This is part II of a two-part video giving a brief demonstration of continuous flat effleurage and vibration on the back. Part I showed the effleurage; Part II demonstrates continuous vibration on the back.
Although vibration exists in Swedish massage, it seems to be seldom used. This is a shame because it is such a useful stroke. In Russian massage, we have very specific ways of doing the strokes. This video will give you an idea of exactly how we do it in Russian massage.
This kind of vibration is very soothing and calming to the central nervous system (CNS). Combined with continuous effleurage, it is the most soothing thing you can do to the CNS. Ten minutes of continuous effleurage and vibration on the back can usually reliably put even the most anxious person into a state of calm and relaxation. This is a good treatment to do at night before bed on a person who has difficulty falling asleep. Using these same strokes on both the back and the back of the legs, Russians use these strokes to treat fibromyalgia, rheurmatoid arthritis, and other "systemic" disorders. I have used this treatment with good results with an individual with sarcoidosis. If I accidentally make a client jump because I've hit a tender spot with too much pressure, I will do vibration for a moment to counteract the tension as a way to "apologize" to the body. Vibration, along with effleurage, makes a good ending stroke.
It can be a bit difficult at first but with practice it grows easier.
Try it and see for yourself how you and your clients like it.
Thanks again to Will Stewart of 3-D Optimal Performance for making this video possible.
If you haven't already seen it, you may be interested in watching our first video, an Introduction to the Principles of Russian Massage.