Start soft. “Skin responds to even the lightest touch,” so begin by softly trailing your fingers over the person’s shoulders, back, and arms.

Take a stance. “Position is key” when increasing the pressure. Place a chair in front of a table, with a pillow in between. Have whomever is receiving the massage “straddle” the chair, placing both hands atop the table.

Pick a side. Work one side at a time, initially squeezing and releasing the shoulder muscles “to get circulation flowing.” Take your right palm and make a “circular motion clockwise out from the spine.” “Never rub the spine”—only around it.

Don’t neglect the arms. “Knead down” both arms, moving toward the person’s hand. “Work your thumbs” over the palm while gently pressing your fingers into the back of the hand.

Source: Allure