How to Give Back Massages

Giving a great back massage can be sensual, relaxing and fun for your partner or friend, but a professional massage can cost up to $100 an hour. You can give a back massage yourself to help your friend relieve tension, stress and sore or worn muscles. It is an excellent way to reward someone for their hard work during the day. In a few simple steps, you will be able to give a great back massage to your friend or partner.

Things You'll Need

• Firm but not hard table or furniture
• Relaxing music
• Candles or incenses
• Massage oil

Instructions

1. Set up the atmosphere. This is important to help the person who is receiving the back massage to be as relaxed and at ease as possible. Set up the firm place they will be laying on. Light candles and incenses, then put them around the table or furniture. Turn on their favorite relaxing music.

2. Take off their shirt. If they are uncomfortable with this, you can suggest they wrap a towel around the front. But a back massage through a clothed back is not as effective.

3. Use the desired massage oil of your choice. There are several to choose from. However, keep in mind that you will want one that is not overly oily. You want them to leave the table feeling good, not as if they rolled around in cooking grease. There are a few that are recommended for a smooth and enjoyable back massage. Avocado oil will not leave the person's back feeling greasy, and it is said to be great for the skin. Sunflower and almond oils are also great choices. Keep in mind that some products may contain allergens. Ask the person if they are allergic to anything specific before applying the massage oil.

4. Give the massage. There are several techniques that are used by professionals. However, unless you wish to become a professional, these should not really apply. Instead, there are a few basic points you need to remember when giving a massage: Always use firm and even strokes when pushing on the back; circular motions are designed to move around the muscles to give them an even massage; press firmly to massage the muscles and not the skin.

5. Know when to stop. Some people like long, drawn out massages, while others like it quick. Depending on the reason for the massage, you may need to do this for an hour or more, or else 15 minutes to 30 minutes is enough time. For a relaxation or stress-reliever massage, 30 minutes may be long enough, while sore or worn muscles may require at least an hour. Always listen to the person receiving the back massage. When they say enough, it is enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to always massage the muscles and never the skin or bones.

• Keep in mind that some massage oils are greasy and undesirable. Choose the correct one for the situation.

• Never push too hard.

• Never ignore them if they have had enough (or if they need a few more minutes!).