Marty Morales

Professional Massage Therapist

Marty Morales is a Professional Massage Therapist and the Founder and Owner of the Morales Method, a manual therapy and body conditioning business based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Los Angeles, California. Marty has over 16 years of massage therapist experience and over 13 years of experience educating others on the best practices for massage therapy. Marty has over 10,000 hours of private practice logged and is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner, CMT. He has an MBA in Finance from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles.

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Forum Comments (1)

Tips on how to give a really good back massage?

When giving someone a massage, it's really important to listen to them as you go. When some people find a knot, they proceed to really dig into it, even if it's painful to the other person. Listen to the recipient—if they say something you're doing is too much, back off a bit. You can actually get more done by keeping steady pressure instead of constantly pushing harder and harder on the knot. More is not necessarily better! Those are my two big pieces of advice: keep lines of communication open, and remember that sometimes less is more.

Q&A Comments (9)

What types of massages should I offer when I'm first starting out as a massage therapist?

Start with the basics, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massages. You could also offer Thai massage and shiatsu. Offer these basics at first to get a sense of what you like and dislike. Then, you can pursue training in other types of massage based on your preferences.

How do I prepare for a professional facial massage?

There isn't a lot of preparation, but make sure you arrive with a clean face and no makeup on. You should also let the massage therapist know if there are any cuts or broken skin on your face so they can plan accordingly.

How do you prepare oil for a massage?

The most important thing is to make sure you're using fresh, clean oil. You can heat the oil up by placing the bottle in some warm water in advance. Use an oil that's pleasant to the other person. For example, if they like the smell of lavender, you could use an oil that's infused with lavender for the massage.

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Co-authored Articles (19)

How to Give Your Partner an Erotic Massage

The right products and techniques to turn your partner on while helping them relax Want to give your partner a relaxing, soothing, yet sensual massage? A steamy massage session is a great method of foreplay, but it’s a...

How to

Give a Romantic Massage

Romantic massages are more intimate and sensual than the average massage, and they can set the scene for a relaxing and couple-focused evening. Ambiance is important when setting up for a romantic massage, as is knowing ...

How to Do a Lower Back Massage on Yourself or Others

Massage techniques for lower back painThe lower back can become tight or sore for many different reasons, but in many cases, a lower back massage can help. We interviewed massage therapist Marty Morales and personal trai...

How to Give a Shoulder Massage (+ Self-Massage Techniques)

Learn how to soothe tense shoulder and neck muscles Few things are more relaxing than a shoulder massage at the end of a long day. Giving a massage that helps soothe aches and pains and promotes relaxation is a great wa...

How to

Give a Massage

Massages relax muscles, stimulate circulation, and decrease emotional stress. Giving someone a quick shoulder rub is nice, but if you want to create a memorable and healing experience for your loved one, it's worth takin...

How to Massage Your Own Scalp

Soothe your nerves and promote thicker hair with these simple techniquesScalp massages are a quick, easy, and cheap way to ease tension in your head, unwind after a long day, or even relieve headaches. They’re also sho...

How to

Give a Head Massage

Head massages are a great way to relax, as they can help release the tension of the day. When giving a head massage, start with a few basics to relax the person, such as applying wet heat, adding oil, and detangling the ...

How to

Massage Your Partner

Many people enjoy massage on a regular basis, as it helps them to feel good about themselves and, of course, giving a massage is a great way to show someone that you care about them. Of our five senses, touch is the most...

How to Give a Leg Massage to Relieve Muscle Pain

Learn leg massage techniques for your calves, thighs, & feet Giving someone—or yourself—a leg massage can help relieve leg pain caused by overexertion or minor injuries. While a professional massage may offer the mos...

How to

Give a Sensual Foot Massage

As surprising as it sounds, the feet are a great place to give a sensual massage to your partner. Create a sensual atmosphere by dimming the lights, lighting a few candles and playing calming music. Then target the eroge...

How to

Give Yourself a Facial Massage

Facial massages increase circulation to your facial tissue, resulting in brighter, youthful-looking skin. Facial massages can also help to lift and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of puffiness and wrinkles. As an ...

How to

Give Your Wife a Backrub

Giving your wife a backrub can be a very intimate experience. You take time to focus on her needs. Don't go in blindly though. Take time to set the mood for relaxation. Music, lighting, and candles go a long way. You can...

How to

Give a Deep Tissue Massage

In deep tissue massage, you apply pressure with your hands, arms, and body weight to another person's muscles. Start by making sure the person is relaxed. You can use deep tissue massage on the back, arms, and legs, to...

How to Give a Face Massage at Home

Tips for giving facial massagesMany people swear by facial massages, saying they increase the overall health of the skin, improve blood flow, and remove dead skin. Giving yourself a facial massage can be relaxing, but yo...

How to Prepare for a Massage: What to Wear & How Early to Arrive

Tips to fully prepare for a massage & get the most out of your sessionGetting a massage is a relaxing and enriching experience. However, if you've never had one, you'll want to know what you need to do. Don't worry; it's...

How to

Make Your Own Massage Oils

If you’re itching to give your loved one a massage, you may be wondering how to mix up a batch of massage oil without breaking your budget. Fortunately, you can combine a few different oils to whip up a bottle of massa...

How to

Give Yourself a Hand Massage

When you're feeling worn out, try giving yourself a boost with some hand reflexology. It is easy to take your hands for granted, and neglect them after a hard day's work. People use their hands more than they realize, an...

How to

Become a Masseuse or Massage Therapist

Massage therapy helps millions of people cope with physical ailments, sore muscles, and emotional distress. If you have a gift for giving a wonderful massage, becoming a professional massage therapist could be a great ca...

How to

Understand Massage Oils

When you first start out learning about massage oils, it can seem a little daunting. However, it isn't as hard as it seems to learn the basics and to quickly come up to scratch on the use and properties of such oils. Thi...

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Marty Morales

Forum Comments (1)

Q&A Comments (9)

Co-authored Articles (19)