From the dawn of humankind, humans have recognized the importance and comfort of touch. Massage is the natural inclination to touch, to soothe, to rub, or to take away or ease whatever ails you. You are part of this rich history, contributing with your touch. Massage opens the door to discovery as your hands and fingers begin to see the aches and pains before you rub them away! A loving back rub becomes an experiment in touch as you travel through the variety of massage strokes to the joy of your partner. Massage is a tender gift you give as you gently stroke your baby's belly, watching as she kicks back in laughter.
Massage is a form of communication; you can actually talk to someone without words. When you are gently rubbing the tired arms and hands of a beloved elder you are expressing your feelings through the compassion of your touch. There is no mystery in this form of communication; this is open and honest giving. The energy between you and your receiver flows free and clear. Kind touch is about love.
Touch through massage is a sharing of self with others. A relationship of honor and trust is established through the give-and-take of caring touch. To receive massage is to trust the giver, to give massage is to honor the receiver. The knowledge you gather from this book will contribute to your relationship with yourself as well as with others. You are opening a door to whole wellness as you study educated touch, visualizing your hands as tools of healing. Massage takes away the aches and pains while providing comfort in the most basic of our instincts, touch.
Massage is used today in a variety of settings. It is used for everyone from athletes to infants to businessmen. Massage is used in physical therapy and in specific treatment of certain medical conditions. Massage has become popular in many areas of healing, including nursing and spa treatments, and is used by doctors for certain drugless healing.
This book is a how-to guide for learning to use massage and share its gifts. You will learn various techniques to use on yourself, as well as friends and family. You may even discover that you would like to pursue a career in massage, in which case the last chapter is a tool to assist you in finding the right school for you.
We discuss the different strokes and movements within a massage, and explore the variety of massages available, giving you an array of choices. As you develop an informed touch, your fingers will know what to do on the body you are massaging.
Through the study and examination of massage you will enter into a new world that is exciting and free. You will find that the physical and emotional relaxation you experience as a receiver and a giver frees your spirit. Welcome to the world of joyous giving. Feel free to jump in and try out your strokes.