In the past, people who enjoyed a massage were mainly looking for relaxation. In this stressful times we live in, nothing is more welcome than a back massage. Whether it's a simple shoulder rub or a deep massage of the upper and lower back, a back massage relieves stress and optimizes relaxation. It seems that back and neck massage is joining the medical establishment as an effective treatment.

Having a shower before the session and lighting up aromatherapy are the basic way to create a relaxing atmosphere. While a massage is best done without a shirt on, putting loose fitting clothes are an alternative, and apply edible oil, they are friendlier to the body than a petroleum-based one.

•Have the person receiving the massage lie on her belly on a firm, comfortable surface, such as a floor mat or firm bed. Make sure you can reach her whole back without straining your own.

•Stand or kneel by her side. Place one hand on the lower back and one hand between the shoulder blades, over the heart.

•Warm up the back by applying thumb pressure along both sides of the spine simultaneously: Start at the lower back and knead gently with your thumbs up to the neck area. This will also promote relaxation.

•Use a smooth, delicate stroke (effleurage) to apply massage oil. In one long stroke, slide your palms down either side of the spine to the pelvis; scoop out around the hips and back up the sides to the shoulders. Maintain contact with the back. Glide your hands over the back to start a new area.

•Continue up both sides of the neck to the base of the head.

•Start at the spine and slide your palms in opposite directions outward to the sides of the back, starting with the lower back area and moving up to the shoulders.

•Knead the fleshy muscular areas at the top of the shoulders, the mid-back area and the buttocks to loosen tight muscles and fascia (the connective tissue).

•Use your thumbs or fingers to apply pressure to areas that feel hard or tight, often called knots.
•Perform clockwise circular friction with your fingertips along the muscles that are close to the spine and around the shoulder blades.

•Rotate the arms gently, one at a time, to loosen the shoulder joints and enhance blood flow.

When going for a massage for back or neck pain, it is wise to ask a series of questions of your therapist first. Your task is to find a qualified, ethical therapist, with whom you feel comfortable, and whose skill earns your confidence. One advice that has been repeated is drink lots of water after a massage because a massage releases toxins and regulate circulation, it is better to keep the body cleaner and healthier. And never rub directly over the spine to prevent fractures, as this is a very vulnerable area.

Everyone should have their massages, not only for their health benefits but also basically for the comfort and relaxation that they give us.