Allied Health Blog

Yesterday we talked about stroking and began with fan stroking.  We talked about the importance of touch, breathing and relaxing while you apply massage therapy.  Stroking is a good way to transition from one part of the body to the next….and also can be used on almost all parts of the body.  Today we will cover two other types of stroking called circle stroking and cat stroking.  Circle stroking is the continuous circling movement and gives a lovely flowing sensation.  Place both hands on one side of the body about 6 inches apart then stroke around in wide curves, making a circle.  Press firmly on the upward and outward stroke, and gently as you glide down and in.  Your arms will cross as one hand completes the circle.  One hand does a whole circle, while the other does only half a circle.  Finally, to complete the circle stroke, lift one hand over the other arm, and continue stroking with the other hand.  Place your hand gently on the skin and repeat.  The other kind of “stroking” is cat stroking.  this is a very soothing, soporific movement.  Stroke slowly down the body, one hand following the other.  Apply virtually no pressure so your hands barely touch the skin.  Next, lift the first hand off and return it through the air to start again.  The return movement should be as smooth as the stroking to make the whole stroke rhythmic and continuous.  Learning to be a massage therapist is a rewarding profession to help others.  Tomorrow we will learn about the techniques behind kneading.