Massaging across the muscle fibres

This type of massage is very good to relaxe tense muscles and a stressed mind. The method is also good to loosen up tense and hard areas in the muscles.

By this technique you perform the massage by rubbing or gripping across the direction of the muscle fibres. This is the same as massaging across the direction along which the muscle contracts. For long muscles this will be the same as massaging in the direction from one side to the other.

You take one area after the other. You begin by massaging each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, harder and more swiftly.

According to the size and conditions of the area you treat, you can use different types of manipulation. You can use a couple of fingers at a small area you work on, or to reach deeply into a tense point  You can rub with all your finger tips or with the palm of your hand at greater areas. To get a harder effect, you can use your finger knockles.

Massaging in the direction of the muscle fibres

By this method you massage the muscle in the direction from the fastening points in the tendons at one end of the muscle to the fastening point in the tendons at the other end. In this way you will massage along the muscle fibres, or in the direction in which the muscle contracts.  For long muscles, for example the muscles in the legs and the arms, or in the middle of the back,  this will be the same as massaging along the length of the muscle.

You shall allways stroke in the direction of the blood stream towards the central veins and the heart.

By this method the muscles will loose up and get more flexible and  mobile. The blood circulation through the muscles will improve. The muscles will get a better drainage of tissue fluid into the lymph system, and the further lymphe drainage towards the central blood veins will also improve,  and thereby swollen muscles will normalize. These effects will in turn make tired muscles faster regain good condition.

Also now you take one area ofter the other, but try to reach the whole length of a muscle or muscle group at each stroke. Also by this massage, you begin massaging at each area lightly, superficially and slowly to warm up, and then proceed by massaging deeper, firmer and somewhat faster.

Also by this longitudinal massage, you can press down and stroke with your finger tips, with all your fingers, or grip around a muscle or muscle group with your fingers.

Massaging with an electric massage device

Most elctric massage devices are vibrating up and down. This vibration mostly give the same effect as the massage across the muscle fibers. If you also stroke with the device head along the muscle in the direction of the blood stream towards the heart, you will simultaneously also achieve the effects of longitudinal massage.

Cheap electric massagers work with the same frequency as the alternating current, that is 24 movements per second. A good massager have the ability to change the frequency so that you can find the frequency that is the most effective for your purpose. The best frequency is probably 5-10 times per second (5-10 Hertz).

Use of oils and ointments during massage

By applying a massage oil or ointment at the area you work at, you ease the massage work and increase the effects of the massage. Your fingers glide more easily upon the skin covering the area. The blood supply of the skin and muscles will be stimulated. You get a sensual and exciting scent on the area and in the air. Ingredients in the oil will ameliorate muscular ache and pain. According to the composition of the massage oil, there will be different stimulating effects upon the muscles, for example faster regeneration of tired or hurt muscle tissue.

The effects of the massage can be increased by also stretching the limbs and body parts of the person you work on. Stretch in the natural movement directions of the limb or body parts until you reach some resistance. Do not stretch hard to go beyond the resistance point. However, by holding the limb some time at the resistance point will often cause the limb to relax, and then you can go some way further.

How hard should you perform the massage?

Tired and stiff muscles are often tender and aching. Working at a tender point will always cause some temporal pain. However, if you use the right degree of firmness, the effect of the massage should cause an immediate release of pain and tenderness when you have finished working at a point. You should never work so hard that the pain is felt nearly unbearable, or so hard that pain remains after the massage is finished. If you do so, you can hurt or aggravate already existing tissue damage.

To perform the right firmness you should monitor the reactions of the person you work at and listen to his comments. You should also never perform a massage on an area with a distinct inflammation or a distinct injury.

Massaging for joy and to tease up you partner sexually

You can use each of the two main techniques, but you let the pleasure of the person you massage decide the technique, the area you massage and the firmness of the massage. Usually gently touching and caressing will be the right manner.

To arouse you partner sexually, begin by massaging body areas at some distance from the intimate zones, and gradually approch the intimte anatomical regions of your partner.

Also your own pleasure shall decide. Do wear out yourself by too much straining when administering the masage, and the person resceiving the massage should be willing to repay you by doing the same favour to you.