In this section you will find different techniques or movements that you can use to give massages.

Kneading

Kneading is one of the key motions in massage.  You apply your whole hand, grabbing and squeezing each part of the body.  You should work complete muscle groups.

If you use both hands, the sensation will be more pleasant.  You must continually alternate pressure and release. 

You should be careful of overly rough motions, as they can damage blood vessels and subcutaneous tissues. The benefits of this technique are increased of blood flow, stimulation of muscular metabolism and exfoliation of skin layers.  It also contributes to eliminating lactic acid and accumulated toxins.

Within Kneading, you can distinguish between several types:

Digital Kneading - This consists in using only the fingertips to make small circles in different directions: centrifugally, when you want to reduce discomfort, and centripetally if you want to tone.

The best zones for this technique are the forehead, the hair, the ribs, the sternum and the pubic region.

Hammer Kneading - Traditional maneuver in oriental therapies.  It consists in gently hitting with a closed fist, using the fleshy base of the little finger.
The hit should be soft and not profound.

It is used on the back and shoulders. 

Knuckle Kneading - In this technique you use the knuckle of the index finger and thumb to give the massage, squeezing quickly.

The best spots for this movement are the back, legs and arms.  

Fist Kneading - With a closed fist, pressing with the knuckles.

Use only on solid areas of the back.

Double Thumb Kneading - It consists in bringing together both thumbs on a section of skin in areas that require great accuracy.  

Great for areas like cervical vertebrae or intercostal muscles.