Massage Mediums

MASSAGE MEDIUMS

Massage mediums are used to allow the smooth flow of the hands over the skin during professional massage. The medium you choose will depend on the client's skin type, the type of massage and the client's requirements.

The medium is always applied to the hands before applying to the body of the client.

Application to the client must be via an effleurage stroke.

TYPES OF MEDIUM:

There are 4 types of medium:

Oil Cream Powder Gel

OIL

Most common types of oil medium are Grapeseed and Sweet Almond. Before using any type of nut oil make sure you find out if the client is allergic to nuts in your consultation prior to the massage treatment. If client is unsure of any nut allergies, carry out the treatment using a neatral oil such as Grapeseed.

Oil mediums provides slide for the masseuse and a deeper massage for the client. It is easily absorbed and non-sticky so can be used anywhere on the body.

It's not particularly good on hairy clients (i.e. men) as fingers can get knotted in the hair and result in the masseuse pulling out hair from the area.

CREAM

There is no particular type of cream medium, most are specialised massage creams designed for a specific area of the body.

When worked into the skin it transforms into a thicker oil rather than a cream. It is frequently used on facial massages as it provides more slide than a normal oil, thus resulting in less pressure being put on the client's face. It is also easily absorbed and doesn't lie heavy on the skin.

POWDER

The most common type of powder used during massage is talcum powder. Although starch powder and cornflour have been used in foot massages and reflexology as there is no slide from these.

Powder mediums are particularly effective on hairy clients as it still provides slide but does not make hair knot in the masseuse's fingers. It gives more grip and provides a deeper massage.

It is also great to use on clients with combination or oily skin as it absorbes the natural sebum from the skin, rather than make the area worse with a cream or oil medium.

GEL

Gel mediums are a jelly-like substance which creates mre of a sticky, matte effect on the skin. They are usually clear and hypo-allergenic.

It is most effective on normal skin types as it doesn't add or take away anything from the skin, whereas an oil would make it oilier and a powder would take away it's natural oils and make it dry.

It can also be used on combination skin types if you do not know what medium would be better to use.

All areas can be worked using this medium.

It's not particularly good for hairy clients though as it could have the same effect as an oil and knot the hair.