Guidelines on How to Give a Back Massage
Aside from the shoulders, buttocks and the neck, the back is also one of the places that are prone to accumulating tension. One way to relieve this tension is through a regular back massage. A massage therapy does not only relieve tension but it also leaves you with a sense of relaxation. It makes you feel calmer and more focused. If you want to know the different steps when it comes to giving a massage, read on:
During a back massage, the back and the crease of the buttocks must be exposed. Secure the person's head by placing a rolled up towel on his or her forehead. If this is not possible, you can ask him or her to turn his head sideways. Otherwise, he or she will find it difficult to breathe during the entire process.
Next, generously apply massage oil on the back. This will ease movement and stroking motions during the massage. Apply using an effleurage stroke from the lower back up until you reach the shoulders. Afterwhich, release your hands and start at the base of the spine again. Work your way up by gently applying pressure or little thumb circles. Do this for at least 5 or 6 times.
With one hand on top of the other, work your way up to the spine until you reach the shoulder blades. Use the figure-of-8 movement. Do this for at least 4 or 5 times. Then gently massage the shoulder in circular motion. Do this step for at least 4 or 5 times. If you feel little bumps (knots) on the back or the shoulder blades, massage these areas as these are indications of tension. Do this since it provides great relief to the person you are massaging. Ask the person about the other problem areas and if you find more knots or bumps, massage it gently.
Also, squeeze the topmost part of the shoulder starting from the neck. Do this with the use of your finger and thumbs. Repeat this stroke for at least 4 to 5 times on both sides. In addition, don't forget to stroke up the person's nape using your thumbs.
For the next step, make sure you are standing at the person's head area. Stroke down towards across the back towards the buttocks. Afterwhich, gently but firmly pull up at the sides. Do this 5 times.
You may finish your massage by holding the person gently. Put a hand at the bottom of the spine while the other hand is placed at the base of the neck. Stay in this position until a warm sensation builds up. Afterwhich, simply take your hands off and cover the person.
During a back massage, the back and the crease of the buttocks must be exposed. Secure the person's head by placing a rolled up towel on his or her forehead. If this is not possible, you can ask him or her to turn his head sideways. Otherwise, he or she will find it difficult to breathe during the entire process.
Next, generously apply massage oil on the back. This will ease movement and stroking motions during the massage. Apply using an effleurage stroke from the lower back up until you reach the shoulders. Afterwhich, release your hands and start at the base of the spine again. Work your way up by gently applying pressure or little thumb circles. Do this for at least 5 or 6 times.
With one hand on top of the other, work your way up to the spine until you reach the shoulder blades. Use the figure-of-8 movement. Do this for at least 4 or 5 times. Then gently massage the shoulder in circular motion. Do this step for at least 4 or 5 times. If you feel little bumps (knots) on the back or the shoulder blades, massage these areas as these are indications of tension. Do this since it provides great relief to the person you are massaging. Ask the person about the other problem areas and if you find more knots or bumps, massage it gently.
Also, squeeze the topmost part of the shoulder starting from the neck. Do this with the use of your finger and thumbs. Repeat this stroke for at least 4 to 5 times on both sides. In addition, don't forget to stroke up the person's nape using your thumbs.
For the next step, make sure you are standing at the person's head area. Stroke down towards across the back towards the buttocks. Afterwhich, gently but firmly pull up at the sides. Do this 5 times.
You may finish your massage by holding the person gently. Put a hand at the bottom of the spine while the other hand is placed at the base of the neck. Stay in this position until a warm sensation builds up. Afterwhich, simply take your hands off and cover the person.
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