Massage therapy does a world of good to people suffering from various issues concerning their muscles. In the last 20 years, the prominence of massage therapies has grown, as they are known to
heal many health-related problems. On top of that, there are no side effects associated with a massage. Moreover, the therapeutic benefits of massage on overall health and mental well-being resulting from the manipulation of soft tissues, makes this art worth trying.
Effleurage (Smooth rhythmic stroking) is one of the most basic and frequently used techniques for a back massage. Let us discuss some of the well-known techniques employed by professionals, while massaging a back.
● Technique 1
Effleurage: Using the Whole Hand
Before you begin the massage, take warm oil in your hands and apply a small amount with the whole hand using smooth rhythmic strokes. It is important to use the whole surface of both hands. Use firm movements to stroke upwards, i.e., from the lower back right up to the neck, using gentle pressure circles around, and slowly move to the lower back region. Follow this procedure for 5 to 10 minutes.
● Technique 2
Effleurage: Using the Heel of the Hand
In this technique, there is a smaller area of contact because of which the pressure is deeper. Start at the lower back using both the hands and work in circles. Using the same circular movement, move outward first and then upward. Return to the center gradually and then progress to the upper back. This procedure should be followed for 5 minutes.
● Technique 3
Effleurage: Using Reinforced Fingers
Like the previous technique, this one, too, concentrates on a smaller area of contact. Stand on the right hand side of the area that you are working on. Place one hand on top of another and push with the flats of your hand away from the centerline, and then glide back towards the spine. Begin this procedure at the lower back and work it up to the upper back. Follow this procedure for 5 minutes.
● Technique 4
Stripping: Using the Reinforced Thumb
Use deep continuous pressure, up to the full length of the muscles that are located at either side of the spine. As you move to the neck, lessen the pressure a little. Move slowly and intentionally, feeling for sensitive spots while you glide from the lower to the upper back. Continue this three times on each side, alternating it with a couple of minutes of effleurage and then repeat the stripping.
● Technique 5
Friction: Using the Reinforced Middle Finger
In this technique firm deep movements need to be applied on each side of the spine. Begin the massage at the lower side of the spine and move upward. Five frictions need to be applied on each spot with a few more in case of a sore spot.
Effleurage (Smooth rhythmic stroking) is one of the most basic and frequently used techniques for a back massage. Let us discuss some of the well-known techniques employed by professionals, while massaging a back.
● Technique 1
Effleurage: Using the Whole Hand
Before you begin the massage, take warm oil in your hands and apply a small amount with the whole hand using smooth rhythmic strokes. It is important to use the whole surface of both hands. Use firm movements to stroke upwards, i.e., from the lower back right up to the neck, using gentle pressure circles around, and slowly move to the lower back region. Follow this procedure for 5 to 10 minutes.
● Technique 2
Effleurage: Using the Heel of the Hand
In this technique, there is a smaller area of contact because of which the pressure is deeper. Start at the lower back using both the hands and work in circles. Using the same circular movement, move outward first and then upward. Return to the center gradually and then progress to the upper back. This procedure should be followed for 5 minutes.
● Technique 3
Effleurage: Using Reinforced Fingers
Like the previous technique, this one, too, concentrates on a smaller area of contact. Stand on the right hand side of the area that you are working on. Place one hand on top of another and push with the flats of your hand away from the centerline, and then glide back towards the spine. Begin this procedure at the lower back and work it up to the upper back. Follow this procedure for 5 minutes.
● Technique 4
Stripping: Using the Reinforced Thumb
Use deep continuous pressure, up to the full length of the muscles that are located at either side of the spine. As you move to the neck, lessen the pressure a little. Move slowly and intentionally, feeling for sensitive spots while you glide from the lower to the upper back. Continue this three times on each side, alternating it with a couple of minutes of effleurage and then repeat the stripping.
● Technique 5
Friction: Using the Reinforced Middle Finger
In this technique firm deep movements need to be applied on each side of the spine. Begin the massage at the lower side of the spine and move upward. Five frictions need to be applied on each spot with a few more in case of a sore spot.
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