Massage Techniques and Facial Manipulations
What this domain tests
Massage questions test technique names, direction, pressure, and when facial massage is unsafe.
Core rules
- Classic movements: effleurage, gliding; petrissage, kneading; tapotement, tapping; vibration; and friction. Each has a direction and pressure suited to the area.
- Facial massage generally moves upward and outward, following muscle and lymphatic flow, with light pressure on the eyelids and throat.
- Lymphatic drainage uses very light, directional strokes; it is not deep tissue work.
- Contraindications include acute inflammation, fever, contagious skin disease, recent surgery, active acne cysts, and undiagnosed swelling. Caution with rosacea, sunburn, and fragile skin.
- Avoid pressure over the carotid sinus, eyes, and inflamed lesions. Ask about dizziness or discomfort.
Worked example
A client has several tender, deep acne nodules on the chin. Decision: omit massage over the chin and perform only gentle effleurage elsewhere. Reasoning: pressure can rupture nodules, spread inflammation, and worsen scarring.
Traps
Using deep pressure on the throat; massaging over a fever blister; calling all massage relaxing and ignoring contraindications; dragging the skin without slip; forgetting consent before touch.