Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Prepare everything for a back massage
• Part 2 of 2: Giving a back massage
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

While a real, therapeutic massage requires professional training, you can also give someone a relaxing, stimulating massage if you don't have that training. By learning some basic techniques and knowing how to apply them, you can give a wonderful massage at home. One of the most important things to remember if you don't have a professional education is not to press too hard on all techniques.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Prepare everything for a back massage

1. Choose a comfortable place. Ideally, you should use a massage table so that you can reach someone's body, and they are built to lie comfortably, with a cutout for the face to keep the spine straight. However, if you don't, there are a few alternatives:
   • If you don't have a massage table, use the floor, a couch, a bed, or even the kitchen table, if it's sturdy enough for someone to lie on. Each option has some drawbacks that make it never as good as a massage table, especially in terms of the comfort of the person receiving the massage and the person giving the massage, as they usually have to hang over the body in an uncomfortable position.
   • If a bed is the best option you have, don't make it look inappropriate. Consider the relationship you have with the person and discuss beforehand that you will be giving the massage in bed.
2. Lay out a soft mat. If you don't have a massage table, and you prefer a somewhat firmer surface, lay down a soft mat. Use a mat that is at least two inches thick so that it is comfortable for the person receiving the massage.
3. Place a sheet over the table or mat. Because the other person undresses completely or partially for the massage, it is so hygienic and pleasant. You can also use it to catch any oil that you might spill.
4. Prepare the room. Make sure the room is warm enough, but not too hot. That is the ideal environment for someone to relax the muscles when you give a massage.
   • Turn on some quiet music. New age, ambient, calm classical music or even just some nature sounds can help the person to relax. Music with a too fast beat will not work. Turn down the volume.
   • Dim the lights so it isn't too bright.
   • Light some scented candles or incense. This is optional, and you should always ask the person first if they like the scent. Some people find these smells too strong.
5. Have the person undress. A massage is best done on bare skin, especially if you are using oil or lotion. Ask if the other person wants to undress to the extent that he / she is still comfortable with it.
   • Always provide an extra towel or sheet. Then the person can lie down and cover the parts that you are not going to massage with it. This makes the environment even more pleasant and warmer, so that the other can relax better.
   • If privacy is an issue, step out of the room while the other person undresses and can cover with the extra towel or sheet. Knock on the door and ask to come back in.
   • If the person is still wearing underwear, you can tuck the edge of the towel or sheet underneath so that oil doesn't get on the underwear.
6. Have the person lie face down. If you have a real massage table, the face can go into the recess.
   • If the other person likes it, you can also place a pillow or a rolled up towel under the ankles. This provides more support for the lower back.
7. Bare the back. If the person is under a towel or sheet, fold it away so that the back is exposed.

Part 2 of 2: Giving a back massage

1. Tell them you are going to start. Tell the other person to let you know if something hurts or is uncomfortable. The other person feels comfortable if he / she can trust you. Now is not the time to make jokes or suggestive comments.
   • Occasionally remind the other person to breathe calmly and deeply. That helps to relax.
2. Make circular movements. Stand next to the person again. With one hand, grasp the hip that is furthest away, and rest the other hand on the hip close to you. Now pull your far hand towards you with a smooth movement, while pushing the other away from you; your hands should meet in the middle. Repeat this movement all over the back until you reach the shoulders, then go back down. Repeat this 3 times.

Tips

• Advise the person to get up carefully. After having a massage, you sometimes forget how relaxed you are, which can make you feel a bit weak or even fall.
• Everyone has a different tolerance when it comes to pressure. Ask if it is not too loud or too soft while you're at it. If the muscle contracts while you are applying pressure, it is too hard. If the client says it doesn't hurt, encourage them to relax to avoid injury. Do not force anything.
• Press a little less hard as you get close to the head and a little more at the hips.
• Always try to keep one hand on the body so that the massage feels smooth. Always keep your hands moving without stopping and starting again.
• Only push lightly to moderately if you have not been taught massaging. If you like it and want to take it a bit more seriously, take a course. Even if you don't want to become a masseur, it can still be fun to learn the basics of massaging so that you can safely apply the basic techniques.
• When you are done, you can put a towel over your back and arms and brush off most of the oil. Otherwise, his / her clothes may be stained.
• If the massage has to be ready at a certain time, you can keep a clock at hand.
• Lotion works just as well as massage oil.

Warnings

• Don't put pressure on the spine.
• Always be careful when putting pressure on the lower back. There are no ribs there to protect the organs underneath from the pressure of your hands.
• Only apply light pressure on the neck and head. Only a trained massage therapist should press harder there, because arteries run there and can be dangerous in certain conditions.
• Do not touch any cuts, blisters, or other areas that could become infected.
• There are some instances where massage can make a health problem worse. Someone should discuss with the doctor whether he / she can be massaged if he / she has one of the following conditions:
  
  
  • Thrombosis
  • Spinal conditions such as hernia
  • A blood clotting disease or when blood thinners are taken
  • Damaged blood vessels
  • Weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer
  • Fever
  • Any of the following in the area to be massaged: an open or healing wound, tumor, damaged nerves, an infection, radiation infection
  • Pregnancy
  • Cancer
  • Vulnerable skin due to diabetes or a healing scar
  • Heart problems

Necessities

• A massage table, mattress or mat
• A blanket
• Massage oil or baby oil
• 3 towels
• A pillow