Advice on massage techiques?

[Nicole Washman]

Hello I'm practising the back and neck parts of IHM. I am following advice given from the tutor, her handout and the Helen Mcguiness book too.
I would like to hear from those that are familiar with the techniques ofIHMof any useful tips and or guidance in relation to the movesused?
I'm okay with most of the moves on the back, but just need a littlehelpwith the finger friction around the shoulder blade in particular.
And how much of the time do you allow for the back part of the whole IHM treatment?

Thanks.

 

[cymry3jones]

I finish my course in the next 2 weeks. It is difficult (for me)to write down how I do the moves, all I can say is practise makes perfect. I go to the college once a week and have other people practise massage and facials on me, I think this is a great help as I feel things they do, or how they touch and it gives me pointers as to what/how to make it more relaxing for the client. Last week my client in class fell asleep in the chair (she was snoring softly!!), to me that was a good sign that I was doing well.

As for how much time on the back - my tutor and I had a conversation last week as I am about to start offering IHM in the corporate world, each session is bespoke and totally geared towards the clients needs. If a client has problems on the back (like stress and tension in the upper back and shoulders) that part will take longer. If somebody has sore eyes and sinus problems you will lengthen the time spent on the head and face and do less on the back or arms, etc. Does this make sense? I think with each therapy they give you certain moves or hand positions and say do this for so many minutes or so many times - this is great to start off with but after that you have to let your intuition kick in and do what feels right for each individual case.

Regards,

Jo

 

[aErroreatoni]

Hiya thanks for the respose.
I see where you are coming from on the timings.
As for the practise thing then yes the more the better. And I shall book a treatment to get an idea what it feel like to be in the chair on the receiving end.
Cheers.

 

[imaghost]

Hi
Don't know if this will confuse things but we were taught to use the outside edge of our hands around the shoulder blade, using a kind of friction action.This makes it a stronger move and feels more natural than using fingers.
Hope this helps
Ally