Posted on June 29, 2007 in Foot Care Tips
A massage is the most basic of all healing techniques. Studies indicate that this touch therapy that massage offers to the back, head, legs, arms can reduce stress, do away with depression, lessen pain and boost the immune system. A back massage is the most preferred massage treatment as poor spine, postural defects and sleeping disorders are effectively addressed through this simple, nurturing and powerful touch therapy.
Uses and Benefits of a Back Massage
A back massage is used to remove tension and give relief to tired, worn out or dysfunctional back muscles. Individuals having received professional back massages report an improved feeling of well-being, enhanced immune system, faster healing, particularly those suffering from sports injuries and of course, the greatest high of all- the feel good factor. A back massage helps eliminate stress and if given by artistic hand strokes on the body, it can rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress scientifically.
Tips for an effective back massage
- The recipient of a back massage needs to lie face and belly down on flat surface with the head turned to one side and the person giving the massage may kneel or stand over the side.
- Spreading small amounts of oil over the recipient’s entire back in slow, rhythmic motions ensures that the masseuse’s hands do not stick to the massage receiver’s back.
- The light strokes at the base of the neck can progress to hand movements along either side of the spine, with gentle pressure.
- Rubbing up and down the length and sides of the back is very relaxing during a back massage and repetition of this several times over helps ease the tightness/ tension out of the muscles.
- Applying the fleshy part of the thumbs to the shoulder blades on either side of the spine at mid back, the masseuse can move up to the base of the neck by applying small outward strokes, taking care to apply pressure away from the spine.
- The fleshy part of the thumb is used to work in small circles and the pressure applied through this is adjusted according to the back massage recipient’s comfort level.
- The shoulder area is dealt with next. By placing a palm on one of the shoulder blades, shaking it gently by moving the palm back and forth, a relaxing, loose movement of the shoulder blade and arm is created. The same can be repeated on the other side.
- Small, circular motions, similar to kneading in the skin, can be followed by the fleshy parts of the fingers along the tender spots of the top of the shoulder and collarbone. The heels of the hands are used to apply pressure down the sides of the spine, beginning with the upper shoulder and moving down to the lower back.
- The finishing strokes can be gentle rubbing of hands up the center of the back on both sides of the spine and down the sides of the back.
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