In my many life experiences, my first "massage" was not all it could have been.

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?

In my many life experiences, my first "massage" was not all it could have been. Having had more massages than my first one, I realize, it actually is great. I was the subject of a lady who was learning. I worked at a health club and she needed volunteers. I, as the low person on the totem pole, was elected to be the "it". I had no idea what a therapeutic massage involved. Well, this was no relaxing back massage. I had to put up with the noise of two rowdy little boys while their mother practiced on me! I opted for the clothes-on option! Yes, there is a no-clothes option which involves the subject being nude, but covered by towels and blankets. This was my first massage.

You may try a wide variety of massage, acupressure, acupuncture, but be sure, after a back massage, you will find yourself feeling tremendous. There is no way to blind-test massage therapy, as the person being tested is going to be touched, and we cannot deny that the sense of touch is very therapeutic by itself. Be sure to try it out at your favorite spa, and find what type of back massage works best for you.