Giving Back Massages
A lesson in relaxation
Massage dates back to 3000 BC China. Most early cultures practiced healing by acupressure and touch, incorporating oils and herbs into back massage. Emphasis on physical fitness led a massage therapy movement, the preventive and manual medicines of physical therapy, and chiropractic massage to relax body and mind and stimulate production of endorphins, thus suppressing pain and improving moods.
Step lightly, please Back massages are preventtive maintenance for busy workers and weekend warriors. Consider some massaging tips for a heightened physical, spiritual, and sensual experience: - A portable massage table is the ideal working surface. The floor works if you do not yet own a massage table.
- Direct pressure should never be placed on the spine during the back massage.
- Kneel or stand at the side of the person who is lying (preferably bare-back) face down on the floor or massage table.
- Apply thumb pressure at both sides of the spine, using a delicate circular motion from the lower back to the neck. Work with the meaty parts of the thumbs.
- Work on both sides of the neck to the base of the head. The person receiving the back massage should help determine pressure used.
- Use heels of hands, massaging with light pressure and medium-size circles along sides of spine from upper shoulder to lower back.
- Glide hands outward from the spine, working in long strokes to the sides from shoulder blades to hips.
- Knead muscles at the shoulders, mid back and buttocks.
- Using thumbs, apply small circular motions to knotted areas, shoulder blades, and at both sides of the spine.
- Handheld back massagers may be incorporated into the process. Some electric massagers can take over for tired hands.
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A little assistance, please
Music and burning candles set a relaxing mood for a massage. Oils help hands glide; aroma blends absorb through the skin and, when inhaled, send an electrochemical message to the limbic system in the brain to heal, relax, sedate, or stimulate.
In order to deeply penetrate tissue, place smooth heated stones along the back. It helps to use heated stones coated with oil while performing the back massage.
