Soft kneading

This is another of the most popular massage techniques; it is used primarily for muscles. Without tensing your fingertips, gently shake your wrists and elbows. As you do this. using either the entire palm or the balls of the fingers. lightly and gently rub the patient's flesh in small. circular motions.

For large muscles in the major parts of the body -back. chest, abdomen, arms, forearms, thighs. lower abdomen - use the palms of both hands to press and knead the flesh

For muscles in more restricted zones - head, face, lower back, backs of the hands, legs-press with one or both thumbs as you rotate the flesh in circular motions

To rub the long thick muscles of the neck. shoulders, arms. and legs. you may use the thumbs and index fingers in pinching and kneading actions

It is permissible to use both hands together or in alternation to give the kind of massage performed by sports masseurs in treating the larger muscles and muscle groups. It is of the greatest importance to remember not to massage with the fingertips alone, for this mistaken kind of treatment can cause skin abrasions that might make the patient wish he had never submitted to massage therapy at all. Since this massage method invigorates the circulation in the muscles and stimulates metabolism, it aids in recovery from fatigue and improves muscular contraction powers, resilience, and tone. It is therefore recommended for strengthening the legs and arms of paralytic children, for removing fat from the abdomens of middle-aged people, for relieving weak stomach, and for curing constipation