How to Give a Relaxing Neck Massage

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By Linda McCloud
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Give a Relaxing Neck Massage

Stress can build in our necks. This stress can lead to tension, aches, pain and stiffness. Stress in the neck can also lead to headaches, if it is prolonged or if it intensifies. For these reasons, if someone you know and love has reoccurring neck pain, stiffness or aches do them a favor and learn how to give a good and relaxing neck massage. It will not only show them how much you care about them. It will make them feel better. In return, they will be much better company!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Time
Lotion
Relaxing music

Step 1

Make sure you have clean hands. It doesn't matter if they are cold or warm. Sometimes cold hands actually will feel good on a tight, stiff neck.
Step 2

Set the scene, if you have the time. Turn on some soft music. Turn off the blazing television set.
Step 3

Have the person take off any necklaces and pull up their hair (if it is long, it will probably need to be clipped up onto the head).
Step 4

Either have the person lie down or sit down in front of you while you sit on a higher chair. A good technique is having the person sit on the floor while you sit on a chair or sofa. This is a good height for most people.
Step 5

If you choose, you can use some lotion as you massage. If you choose to use lotion, try to find some that has a relaxing scent to it like lavender.
Step 6

Start at the base of the neck, in the middle of the shoulder area and slowly begin massaging. Use soft, slow squeezing type motions. Listen to how the recipient of the massage is responding. Does he/she seem to be relaxing?
Step 7

Continue these squeezing type motions all the way up the neck. Remember continue slowly. Go as high up into the hair line as you possibly can. Once you reach the head, extend your hand out and kneed the head/scalp with your fingers, again slowly and gently.
Step 8

Slowly work you way back down to the shoulder blade. Gently massage the shoulder area all the way to the end of each shoulder. This will keep any tension from moving from the neck into the shoulder.
Step 9

Repeat the process back up the neck. As you work your way back down this time, stop at the side of the neck. Gently kneed the side of the neck towards the front and then repeat the same movements to the other side of the neck.
Step 10

Again, give the shoulder blades one more good massage. Ask the recipient how he/she feels. Repeat if necessary and if your hands can stand it.

Comments

acole said

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on 5/23/2008 Good article! My husband love massages. Thanks for the info!

wilfred12lobo said

on 4/13/2008 very often neck massage can be fatal. One should not be allowed to massage along the upper part of anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle. Here the carotid sinus can be stimulated during massage and person may loose his life by cardiac arrest. Please remember there is a direct relation between BP and carotid sinus.

Dr. S W LOBO
Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy
Melaka Manipal Medical College

on 4/13/2008 very often neck massage can be fatal. One should not be allowed to massage along the upper part of anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle. Here the carotid sinus can be stimulated during massage and person may loose his life by low blood pressure!Please remember there is a direct relation between BP and carotid sinus.

Dr. S W LOBO
Assistant Professor of Human Anatomy
Melaka Manipal Medical College