Relaxing Back Massage Techniques

You can treat your partner to a relaxing back massage and have the same done for you. Spread oil over the surface of your back and start with soft and rounded movements to relax and warm the tissues to increase circulation. Below are some techniques for you to share with someone so that they can give you a back massage.

Effleurage is a gentle, fan-like stroke used at the beginning of the massage. It helps to spread oil over the skin, relaxing the surface of the skin.

Pour some oil on your palms, rub hands together, and position yourself at the lower back facing the body. Slowly slide both hands up from the spine to the neck. Fan both hands over each shoulder, cupping and embracing the upper arm as you slide your hands to the underarm position, then slowly slide lightly down the sides of the body to the starting position. Repeat rhythmically several times until the oil is well spread. The slow rhythmic movement of this stroke is deeply relaxing.

Thumb Circles

Make small rhythmic circles with your thumb or fingertips, working with both thumbs alongside of each other at the same time. Perform small continuous circles from the sacrum to the base of the skull three times on each side of the spine. As you circle, the pressure continues downwards. When you come through a knot, gently work through it, increasing pressure as it releases. To relax a muscle, put pressure on the area, gently increasing it when you feel a response. Continue circling the area a few times and then move on so you won't cause irritation.

Do not work on the spine, only on either side of the vertebrae.

Stroking

Position yourself square to the body. Put your hands down flat on the back with fingers straight, and stroke away from the middle of the spine to the side of the body. Start at the shoulder and finish at the hips and back again. Repeat on the other side of spine, stroking toward you. Alternate your hands all the way up the spine to the skull. Repeat three times.

Stroking is pleasurable and connects sensations to the area that has just been massaged. If makes that part of the body relaxing, revitalizing, and stimulates the skin. When you do this technique slowly, it has a calming and soothing effect.

Kneading

This is a medium-pressure stroke. It is used after the muscles have been relaxed and oil has been spread over the skin. This technique is like kneading dough. Place hands flat, fingers together with thumbs stretched out wide. Using your thumb to push in, squeeze and pinch the flesh toward the fingers, scooping up the skin. The hands work alternately, pressing and squeezing the muscles in a rolling movement. Work your hands in a rhythmic movement, alternately up the side, from the sacrum, across over hip joint, up the side of the ribs, working upwards toward the shoulder. Use a medium-pressure stroke because this can be tense and painful.