This article will teach you how to give a back massage. You'll learn about some of the broad benefits of massage but most importantly you'll learn back massage techniques and how to give a back massage to your loved one to bring relief from the physical and emotional stresses of every day modern life. You'll also learn some great tips here as well.
Have you ever noticed that despite all the technological advances designed to save time and add convenience to our lives, we are busier and more stressed than ever? Accordingly there is an ongoing search for remedies to help bring us back into balance.
When you know how to give a back massage, you can apply a time tested and proven method to bring about soothing relief with great therapeutic value. It's one of the simplest, yet most loving and caring things you can do for a loved one.
Massage calms the mind, soothes the body, increases circulation, releases tension, tones the muscles and nourishes the skin, especially when using a quality massage oil like emu oil, or an aromatherapy blend.
Ok, now for some back massage techniques, here's how to give a back massage. Follow these simple steps.
• Have the person lie face down on a flat surface with their head to the side. It's also worth considering investing in a massage table. They are portable, inexpensive and are much better for your back as they allow you to massage at a comfortable height. They also provide a 'face hole' which prevents the receiver from getting a sore neck due to holding their head facing sideways.
• Begin by gently spreading oil over the back. If the oil is cold you can sit the oil container in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, or you can pour it on your own hands and rub your hands together before applying to the back. You don't want to pour cold oil on a persons back unless you want a very startled and unhappy person!
• Give light strokes to the base of the neck, it's a very soothing and calming way to start. Then move your hands up and down along the length of the back in broad strokes. It warms and relaxes the muscles.
• Use the fleshy pads of your thumbs at the lower side of the shoulder blades, working your way up the contour of the blades to the base of the neck.
• Using your finger or thumb tips, or even you knuckles, apply pressure to the fleshy part at either side of the spine and work your way down, pressing at the level of each vertebrae. Remember to never place direct pressure on any bony part.
• Using the whole hands, use a broad kneading action to massage the lower back. Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints found among adults and this action will really soothe the area.
• Work your way up the back with this kneading action until you reach the shoulders. Use your fingertips to locate muscle knots which present themselves as a hardened lump of muscle where tension is stored. Apply static pressure, or press with small circular motions onto the knots until the tension is relieved but be sensitive the persons comfort level. Always listen for feedback.
• Now for the shoulders. This is another area where many people store their stress and this will be evident when you feel the tightness that you may find there. Using your hands over the top of the shoulders along side the neck, knead the muscles until you feel they are warm and loose. Your goal is to release the tension. Be careful not to pinch though. Follow with broad gentle strokes from the neck out to the shoulders. It's very soothing.
• Finish up with more broad strokes up and down the length of the back, this time more gently, and if you like, with some swirling motions. End with very light strokes with the finger tips. The aim here is just to pamper and finish the massage with a very soothing, luxurious time.
Remember that your aims are to warm the muscle, release tension, and provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience. When applying back massage techniques, always be sensitive to the persons comfort levels and never put direct pressure onto a bony surface area. Lastly, the more you practice the better you will be.
Never underestimate the enormous value you can give after you have learned how to give a back massage.
Arthur Bakeright is a qualified but non practicing massage therapist and avid traveller. He now writes extensively on both massage and travel.
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