THEORY OF MASSAGE

Massage is one of the oldest and most useful methods of physical treatment.
In cosmetology, it is also employed for reasons of health and beauty
 Massage must always be applied upon the
skin. First, apply cream ointment or oil. This
application permits better hand movements
and prevents drag or damage to tissues.
CAUTION: Massage should not be used when
certain conditions exist, such as a heart
condition, high blood pressure, inflamed and
swollen joints and glandular swelling. Nor
should it be employed when abrasions of the
skin, skin diseases and broken capillaries are
evident.
Massage involves the application of external
manipulation to the body. This is
accomplished by means of the hands or with
the aid of mechanical or electrical appliances.
Area of Massage: The cosmetologist is limited
to certain areas of body massage.
1. The scalp
2. The face, neck and shoulder
3. The upper chest and back
4. The hands and arms
 QUALIFICATIONS:
Massage calls for a firm, sure touch, which inspires
confidence in the patron. Therefore, the cosmetologist
must develop:
1. Strong flexible hands
2. A quiet temperament
3. Self- control
4. The use of psychology
Hands of massaging should be kept soft by the use of
creams, oils and lotion. The nails should be beveled smooth
to prevent any scratching of the skin. The wrist and fingers
should be flexible and the palms firm warm and develop.
 BASIC MANIPULATION USED IN
MASSAGE
Effleurage ( Stroking Movement)
Effleurage- This is a light continuous
movement applied with the finger and
palms in a slow and rhythmic manner over
the skin. No pressure is employed.
Position of fingers for stroking- The fingers
should be slightly curved, with just the
cushions of the fingertips touching the skin.
Do not use the end of the fingertips for
massage movements.
 Position of palms for stroking. The
whole hand is held loosely; the wrist
and fingers are kept flexible, and the
fingers are slightly curved to conform
to the shape of the area being
massage.
 Petrissage (Kneading
Movement)
Petrissage- In this movement, the
skin and flesh are grasped between
the fingers and palm of the hand. As
the tissues are lifted from their
underlying structures, they are
squeezed, rolled or pinched with a
light, firm pressure. This movement
invigorates the part being treated
and is usually limited to back,
shoulder and arm massage.
 Purpose of kneading- The pressure
should be light but firm. The
movement when grasping and
releasing the fleshy parts, must be in
rhythm, and never jerky. Kneading
movement give deeper stimulation
and improve the circulation.
Fulling- a form of petrissage is used
mainly in massage of the arms.
 FRICTION (Deep Rubbing
Movement)
Chucking, rolling and wringing are
variations of friction which are
employed principally to massage the
arms and legs.
The Chucking movement is
accomplished by grasping the flesh
firmly in one hand and moving the
hand up and down along the bone,
while the other hand keeps the arm
or leg in a steady position.
 The Rolling movement requires that
the tissues be compressed firmly
against the bone and twisted around
the arm or leg. Both hands of the
cosmetologist are active as the flesh
is twisted down the arm in the same
direction.
 Friction This movement requires
pressure on the skin while it is being
moved over the underlying
structures. The fingers or palm are
employed in this movement. Friction
has a marked influence on the
circulation and glandular activity of
the skin.
 Circular Friction movements are usually
employed on the scalp, arms and hands.
Light circular friction movements are
usually used on the face and neck.
Wringing is a vigorous movement in which
the cosmetologists hands are placed a
little distance apart on both sides of the
arm or leg. While the hands are worked
downward, the flesh is twisted against the
bones in opposite directions.
 Percussion or Tapotement
(Tapping, Slapping and Hacking Movements)

Percussion or tapotement- This form

of massage is the most stimulating.
It should be applied with care and
discretion.