One can only have a first experience once!

My poor back, I can't bend over! I can't pick that up, my back hurts too bad. Both my husband and I have felt this sort of angst, as have many of our relatives. Want to know a secret? Back massage!! Here in the United States we are fortunate to have many spas where we can go for one for 30 plus minutes to relax and relieve ourselves of pain and make the soul and mind feel great!

Back massage is not a new breakthrough when caring for back pain. Massage therapists have practiced this art throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 5,000 years document the use of massage therapy for not only back pain. Many cultures, including the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied many forms of massage, and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Interested in finding out more about how it is practiced? Well, there are a variety of methods, over 250 to be precise. Different massages cure different ailments.

Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. Massage became popular in the US in the 1800's and grew in popularity until the 1930's and 40's. With the development of modern medicine, it was discounted as old fashioned. It made a re-appearance in the 1960's when nurses began to use it to alleviate back pain, as well as other ailments in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service. If it can be used in the Olympics, don't you want it?

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!