Sooth away stress, banish pain, and share the language of touch with the healing powers of massage What reduces pain, enhances athletic performance, job efficiency, improves the circulation, raises immune efficiency, promotes the healing of tissues, increases the functioning of the skin, enhances focus and emotional balance, and improves appearance? Right, massage! So what are you waiting for?
Discover how to knead your way to relaxation and wellness with this fun guide to the art of massage. With the help of numerous step-by-step hands-on photos and illustrations, Massage For Dummies, 2nd Edition shows you, move by move, how to harness the healing power of touch. In no time you'll master the basics and learn how to give and receive a therapeutic massage.
- 25% new and expanded content in this edition
- Covers an array of techniques, from Swedish to Deep Tissue and sports massage to self-massage
- The newest strokes and techniques that can relieve specific painful conditions
Hands-on and extremely practical, Massage For Dummies, 2nd Edition shows you how to integrate massage and its benefits into your everyday life.
Table of Contents:
Introduction 1
Part I: Discovering Massage 7
Chapter 1: Not Just a Rub: How Massage Can Improve Your Life 9
Chapter 2: A Brief History of Touch 21
Chapter 3: Your Skin and What’s Beneath It: What You’re Touching When You Massage Somebody 31
Part II: The Art of Receiving Massage 49
Chapter 4: Making Massage Part of Your Life: A Massage Road Map 51
Chapter 5: Your First Massage Appointment, Step-by-Step 67
Chapter 6: The Rules for Receiving Massage 83
Chapter 7: Enjoying the Spa Experience (There and at Home) 95
Part III: The Art of Giving Massage 111
Chapter 8: Setting the Stage for a Great Massage 113
Chapter 9: Stocking Your Massage Tool Chest 123
Chapter 10: All the Right Moves 135
Chapter 11: Putting the Moves Together: Massaging the Back of the Body 161
Chapter 12: Putting the Moves Together: Massaging the Front of the Body 183
Chapter 13: A Special Treat for the Feet: Reflexology 217
Chapter 14: Have Hands, Will Travel: Doing Massage for a Living 237
Part IV: Massage for Every Body 247
Chapter 15: Higher, Faster, Stronger: Sports Massage 249
Chapter 16: Sensual Massage 263
Chapter 17: A Massage for Baby (and Mommy Too) 273
Chapter 18: Self-Massage Techniques to Use at Work 287
Part V: The Part of Tens 303
Chapter 19: Ten (Plus a Few More) Top Places to Study Massage 305
Chapter 20: Ten Outstanding Places to Receive a Top-Notch Massage 313
Appendix: Massage Resources 317
Index 327
About the Author :
Steve Capellini, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist, trainer, and consultant. He has authored several books and has appeared on TV and in magazines. Michel Van Welden, PT, NT, received his training at the Physical Therapy Institute of Paris, specializing in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation.
