Head Massages

Face And Head Massage:
The Face Massage and Head Massage is a particularly pleasurable experience-most people will be surprised at the amount of tension they hold here,particularly around the jaw.There is not usually time for a full face and head massage as part of a full-body massage.You might like to try it on its own or in combination with a back and shoulder massage.
Face:
Massage Steps:
1.Cup hands around the head,with thumbs resting on the forehead and fingertips at the temples.Smooth out the forehead in strips-starting along the eyebrows,working up toward the hairline.
2.Press between the eyebrows with your thumbs.Repeat,moving up the center of the forehead to the hairline.
3.Massage temples,using circular motion with fingers.Continue circles down along the jawbone to the chin.
4.Using your fingertips,draw a line under the cheekbone and out to the temples.Repeat,taking the line lower down the cheek each time.
5.Use the fingertips to draw a big moustache shape from the upper lip out to the temples,and circle the temples one more time.
6.Press softly around the upper bone of the eye sockets,starting from the bridge of the nose,out to the corner of the eye.Repeat,this time working carefully around the eye socket under the eyes.
7.Gently massage the ears between your thumbs and fingers,starting at the earlobe and moving around and up to the top of the ear.
8.Pull ears very gently,again starting with the lobe and moving gradually to the top of the ear.
9.Cup hands and rest them over the eyes(it's best to warn your partner before you do this).Ask your partner to breathe in and out deeply several times.Release the hands.
Massage Don'ts:
The throat is another vulnerable area of the body.Although the sides and back of the neck can be massaged,avoid working directly across the throat itself.
The face is naturally more oily than the other parts of the body.Unless the reciever has particularly dry skin,you will not need to add extra oil at this stage.
Head: Massage Steps:
1.Cup forehead in hands once more and press in the middle of the forehead at hairline.Continue pressing upward to the crown of the head.
2.Supporting the head in the hands and with fingers at the base of the skull,massage the entire scalp.
3.Draw fingers lightly through the hair several times,and off at the crown.
Massage Tips:
If your partners hair is very thick,avoid the possibility of getting your fingers caught in tangles by drawing your fingers over the top of the hair instead.

Body Massage Oils

Massage oils come in a variety of scents and blends but may be hard for the layperson or enthusiast to find.Making a homemade massage oil can be a fun project for friends or a couple.Learn how to select an appropriate oil medium and ways to add therapeutic aromas to them.
Choosing an Oil
When selecting an oil consider the skin type and season of use.Richer,or thicker,oils may be better for cold seasons while lighter oils will lend themselves better for warm weather.If the recipient has oily skin already,using a very rich oil may be uncomfortable.Also consider the amount of body hair–will a richer oil make gliding strokes easier over a fairly hairy back?
*Jojoba Oil–not an actual oil,Jojoba(pronounced ho-ho-bah),is actually a plant ester,or wax.It has similar properties to oil but closely matches the skin’s own oil and therefore is widely used for face massages and sensitive skin types.
*Olive Oil–very rich oil that may be too thick for sensitive skin types or those prone to breakouts or acne.Great for dry skin or wintertime use.
*Sesame Oil–a medium to rich oil with a light scent.
*Sweet Almond Oil–has a slightly sticky quality and would go well with dryer skin types or for moisturizing during dry seasons.
Infusing Oils with Herbal Teas
Many herbed teas make great ingredients for a homemade massage oil.The individual tea bags remove the extra step of straining off loose herbs from the oils and can cut down on preparation time.
Some common herbal teas that might go well infused in oil:
*Chamomile–preferably as the only ingredient in the tea bag,chamomile is known for its relaxation properties and is also very gentle on sensitive and aging skin types.
*Peppermint–can make a rejuvenating blend for a pick-me-up massage or back rub.Choose peppermint when the room can be adequately warmed for the massage or the recipient may get too chilled.
Preparing the Infusions
Once the oil has been selected and the accompanying tea bag(s),a glass container than can be sealed should be chosen.A canning jar or other food storage glass container are good options.Four to six ounces of oil can be poured over one or two tea bags.The glass should be swirled a little to saturate the tea bag(s)and then placed in a sunny window for two or more days.The glass should be gently swirled daily to aid the infusion process.The blend can be left up to a week in the window as long as the oil is warm in the sun but not hot to the touch.
Once the preferred time has passed the tea bag(s)can be gently removed with a fork,taking care not to tear the bag open.The oil can be transferred to a plastic squeeze bottle,a smaller glass jar or left in this vessel.For ease in application a small amount of oil can be transferred to a small bowl and refilled when necessary.Avoid dipping fingers or hands into the infused oil during a massage to prevent contaminating the blend.
Using Essential Oils
Essential Oils should be used carefully and with some research.For example,Rosemary oil can be harmful for someone with hypertension,or high blood pressure.

Relaxing Massage

Yoga and massage:The ancient self-help system of yoga promotes mental and physical well being and creates a balance between the mind,body and spirit.We begin each morning with an all-level Astanga series of yoga custom designed for surfing.We also offer private yoga instruction for an additional hourly fee to be scheduled within your day.If you are looking for a way to prepare yourself for surfing or for an outlet for improvement,practicing yoga a few days a week will work wonders.A one hour sports massage is included in your sol sessions package.Many women take advantage of having a personal masseuse on staff and also schedule additional massages.After a full day of hiking, biking and surfing there is nothing more relaxing then a therapeutic massage.

Foot Massage Techniques

If you are looking to learn some really great foot massage techniques, we have listed them for you below. As you become more comfortable with the foot, you will want to work each technique into your routine. Don't forget to check out our giving a foot massage page for a full routine. It is better to learn different methods of massaging so that you will be able to adapt to the needs of each individual person you work on.
1. Sweeping & Rubbing
A good general technique to start with to warm up the foot. It is always recommended to bring blood into the foot via circulation by rubbing it first. It will be less prone to injury by warming it up should you choose to apply deeper manipulations. This stroke is something you can alter to your liking. Grasp the foot in your hands and begin to massage the surface of the foot. Moving in one direction and with medium pressure, pull your grasped hand to the end of the foot or toward the ankle (depending on your direction). You may work back in the opposite direction you started with to make a continuous flow. Be careful to use less pressure on the toes and inner center of the foot. Repeat this foot massage technique several times to initiate a rhythm and warm the foot.
foot massage technique
2. Thumb Walking
This technique is simple in that you basicly alternate thumbs with firm pressure along the sides of each foot. You may also slide the thumb from the top to the bottom along the side. You should notice as you apply pressure that there are tendons that run along the outside edges of the foot. These tendons can often be tense and are a great technique to use during a foot massage.
foot massage technique
3. Toe Rotation
Rotating the toes can be done a few ways. You can gently rotate each toe individually in opposite directions. You may also pull the toes upward. Another option is to grasp all of the toes in one hand and gently squeeze as you pull. Use caution in this area due to sensitivity.
toe rotation
4. Kneading
Using the fist to knead back and forth on the sole of the foot. Kneading uses the knuckles of the fist at the joints. The term "Knead" comes from the concept of rolling like dough with large pressing, rotating movements. Remember that the foot is not as soft as dough, so be gentle! After this, make a fist with one of your hands. Press your knuckles into the sole of their foot repeatedly, working your way from the heel to the toes.
kneading
5. Cupping
Cup the foot with your hands and squeeze with the appropriate amount of pressure. You may move up and down as you are holding the foot.
cupping foot

How to Give a Full Body Massage

Steps

1. Create the right atmosphere/ambiance. It is important to have a cozy, quiet, warm room. Maybe you'll want to spread roses to create a loving feeling.
2. Use heating/cooling to get the right temperature (note that during a massage most bodies are cooling down).
3. Use lamps or candles to have a warm ambiance that is not too bright and not too dark, and to bring a nice aroma to the room.
4. Make sure that the neighbourhood cannot observe the massage - close your curtains.
5. Prepare massage oil - Jojoba oil is very good, Almond oil is cheap and good, Grapeseed oil is great for the skin and doesn't leave as thick a residue. *Do not use products with petroleum.*
6. Spread a linen on the floor to protect it from oil (giving a massage on a bed or sofa is not recommended).
7. Place a blanket or adequate cover over the linen (the person lies afterwards in between the linen and blanket).
8. Prepare yourself - cut your nails, take a bath to relax yourself, concentrate on the upcoming massage and person, relax with yoga, mental methods or breathing techniques, put on some comfortable clothes
9. Have your partner take off his/her clothes and lie between the blanket and linen on his/her stomach. If the partner takes all clothes off it will feel more relaxing. If partner doesn't want to then it would be fine to stay in underwear, opening the bra during the back massage and closing it before turning over.
10. Pull the blanket covering the right leg away (only reveal the body part that you are massageing at that time, this keeps them warm and secure).
11. Place yourself on the right side next to your partner on the thigh of the lower leg.
12. Use your flat hands to smoothly slide from the foot to the bottom on top of the back of the right leg and slide again down.
13. Knead the right leg from the bottom to the top in 3 parts (inner, middle, outer part of the leg).
14. Use your flat hands to smoothly slide from the foot to the bottom on top of the back of the right leg and slide again down. Repeat the same process for the left leg.(Avoid the back of the knee, there is no muscle there to massage and it can be very sore)
15. Put the blanket back
16. Repeat on other leg.
17. Reveal the back of your partner by moving the part of the blanket that is at the head onto the bottom.
18. Place yourself at the head facing the legs. Use your flat hands to smoothly slide from head to the bottom. Each hand is close to the spine, one on the right and the other one on the left side of the spine. Slide over the edge of the bottom to the side and slide on the sides upwards and just underneath the scapulas(shoulder blades) you slide back to the spine and move the rest back up to the beginning of the shoulders. Do this 3 times.
19. Place yourself onto the side of the back of your partner and with your left hand, do a full circle on his or her back. With your right hand, do a half circle beginning away from your left going clockwise. You should do this very slowly, smooth and sensitive. Start at the bottom and circle your way up to the shoulders.
20. Cover the back again
21. Let your partner turn onto his back.
22. Massage the left leg using smooth motions over the front of the shin and deeper pressure over the thigh. A foot massage using circling motions with your thumbs starting at the heel and working your way to the toes can feel great but many people will not allow you to touch their feet so check first
23. Repeat on the right leg
    24. Lift the left hand and hold it up so that the elbow is clear of the floor using your left hand. With your right slide your hand along the back of the forearm and up the tricep(back of the arm)and around the shoulder and back the way you came. When your right hand is back at the wrist change over and hold the hand up with your right and slide with your left down the inside of the forearm, up the bicep and around the shoulder and back. Do each of these three times. Put the arm down and knead the forearm and upper arm.
    25. Take the hand into yours and massage the palm with your thumbs in small circles. Take each finger in turn and slowly slide from the knuckles to the nail holding it firmly in your hand without pulling it painfully.
    26. Cover this arm and repeat on other arm
    27. Move to the head, sit facing the feet with the head directly in front of you
    28. Rub your hands and place them slowly over your partner's eyes - do not touch him/her just a bit above his head - try to stay like this for 1 - 2 minutes.
    29. Again touching your partner, slide your thumbs from the part between the eyebrows to the point where the hair starts.
    30. Place your thumbs a bit higher and move them apart.
    31. Do it again until you reach the beginning of the ear.
    32. Do the same starting below the eyes moving over the cheeks.
    33. Do the same on the upper lip (between nose and lips).
    34. Do the same underneath the lip (between lips and chin).
    35. Place each of your hands onto one shoulder and relax. This is a time for the tow of you to connect, share the moment and allow them to come awake in their own time.
    
    
    [edit] Tips
    
    * Go slowly.
    * Feel with your hands instead of looking with your eyes.
    * Accept your partner.
    
    
    [edit] Warnings
    
    * Do not massage if you do not feel well, or if you or your partner has any injury or sickness.
    * Never massage a wound.
    * Never massage legs with bad veins.
    * If you are uncertain, ask your doctor.
    * Always be gentle when applying pressure on the lower back. Remember that there are no ribs to protect the internal organs from the pressure of your hands.
    * Avoid putting ANY pressure on the spine
    * There are some cases in which massages can aggravate a medical condition. A person should consult with a doctor before receiving a massage if they have any of the following issues/conditions:[1]
    
    o Spinal injuries or damage, such as herniated disk, etc.
    o A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
    o Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs)
    o Damaged blood vessels
    o Weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer
    o A fever
    o Any of the following in an area that would be massaged: open or healing wound, tumor, damaged nerves, an infection or acute inflammation, inflammation from radiation treatment
    o Pregnancy
    o Cancer
    o Fragile skin, as from diabetes or a healing scar
    o Heart problems
    * If you are going to have intercourse afterwards be aware that the massage oil will adversly affect phisical forms of contreception
    
    
    [edit] Things You'll Need
    
    * Oil
    * linen
    * blanket
    * candles
    * fragrances