Bespoke Kerala Holidays

MASSAGING – THE POSTERIOR ASPECT

Legs Massage

Do the application as for the front of the legs but make smooth sliding movement from foot to the top of the thigh.

1 Be seated to the side of massage taker and create sweeping movement to the buttock ridge and sliding to around the thigh by brushing upward at the heel by one hand.

2 When the first hand comes round the thigh put the other hand on the heel. Then make upward weeping brush to end at the knee.

3 Ankle thumbings: Ankle thumbing helps mitigate congestion. Place the thumbs on the heels and cradle one ankle gently with the hands. Make upward and outward brushing movements with light pressure. Repeat this for 30 seconds.

4 Flushing: This helps drain the lymph channels to stimulate circulation. Sit at the feet. Slide the thumbs up the middle of the leg and finish at the back of the knee. Bring the hands slowly back down to the ankles. Do this 5 to 6 times. Application should not touch varicose veins. Take care.

5 Wringing: This process is similar to wringing of cloths. Place the hands on opposite sides of the calf as just above the ankle. Glide the hands gently forward and backward with pressure. If one hand is forward the other should be backward. Keep the backward hand’s thumb raised so as to avoid collision of thumbs when they meet at a same point. Do the wringing for 30 seconds. The muscles regain tone due to the wringing.

6 Kneading: Put one hand on top of the calf and the other just above the ankle. With both hands hold the calf muscle firmly and then slide it to the centre of calf by lifting. Get the fingers and thumbs together and knead the area with little pressure and lift the muscles. Do the kneading for 30 seconds. Kneading helps relieve tension at the back of the legs.

7 Thumbing the Knee: The action is similar to thumbing at ankle base. Cup the hands around the knee when the thumbs will be on the fleshy part of the knee at the back. Do the flushing and wringing as done on lower leg.

8 Thigh Push: Place the clenched fist on the side of the thigh towards hip bone (the wrist of the working hand is generally wrapped by the supporting hand for the benefit of stability to the working hand) and make knuckling movement. Do this 5 to 6 times. This process helps to break the cellulite which in turn helps disperse the fatty tissues so as to improve the circulation.

Back Massage

Back is always under strain as most of the body weight is rested on it. The lack of exercise or physical activity, obesity, and improper posture compound the problem of the back. Back massage helps relieve the back strain to a great extent. The importance of back massage is well established.

Apply oil on the back with smooth upward stroke by sitting side to the taker.

1 Effleurage so as to have the oil on the entire back.

2 Fanning: Place one hand on the lower back at the base of the spine. Keep the fingers splayed and the index finger pointed to the spine. Move the hand circularly upward and outward from the spine. The other hand should follow the same side when the first hand completes the movement. This should be done on both sides 4 to 5 times. This action has a direct impact on the nerves along the spine. It helps disperse the fluid accumulated tissues in the back.

3 Figure of Eight: Both the hands with fingers directed against the head should be placed on the lower back just above the spine base. Move up the hands around the shoulders across the upper back as towards each other. Cross the right arm over the left when the hands pass each other and continue the gliding. When the gliding reaches the waist pull the flesh around the waist firmly. Thereafter release the sides when the palms slide to the middle of the lower back and pass each other. Slide the palms out around the hip in continuation of the movement and complete the Figure of Eight by returning the hands to the starting point.

4 Shoulder Massage: Fingers splayed one hand should be placed on the bottom of the shoulder blade. The second hand should follow the same side. Brush the hand up and out in circling movement. Then do the same thing on the second blade. Do the movements 4 times.

5 Forearm Sweep: Place the forearm along side the spine with elbow just above the buttocks. For support and stability the working hand may be embraced by other hand. Slide up the side of spine to the top of the shoulder ridge by using forearm. Do the action twice.

6 Draining: Have both the hands together and palms raised and put the finger tips at the side of the spine as just above the tail bone. Pull the fingers together down the side of the back and push up to the spine till the base of neck and the final movement pulls across the shoulder against the glands in the armpit. Do this 4 to 5 times and repeat it on the other side of the spine.

7 Neck: Let the taker lay facing down with forehead in hands. Pull up and knead the muscles in the base of the neck and roll the muscles in between the thumb and other fingers. While doing this one hand should be on the back of the head. This action helps disperse the fatty deposits in the sensitive area and relieves tension.