How To Give A Neck Massage and Shoulder Massage in Simple Steps

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.

Massage points for neck pain

A pain in the neck is one of the most uncomfortable conditions.  It often occurs when we are sleeping in a poor position for long periods of time leading to tightness and stiffness in the neck muscles. However any condition that causes the muscles to tighten can lead to pain.
When the neck muscles strain and tighten the cervical vertebrae can become compressed or twisted, which can aggravate its nerve roots.  This can case radiating pain that travels to the upper back, down the arm or up into the head.
The neck and shoulders are a functional unit that share the same musculature. Thus tension in the shoulders is directly related the tension and pain in the neck. Massage is a very effective way of reducing the tightness in the neck muscles and relieving the pain.
Below is a list of massage points that are effective for releasing neck and shoulder tension.  Though this is not an extensive chart these are areas that are commonly affected in neck tightness and pain.  You may be able to reach around your shoulder and perform self massage with your fingers or a tennis ball. However, if you are having severe neck pain you should seek the help of a professional.
These regions relate to acupuncture points.  If you are interested in a more detailed description of acupuncture you should seek a good reference book.

A)Are points along the upper trapezius muscle.  This maybe the most common area for muscle strain.  The lower point can release pain from the shoulder to the head.  Ti relates to the point GB 21.  (this is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy. (Though massage may not have the same effect its worth taking note of).  The upper point is the upper attachment that focuses on releasing tension from the base of the neck.  It relates to the acupuncture point Ub10.

B)Releases tension in the splenius capitis (part of the erector muscles). This is another very common region for soreness and aches.  The upper point relates to Gb 20 in acupuncture and the lower point relates to Ub 11 and Du 14.

C)These are points along the Levater Scapula.  Often quite tender to the touch these points can release tension from the upper shoulder to the neck.  It relates to the acupuncture points Si 14 and 15.

D)Are all points along the sides of the neck.  They are deep muscles that when stiff greatly affect the movement of the neck.  It includes the scalenes muscle a deep muscle that connects to the sides of the cervical vertebrae. And the splenius cervicis.  The upper point relates to the acupuncture point Tb 16 and the lower region relates to Si 16.

E)are points along the Sternocleidomastoid.  The upper region relates to the acupuncture point Te 17.  The lower attachment relates to the acupuncture points Li 17 – 18 and St 9 – 10.

F)is a point on the Masseter muscle.  This can be used to releasing tension in the jaw and upper neck.  It relates to the point St 6.