Neck Massage and Shoulder Massage

Having a neck massage or a shoulder massage is a great way to relieve the tension that often happens due to stresses from life and work. Today, with many people sitting hunched over computers all day long the need for these massages is growing. Unfortunately, not everyone can run to the massage therapist after hard day at work and for those people here are some tips on how your spouse can help by giving you a home massage.

It's great if you have a massage table at home but if you don't you could simply have the massage recipient lie down on the floor using a soft piece of carpet or a mat for comfort. Get them to be relaxed by taking deep breaths. Have the person lie in their back and put a rolled up towel just below the base of the neck right along the top of the back. This will help stretch out those muscles that often get cramped in that area.

Now kneel above the person's head and cradle the head gently turning it slightly in one direction. Gently knead the chest muscles - most people don't think to do this but there is often a correlation between the front muscles and the ones at the same level in the back so a lot of times at the chest muscles are tight they can cause the neck and back to be tight as well.

With the head still turned in one direction gently rub the neck muscles down to the trapezius muscle which is at the top of the back. Switch hands, turning the head in the other direction and giving the neck massage to the other side of the neck. Use the tips of your fingers to make small circles around the neck muscles and shoulders resulting in a good shoulder massage.

Now have the person lay on the select and repeat the massaging motions. One new fingers down the length of the back and up again in a raking motion.

A good neck massage and shoulder massage will help relieve tension in this area and relax the recipient. Using firm strokes that glide along the muscles will help achieve this. Take your time and slowly work the muscles out from the center of the neck and all along the shoulder and upper back as sometimes the source of tension can be in the outer areas.