How to become a massage pro?
This evening class is located close to the Alma bridge in the seventh arrondissement of Paris. I change into a small adjoining room, and trade my street clothes for a comfortable pilou-pilou outfit.
There are ten of us, including only seven apprentices. Master of the places, Gil Amsallem is physiotherapist and osteopath. Physical dry, all muscle, smile jovial.
Two other young physiotherapists are present to assist Gil and correct our clumsiness of neophyte masseurs.
Joints under pressure
The course begins with a few minutes of relaxation. Back, head, legs, wrists.
Five minutes of theory follow, during which Gil explains the principles of massage Californian.
We then form pairs. Mine is called Véronique. We agree, it's me who starts.
Student applied, I begin a recognition of places. Both hands flat on his back, I feel his skin and his breathing.
Gil shows us how to put pressure on the sacrum and the upper back (between the shoulder blades) by accompanying the expiration. We renew these pressures on the joints (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips). Then the hands rest on the popliteal hollows (behind the knees) and we finish with the ankles. After this overview of the joints, we move to the technique of "slip".
The joys of skiing
There, all the student-guinea pigs take off their T-shirt (we can stay dressed, but we miss a massage in oil on bare skin. Pity).
The movements should be loose, supported with the palm of the hand, and follow curves of the body. I stick to it by trying to bring my gesture as far as possible, putting the forearms to contribution. Obviously, I'm awkward, but Gil comes to encourage me and after a while, Veronique begins to purr (it's a good sign!). To vary the pleasures, I turn around the table to approach the body from different angles.
After the so-called "slip" phase, mixing / kneading is carried out. The goal: crush (gently) the muscles between his fingers in a gesture to feel / roll (it tells you something?). I knead so. My victim is not purring anymore. I was better at slipping!
Each turn ...
The roles are reversed. Owl, I started to have back pain!
Veronique does not dare to go frankly, for fear of hurting me, then gradually takes confidence in herself. Of a ticklish nature, I let out a few chuckles when she massages me with the fingertips, and especially too close to the ribs ...
Gil approaches to show him a stretch. When I feel the hands of Gil on my back, I realize the way to go to become really professional ... Controlled pressures, steady rhythm, warm hands and feeling of incomparable coating.
The course ends with a massage astride a chair ... We comb the muscles of the forearms, we knead them. The fingertips are massaged by pressure, the top of the neck and the skull. Gil teaches us to slowly release the pressure and then resume in small circular motions.
The two hours are expired. Everyone is happy.
Even if one course is not enough to massage like a pro, I feel that I already have a good foundation. It only remains for me to train, because only a regular practice makes it possible to progress durably. I know one who will be happy ...
Evening workshop Massage Academy
Every Thursday evening from 8 pm to 11 pm, except public holidays and professional event.
Completely free, the workshops take place dressed. Come with loose clothes and soft shoes, with a small sheet underneath.
18, rue de Montessuy, 75007 Paris
Reservation required at: 01 42 04 93 51.
12 people maximum.
