How to give a back massage

The first step in giving a comfortable relaxing massage is learning how to properly use your hands.

You do not want the massage to feel pokey, or like your ripping or grabbing at the skin. It is important to use the palm of your hand and pads of your fingers.

A good way to practice is on yourself, so you know what your grip would feel like on others, forearms and legs work best.

Technique #1 - kneading
The motion is the same as kneading bread; apply pressure with the heel of your palm, grab with your fingers(not finger tips) and gently pull back.
You can also preform this technique without squeezing with your fingers. Just apply pressure with the palm in gentle circles.

It takes a lot of practice so your arms and hands don't get tired, after all some of us go to school for years to complete our training.

This technique is great for your shoulders and neck, arms legs. No fingers - the rest of back, glutes, legs. You can do this over top of clothes, or with/without oil.

Technique #2 - effleurage

Effleurage is a very important part of massage, it is used to apply oil/lotions, warm up and cool down of tissues. It can be both relaxing and stimulating, learning how to keep a rhythm and controlling flow can be the difference between a good and bad massage.

Basically this is where you use both your hands and glide over the entire back/leg/whatever body part you're massaging with your oil.

Learning to press your hands firm but staying relaxed is important. Having too much oil or too little oil also plays an important role. Too much and it feels sloppy, to little and it feels like the skin is ripping. (This is where the choice of lotion/cream/oil comes into play. Every type has a different 'glide' ex. Some lotions soak in fast so your hands won't glide over the entire back. Its important to find a happy medium and depends how you like to massage. But we won't get into the technical stuff right now)

Tip: take deep slow breaths in and out, on your inhale glide your hands away from you all the way and by the time you inhale bring your hands back. This helps keep a good flow.

This technique is used multiple times in every massage. Used with skin to skin contact. Oil is needed.

With these two techniques you can provide a great massage for your partner/family member. Always remember to get their input as you are massaging, listen to what they want. Just because you think it feels right doesn't mean it feels right for them, that is a big part of being a good therapist - listening to your clients needs

The first step in giving a comfortable relaxing massage is learning how to properly use your hands.

You do not want the massage to feel pokey, or like your ripping or grabbing at the skin. It is important to use the palm of your hand and pads of your fingers.

A good way to practice is on yourself, so you know what your grip would feel like on others, forearms and legs work best.

Technique #1 - kneading
The motion is the same as kneading bread; apply pressure with the heel of your palm, grab with your fingers(not finger tips) and gently pull back.
You can also preform this technique without squeezing with your fingers. Just apply pressure with the palm in gentle circles.

It takes a lot of practice so your arms and hands don't get tired, after all some of us go to school for years to complete our training.

This technique is great for your shoulders and neck, arms legs. No fingers - the rest of back, glutes, legs. You can do this over top of clothes, or with/without oil.

Technique #2 - effleurage

Effleurage is a very important part of massage, it is used to apply oil/lotions, warm up and cool down of tissues. It can be both relaxing and stimulating, learning how to keep a rhythm and controlling flow can be the difference between a good and bad massage.

Basically this is where you use both your hands and glide over the entire back/leg/whatever body part you're massaging with your oil.

Learning to press your hands firm but staying relaxed is important. Having too much oil or too little oil also plays an important role. Too much and it feels sloppy, to little and it feels like the skin is ripping. (This is where the choice of lotion/cream/oil comes into play. Every type has a different 'glide' ex. Some lotions soak in fast so your hands won't glide over the entire back. Its important to find a happy medium and depends how you like to massage. But we won't get into the technical stuff right now)

Tip: take deep slow breaths in and out, on your inhale glide your hands away from you all the way and by the time you inhale bring your hands back. This helps keep a good flow.

This technique is used multiple times in every massage. Used with skin to skin contact. Oil is needed.

With these two techniques you can provide a great massage for your partner/family member. Always remember to get their input as you are massaging, listen to what they want. Just because you think it feels right doesn't mean it feels right for them, that is a big part of being a good therapist - listening to your clients needs.

Basic back massage

turn on music your partner enjoys, dim the lights. Use your choice of lotion/oil/cream - if you don't have any specific massage oils or creams, grapeseed oil from your kitchen works fine.

Have partner lay on their stomach on the floor/bed with a pillow under their shins and another under their lower belly. Make sure this is comfortable for them, if not then do whatever is. Now you're ready to massage.

1. Put some oil/cream in your hand the size of a dollar and rub your hands together to warm it up

2. Effleurage. If your hands aren't gliding smoothly add a bit more oil (always rub it in your hands before applying to skin). If you used too much to start with, take your hand towel and wipe off your hands and continue to effleurage.

3. Kneading focus on shoulders then work your way down to hips. Do not massage over the spine. Ask your partner how it feels, if the pressure is OK.

4. Effleurage again. Always end a massage with effleurage

5. Trade positions and get your massage