| How to Heal Scalp Eczema Posted: 02 Nov 2016 05:00 PM PDT Eczema is a skin condition caused by a deficiency of oils and moisture in the skin. Healthy skin maintains its balance of these components, creating an effective barrier to environmental damage, irritation, and infection. Scalp eczema can be caused by either seborrheic or atopic (inherited) dermatitis. It is also known as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic psoriasis, and (in infants) "cradle cap." [1] These types of dermatitis may also cause eczema on the face, chest, back, under the arms, and in the groin region.[2] While they can cause discomfort and embarrassment, these types of dermatitis aren't contagious, and they aren't caused by poor hygiene.[3] If you understand the causes and symptoms of scalp eczema, you may be able to treat or heal your scalp. EditRecognizing the Symptoms and Causes - Look for common symptoms. Scalp eczema can cause problems for your scalp or any affected areas of your skin. Common symptoms include flaky skin (dandruff), itching, red skin, scaliness or crusting of the skin, greasy patches, and hair loss.[4]
- Inflammation leads to red patches and high fatty acid content, which can make the skin greasy and yellow in some people.[5]
- In infants, it is common in the scalp and can present as red, dry scaly plaques, or in more severe cases as thick white or greasy yellow scales.
- Other skin diseases such as fungal infection, psoriasis, dermatitis, and lupus may resemble scalp eczema. However, these differ based on the location and layers of the skin involved.[6]
- If you aren't sure whether your symptoms match those of scalp eczema, see your doctor. S/he can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and whether they are severe enough to require treatment.
- Know the causes of eczema. In addition to decreased oils and moisture present, doctors believe that a certain kind of yeast, Malassezia furfur, has a role in causing seborrheic eczema.[7] Malassezia yeast is usually present on the outer surface of the skin. In those with scalp eczema, this yeast invades the superficial layers of skin and secretes substances that increase fatty acid production. This leads to inflammation and enhances production and dryness of skin, which causes the skin to flake.
- If your eczema is atopic, meaning that your family has a tendency to develop eczema, yeast may not be the culprit. Doctors believe that many people with atopic eczema have a faulty skin barrier due to a changed gene within the skin's structural proteins.[8]
- Determine your risk factors. While doctors are not certain why some people develop seborrheic eczema, and others don't, there do appear to be some factors that increase your risk, including:[9]
- Being overweight or obese
- Fatigue
- Environmental factors (such as dry weather)
- Stress
- Other skin issues (such as acne)
- Certain medical conditions, including stroke, HIV, Parkinson's disease, or head injury
- Avoid hair and skin care products that contain alcohol. Alcohol removes protective oils from the skin surface, causing the scalp to dry out. This can make the flaking and itching worse and may be a contributing cause of seborrheic eczema.[10]
- Be gentle with washing your skin and scalp. Do not scrub! Gently massage your skin with your fingers when washing your hair. The goal is to clean your hair without stripping the oils from your scalp.
- Do not scratch itchy patches. Though it can be difficult to avoid scratching when a part of your body feels dry and itchy, you should try not to scratch the affected areas because the skin can become irritated and bleed.
- You could even cause a secondary infection if you scratch excessively.
- Expect eczema to return. It is unlikely that you will be able to completely "cure" your disease with an effective treatment. Scalp eczema appears and then disappears when it is treated. However, it usually comes back and will require continuous treatment. Luckily, many of the treatments can be continued for long periods.[11][12]
EditTreating Scalp Eczema with Over-the-Counter Treatments (Adults) - Talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. Even over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may interfere with certain health and medical conditions, so it's a good idea to consult with your doctor or a pharmacist before using them.[13]
- If you have allergies, medical conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before starting any treatment process.
- Do not use treatments on children without consulting a pediatrician first. Treating scalp eczema in children is a different process and is covered in its section of this article.
- Use over the counter treatment. There are various over-the-counter shampoos and oils to treat scalp eczema. Over-the-counter treatments are natural first-line treatments that are used before seeking out prescribed shampoos. You can also use them daily over an extended period.
- These OTC shampoos are not approved for use on children! Use them only on adult scalp eczema.
- Wash your hair properly. Regardless of the kind of shampoo you use, there are some general instructions you can use to wash your hair with any of the shampoos or oils. Scrubbing your scalp too vigorously or using shampoos that contain alcohol can make your scalp eczema worse.[14]
- First, rinse your hair with warm (not hot) water.
- Apply the treatment shampoo thoroughly on your scalp and hair, massaging it gently into your scalp. Do not scrub or scratch your scalp. This could cause the scales to bleed or even become infected.
- Leave the medication on for the amount of time recommended on the package. Typically, you need to keep it on for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm (not hot) water and dry with a clean towel.
- Coal tar shampoo can be harmful if swallowed. Avoid getting it into your eyes or mouth.
- Some treatments, such as ketoconazole shampoo, may be more effective when you alternate them with a different scalp product twice a week.[15]
- Wash your hair with selenium sulfide shampoo. This shampoo kills the yeast that is potentially responsible for many cases of scalp eczema. If you kill the yeast, your skin will have a chance to heal without increased dryness, inflammation, or itchy scales.
- Common side effects include dryness or oiliness of the hair or scalp. Less common side effects can include hair discoloration, hair loss, and irritation.[16]
- You must use this treatment at least two times a week for it to be effective.
- Apply a tea tree oil product to your hair. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has natural antifungal properties that may help treat scalp eczema. One clinical study demonstrated some improvement when using shampoo with a 5% concentration of tea tree oil.[17]The only common side effect is scalp irritation.[18]
- This product can be used daily.
- Do not consume tea tree oil, as it is toxic. Avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth.
- Tea tree oil has estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties that have been linked to conditions such as breast growth in prepubescent males.[19]
- Use a pyridine zinc shampoo. Most anti-dandruff shampoos use pyrithione zinc as their active ingredient. Scientists do not know exactly why it is helpful to treat scalp eczema, although it may have antifungal and anti-bacterial properties.[20] It also helps slow the production of skin cells, which helps reduce flaky skin. The only known side effect is scalp irritation.
- This method can be used three times a week.
- Look for shampoos with a 1% or 2% concentration of pyridine zinc.[21] Pyrithione zinc is also available as a topical cream.[22]
- Try salicylic acid shampoo. This shampoo has exfoliation qualities and helps heal the peeling upper layers of skin on your scalp. It is effective in shampoo at concentrations of 1.8 to 3%. The only side effect is skin irritation.
- Try a ketoconazole preparation. Ketoconazole is very effective in treating scalp eczema. It is available in several OTC preparations, including shampoos, foams, creams, and gels. It is also available in prescription treatments.[23]
- Over-the-counter preparations are lower in strength than prescription shampoos or creams.[24]
- Side effects may include unusual hair texture, discoloration, scalp irritation, or oiliness or dryness of the scalp or hair.[25]
- 1% to 2% ketoconazole shampoo is effective and safe, including in infants. It can be used twice daily for two weeks.[26]
- Apply raw honey to your hair. Although it is not a shampoo, raw honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties.[27] It can be used to alleviate itching and loose skin flakes. It is not a cure for scalp eczema, although it may help heal scalp skin lesions.[28][29]
- Dilute raw honey in warm water, using 90% honey and 10% water.[30]
- Rub crude or raw honey into the scalp lesions for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not scrub or rub harshly. Rinse with warm water.
- Every other day, rub the honey onto the itchy areas of your scalp and leave it on for 3 hours. Rinse your scalp after the 3 hours are up.[31] Continue this regimen for 4 weeks.[32]
- Try a coal tar shampoo. This shampoo helps by decreasing the rate at which skin cells are produced on your scalp. It also decreases fungus growth and loosens and softens the scales and crust on your scalp. However, it is not as safe to use as other OTC treatments, so it's a good idea to try other options first.[33]
- Use this shampoo twice daily for up to four weeks.
- Possible side effects include itching of the scalp, localized hair loss, contact dermatitis in the fingers, and altered pigmentation in the skin.[34]
- You should consult your doctor before using a coal tar shampoo. It should not be used with children or with pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may also cause harmful interactions with certain medications or cause allergic reactions.[35]
EditTreating Scalp Eczema in Infants and Children - Wait for it to clear on its own. In many infants and young children, scalp eczema will clear up on its own within a few weeks. It could take a few months to clear in some cases.[36] Although it may look uncomfortable, most children are not bothered by the condition.[37]
- If the condition does not clear up, consult with your pediatrician to discuss treatment options.
- Like adult scalp eczema, the condition may clear up after treatment and reappear later.[38]
- Use different treatments for children. The treatments for infants and children younger than two years old differ from treatments for adults. Do not use even OTC treatments meant for adults on children under the age of 2.[39]
- Remove scales by massaging your child's scalp. Most of the time, the scales that form on your child's scalp can be removed with a gentle massage. Use your fingers or a soft washcloth. Wet the child's hair with warm water and gently rub the scalp. Do not scrub the skin![40]
- Avoid using sharp or exfoliating cleaning tools, such as scrubbers, loofahs, or harsh sponges on your child's skin.[41]
- Use a mild baby shampoo. Shampoos meant for adult eczema can be too harsh for your child's delicate skin. Use a regular mild baby shampoo, such as Johnson & Johnson's or Aveeno Baby.[42]
- Wash your child's hair daily.
- 1% to 2% ketoconazole shampoo is effective and safe for infants, although you should always talk with your pediatrician before starting treatment. It can be used twice daily for two weeks.[43]
- Rub oil on the scalp. If massage does not remove the scales, you can rub petroleum jelly or mineral oil on the areas of scaly skin.[44] Avoid using olive oil.[45]
- Allow the oil to sink into the skin for a few minutes. Then shampoo with a gentle baby shampoo, rinse thoroughly with warm water and brush the child's hair as usual.
- Make sure to rinse thoroughly your child's scalp after each oil treatment. Otherwise, the oil may build up and cause the condition to worsen.
- Bathe your child daily. Give your child a warm (not hot) bath every 2-3 day. Don't bathe the child for more than 10 minutes.
- Avoid irritants such as harsh soaps, bubble bath, Epsom salts, or other bath additives. These can irritate your child's skin and make eczema worse.[46]
EditTreating Scalp Eczema with Prescriptions - Talk to your doctor about a prescription treatment. Patients who do not respond to over-the-counter treatments or who are unhappy with the results may need prescription medication. Doctors can prescribe stronger treatment regimens including creams, lotions, shampoos, and even oral medication if OTC shampoos are ineffective.[47] UV light treatments may also be an option.[48]
- Prescribed antifungal shampoos and topical corticosteroids are beneficial, but can be expensive and may have adverse side effects with long-term use. These and other prescribed shampoos are only used when over-the-counter treatments are not effective.
- Use shampoos with antifungals. The most common type of prescription shampoo used for scalp eczema is antifungal shampoo. Most antifungal shampoos have a concentration of 1% ciclopirox and 2% ketoconazole.[49]
- The most common side effects of these shampoos include irritation, burning sensations, dry skin, and itching.
- These shampoos are used daily or at least twice weekly during the prescribed period. Always follow the directions on the package or prescription.
- Try shampoos with corticosteroids. These shampoos help reduce inflammation and decrease itching and flaking of the scalp. The common corticosteroids shampoos include ingredients such as 1.0% hydrocortisone, 0.1% betamethasone, 0.1% clobetasol, and 0.01% fluocinolone.[50]
- Side effects usually occur after long-term use and may include thinning of the skin, itching, a stinging sensation, and skin hypopigmentation (the loss of the color pigments of your skin, which results in lightening of the skin). Most people who use these shampoos for only a short period should not experience negative side effects.[51]
- These prescription shampoos contain steroids, and a little of the medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you have diabetes or sensitivity to steroids, you should be sure to discuss these complications with your doctor.
- Be aware that corticosteroid shampoos tend to be more expensive than other treatments.
- These shampoos can be used daily or twice daily during the prescribed period.
- The use of antifungal and corticosteroid shampoos at the same time may be safe and yield better results. Talk to your doctor about combining the two.[52]
- Take other prescription treatments. For scalp eczema, shampoos are the most commonly chosen form of treatment. You can also try creams, lotions, oils, or foams that contain one or more of the above medicinal ingredients.
- Prescription antifungal agents called azoles are a highly effective treatment for scalp eczema. Ketoconazole is the most commonly prescribed agent and has been proven effective in many clinical trials.[53]
- Another common prescription treatment uses Ciclopirox, a type of hydroxy pyridine antifungal. It is available as a cream, gel, or solution.[54]
- Corticosteroids may also be prescribed as a cream or topical ointment.[55]
- Try light therapy. Light therapy, or phototherapy, can sometimes help cases of scalp eczema.[56] It is commonly combined with medication such as a psoralen.[57]
- Because Light therapy involves exposure to ultraviolet light, it carries an increased risk of skin cancer developing.[58]
- This type of treatment is usually reserved for people whose scalp eczema is caused by atopic dermatitis, or whose seborrheic dermatitis is extensive.[59] It cannot be used on infants or young children.[60]
- Talk with your doctor about other treatment options. There are a few other ways of treating scalp eczema, but they are reserved as last-resort treatments as they can cause serious side effects. However, if no other treatments have worked, you may want to consult with your doctor about other treatment options.[61]
- Creams or lotions containing tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be effective for treating scalp eczema. However, they carry an increased risk of cancer and are more expensive than corticosteroids.[62]
- Terbinafine (Lamisil) and butenafine (Mentax) are oral antifungal treatments for scalp eczema.[63] They can interfere with specific enzymes in the body or cause allergic reactions or liver problems.[64] This limits their use for the treatment of scalp eczema.[65]
- This information is not designed to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor before starting any treatment, including over-the-counter treatments.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Fake Rocks with Concrete Posted: 02 Nov 2016 09:00 AM PDT Making artificial rock can benefit anyone from the garden enthusiast to the landscaping professional. Combining basic construction skills and artistic creativity, you can create artificial rocks with concrete that are virtually indistinguishable from naturally occurring stone. Sculpting landscape accents from concrete is an economical and lightweight alternative to large rock installations. EditBuilding a Form - Choose a material as a base for your rock's shape. You can use a variety of materials to create the shape of your rock. There are several common items you can choose from:
- Styrofoam
- Cardboard
- Crumpled newspaper
- Create the rough shape of your rock. Cut the cardboard or styrofoam to the shape you want your rock to be. Combine different materials with glue to create oddly shaped rocks.
- Use a plain cardboard box for a roughly square shaped rock.
- A hot wire foam cutter works well to shape styrofoam.
- Cover your rock shape in chicken wire or hardware cloth. Use a metal mesh to wrap the rock shape. The metal gives strength to your artificial rock and provides a structure for the cement mortar mix to adhere to.[1]
- Use wire twist ties to secure the wire frame to your rock base.
- Refine the curves of your rock. To make the most natural looking rock, bend and shape the wire form around your rock shape. Natural rocks have dips and creases; simulate these shapes by pushing your wire form in various places to create uneven surfaces.
EditMixing the Mortar - Combine dry ingredients for mortar mix. Mix 3 parts sand with 1 part portland cement. Add all the ingredients to a wheelbarrow or concrete mixer, depending on the size of rock you are creating and amount of mortar you are mixing.
- You can reduce the sand, and add 1 part peat moss to create a more porous artificial rock.[2]
- Add water to the dry mortar and sand mixture. Slowly add 1 part water to the dry mixture; you may need to add more or less water depending on humidity and temperature. The mixture will turn into a thick paste as you add the water.
- Stir the water into the mortar mix as you add it.
- Watch closely as you add the water so your mixture does not get too wet.
- Stir the mortar mix for several minutes. Turn the mixture over in the wheelbarrow for several minutes, or turn on the concrete mixer. You will need to mix the mortar to the consistency of cookie dough.[3]
- Ensure the mixture is fully mixed and uniformly wet.
- Add more water if necessary to get the consistency of a thick paste. You do not want the mixture to be runny.
- Unmixed blobs of sand will cause weak spots in the finished rock; be sure to mix everything completely.
EditSculpting the Rock - Apply the mortar mix to the wire form. Use a flat pointed trowel to apply a 2-3" layer of mortar to the wire frame.[4]
- Build the rock from the bottom up.
- Make a layer of mortar around the base of the rock and work upwards around the wire frame.
- Add texture to the mortar. Create a realistic looking rock by adding contours and patterns to the surface of the mortar.
- Use your trowel to create dips and creases in the surface of the mortar.
- Press a real rock into the mortar to make imprints of the rock's texture.
- Press a sea sponge or scouring pad into the rock to create pock marked look.
- Wrap a plastic bag around your hand and press it into the mortar to give a wrinkled look.
- Cure the rock for 30 days in a dry location. The curing process is a result of a chemical reaction, not the cement drying out. Although 75% of the curing is completed after one week, it may take up to a month for cement to cure completely.
- Mist the surface of the rock every few days as it cures.
- Keep the cement out of direct sunlight to prevent cracks.
- Cover the rock with plastic sheeting as it cures.
EditFinishing the Rock - Scrape the rock to smooth the edges. Use a scraping stone or a hard wire bristle brush to rub the surface of the rock. Scrape off any sharp or pointy edges that exist on surface of the rock.
- Allow the rock to cure for a week prior to scraping to prevent crumbling.
- Wash the rock. Thoroughly rinse the surface of the rock. Brush the surface with a wire brush while washing to remove any loose bits of mortar. Make sure to flush out any creases or dips in the rock to get rid of rock dust.
- Stain the rock to give it a natural look. Use a penetrating concrete stain to cover the surface of the rock in the color of your choice. You can apply multiple colors to provide the most natural look.
- Brush the stain on rock with a paint brush.
- Add depth to the coloring by using more than one color.
- Apply more stain in some areas for darker contrasts.
- Seal the rock. Use a water or solvent based concrete sealer to protect your artificial rock from the elements. Some sealants provide a glossy finish while others have no sheen but still provided protection.
- Brush on 3 coats of sealant. Wait about 15 minutes between coats.
- Maintain the sealant by reapplying a coat of sealant every 1-2 years.
- Remove the inner base from the rock. Cut or scrape away the materials you used to shape the rock. The rocks shape and strength come from the mortar and wire frame; the inner materials do not provide structure after the concrete has cured. Prevent the materials from decomposing by removing them prior to placing the rocks outside.
EditLandscaping with Fake Rocks - Decide where you want to place your fake rock. Fake rocks can be used as a part of a water feature, lining pathways, or as garden accents. Determine the best place for your rock based on its size and appearance.
- Dig a small indention where the rock will be placed. Place the rock in place and trace the edge of the rock with a stick or shovel. Dig a 1-2" pit in the shape of the rock. Placing the edges of the rock underground will provide a more natural look of a rock outcropping.
- Place the rock in the hole. Push dirt and other small rocks against the edge of the rock to integrate it with the landscape. Build multiple rocks to create elaborate rock landscapes.
- Do not attempt to use artificial landscaping rocks as weight bearing installations for swimming pools or hot tubs.
- Use caution when working with cement. Lime can cause chemical burns if it gets on your skin or in your lungs. Wear gloves and a mask when mixing cement.
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| How to Give a Back Massage Posted: 02 Nov 2016 01:00 AM PDT While performing an advanced, therapeutic back massage requires plenty of professional training, you can still give someone a relaxing, tissue stimulating massage even without training. By learning some of the basic massage techniques and how to apply them, you can begin giving quality massages at home. One of the most important parts to note is that without professional training, you should apply only light pressure with all of your techniques. EditSetting Up for a Back Massage - Choose a comfortable location. Using a massage table will give you the best access to somebody's back, and it's built for comfort, complete with a face cradle for alignment of the spine.[1]However, if that's not available, there are a few alternatives.
- If you don't have access to a massage table, then you can try using the floor, a couch, a bed, or even a kitchen table if it's sturdy enough for the person to lie on. Each option has drawbacks that make it less ideal than a massage table, mostly due to comfort issues for the person receiving the massage and height issues requiring the person giving the massage to lean over in uncomfortable ways.[2]
- If a bed is the best option available, make sure that the suggestion doesn't come across as inappropriate. Consider the relationship you have with the person and discuss that the massage will take place on a bed beforehand.
- Place a soft mat down. If you don't have access to a massage table, and you're opting for one of the harder-surfaced alternatives, then lay down a soft mat. Use a mat that is at least two inches thick to provide the proper comfort for the person receiving the massage.[3]
- Spread a sheet over the table or mat. Since the person will dress down most or all of the way for his or her massage, a clean sheet over the mat or table will be both more hygienic and more comfortable for the person. It will also catch any excess oil.
- Prepare the room. Make sure the room is warm without being hot.[4] This is the ideal atmosphere for the person to relax the muscles you're trying to massage.
- Play some uneventful music. New age, ambient music, quiet classical music, or even soundscapes will help the person relax to their fullest. Pulsing, driving music won't help. Keep the volume low.[5]
- Turn the lights down just enough so there's no glare in the room.[6]
- Light scented aromatherapy candles. This is optional, and you should ask the person before lighting the candles since some people enjoy the smells while others are too sensitive to them.
- Have the person undress to his or her comfort level. Massage is best given and received without clothing on the area being massaged, especially if you are using oil or lotion. Request that the person undresses as much as he or she is comfortable with.
- Always provide an additional towel or sheet above and beyond the one covering the table. This way the person can lie down and cover the parts of his or her body not being massaged. This will make the environment both more comfortable and warmer, which is relaxing.
- If privacy is a concern, step out of the room as you have the person dress down and cover himself/herself with the additional towel or sheet. Knock and ensure that the person is ready for reentering the room.
- If the person left pants or underwear on, you could tuck the edge of the towel or sheet into the waistband to ensure no oil from the massage stains the material.
- Have the person lie face down. If you have a proper massage table, this means the person's face will rest in the face cradle.
- If it's comfortable for the person, you can also use a pillow or folded towel beneath the ankles. This will support the person's lower back.
- Expose the person's back. If the person wrapped a towel while undressing or pulled the additional sheet all the way up, then fold the material down to expose the person's back.
EditGiving a Back Massage - Tell the person you are about to begin. Tell them to let you know if anything you are doing is painful or uncomfortable. Part of them being comfortable is having a feeling of trust in you. This is not the time to make jokes or suggestive comments.
- Periodically remind the person to take a slow, deep breath. It will help with relaxation.
- Pour massage oil in the palm of your hand. Start with about one teaspoon, which is roughly the size of a quarter. Warm it by rubbing it between your hands before applying it to the person.[7]
- Good oils to use are organic coconut oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil. There are many expensive scented and speciality massage oils on the market you can try too.
- Spread the oil around. The main technique for spreading the warmed oil across the person's back is called effleurage, which means "light friction."[8] Use gliding movements in long, even strokes.[9]
- Use the whole of your hands and start at the bottom of the person's back, moving upward. Always upward toward the heart (the direction of blood flow) while applying pressure, and then lightly bring the hands down the outside of the back lightly. Maintain contact without applying pressure as you bring your hands back down.[10]
- Repeat this technique for 3-5 minutes while gradually increasing from light to medium pressure to warm up the back muscles.[11]
- Don't forget the shoulders and neck area.
- Use petrissage techniques. Petrissage uses shorter, circular strokes with more pressure than effleurage.[12] You can think of this as a kneading technique that uses rolling and pressing to enhance deeper circulation.[13]
- This technique can use the palm, fingertips, or even the knuckles in the short, circular motions.[14]
- The movement should come from the waist—your core—rather than from the shoulders. This will help keep you from becoming fatigued.
- Go across the entire back for 2-5 minutes. You can alternate between this and lighter effleurage movements to diversify techniques.[15]
- Without professional training, use only light to medium pressure while applying petrissage movements.
- Apply percussive strokes. Percussive strokes (also known as tapotement) are collections of brief, repetitive contacts with parts of the hand.[16] You can use your cupped hands, your fingertips all gathered to an even point, or even the flat of your fingers on the knuckle side of your hands to make the contacts.[17] These movements have a stimulating, compressive effect on the tissue.[18]
- Keep your wrists relaxed and flex at the wrists, using quick movements to perform tapotement techniques.[19] This ensures that you don't apply too much pressure.
- Spend 2-3 minutes applying the techniques across the person's entire back.
- Use muscle-lifting techniques. To perform this, close your fingers and hold out your thumb (in a "lobster claw" shape). Apply pressure in a twisting, lifting motion. Keep alternating hands in a "windshield wiper" movement.[20]
- Move up and down the back 2-3 times.
- Use a fanning technique. Position yourself at the head of the table. Position your thumbs at the top of the back, just below the neck and on either side of the spine. Using a "fanning" motion with your thumbs extended, push gently down toward the lower back with your pressure angled at the person's feet, not down towards the ground. Alternate your pressure on either thumb, moving from the top of the back all the way down to the person's hips.
- Make sure you are massaging the muscles on either side of the spine, not directly on the spine itself. Massaging over the spine can be very uncomfortable and dangerous if you are not trained properly.
- Apply twists. Come back around to the person's side. Reach around the far hip with one hand, while the other hand rests on the near hip. With a fluid motion, pull one hand towards you as the other one pushes away; in the middle, they should slide against each other, in opposite directions. Repeat this stroke up the back until you reach the shoulder area, then come back down. Repeat three times.
- Use only light to medium pressure if you've never taken any massage classes. If you enjoy the process and want to get serious about it, look into accredited massage academies in your area. Even if you don't want to become a full on certified massage therapist, many of them offer weekend courses to teach you how to apply the basics safely.
- After you're done, you can drape a towel over the person's back and arms and rub gently to absorb most of the oil. Otherwise, it might stain clothing as the person dresses.
- Try to keep one hand on the person at all times to keep a sense of continuity and fluidity to the massage. Try to keep your hands moving on fluid motions without stopping and starting.
- Advise the person to get up slowly. After receiving a massage, it's easy to forget how relaxed you are, only to find yourself wobbling and perhaps even falling to the floor.
- Everyone has a different tolerance to pressure. Be sure to ask for feedback when introducing deeper strokes and as necessary. A good sign you may be going too deep is when the muscle contracts as you press. If the client confirms that the stroke isn't painful, encourage them to relax so as to avoid injury to the muscle. Never force a stroke on the body.
- Use softer pressure techniques when moving toward the head and more pressure when moving down toward the hips.
- Lotion works just as good as massaging oil.
- If the massage is meant to be timed, keep a clock on hand to stay on schedule.
- Avoid putting any pressure on the spine.
- Always be gentle when applying pressure on the lower back. Remember that there are no ribs to protect the internal organs from the pressure of your hands.
- Avoid broken skin, blisters, or areas of possible infection.
- Use only light pressure on the neck and head. Only a trained massage therapist should use deeper pressure because of arteries and contraindications for certain health conditions.
- There are some cases in which massages can aggravate a medical condition. A person should consult a doctor before receiving a massage if they have any of the following issues/conditions:[21]
- Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs)
- Spinal injuries or damage such as a herniated disk
- A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin
- Damaged blood vessels
- Weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer
- A fever
- Any of the following in an area that would be massaged: open or healing wound, tumour, damaged nerves, an infection or acute inflammation, inflammation from radiation treatment
- Pregnancy
- Cancer
- Fragile skin from diabetes or a healing scar
- Heart problems
EditThings You'll Need - A massage table, mattress, or mat
- A sheet
- Massage oil or baby oil
- 3 towels
- A pillow or cushion
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