Principles of Massage:

The principles of massage are guidelines that promote safety and effectiveness.
There are four basic principles of massage:

-general to specific to general
-superficial to deep to superficial
-periphery to centre to periphery
-proximal to distal to proximal

General to specific to general
This principle serves several purposes:
 -introduces the touch of the therapist to the client
-warms up the area/areas to be treated
-helps the therapist to evaluate the integrity of the tissues.

Begin with broad general introductory strokes such as effleurage to treat the larger areas of the body (general). Then begin working closer to the area of concern (specific) using more focused techniques such as kneading, and then finish with the broader strokes (general).

Superficial to deep to superficial
Before the deeper tissues can be treated the superficial structures must be relaxed.  To apply this principle light pressure is initially used, and as the superficial area relaxes progressively use deeper pressure until the deeper tissues relax.  Slowly release the pressure as you return to the superficial tissues.

Periphery to centre
This principle is best applied when treating injured or very sensitive areas.  Always being treating around (periphery) the site before focusing on the problem area (centre).

Proximal to distal
Typically refers to the treatment of the limbs. These terms are used in relation to the the heart.  Begin treating those areas of the limb that are close to the heart (proximal) and progressively work towards the other end of the limb (distally).  For example, when treating the upper extremity, begin with the shoulders and arms before treating the forearms and wrist.