Anti-stress massage techniques combined with the natural warming relaxation benefits of The Mermaid are used to the greatest advantage for deep relaxation and anti-stress therapies. Indicated for a great percentage of the population assaulted by the daily stresses of our current day life, a "Warming Waters Massage" is highly beneficial and calming to the nerves, relieves the effects of chronic tension and as a general wellbeing massage in healthy living spa programs.

1. Prepare The Mermaid massage table: Drape two sheets, one on top of the other, folding top sheet down part way with a diagonal fold.
   
2. Have ready several hand towels (if needed) for additional draping of breasts for women and pubic areas of both male and female clients.
   
3. Have available (if needed) bolsters and pillows for additional guest comfort prepared with clean linens.
   
4. Have massage oil(s), essential oils, etc., as needed per specified massage protocols, prepared on counter.
   
5. Create a comforting and de-stressing environment with soft music, lowered lighting and any specified amenities such as fresh flowers, or product samples on table per spa.

1. Greet and welcome guest by name and confirm their service. Be sure to share your name with them.
2. Accompany guest to treatment room and ask if they have any questions or additional concerns for their treatment.
3. Assist guest in disrobing and removing slippers (if needed), otherwise simply ask them to disrobe and lie on the prepared Mermaid table between the two sheets.
4. Explain that you will undrape only that area of the body being massaged throughout the service, keeping the rest of the guest’s body completely covered as you move from one area to the next.
5. Check guest’s comfort on table and comfort of room (lights, sound, warmth, etc.) throughout service.

1. Wash your hands prior to performing massage
2. Begin with guest lying on their back, draped, comfortable, warm and relaxed.
3. Perform a simple deep breathing exercise with guest to induce general relaxation. Gently push down on guest’s shoulders, stretching and massaging while also creating a very gentle "wave" motion on The Mermaid to induce deep relaxation.
4. Undrape upper body (having first covered a woman’s breasts with face towel while still under sheet). Apply massage oil to their chest, neck, shoulders, and arms.
1. Begin massage with very gentle downward strokings on the sides of neck 4 to 6 times. Next, stroke occiput downward again 4 to 6 times. Then, stroke forehead side to side minimum 6 times and from the forehead stroke gently downward over the closed lids of guest’s eyes, finishing with strokes over the temples always gentle, downward and toward scalp.
5. Apply additional massage oil to your hands and perform a traditional relaxation massage of front of torso, arms and hands. Use "falling rain" technique to finish arms gently stroking with light tapping from shoulders to hands.
6. Massage the stomach in a clockwise motion. Complete this sequence returning attention to upper back, shoulders and neck, using pressure point massage and petrissage. Re-drape and cover upper body.
7. Next, proceed to front of legs, applying massage oil and performing massage using same techniques as arms (undraping and re-draping as needed for massage paying special attention to tucking sheet for privacy near pubic area.)
8. Complete the massage treatment with a massage of the feet and while massaging feet push gently into The Mermaid to create "wave relaxation".
9. Once complete with front of body, assist guest in turning over so that they are now lying on their stomach, again being very careful to keep them draped at all times. Check on their comfort offering bolsters, etc., as needed.
10. Undrape back, keeping rest of guest’s body draped. Apply massage oil from top of spine to base of spine, then clockwise over buttocks and hips.
11. Return back up the spine and at each vertebrae massage left and then right from spine to sides to apply oil, returning to top of spine. While massaging left to right, push client’s body gently into The Mermaid to create gentle water rocking.
12. Apply oil to arms and palms of hands, massaging clockwise in palms and using effleurage strokes on arms.
13. Next, begin full back massage using effleurage strokes as well as gentle deep tissue, especially on the infraspinatus and spinatus muscles to soothe and release tension.
14. As much as possible, choreograph your massage strokes to the music per massage.
15. Massage hips, back, neck and along spine, repeating motion several times, paying special attention to the guest’s back and lower back. Include long strokes along backs of arms and massage of palms
16. You may also use traditional Swedish techniques of petrissage or deeper tissue massage such as neuromuscular to concentrate on areas of the guest’s back requiring more attention.
17. Next, using pressure point massage, apply gentle but firm pressure along pressure points of the spine, beginning at the neck and slowly working down the spine. Once you reach the hips, complete this sequence with effleurage returning back up each side of the back.
18. Beginning at base of neck and using forefinger and middle fingers, gently apply stroking pressure on either side of spine using "Waterfalls" technique, using one hand after the other in a rhythmic movement going from top of spine to coccyx. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
19. Next, gently but firmly lift approximately an inch or two of tissue thickness between thumb and forefingers and roll up and down guest’s back as if creating ripples of skin and muscle all along guest’s back. Do this in a very rhythmic, long fluid movement, never breaking the ripple until you have reached the upper or lower back in each wave.
20. You may repeat this sequence up to 3 times.
21. Complete back using long, full relaxation, cleansing strokes.
22. For ultimate back pampering, perform a warm/aroma steamed towel wipe down of entire back in long fluid strokes. Re-cover back with sheet and tuck arms if so desired.
23. Lower Body: Undrape one leg at a time, keeping buttocks and upper body covered, work one leg at a time re-draping leg when finished. Apply massage oil to guest’s lower body using effleurage strokes on legs, hips and buttocks. Apply more oil to your hands and perform massage of backs of legs including massage of hips and buttocks. Keep client carefully draped at all times. Use "rippling" waters and "waterfalls" technique on legs as well.
24. Return to back for final gentle downward strokes and at completion of massage, gently push into shoulders of client to create final, gentle Mermaid relaxation wave.
25. Allow guest to relax, while concluding therapy and attending to spa’s treatment closure protocols.
26. Assist guest from treatment table, into robe and their slippers. (Ask guest if they would like the oil wiped from their feet with a towel prior to putting on their slippers.)
27. Escort guest back to lounge or locker room, wishing them well, thanking them for their visit and encouraging them to rebook additional massages or try other spa services.
28. Prepare treatment room for next service.

Please note: Many massage therapists prefer to begin with guest face up and finish with back; however, for some guests beginning with back is less intimidating and finishing massage with guest face up allows for a great conclusion of massage to neck, shoulders and feet as well as ease of sitting up and getting off table at conclusion of service. (To be determined by individual spas.)

Return