Massage: lower back

The older people get, the more they tend to stoop. It doesn’t have to be this way. Regular massage is preventive and can help your body to stay in good shape for longer. Sitting or standing in the same position for hours without breaks for stretching, breathing exercises, or relaxation, puts enormous pressure on your whole system. Especially the lower part of the spine. If you have back pain you should see a specialist, but if it is just stiffness you suffer from you can use this technique to wake up your lower spine.

1. Form fists with both hands.
2. Place them on both sides of the sacrum, the lowest part of your spine
3. Now start to tap vigorously along the sacrum
4. Try to keep a regular rhythm and be sure that you use the side of the fists, no knuckles.
5. Do the same on both buttocks until the area feels warm and invigorated

Originally published in Stella Magazine, the weekly supplement of The Sunday Telegraph