Ow, that's my back! I can't bend over, stand up, move! Does this sound familiar? To me and my husband, it does. We have both found ourselves at various times in our lives with this particular ailment. Well, recently we have been going for a frequent back massage. What a difference. We have found that the best type of therapy for backs is acupressure (acupuncture & pressure). In the United States and the world over, you can just run over to your local spa and take some time out for yourself, whether it be for 30, 45, 60 minutes or more, a massage will refresh your mind, body and soul.

The art of massage involves rubbing the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. When done properly, is has been known to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Think this is something new? No, in fact it dates way back in many cultures. It has been documented by the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians. They all used some form of massage for a wide variety of illnesses, aches and pains. Hippocrates even wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. If you are interested in finding how this art of massage is practiced, get started with your research! There are so many different methods, over 250 to be precise, are used.

Upon receiving a massage, the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue will be manipulated in order to enhance blood flow, function it will promote relaxation and well-being. This became popular in the US in the 1800s and grew in popularity until the 1940s. The development of modern medicine discounted the benefits of therapeutic massage. It made a re-appearance in the 1960s and 1970s when nurses began to use it to alleviate back pain with a back massage, in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service. Does this sound good to you?

One can only have a first experience once! We always hope that we have a good one. My first experience with massage was not all it could have been. Having had more massages since then, I realize, it actually is great. My masseuse was an intern. I, as a brand-new health club employee was elected to be her subject. . I had no idea what a back massage involved. Well, this was not your regular back massage! I had to put up with the noise of two rambunctious little boys while their mother practiced on me! There was no soft relaxing music. I was offered a clothing optional massage versus the no-clothes option covered by towels and blankets. Needless to say, I remained clothed.

One can have an international experience while receiving a massage. Along with oils, feet, stones, hands etc, one must find one's favorite type of massage. You may find that Lomi Lomi massage in Hawaii, Samoan, Shiatsu, Thai or even Chinese massage suits your needs. If not, then maybe try Swedish massage, which, incidentally in Sweden is known as classical massage. Whatever method of pain relief you chose, make sure you try a back massage, it will leave you feeling great!