Push your hands upward, toward the heart, because that's the direction in which the blood flows. As you begin with the light strokes and move to stronger rubbing, keep the strokes moving from the tailbone up through the lower back. Return your hands to the bottom by sliding them gently along the person's sides.

Use circular kneading rotations with your hands after you warm up the back. Press with slight pressure, using your palms and your fingers to break up knots and move toxins that have accumulated in the muscles. Called petrissage, you can alternate this kneading with the initial light strokes for an additional three minutes before engaging stronger strokes.

Work your thumbs over the top of the buttocks with increasing pressure. Press your thumbs in the center of the lowest part of the back and move them in circular motions outward toward each side, then upward toward the center of the back.

Place your thumbs in the center of the lowest part of the back and splay your fingers out to the sides. Press down and maintain the pressure as you slide your thumbs up toward the middle of the back. Run your fingers lightly down the sides and repeat the upward sustained motions five or 10 times. Finish the massage with additional effleurage to cool down the muscles.