* Well-reviewed books to introduce you to the world of massage
* Discovering great massage techniques can be a fun shared experience
* These guides include methods from all over the world
Learning how to give a massage may seem completely selfless. After all, once you have mastered the art, your hands will be ready to dole out relaxing and money-saving massages to partners, friends and anyone in need, but what do you get from it?
In reality, it doesn’t need to be a purely giving experience. Discovering the art of massage is an activity that can be shared, especially with your partner. And, on top of that, you’ll not only learn what to do with your hands but also how to create a calming atmosphere and specifics about how the body is best relaxed.
Many of the skills can be used in situations outside of massage, too. Take a look through these 4 books and decide which path to discovering massage best suits you. It’s easier than you think and you’ll be able to recreate that tranquil, spa-like experience from the comfort of your own home.
1. The Book of Massage
Written by a well-known massage therapist, The Book of Massage provides a step-by-step guide to traditional massage, shiatsu and reflexology. Each page includes photos and instructional drawings to illustrate the correct strokes and techniques. In addition, the book includes chapters with information about creating the right atmosphere for massage, creating a comfortable position for the recipient and correctly applying oils.
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2. The Massage Bible
If you’re just beginning to give massages or if you and your partner want a new way to relax together, The Massage Bible will provide you with the basics. The guide presents chapters for everything from Chinese massage to Indian head massage. And in each section of the book, you’ll find easy-to-follow photos as well as text that explains exactly how to position and move your hands. Plus, several chapters are dedicated to specific massage situations, like soothing a baby or relieving bodily ailments.
3. The World’s Best Massage Techniques
The healing power of massage has been used for thousands of years all around the world. However, each country has a slightly different variation of this soothing practice. In The World’s Best Massage Techniques, you’ll discover the most effective techniques to release tension and discomfort. Examples of the lessons found within these covers include Swedish massage, Thai yoga massage, hot stone massage and more.
4. Deep Tissue Massage
Learn deep tissue massage like the professionals do with the standard guide as written by Art Riggs. Featuring 250 photographs and 50 anatomical drawings, this book provides the biomechanics and positioning options for all major deep tissue techniques. Furthermore, the book is separated into three sections. The first covers all the basic skills, while the second provides treatment plans based on specific ailments. Finally, the “Caveats” chapter deals with areas in which massage therapists should exercise extra caution.