How to Do a Back Rub
Massage is a form of therapy used to relax the body and mind of the recipient. A back rub is a simple massage of the back and shoulders. It relieves pain and induces relaxation. According to Steve Capellini and Michel Van Welden, authors of "Massage for Dummies," anyone can learn to give a relaxing back rub. No matter whom you are massaging, the secret is to start with a simple technique and adapt the massage to the recipient's liking.
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Instructions
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Wash your hands with warm water; this warms up cold hands to make the back rub more enjoyable. Consider using a small amount of moisturizing hand lotion after washing your hands so they are soft and smooth for the back rub.
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Lightly press your palms into the lower back of the recipient, on either side of the spine, and slide upwards to the shoulder blades.
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Turn your hands so that your fingers face out toward the ribcage and lightly draw your hands back down to the lower back.
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Press your thumbs, lightly, on either side of the spine. Rotate them in small circles. Work your way up the back to the shoulder blades in this manner.
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Massage around the shoulder blades; moving your thumbs in small, light circles.
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Repeat the process as many times as you would like, slowly increasing pressure each time. As you massage, ask questions about what feels best to the recipient. Adapt the back rub to their liking.
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End the massage session by lightly running your fingers over the recipient's back. This will soothe and calm the recently massaged muscles.
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Tips & Warnings
According to Catherine Stuart, author of "Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy," lighting a scented candle will help your recipient to relax during the massage.
Use of massage oil or lotion will make your hangs glide over the recipient's back easier, reducing uncomfortable friction.
References
- Photo Credit massage image by fderib from Fotolia.com
