Massage For Dummies

Sooth away stress, banish pain, and share the language of touch with the healing powers of massage

What reduces pain, enhances athletic performance, job efficiency, improves the circulation, raises immune efficiency, promotes the healing of tissues, increases the functioning of the skin, enhances focus and emotional balance, and improves appearance? Right, massage! So what are you waiting for?

Discover how to knead your way to relaxation and wellness with this fun guide to the art of massage. With the help of numerous step-by-step hands-on photos and illustrations, Massage For Dummies, 2nd Edition shows you, move by move, how to harness the healing power of touch. In no time you'll master the basics and learn how to give and receive a therapeutic massage.

• 25% new and expanded content in this edition
• Covers an array of techniques, from Swedish to Deep Tissue and sports massage to self-massage
• The newest strokes and techniques that can relieve specific painful conditions

Hands-on and extremely practical, Massage For Dummies, 2nd Edition shows you how to integrate massage and its benefits into your everyday life.

Introduction 1

Part I: Discovering Massage 7

Chapter 1: Not Just a Rub: How Massage Can Improve Your Life 9

Chapter 2: A Brief History of Touch 21

Chapter 3: Your Skin and What’s Beneath It: What You’re Touching When You Massage Somebody 31

Part II: The Art of Receiving Massage 49

Chapter 4: Making Massage Part of Your Life: A Massage Road Map 51

Chapter 5: Your First Massage Appointment, Step-by-Step 67

Chapter 6: The Rules for Receiving Massage 83

Chapter 7: Enjoying the Spa Experience (There and at Home) 95

Part III: The Art of Giving Massage 111

Chapter 8: Setting the Stage for a Great Massage 113

Chapter 9: Stocking Your Massage Tool Chest 123

Chapter 10: All the Right Moves 135

Chapter 11: Putting the Moves Together: Massaging the Back of the Body 161

Chapter 12: Putting the Moves Together: Massaging the Front of the Body 183

Chapter 13: A Special Treat for the Feet: Reflexology 217

Chapter 14: Have Hands, Will Travel: Doing Massage for a Living 237

Part IV: Massage for Every Body 247

Chapter 15: Higher, Faster, Stronger: Sports Massage 249

Chapter 16: Sensual Massage 263

Chapter 17: A Massage for Baby (and Mommy Too) 273

Chapter 18: Self-Massage Techniques to Use at Work 287

Part V: The Part of Tens 303

Chapter 19: Ten (Plus a Few More) Top Places to Study Massage 305

Chapter 20: Ten Outstanding Places to Receive a Top-Notch Massage 313

Appendix: Massage Resources 317

Index 327

Steve Capellini, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist, trainer, and consultant. He has authored several books and has appeared on TV and in magazines.

Michel Van Welden, PT, NT, received his training at the Physical Therapy Institute of Paris, specializing in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.

The easy way to soothe stress, banish pain, and share the language of touch

From Swedish and shiatsu techniques to aromatherapy and reflexology, this fun guide to the art of massage shows you how to knead your way to relaxation and wellness. With the help of numerous step-by-step, hands-on photos and illustrations, you'll learn, move by move, how to master the basics and give and receive a therapeutic massage.

• Massage 101 — understand the basics of massage, the origins of the many techniques and how they work, and the many ways it can improve your life

• Giving is better than receiving — use the many photos and illustrations to guide you through learning the art of giving a therapeutic massage

• Don't be a wet noodle — find out how to properly receive a massage (yes, there's an art to that, too!) and develop breathing methods, meditative awareness, and other techniques for blissing out

• Massage for the masses — discover how people in every walk of life can enjoy and benefit from massage, from sports massage to sensual massage and everything in between

Open the book and find:

• The benefits of massage

• A roadmap to what's beneath the skin

• Guidance on feeling for tissues, muscles, and more

• Luxurious spa treatments you can do at home

• Information on creating the ideal massage environment

• Which massage techniques to apply for different results

• Massage tips for baby, pregnancy, sensual massage, sports massage, and more

Learn to:

• Soothe away stress and banish pain

• Perform Swedish, sports, and self-massage techniques

• Improve circulation, raise immune efficiency, and promote the healing of tissues

• Enhance focus and emotional balance