As we return the hands from the forward draining movement, we can add a slight mobilization (pull, in this case) to the leg to encourage greater hip mobility.

The knee-to-chest stretch encourages more flexibility in the gluteals and can provide a surprising degree of relief for stiff lower backs.

If you can stretch to this full 90-degree angle without discomfort, consider yourself lucky. The stretch is performed only to the first sign of resistance and then held for a good 5-7 seconds. The aim is to provide a nudge beyond the degree you can stretch yourself comfortably.

One of the greatest stretches on earth, never performed until the massage is nearly complete and the body is fully warmed and relaxed. Helps relieve stiffness in the lower back as it interacts with the pelvis, a spot that notoriously stiffens after age 40.  Notice how the masseur's leg anchors the foot in place, or else the stretch would lose its effectiveness.

Arrow indicates direction of pull

Here, in an optional move, the right leg is pulled underneath the left to help improve hip mobility. The left is also benefiting from the glute stretch at the same time, encouraging the pelvic basin to unwind. Watch the online video to follow the discussion how the pelvic basin plays the most vital of roles in achieving that elusive state we call well-being.

Another optional move after the leg mobilizations that helps relieve discomfort due to impingement of the sciatic nerve. In all these stretches and rotations, the key word is conservative. We're not trying to build Rome in a day.

As in all moves, kneading of the abdominal region is performed fully draped. It's an optional move designed to provide a sense of completion. It's followed by a slight back-lift to help provide fluidity to the spot where the pelvic bone meets the sacrum.

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