Massage: The Gift of Touch and Time

Caregivers often want to soothe the aches and pains that afflict their loved ones, calm worries and fears, and promote a peaceful environment.  Massages are relaxing, enjoyable, and a simple form of pampering.  Giving a massage may ease another’s tension, while bringing a sense of peace to the masseuse herself.   Best of all, massages provide us with the gift of touch and time with a loved one. 

You do not need to be professionally licensed to practice some simple massage techniques.  Here are some basic beginner’s tips:

Create a calm environment by creating an atmosphere of quiet, serenity, and privacy.  Close the door, dim the lights, play soft music.  A mildly scented candle may also be pleasurable – but do not burn candles in areas where supplemental oxygen is utilized.

Massages to neck, shoulder and back regions are often given with the person lying face down on a soft and steady surface, but that is not always possible.  Head and neck massages can be given with the individual sitting forward in a chair.  Hands and feet are also areas that benefit from massage. All of these parts of the body carry a lot of tension and feel the greatest relief.
 

Using warmed body oil or thin lotion makes it easier to move hands against skin. It is also more soothing and relaxing for some people. Use care that these oils or lotions are not highly scented because that may become overpowering in a closed environment or when skin contact is prolonged.  Any skin irritation resulting from these products needs to be corrected immediately by cleaning the irritant off the skin with warm, soapy water; rinsing; gently drying; and then discontinuing use of the product.

Stand beside or behind the person and begin by using a circular motion of the hands, applying slight pressure (as tolerated), and beginning with the neck region.  Run hands down the person's neck and over the person's shoulders. A gentle bread-kneading motion of the shoulders may also be used.  Glide palms down to the back region. Apply some pressure in a circular motion on the lower back and work your way up to the area around the shoulder blades. Repeat the massage on any areas that are still tense. Never apply too much pressure; it may give the person sore muscles instead of relief.  And always respect the other person’s comfort level.

Hand and feet massages should be given with both individuals in comfortable positions.   Smooth, gentle stroking can be very comforting. but too much pressure can be painful to bonier areas.  If an individual suffers from blood clots in the legs, avoid all massaging to the calves and legs.

Caregivers, especially, can benefit from massage as a pressure-reliever.  Enjoy the gift of touch and time shared with each other.