When you are first learning the basics of giving a back massage, it is important that you pick a massage lotion or oil to use. The lotion or oil should be something that you enjoy and that has a smell that is light and pleasant. Then, you will want to ask the person you are practicing on if they are ready for you to begin. If you want to provide a nice massage, the recipient should have a bare back. You can provide a light sheet for them to use as a cover in cases where modesty may be a problem.
Once the person is ready for their massage, you can begin their back massage with the application of some lotion or oil. You can simply put a few short lines of lotion down the back. You need to be careful that you do not apply too much or the skin will get slippery. All you need is enough to allow your hands to easily glide over their skin. It is certainly a lot easier to add a little more if necessary, than to try and clean up any excess.
As you start the massage, you will want to begin at the bottom of the back and use long slow stroking motions. Slowly spread your hands apart as your stroke towards the top of the back. Begin using a medium pressure and ask the person if they prefer you to use more or less. Be sure to make your strokes go all the way up until you reach the shoulders, then continue this process over several minutes. This is the part of your back massage designed to help your subject relax so that they are ready for the next step.
Once your subject has started to relax, you can identify the tight spots and knots. Target tight muscles and knead those areas with circular motions. You will often find them in the shoulder area or between the shoulder blades. Do not push too hard because these spots can be very painful and can cause a person to tense up. As you begin to work the knots, you can push a little harder as you go and you will feet them begin to ease. After you work on the knots, massage down both sides of the spine all the way to the lower back.
Whenever you perform a massage, it is important that you pay close attention to your subject. Let them know that you are still learning and practicing your techniques and that you want them to let you know what parts they liked the best as well as anything that might have hurt. It is an important part of the learning process to carefully listen to this feedback. Each subject will likely be somewhat different, however, some back massage techniques will be things everyone likes or dislikes.
As you practice giving a back massage, you will soon get better. It is important that you be careful to not overdo how much you do because you could injure your wrists. If at any time you experience pain while giving a back massage, you should either stop or slow down. The more you give massages treatments, the stronger your wrists and hands will become. You will also be able to provide longer massages as you practice more.
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