Publisher's Synopsis
Is this the right book for me?
Starting by helping you to understand what's happening in your body, Get Started in Massage will give you practical guidance on how to use massage for therapeutic and healing purposes. Step-by-step guides with diagrams and a breakdown of which oils to use and when accompany sections on sports injuries, massage for pregnancy and babies, and self-massage in this no-nonsense guide to an effective healing art.
Get Started in Massage includes:
Chapter 1: The history and benefits of massage
History
Benefits
Chapter 2: Setting the scene
Environment
Equipment
Contraindications (when not to massage)
Chapter 3: Massage techniques
Effleurage/Stroking
Friction
Petrissage
Percussion movements/Tapotement
Vibration and shaking
Exercises for your hands
Chapter 4: Step-by-step massage
Back of the body
Front of the body
Massage sequence memory jogger
Chapter 5: Self massage
Chapter 6: Aromatherapy and massage
Essential oils
Bergamont
Chamomile (Roman)
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Frankincense
Geranium
Jasmine
Juniper
Lavender
Lemon
Neroli (Orange blossom)
Peppermint
Rose
Rosemary
Sandalwood
Tea tree
Chapter 7: Massage in pregnancy and childbirth
Benefits of massage
Special considerations
Back
Abdomen
Leg and foot
Arm, face and breast
Essential oils for labour
Post-natal massage
Essential oils for post-natal care
Chapter 8: Massage for babies
Benefits of massage
Special considerations
Suggested routine
Essential oils for baby
Chapter 9: Sports injuries
The importance of exercise
The benefits of massage
Pre-event massage
Post-event massage
Treatment
A-Z of sports injuries
Emergency aid
Chapter 10: Massage in the workplace
Chapter 11: A healthy lifestyle
Massage
Healthy diet
Exercise
Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.
Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on
the author's many years of experience.
Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.
Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of massage.
Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.
Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.