Everyone can give a massage, right? Not everyone can give a good massage anyway. I am sure when people hear massage they just picture someone been rubbed to relieve the person of pain. The commonest massage I do often is rubbing the tips of my fingers on my temple whenever I have a headache. Massage is an art.
A massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands specially to relieve tension or pain. A massage should be relaxing for the recipient. It shouldn’t cause other problems. Massage can be referred to as the manipulation of the body tissues. The word massage originated from the Greek word, masso/massein which means to touch or to handle. In earlier times when a person has sore, aching muscles, abdominal pains, or wounds, there is a natural and instinctive impulse to touch, press, or rub that part of the body for relief. This was done with or without herbs and/or oils.
Massage is indicated to relieve stress, lessen headaches, reduce edema, improve mental function, and lower back pain. However, it is also contraindicated in people with severe conditions, people having edema due to a delicate organ dysfunction, people with open wounds, or people with fever.
In this art, one needs to be careful because there are some areas of endangerment. Yes, you heard right, ‘danger’. These areas on the body need no pressure or deep application. No pressure is recommended because of underlying structures such as nerves, arteries, veins, and vital organs. Most of such areas are located at the joints, such as the back of the knee or inside the elbow. A lot of care has to be taken.
Some people have taken it upon themselves to be professionals at giving massage. Know the personal and professional boundaries. Certain rules have to be followed to give the client the best. Let us talk about them. To start with, the masseur needs to dress appropriately. For females especially, there is no need to show off your cleavage, cover it up. Clothing should be decent. Fingernails should be kept short as well. You do not want to scratch your client. Simply look professional from head to toe. Have a good personal hygiene.
Always have a good rapport with your client just before you start the art. Let the person know `your name to begin with. Your client should trust you to handle his or her body. Make them feel comfortable with you around. Assure them of excellent work. Let them know what you are about to do. Choice of words, voice tonation, and skills as a good communicator are very vital.
Only areas of the client’s body that are being therapeutically treated are included in treatments. The genitals are excluded. Women’s breasts are only included after obtaining written informed consent from the client before the massage begins. No sexually oriented touch.
Time is essential. There should be an appointed time for the massage treatment. The location should be professional, safe, and comfortable.
It does not end here.
Tracy Obeng Nyamekye
GHEMSA.
