The first thing to do when giving a massage is to prepare the room. Make sure the room is clean and tidy. Adjust the lighting to an appropriate level (that will depend on who you are giving a massage to and why!) Make sure the room is warm so that they don't get cold (the temperature of the body drops automatically when you lie down.) Make sure that they have somewhere comfortable to lie whilst receiving the massage. Have a towel or blanket for them to cover areas not being massaged.

Now we have prepared the room, it is time to learn about basic massage movements.

This is a slow stroking movement. You should always start and end a massage with this move. It allows you to apply the massage medium and get accustomed to the physical contact. It also allows the recipient to relax. The Whole hand should be in contact with the recipient during this move. You should start the movement at the closest point to you, moving away. The return stroke shouldn't be heavy or ticklish but should remain in contact with them. This is a great move to use at any point in the massage if you forget what move you were going to do next!

There are several movements that fall under this category. All of the movements compress the soft tissue against themselves or the underlying bone.

• Kneading
  
  This is a circular movement that can be done with any part of the hand heel, palm, finger or thumb. The pressure is always towards the heart. The pressure is applied in the last quarter of the move. Flat handed kneading-the entire hand is used. Palmer kneading-use palm only, a greater depth can be achieved so only use on areas with large muscles. Finger kneading-often used around joints and in the arches of the feet. Any number of finger pads can be used depending on the size of the area. Double handed kneading-often thought of as 'ironing' with one hand on top of the other. Great for the back! This move is soothing and relaxing, loosening soft tissue.
  
  The muscle is compressed against underlying bone, lifted, squeezed and released. Work backwards down a limb with elbows out.
  
  
  • Compress area
  • Grasp, squeeze and lift
  • Release muscle
  • Move to next area
  
  It is a lot easier to use this movement on large areas of muscle. Both hands can be used to reinforce each other. This can be used on the shoulders, calves and front thigh muscles. It can also be used on the bicep; you would have to do the movement with one hand. In this case, the muscle would slot into the gap between your thumb and first finger.
  
  
• Frictions
  
  These are small, deep circular movements with one finger or thumb. They are normally used to massage the ligament that runs down either side of the spine. NEVER MASSAGE DIRECTLY ONTO THE VERTIBRAE OF THE SPINE. The pressure is steady and even. Use Effleurage in between to ease the effect. Do not lock your fingers straight while carrying out this movement as this can cause Repetitive Strain Injuries. Make sure that the person receiving the massage is relaxed while carrying out this move. Do not use on painful, inflamed arthritic or bony areas.
  
  
• Wringing
  
  The tissue is compressed against the underlying bone, lifted, then pulled towards you with the fingers of one hand, whilst the thumb of the other hand pushes it away (try to imagine you are making bread.) Do not drop the muscle; pass it from one hand to the other, working up and down the area. The tops of the fingers and thumb may be used on smaller areas.

The areas treated with these movements are struck with soft blows by the hand.

NEVER USE ANY OF THESE MOVES ON THIN DELICATE TISSUES, BONY OR WEAK AREAS.

• Cupping
  
  The hands are cupped so that the palm does not touch the area. A Vacuum is created and this produces a hollow sound. Practice this movement on yourself first as it is quite difficult and takes practice. You will know when it is right by the sound. If it sounds like a hollow echo then you have got it right. If it sounds like a slap, then keep practicing, you'll get there!
  
  
• Hacking
  
  Everyone knows this move thanks to a certain building society's TV ad! Use the little finger side of the hand, striking the area in quick succession. Both hands should be hitting roughly the same spot. Keep elbows bent and hands relaxed or it will hurt both of you! Only use this on areas that are relaxed. Never use around the kidneys. In fact, I only use these movements on both sides of the thigh.