How to give a good massage

Things to Do

How to give a good massage

How to give a good massage

SHOULDERS: Compress the area. Squeeze the muscle. Gently lift the muscle.

FACE For the temples: Apply a gentle circular motion along temples with finger tips.

Who couldn't use a good massage every now and then? Unfortunately, most of us can't make it to a professional often enough. But we can apply some basic techniques to help coworkers and friends enjoy the benefits of our healing hands. In the first of a two-part series, massage therapist Casey Hunter demonstrates easy steps to help you give a quick chair massage.

General tips to give a good massage: Let your partner be your guide. Ask as you go regarding how little or how much pressure to apply. Use the weight of your body rather than your hand/arm strength. Lean into the massage and keep your thumbs straight to prevent pain and injury to your hands. You will also be able to massage your partner longer.

NECK: Assisted stretching. Cross arms to stretch neck. Tension causes our muscles to shorten, so a shortened muscle needs to be reminded of its elongated position.

Make sure the neck is straight to the side from ear to shoulder. The idea is a stretch and not a pinch. The person should feel a pull. Ask your partner how it feels. Let them adjust to the stretch while you assist.

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SHOULDERS: Compress the area. Squeeze the muscle. Gently lift the muscle.

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