Gentleman’s Essential #10: Healing Hands

Massages are one of those things that really connect us as humans.  Not only is it a healing technique to promote blood flow and reduce toxins, but it also gives us that physical interaction that we need as social creatures.  That’s why it’s important to become comfortable and confident giving massages.  This is probably going to be one of your favorite gentlemen’s essentials for you to master, because in order to become proficient in the art of massage you need to give and receive massages as much as possible!

I’ve only received a few professional massages, but each time I do I try to be aware of the techniques employed so I can use them later on.  For everyday massages the common Swedish massage is used.  This is the standard massage that uses pressure and friction to encourage blood flow and relax the muscles.  Although, in my massage at the Chrysalis in Bellingham, the masseuse used the Trager technique to “release my body’s holding patterns.”  This unexpected technique helped relax me and break up my tension.

For me, I’ve found that being mindful of the body’s anatomy has been useful in giving good massages.  Luckily, I’ve had a year of Anatomy and Physiology to help me with that, but a simple study of the human musculature will do the trick (see picture).  As you apply pressure to the muscles in the back and neck, I move in the direction of the muscles, moving the tension out.  Much of this is tension is in the Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, and Infraspinatus.  This is because throughout the day, we are constantly using those muscles to keep our head up as we work and they aid in arm movement.  Additionally, muscles that run along bones like the scapula tend to get pretty sore.  Using deep pressure from your thumb along the Supraspinatus will do wonders for a stressed out friend or loved one.  Through all of this, communication is the key.  Whereas one person might need relatively tough pressure, someone else might be very sensitive and appreciate a lighter touch.

So if you want more massages, you’ll have to give more.  As my buddy Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”