If you have read the previous instalment of our massage guide, we would imagine you would be pretty anxious about getting down to the nitty gritty. Whilst there is always the option of going to a professional masseuse, but there are so many restrictions with a structured process that it can be hard to relax when there are people that will stick rigidly to a schedule. It seems that not only do these want to get you serviced and then onto the next one, it’s very easy to lose the personal touch. Because of this, we recommend learning a few tips yourself so that you can definitely try these at home. With the room all set up and ready, we can get started.

Lubrication is essential to a good massage; we can’t think of anything worse than stuttering hands over the body. This is easily avoidable by using generous amounts of oil, be it specially made massage or perhaps just baby oil. The latter can be purchased from any good chemist, the former you may need the specialist aisle of a potential pretentious supermarket; but bring cash because these have a tendency to overprice the ‘special products’.

Much like the turkey that sits in the middle of the table on Christmas day, you should be sufficiently oiled up and could slide down a flume should needs be. However, that’s not what we’ll be doing today. Instead we’ll be getting to grips with the pressure points, that if correctly stimulated can do wonders for your movement, relaxation and and helps release any stress you might be harbouring. This is not healthy to hold on to so we suggest allowing someone really need those knots out. The best place is to start by laying on your front with your arms folded, acting as a pillow for your head. It is imperative for a relaxing massage to ensure that you are, in fact, relaxed. We would even go so far as to suggest some gentle music to really put you at ease and create a calming atmosphere.

Don’t forget to start at the top and work your way down. The phrase ‘the weight of the world on your shoulders’ is because this is where you carry all your stress and woe. It seems an odd place, given that it’s almost predominantly a bag strap. But is the perfect starting point for the massage. The traditional hand over shoulder method is often quite effective, and is always a welcome occurrence during any relaxing massage. Then slowly move down towards the nape of the neck, slowly sliding your hands over the area, one at a time. Don’t be too hard, though. After all, this is only the beginning.