As we age, it becomes even more important for elderly couples to take care of each other and support each other. Giving your spouse a back massage before bed is a great way to promote both health and strengthen your relationship.
In traditional Chinese medicine, massaging the back can promote the circulation of qi and blood and open up the meridians. The spine is where the Governing Vessel is located, and on either side of the spine are the Bladder Meridians of the Foot-Taiyang, which have a total of 53 acupoints. These meridians serve as pathways for the circulation of qi and blood and the connection of the internal organs. By stimulating these acupoints through massage, we can achieve great health benefits.
Elderly individuals often experience back pain and muscle tension. Massaging the back not only helps to relax the muscles and alleviate fatigue, but also prevents lumbar muscle strain. For elderly people who are anxious, the positive stimulation from back massage can help calm the mind. Massaging the back of a bedridden elderly person can also help to remove phlegm. When elderly couples massage each other's backs, it serves as a "lubricant" for their relationship. Even if they have had a disagreement during the day, they can still be affectionate and loving at night.
There are usually two methods of back massage: patting and striking. Both methods are performed along the sides of the spine. Patting is done with a hollow palm, while striking is done with a hollow fist. The massage can be done from top to bottom or from bottom to top, and the recipient can be standing or lying down. The ideal speed for back massage is 60 to 100 strokes per minute. Each session should not exceed 30 minutes, and bedtime is the best time to do it.
There are several key points to keep in mind when massaging the back: hold the fist loosely, and do not exert force on the fist; the speed of the massage should be moderate and balanced, with enough force to make the body vibrate without causing pain; if the person is mentally tense or emotionally excited, use a gentle and slow technique to help relax the muscles and nerves; if the person is feeling tired or fatigued, use a strong and quick technique to help stimulate the nerves; individuals with severe heart disease, undiagnosed spinal conditions, or advanced cancer should not receive back massage to avoid worsening their condition or causing any accidents.
