Body Massage

A neck and shoulder massage relieves pain and stress and re-energizes you. Have your partner lie on his back and gently apply oil to the neck and shoulders. Place both of your hands on the upper chest, with your fingers facing in toward one another. Slowly and gently pull your hands around each shoulder and underneath them. Bring your hands inward to meet at the base of the skull. Repeat this motion four or five times.

Next, gently knuckle the shoulders. Make your hands in relaxed fists, and then move your knuckles around in a circular motion. Gently and slowly turn the head to one side. Use your first three fingers to stroke the top of the shoulder and down one side of the next. Repeat three times. Now turn the head to the other side, and repeat the neck and shoulder strokes three to four times. Return your partner’s head to the center.

Slide both of your hands under your partner’s back, reaching as far as you can. Locate the groove on each side of the spine, and then pull your hands up beside the spine, using a little pressure on the groove. Repeat this motion three times.

Your next step is to stretch the neck, which will help stretch the muscles and relieve tension. Your partner should relax so that you can take all the weight of their head. If they are tense, make sure you are slow and gentle so you won’t accidentally pull any muscles.

Now cup hands under the head, with your fingers resting under the base of the skull. Lift your partner’s head slightly, and gently pull toward you. Lower the head, and slowly repeat. Next hold the back of their head with one hand, moving it slowly toward the right shoulder while gently pressing down on the left shoulder with your free hand. Bring their head back toward the center, and then repeat to the other direction.

Tips: Slightly warm the oil by rubbing it in your palms before applying to their skin. Make sure the room is warm enough for relaxation.

Warning: Do not perform this massage on anyone with neck or shoulder injuries.

If you need more information you may want to read:
8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back: Natural Posture Solutions for Pain in the Back, Neck, Shoulder, Hip, Knee, and Foot (Remember When It Didn’t Hurt)

Massage: The Ultimate Illustrated Guide