Dr. George L. Dixon - "Talking Fitness"

MASSAGE

Massage is one of oldest therapies in the history of mankind. Surprisingly, little is actually known about it in a scientific way. Certainly, its recipients know that muscles can be relaxed, mental stress eased, muscle pains and spasms relieved, and probably blood flow increased to skin and muscle. Warmed almond, sesame or coconut oils aid lubrication and communication.

Massage for one ... Start out with a nice warm bath or shower. Use a good body oil and then...Begin at your feet and pull each toe in turn, then bend slowly all your toes together. Grasp your foot and place both thumbs on the sole and gently make rotations. With your hands, work your way up the calves, massage toward your heart.

Your neck loves massage; use your fingertips to knead the big trapezius muscle that runs from the base of your skull halfway down your back and out to the point of your shoulders on both sides. Near your skull, knead the same side of your body and as you get down on your shoulders use the opposite hand.

Massage for two ... is very satisfactory whether the other one is a friend, a professional or both. Treat yourself and a friend to a massage gift. You can take turns being taught by an instructor to massage each other. Then proceed to more advanced techniques.

When you do start on your own, I think your partner's back is probably the best place to begin. A pillow under the abdomen of the person lying prone will relieve any stress on their lower back. A folded towel under their forehead will keep their neck from twisting too much to the side.

Work the warm oil into your hands and then follow the contours of their shoulder blades and over the shoulders then down the back near the spine and gradually out over the ribs and to the upper buttocks, often very tender. Be kind, ask your partner if it is firm enough or too firm etc.

Many books and Video tapes are available for sale and for rent. There are a variety of devices from simple knobs to complex instruments with vibration and warmth. Contact the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) at 708-864-0123 for a list of members around you.

More help is available in "Exercise a la Carte", here, at your bookstore or call 800-624-4952.