Body Massage & Body Therapy
The classic movements
Swedish massage is built from five families: effleurage (gliding, linking, warming), petrissage (kneading, picking up, wringing, rolling), tapotement (hacking, cupping, beating, pounding), vibration and shaking, and friction (circular, transverse, connective tissue work). Know the purpose, pace and pressure of each, plus the body areas where each is inappropriate - tapotement over bone, kidneys or the abdomen, for instance.
Direction and effects
Effleurage is generally applied towards the heart and towards the nearest lymph nodes to support venous and lymphatic return. Physiological effects include increased local circulation, warming of tissue, relaxation via the parasympathetic response, release of muscle tension and improved skin condition. Psychological effects - reduced anxiety, improved body awareness - are equally examinable.
Contraindications
Absolute: fever, acute infection, deep vein thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, recent fracture or surgery, uncontrolled hypertension, severe varicose veins, open wounds, contagious skin disease, intoxication, first trimester of pregnancy. Relative (medical consent or local avoidance): pregnancy after the first trimester, diabetes, cancer history, osteoporosis, anticoagulant medication, undiagnosed lumps.
Mediums and related therapies
Oils, creams, lotions, powders and aromatherapy blends; know carrier oil versus essential oil and dilution principles. Body therapies include exfoliation, wraps, heat treatments and manual lymphatic drainage.
Traps
Candidates confuse petrissage with friction, and forget that "deep" is not the same as "heavy". Many questions hinge on recognising a contraindication that is a precaution - read carefully.
Rule of thumb
Work towards the heart and towards the nodes; reduce pressure when in doubt and never work over a suspected clot.