t he base of t he sku ll. o -n --i :r 'o\" o -< 24squeezing Wi t h your hands still cradling t he head. stroke the cheeks w ith your thumbs in a circular mo tion back towards the ears. Then gently squeeze the earlobes between your t humbs and index fingers. and stroke around and behind t he ears. These are intended to be small. pleasurabl e and reassuring movements.

The face 294 Massage over the baby's face and sca lp shou ld be extremely ligh t. avoiding Vl oZ any o il near t he eyes. Make it playful so t hat the whole massage experience ~ is enjoyable and something you both look Fo rward to. Thi s is a time For :;) f- Vl sharing eye contact, encouraging no ises and smiles. w («J Vl V«l ::;: effl eurage With the baby's head 2 effleurage Place your t humbs over supported once more, very gently the cheeks and repeat t he effl eurage stroke over the foreh ead with t he strokes, w orking over t he cheekbones ba lls of your t humbs. Start with your towards the ears. Your thumbs should thumbs together in the centre of the glide smoothly over t he skin. Give t he forehead and t hen slowly draw them apples of the cheeks a little pinch to apart. Repeat several times, keeping keep your baby smiling. Repeat in your movements w ell away from t he severa l lines over the fuce. eyes. Yo u may need to use a li ttle more oil so your thumbs gli de over t he skin.

295 --i I ~ n m 3 effl eurage Move your t humbs to t he chin, crookin g your index Angers underneath and placing the balls of your thumbs in the centre. Slowly draw your hands out along the line o f the jaw. Repeat several times and, on the last stroke, give the earlobes a few gentle sq ueezes. 4 effleu rage Place both palms just above t he hairline, with your Angers liKing the centre of t he head. Gently stroke over your baby's hair towards t he back of t he head. Use your hands alternately for a soft, relaxing rh ythm. This is a great time for lots of eye contaa and soothing sounds.

Back of the body 296 Once relaxed, your baby sho uld be happy to have massage on t he back. Vl oZ Make sure th e bo dy is Fully suppor ted. Keep your st rokes sweeping, short ~ and light, wit h one Aowing into another, and sho rten the sequence iF you :::J f- Vl o r your baby tires. Adapt th e st ro kes to suit your baby's positio n. «--' U \"c.\". effleurage Find a comfortable Vl '\"o position for massage so t hat your u- \"\"<.) baby is suppor ted. Rub a little oil over « your fingers and effl eurage over t he Vl V«l back. Begin w it h your fin gers together ::;: by the lower back, glide up over t he shoulders, then back down t he sides o f the body. The st rokes should be soothing, w ith your hands mo ulded to t he shape of the muscles. 2 circling Repeat the effl eurage stroke and, as your hands divide, circle out across the shoulders w it h your t humbs. The circl es should be cont inuo us spirals, with your thumbs gliding over the skin. Repeat t he circling movements several times. Start 2.5 cm (I in) o ut from the spine and massage towards t he arm s.

3 wringing Place your hands just 297 under t he armpits on opposite sides n'»\" of the r ibs. Slowly draw t hem towards 'o\" each other so that they cross to t he other side. Lightly wring down to the \"T1 low er back. Your touch sho uld be li ght and your movements should slide over -:rI t he skin w it hout pu lling. Repeat over t he back severa l times. 'o\" o-< 4 circling As you return to the low er back, circle out over the top o f the buttocks using large, broad circles w it h your thumbs. Begin 2.5 cm (I in ) away from t he spine and spiral across the skin . By using t he sides of your t humbs you can ensure that the pressure remains even and does not dig in. Repeat several times.

298 5 effleurage Apply a little more o il to V) your hands and effl eurage over t he baby's back once more, t his time oz sweeping down t he backs o f the arms ~ to the hands. Slide over the hands and the fingers in one broad, continuous ::J movement. Repeat severa l times to sufficiently oil and stimulate the skin. t:: V) 6 rocking Place your hands around the upper arm. Gently rock the muscles between your hands, w o rking down to the wrist. Keep your hands moulded to the muscles, and relax your movements at t he elbow. Adjust your hands to accommo date your baby's position, and simply rock as much of the arm as you can.

7 thumb-rolling Support your baby's 299 hand, then roll your thumbs over the C»D back of the hand towards the fing ers, spreading t hem wide as you do so. () Thumb - roll in several lines, using the sides o f the thumbs for softer 0'\" movements. Circle very gent ly between the tendons and around the knuckles. .\" --i I CD 0 0 -< 8 squeezing Squeeze the fingers gently between your index finger and thumb. Massage each one in turn, working down the finger and over the tip. Yo u can also rub and roll t he fingers between your own . Feather down the arm from shoulder to fingertips, then repeat all t he movements over the o ther arm .