Tag
Body massage
13 articles
ArticleSwedish massage: 5 basic strokes and a 60-minute routine for beginnersSwedish massage is a full-body relaxation massage done with oil. It combines five basic groups of strokes — gliding (effleurage), kneading (petrissage), friction, percussion (tapot…
ArticlePrenatal massage at the spa: client acceptance criteria, safe side-lying position, areas to avoid and warning signs to stopA client calls to book: “I’m seven months pregnant and my back aches so much. Do you offer pregnancy massage?” Should you accept her, what do you need to ask, how should she lie, w…
ArticleMassage for older clients at the spa: health questions before the session, light pressure, safely helping clients on and off the table, and signs to stopMrs Lan is 72. Her daughter has booked her a 60-minute body massage as a birthday present. The health form says: high blood pressure on medication, “taking blood thinners prescribe…
ArticleHot stone massage: controlling stone temperature, a 60-minute routine and how to prevent burns for clients“Oh, the stones are lovely and warm, that feels great.” “My left shoulder is stinging a little.” These two sentences can come up in the same hot stone massage, just a few minutes a…
Article20-minute hand and arm massage in the spa: stroke sequence, pressure around joints, handling clients with rings or long nails, and contraindicationsMs Ha, 46, an accountant, books a facial package with a 20-minute hand massage: “I type all day and my hands get so tired.” She wears a fairly tight wedding ring, has long gel nail…
ArticleMassage oils and essential oils in the spa: choosing carrier oils, safe dilution, skin patch testing and storage for therapistsA female client books a body massage with essential oils. Her health form says “allergic to almonds”, and she is going to the beach this afternoon. On the shelf there is a bottle o…
ArticleRelaxing abdominal massage at the spa: when it is allowed, discreet draping, clockwise direction, pressure for each area and contraindicationsMs Hoa, 38, an office worker, books a 90-minute body massage. While filling in the form, she says: “Please do my abdomen too. I've been feeling bloated lately, and I heard abdomina…
ArticleDraping for body massage: preparing the table, uncovering and covering each area, holding the drape while the client turns, and professional boundariesA female client books a 60-minute body massage for the first time. In the room she asks quietly: “Do I have to take everything off? I feel a bit shy.” When you fold the towel down…
ArticleCupping at the spa: choosing vacuum pump cups or fire cupping, suction strength, cup retention time, post-cupping marks, cup hygiene and contraindicationsMr Tuan, 45, a warehouse keeper, has booked a 60-minute body massage with back cupping. As soon as he lies down he says: "Do the cupping really hard and leave the cups on a long ti…
ArticlePreventing wrist, thumb, shoulder and back pain for spa therapists: adjusting the table, standing posture, switching hand surfaces and stretching between clientsLan has worked as a spa therapist for eight months. On busy days she does five or six body massages back to back, most of them for clients who like it "firm". Lately, every time sh…
ArticleHot Stone Massage Safety: How to Heat and Test Stones, Screen Clients, Give a 60-Minute Treatment and Prevent Burns"The stones feel lovely and warm." "My left shoulder is stinging a little." Both can be heard in the same hot stone massage, minutes apart. Clients love the deep, even warmth of ho…
ArticleSpa Aftercare Advice: What to Tell Clients After a Massage, Facial, Waxing or Body Scrub (Scripts, Aftercare Card and Warning Signs)The treatment is over and the client is sitting up, smiling. This is exactly when many new spa therapists rush, yet the few minutes after a massage, facial, waxing or body scrub de…