This (Central) West African massage (for instance Cameroon, Benin, and Ghana), which is rooted in traditional African Medicine, is a full body massage with long movements (strokes) over the whole body, and applies tapping, kneading, stretching, and rolling techniques to relax body and mind and ease muscle pains.
A special tool is used, called the Manefaing handle (also called Baham ), which has a short shaft with a wide knob made of red earth. Application of the handle allows for improved oxygenation of the muscles and aids in better penetration of the oils (usually Argan oil) or Shea butter used. Shea butter plays an important role since it has soothing properties and helps to optimally hydrate the skin.
Special techniques used in this rhythmic massage are the “African roll” and the Bamiléké drainage.
