By Pauline Baxter
Putting the Covid-19 regulations to one side for the moment, let’s talk about massage, specifically Seated Acupressure Massage (SAM), also known as On Site Massage, Chair Massage, Seated Massage etc. As you return to regular corporate work after the enforced lockdown breaks, consider how many massages per day you are comfortable and able to complete, taking into account any additional Covid-19 related protocols. Before returning, you should have completed a few ‘practice’ massages. I am
The good news is that companies are gradually returning to their offices and so the need for corporate massage is increasing. There are clearly adjustments to the working practices of all companies, as there are for all massage practitioners. By having effective covid-19 protocols in place, and keeping up to date with all Government, Professional Association and Insurance provider guidelines, you are demonstrating your professionalism and care towards all your clients.
Although there are a wide range of techniques used in SAM, I want to focus on percussion. These techniques are usually used at the end of the massage to help energise and ‘wake up’ your client, so they can go back to work feeling refreshed and invigorated. Whilst a number of techniques fall under the umbrella term of percussion (also known as tapotement), consider those more commonly used in SAM, specifically; ◆ curled fist ◆ hacking/praying hands ◆ cupped hands. Each technique should be carried out in a rhythmic, flowing and empathetic manner.
Curled Fist
For this technique, the hands are held in loosely clenched fists or ‘soft’ fists. Starting with one curled fist on each shoulder, use an alternate ‘hacking’ type movement, making contact with the little finger border of the hand. Start from the outer edge of the upper trapezius on each shoulder. Work in towards C7 then down the erector spinae on either side of the spine, then back up to the starting point.
Note that as you progress down the back you will need to bend your knees and also turn your elbows out a little so that you can protect your wrists during the movement (see photo). By holding your wrists and hands in a loose fist position, it creates a softer impact on the muscles and allows your hands to ‘rebound’ from the contact in a nice, alternate and even rhythm. If you tense your arms, wrist or hands then the contact becomes harsh and you effectively ‘hit’ your client. Not pleasant for either of you!
Hacking/Praying Hands
There are variations of hacking which use the lateral border of the hands. In this case, the hands are placed together in a technique known as praying hands. Press your palms and fingers together so there are no gaps. Keep the palms together but loosely spread the fingers apart. Use a light ‘chopping/ hacking’ type movement on your client’s back, starting on the outer left, upper trapezius. Work in towards C7 then down the left erector spinae muscles to the sacrum.
Jump your hands over the sacrum to the right es band and work up towards C7, then out to the right shoulder. From here, reverse direction along the same route, back to the left shoulder.
CUPPED HANDS
Cup’ your hands, one on top of the other, creating a cushion filled with air. Percuss by making contact with the back of one hand on the muscles of the shoulder/back, thus forcing some air to escape with each move. Follow the same line as with praying hands percussion.
When to Apply Them
For SAM, these techniques are usually used at the end of the massage once your client is sitting upright, and after completion of headwork and stretches. Normally there will be a minimum of two techniques used. Personally I prefer to use three mentioned previously, each one being gradually more specific than the last. We have now discussed the techniques, the pathway and when they are generally applied. Is there anything else to consider? Absolutely.
How They Are Applied
Cast your mind back to when you first started to learn how to use/ apply any of the percussion techniques. For many of us, this would have been when training in body massage. I distinctly remember the very first time our class learned how to ‘hack’. Everyone was concentrating so hard we each held our breath and bent over I distinctly remember the very first time our class learned how to ‘hack’. Everyone was concentrating so hard we each held our breath and bent over the couch with our face a matter of inches from our hands.