A wonderful back massage is not only pleasurable, but it also can relieve painful muscle spasms and help someone unwind after a stressful day. Spa massage treatments can be expensive and difficult to fit into a busy lifestyle. According to Better Massage Therapy.com, a website dedicated to the art of massage, with a few helpful tips, you can not only give a muscle-melting back massage, but you also can teach your skills to the one you love---so you both benefit.
Set The Mood
Step 1
Warm the bed's surface with a heating pad placed underneath the sheet or by warming the sheet in the dryer for a few minutes.
Step 2
Dim the lights. Light several aromatherapy candles. Lavender-scented candles are reported to enhance a state of relaxation.
Step 3
Turn on relaxing, calming music like the sound of ocean waves or gentle rain. Meditation-ambient music is also appropriate.
Massage Technique
Step 1
Apply the oil or lotion to the bare skin using long strokes. Use enough oil so your hands glide smoothly over the skin. Igor Fooks, a licensed massage and bodywork therapist in Charlotte, N.C., recommends a mixture of oil and lotion for the perfect massage experience.
Step 2
Begin at the lower back. Keep your hands spread out, fingers facing the neck, and slowly stroke your hands all the way up the spine to the shoulders using medium pressure, fanning out to the shoulder blades. Make sure the pressure is on either side of the vertebrae, not directly on the spine. Repeat this technique for several minutes to induce complete relaxation.
Step 3
Target specific knotted or tight areas. Use a circular massage technique on these areas. Keep your hands flat, using a counter-clockwise motion.
Step 4
After the circular motion, knead the knots out using your fingers and thumbs to grab specific muscles and gently squeeze.
Step 5
End the massage with an all over raking technique. Stroke your right hand from the lower back up to the shoulders as you simultaneously stroke your left hand down from the left shoulder to the lower back. Continue the up and down stroking action for several minutes.
Step 6
Finish the experience with the ultimate professional touch by placing microwave-heated, warm, damp towels across the back to soothe the skin and absorb some of the massage oils.
Tips and Warnings
- Listen to the person you are massaging, ask for feedback and make sure she tells you what feels good or if something hurts.
- Avoid excessive pressure on bony structures, broken skin or blisters.
Things You'll Need
- Firm, comfortable table or narrow bed
- Massage oil or lotions
- Soft towels
References
- Better Massage Therapy: Tips For Giving A Good Back Massage
- How To Do Things: How to give a back massage
- Igor Fooks, LMBT; Massage Envy; Charlotte, NC
- Easy Vigour: Back Massage Techniques
