Lesson 2 :

Perform Wellness
Massage Techniques
 PRAYER
Lord, we offer to you our class today. We
pray that through your Divine Guidance,
We would learn how to listen attentively to
the inputs of our teacher. May we
appreciate her effort in imparting her
knowledge to us. May we participate
actively in the discussions and activities, so
we could learn more. Amen.
RECALL
OBJECTIVES

1. Prepare clients for wellness massage

techniques, methods, massage pressure areas,
duration, directions and strokes.
2. Perform self assessment for wellness massage
session
THE FOUR MAIN GROUPS OF MASSAGE
STROKES

1. Effleurage
2. Petrissage
3. Percussion or Tapotement
4. Vibrations
1. Effleurage

It is where the hands skim over the surface of the

tissues.
The word “effleurage” comes from the French
verb “effleurer”, which means to “skim over”.
There are two manipulations within this group:

- Effleurage
- Stroking
AREA FOR MANIPULATION Pro Head Massage Techniques.mp4

A. Head - use pinching, sliding and pressed

release manipulation
- pinching – is to squeeze between your thumb
and finger often in a painful way
- sliding – gentle, gliding strokes to promote
relaxation and relieve tension.
- pressed release – focuses on applying and
releasing pressure to specific points on the head.
B. Back Area
videoplayback (11).mp4
Procedure in Massaging Back Area

Step 1: Starting on the back use a smooth stroking movement

―gliding‖ downwards with thumb on either side of the spine ( do
not press the bones – outside them) and then take the hands to the
side and glide back up the shoulders

Step 2 : From kneeling position at your partner‘s side use the whole
of your hand and a smooth stroking movement to pull up steadily.
One hand at a time working all the way up and down one side of
partners back few time then repeat to other side.
 Effleurage Massage to the Leg - Massage Techniques.mp4
C. Leg Area

Procedure in massage of the leg area

Step 1: moving down to the lower extremities – foot area, press the
muscles of the scalp then protect the tendon area.

Step 2: Do not put over pressure on the area behind the knee, but
glide over knead the back of the thigh, then stroke all the way up
leg handover hand, always moving in an upward direction repeat
on leg.
D. Foot Area #Massage to the Foot - Effleurage technique.mp4

Procedure in massaging the foot area.

Step 1. Use the stroke of press on, release, rotate

and slide, repeat these movement to the other
side of the foot

After Care – end of Manipulation

2. Petrissage

This comes from the French verb pétrir meaning

to knead. There are five manipulations in this
group, but some can be further subdivided:
1. kneading
2. wringing
3. picking up
4. skin and muscle rolling
5. frictions.
Kneading
There are many forms of kneading. The terminology used for
each one will tell you what should be done, so study them
carefully.
a. Palmer kneading: this is kneading with the palmar
surface of the hand.
b. Digital kneading: this is kneading with the digits (i.e.
the fingers) index, middle and ring fingers are usually used.
c. Thumb kneading: this is kneading with the thumbs.
d. Ulnar border kneading: this is kneading with the ulnar
border of the hand (ulnar bone or little finger side).
Wringing

is a manipulation where the tissues are

lifted away from the bone, and pushed and
wrung from side to side as the hands move
up and down. It must not be used on over-
stretched muscles or those with poor tone.
Picking up

is also a manipulation where the tissues

are lifted away from the bone, squeezed
and released. It may be performed with
one hand or with both hands. It must not
be used on stretched muscles or those with
poor tone.
Single-handed picking up: technique

This method is performed with one hand grasping the

muscle.

1. The stance is walk standing.

2. Spread the thumb away from the fingers, i.e. abduct the
thumb.
3. Place the thumb on one side of the muscle or group and
the fingers together on the other side.
4. Grasp and lift the muscle in the palm of the hand,
squeezing with the thumb and fingers (do not pinch).
Skin and Muscle Rolling
This manipulation presses and rolls
the skin and subcutaneous tissues
against underlying bone.
Frictions
These are much localized manipulations
performed with the fingers or thumb. They may be
applied transversely across muscle fibres or in a
circular movement. They are deep movements
performed with much pressure. Frictions are
performed on dry skin, free of oil or talcum
powder, so that the fingers move the skin and do
not slip over it.
Circular Friction
These are small circular
movements performed by the
fingers or thumb.
3. Percussion or tapotement: where the hands strike the
tissue

There are four manipulations in this group, named according

to the position of the hands and the way in which they strike
the part:

1. Hacking
2. Cupping
3. Beating
4. Pounding
Hacking
This manipulation uses the ulnar border of
the hand and the little finger, ring and
middle fingers to strike the tissues in a
light, springy, brisk manner. The forearm
must alternately pronate and supinate to
allow the fingers to strike the part.
Cupping

Cupping (also known as clapping) is

performed using the cupped hands to
strike the part alternately. The movements
are light and brisk, producing a hollow
sound.
Beating

This is a heavier percussion movement that is

useful on very large heavy areas of adipose tissue,
particularly over the buttocks and thighs. The
manipulation is performed by striking the area
with a loosely clenched fist. The back of the
fingers and heel of the hands strike the part as the
hands alternately drop heavily onto the area.
Pounding

This, again, is a heavy percussion

movement, performed by the ulnar
border (little finger side) of the
loosely clenched fist. The side of the
hands strikes the part alternately.
Customized Amount of Pressure Applied
Manipulations should be selected to suit the client and personal preference or
expertise. There are, however, basic rules and guidelines.
Ø Comfort: massage must always be comfortable. It must not hurt or injure the
client, even the vigorous and stimulating techniques.
Ø Direction: pressure must be applied in the direction of venous drainage towards
the heart and the direction of lymphatic drainage to the nearest lymphatic nodes. (Do
not pull back what you have pushed along as this is counter-productive.)
Ø Order: begin with effleurage, follow with applicable petrissage manipulations then
percussion if suitable, and complete with effleurage. Effleurage and stroking may be
interspersed among any of the other manipulations.
Ø Continuity: massage should be continuous – the transition between strokes should
be barely perceptible. The hands should not be lifted off the area once treatment has
commenced until that area is completed. Move smoothly from one stroke to another.
Ø Speed: this must be selected according to the type of massage required – slow for
relaxing, moderate for a general massage, and faster for a vigorous, stimulating
massage.
Ø Depth: this must be selected according to the type of
massage, as described – moderate depth for a relaxing and
general massage, deeper for a vigorous massage. Depth
must also be adjusted to suit the client and the desired
outcome of the treatment.
Ø Rhythm: this must be consistent regardless of the type of
client. The rhythm is selected at the beginning of the
massage and maintained throughout, e.g. slow rhythm for a
relaxing massage, moderate for a general, and a faster
rhythm for a vigorous massage.
Ø Stance: protect yourself from strain and injury by
adopting the correct posture. There are two standing
positions used in massage:
a) walk standing (i.e. with one foot in front of the other) is
used when massaging up and down the length of the body
b) stride standing (i.e. with the feet apart) is used when
working across the body. Always keep the back straight and
the shoulders relaxed.
Allow the knees to bend when necessary to apply body
weight and to reach all areas. Increased depth and pressure
must come from body weight transmitted through the arms,
but not by pushing with the arms. Use a slight swaying body
movement to achieve this. Keep the feet apart – this
improves balance and provides stability, as it gives a wider
base.
Ø Concentration: maintain your concentration
throughout the massage. Although massage
movements become semi-automatic as expertise
develops, it is still important to concentrate fully
on the task in hand. Continuity and rhythm will
suffer if there is a lapse in concentration, and this
is transmitted to the client.
Ø Coverage: cover the whole area thoroughly.
Do not neglect small areas as this will result in
uneven coverage.
Duration of Application of Pressure

The timing of a body massage is usually one hour but may

be longer. The order of covering the body is usually
➛right leg 7 minutes
➛left leg 7 minutes
➛left arm 5 minutes
➛right arm 5 minutes
➛décolleté 5 minutes
➛abdomen 5 minutes
➛back of legs 6 minutes
➛back 20 minutes
Wringing

is a manipulation where the tissues are lifted away from the bone,
and pushed and wrung from side to side as the hands move up and
down. It must not be used on over-stretched muscles or those with
poor tone.

Technique

1. The stance is usually stride standing.

2. The hands must be warm, relaxed and supple.
3. The tissues are grasped in the palm of the hand and held
between the fingers and thumb (taking care not to pinch).
4. The tissues are lifted away from the bone. The tissues are
moved diagonally from side to side by pushing the fingers of
one hand towards the thumb of the opposite hand.
5. Keeping the tissues in the palm and lifted away from the
bone, the hands move up and down along the length of the
part, pushing the flesh from side to side. Do not pinch with
the thumbs and fingers of the same hand.
6. The hands work up and down until the area is well
covered and return to starting point.
Single-handed picking up: technique

This method is performed with one hand grasping the

muscle.

1. The stance is walk standing.

2. Spread the thumb away from the fingers, i.e. abduct the
thumb.
3. Place the thumb on one side of the muscle or group and
the fingers together on the other side.
4. Grasp and lift the muscle in the palm of the hand,
squeezing with the thumb and fingers (do not pinch).
5. Release the muscle and move the hand
forward, pushing upward with the palm and web
of the abducted thumb. Slight flexion and
extension of the wrist accompanies this
movement.
6. The hand moves upwards in this manner,
picking up, squeezing, releasing and moving on.
7. The hand may work up and down, or it may
work up and slide back down.
8. Use the other hand to support the tissues.
Skin Rolling
This manipulation presses and rolls the skin and subcutaneous
tissues against underlying bone.

Technique

1. The stance is stride standing.

2. Place the hands flat over the area with the
3. Thumbs abducted.
4. Lift and push the flesh with the fingers towards the thumbs.
5. Roll this flesh, using the thumbs moving across towards the
fingers.
6. Move smoothly onto a lower area and then work back.
Muscle Rolling
This manipulation lifts the muscle away from the bone and
moves it from side to side in a rocking manner. Technique
1. The stance is stride standing.
2. Place the thumbs nail to nail in a straight line on one side
of the muscle and place the fingers over the other side.
3. Grasp and lift the muscle away from the bone.
4. Push the muscle with the thumbs towards the fingers,
which give slightly as the muscle moves.
5. Push the muscle back towards the thumbs, using the
fingers in the same way.
6. Push the muscle backwards and forwards, applying
pressure into the muscle and using a rocking action.
7. Move along the muscle by sliding the hands.
Circular Friction
These are small circular movements performed by the
fingers or thumb.
Technique
1. The stance is usually walk standing.
2. Select and examine the small localised area where
frictions are required.
3. Stroke it gently with the sweeping thumb or palm.
4. Use the thumb or the fingers: the middle finger is usually
used to reinforce the index and ring fingers.
5. Do not hyper-extend any joints when applying pressure,
as this will strain and damage the joints. Keep the fingers
straight.
6. Circular frictions are performed in small circles, moving
deeper and deeper into the tissues to a maximum depth,
then released. Repeat three to four times over the same
spot and then move to another area as required.
7. The fingers or thumb must not slide or rub over the
surface of the skin, but the superficial tissues must move
with the fingers over the deeper ones.
8. Areas requiring frictions may be tender and care must be
taken not to cause unnecessary pain through excessive
pressure.
9. Effleurage or stroke the area frequently between friction
manipulations and at the end of the treatment.
Hacking
This manipulation uses the ulnar border of the hand and the little finger, ring and middle fingers to strike the tissues in a light,
springy, brisk manner. The forearm must alternately pronate and supinate to allow the fingers to strike the part. The hands
strike alternately.
Technique
1. The stance should be stride standing, with the feet a good distance apart and the knees relaxed or bent, keeping the back
straight.
2. Place the hands together with the fingers straight as in prayer, thumbs against chest.
3. Take the elbows away from the sides, i.e. abduct the shoulder joint. The wrists will now be extended at an 80–90° angle.
4. Place the arms parallel and just above the part to be worked on.
5. Supinate and pronate the forearm so that the little fingers strike the part lightly and then lift away. 6. Practice this action
until the arms roll easily.
7. Now practice the whole procedure. Part the hands and strike the part alternately(remember to keep the elbows out and
wrists extended).
8. Relax or slightly flex the fingers and, keeping the same action, strike the part alternately with the ulnar border of the little,
ring and middle fingers.
9. Strike lightly, briskly and rhythmically with alternate hands.
10.Work up and down or across an area – cover thoroughly.
11.The hands may also diverge – the heels of the hand stay close but the fingers diverge forming a ‗\/‘ shape. This is useful
over the upper fibres of the trapezius, below the nape of the neck.
Cupping

Cupping (also known as clapping) is performed using the cupped hands to strike the part
alternately. The movements are light and brisk, producing a hollow sound.
Technique
1. The stance is stride standing, as for hacking.
2. Make a hollow shape with the hand by flexing themetacarpophalangeal joints (knuckle
joints). Keepthe thumb in contact with the index finger.
3. Straighten the elbows – they may flex and extend slightlywith the movement.
4. Place the hands on the part.
5. Flex and extend the wrist as the hands lift up and downalternately; keep the wrists loose
and flexible.
6. Strike the part lightly and briskly with the fingers, part of the palm and heel of the hand.
7. The hands should clap the area, making a hollow sound. Avoid a slapping noise, whichwill
occur if the hands are too flat. This will sting and be uncomfortable for the client.
8. Work up and down or across the area. Cover it thoroughly four to six times until
anerythema is produced.
Beating

This is a heavier percussion movement that is useful on very large heavy areas of adipose tissue,
particularly over the buttocks and thighs. The manipulation is performed by striking the area with a
loosely clenched fist. The back of the fingers and heel of the hands strike the part as the hands
alternately drop heavily onto the area.
Technique
1. The stance is stride standing.
2. Loosely clench the fingers; keep the thumb against the hand.
3. Straighten the elbows.
4. Place the loosely clenched hands on the part so that the back of the fingers and heel of the hand
lie in contact with the part
5. Extend and flex the wrist and lift the arms slightly so that the hands fall alternately and heavily on
the part.
6. Work up and down or across the area and ensure that you cover it thoroughly four to six times.
7. The movement should be brisk and rhythmical. The pressure can vary from light to heavy,
depending on the required outcome and the type of tissue being worked on. Well-toned bulky
muscles or a depth of adipose tissue (fat) will be suitable for heavier pressure.
8. It is usual to work with both hands striking the part alternately, but it is possible over small or
awkward areas to use one hand only, supporting the tissues with the other.
Pounding

This, again, is a heavy percussion movement, performed by the ulnar border (little
finger side) of the loosely clenched fist. The side of the hands strikes the part
alternately.
Technique
1. The stance is stride standing.
2. Loosely clench the fingers.
3. Place the ulnar border of the hands on the part, with one hand slightly in front of
the other.
4. Lift the front hand and strike behind the back hand as the back hand lifts off the
part.
5. Continue to circle the hands over each other, striking the part alternately with each
hand.
6. The movement should be brisk and rhythmical. The pressure can vary from light to
heavy, depending on the desired effect and density of tissue.
7. Cover the area thoroughly four to six times, or until the desired erythema reaction
is achieved.