How to give back massage for relaxation of tissues while performing an advanced and therapeutic back massage needs to have a lot of professional training.
But, you can still give a relaxing and tissue stimulating perfect massage to anyone without training. Only you will have to follow, some guided steps given below, to give a back massage with a professional touch .
- Setting Up
- Starting the Massage
Go through some of the basic massage techniques and apply them to start giving quality massages at home. One of the most critical part of the set up is to note that without professional training, you must apply only light pressure in the techniques given and before starting any session must ask the person for any chronic back pain or medical advice he/she has been told to follow.
How to Give Back Massage : Setting Up
Choose a comfortable location.
Using a massage table will provide you the best access to somebody’s back,. It is made to comfort and complete with a face cradle for alignment of the spine. If you don’t have a massage table, then you may use the floor, couch, bed, sturdy enough for the person to lie on. A hard bed is the best option available to ensure a good massage but you must consider the relationship you have with the person and discuss where it is going to take place, beforehand.
Place a soft mat.
Opt for the harder-surfaced alternatives for laying down, you must put a soft mat. Use a mat that is minimum two inches thick to offer the proper comfort to the person receiving the back massage.
Spread a sheet over the table or mat.
A clean sheet must be put over the mat or table as the person will dress down for his or her massage. It will be hygienic and comfortable for the person and help catch excess oil.
Prepare the room.
Ensure the room is warm without being hot. the ideal atmosphere for the person to relax the muscles is a warmer one. Play light music which can be ambient music, quiet classical music to help relax to their fullest. Keep the volume low. Turn the lights down so that there is no glare in the room. You may use some scented aromatherapy candles. Do ask before lighting them as some do not enjoy the smells or are sensitive to them.
Undress to a comfort level.
Massage is best given and received without clothing on the area being massaged when using oil or lotion. Request that the person undresses as much as he or she is comfortable with. Offer an additional towel or sheet above and beyond the one covering the table. When privacy is a concern, knock and ensure he/she is ready for reentering the room.
Person have to lie face down.
If you want to have a proper massage table, face will rest in the face cradle. You can also give a pillow or folded towel beneath the ankles to support the lower back.
Expose the back.
Wrap a towel while undressing to fold down to expose the back.
How to Give Back Massage : Starting the Massage
Tell you are about to begin.
Tell them you are starting with the process and they must have a feel of trust in you. Do not make jokes or suggestive comments. Ask them to tell and feel tension or pain. Periodically reminding the person to take a slow and deep breath for relaxation.
Pour oil in the palm.
Start with about one teaspoon. Warm it by rubbing it between hands before applying it. Use organic grape seed oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil.
Spread the oil around.
The main technique to spread warmed oil across the back is called effleurage meaning light friction. Use gliding movements in long and even strokes. Repeat technique for 3-5 minutes by gradually increasing from light to medium pressure to warm up the back muscles, without forgetting neck and shoulders area.
Utilize petrissage techniques.
Petrissage has shorter, circular as a kneading technique that uses rolling and pressing to enhance deeper circulation. This technique uses palm, fingertips, or knuckles in the short, circular motions. Go across the entire back for 2-5 minutes.
Apply percussive strokes.
Percussive strokes also called tapotement are set of brief, repetitive contacts with parts of the hand. Use cupped hands, fingertips gathered to an even point, or flat fingers on the knuckle side of hands to make the contacts. Keep wrists relaxed and flex at the wrists. Use quick movements to perform tapotement techniques. Ensure spending 2-3 minutes for applying the techniques across the entire back.
Use muscle-lifting techniques.
Close the fingers and hold out thumb like a lobster claw. Apply pressure in a twisting and lifting motion. Keep alternating hands for a windshield wiper movement. Move up and down for 2-3 times.
Use a fanning technique.
Position thumbs at the top of the back, below the neck & on side of the spine. Use a “fanning” motion with thumbs extended. Push gently down toward the lower back . Apply pressure angled at the feet. Alternate pressure on both the thumb. Move from the top of the back down to the hips.
Apply twists.
Come back around to the side to reach around the far hip with one hand, while the other hand rests on the near hip. Pull one hand towards you as the other one pushes away with a fluid motion. They should slide against each other in the middle and opposite directions.
By following the above steps, you must be able to understand how to give back massage for relaxation of tissues, perfectly.