How to Massage Your Posterior Auricular

Rub ears during a face massage for greater relaxation.

Daily life frequently causes stress in all areas of the body. Relieving stress through massage is an essential way to relax the body and replenish the soul. Auriculotherapy, or ear massage, sends soothing signals to the sensory and motor cortex of the brain -- although ears are often overlooked as a means of inducing calm. Massaging your posterior auricular -- the area behind the ears -- can help eliminate headaches, body aches and many forms of stress.

Instructions

1. Place your index and middle finger behind the lobes of your ears.

2. Adjust your fingers so they press up under the bony area behind the lobes.

3. Move your fingers up and down, applying easy to moderate pressure. Slide fingers up the ear bone and down beyond the soft portion of skin just below the base of the bone.

4. Place your index fingers on the base of the bone and your middle fingers on the soft portion of skin. Move fingers in slow circles using easy to moderate pressure.

5. Pinch and pull down on the earlobes five or six times at the end of the massage for increased comfort and positive stimulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply too much pressure when massaging to avoid injuring the posterior auricular nerve.

References

• Institute for Integrative Heathcare Studies: Benefits of Ear Massages; Nicole Cutler; May 26, 2006
• Zen Habits: Releasing Stress; Jai Kai
• The Free Dictionary: Posterior Auricular
• The Healthy Living Lounge: Ear Massages; Carole Fogarty