We have all experienced the benefits of a great massage. We all know that it helps reduce stress by helping circulation. It is also common knowledge that it helps prevent injury by strengthening and conditioning muscle and tendons prior to rigorous physical activity. Some people have even experienced how relaxing a massage can be when done by someone who knows what they are doing. However, only a precious few actually know what to do to achieve that perfect massage.

To be able to conduct a perfect massage session, one must be an expert in a person’s anatomy. He or she must also have dexterous hands to put into effect the many techniques of this science. The intuition must also be present in order to know what the subject wants and needs from the massage. He or she must also possess the passion to give that once in a lifetime massage that everyone dreams of.

One final thing a person needs to give a great rubdown is knowledge. All the other elements is dependent on the innate ability of the person giving the massage but this can be taught and it can be learned. Here are some of the directions you can follow to get to the best ever rubdown you will have ever experienced. Just remember to generously apply massage oils before you even begin on any body part.

The Back

The back is the perfect place to start when giving the best back rub ever. Start with the mid to lower back area, because it supports our weight whenever we run, walk or just simply stand where we are. After kneading the muscles from that area, move lower to the buttocks area. After which, it is time to rub the shoulders, making sure to remove all the knots.

The Legs and Feet

The legs are one of the largest muscle groups in the body and it takes a great deal of punishment through the course of the day. With the subject still facing face down on the massage table, knead the muscle of the calves and thighs by gently stroking down along the grains of the muscle. Repeat the same step on the other leg and have the subject turn around to work on the front of the legs.

As for the feet, you begin your massage by bending the leg at the knee and working the ankle joint in a circular motion. Then, hold the foot with one hand and massage the bottom of the foot with your fist moving from the arch of your foot, down to the heel. Once you get to the heel, squeeze. Then, with both of your hands holding the foot, move back up again while massaging in a circular fashion using the thumbs. Finally massage the toes and move on to the other foot.

The Arms and Hands

The arms are often used in daily activity and are often the first body parts to become sore. They however do not have the same muscle size and density as the back and legs. Start by lifting one arm and placing it at a right angle to the body, letting the hand flop down. Hold the elbow down, making sure to hold the elbow and shoulder for support. After stretching the muscles in the arm lay the arm back along the body and massage the muscle slowly and gently until the hands reach the wrist.

To massage the hand, begin by massaging the palm of the hand using the thumbs of both hands. Then, massage the back of the hand using your thumb and fingers in between the bones of the hand. Finally move your thumb and forefingers across each of the subject digits, gently tugging each. Once you are done, feel free to move to the other hand.