Pain and strain can be a manifestation of our stressors. We can safely assume that physically demanding jobs such as lifting or standing for long periods of time can strain our bodies. However, sitting in front of the computer can also tighten up muscles in ways you’ll only know once it happens to you. In this day and age, when instant relief is highly sought after, massage know-how is important. Here are different head and neck massage ideas you can try at home.
Know your pressure points
Sometimes, pain from too much stress can come when you are in the middle of something and it might be difficult to massage it right away. In these kinds of moments, your immediate pain relief can come from self-massage.
By massaging certain pressure or trigger points on your palm and the soles of your feet, your body will be able to send signals to the part where the pain is felt so that the ache will subside.
However, since there are various trigger points in our body, it is best to get a consultation with a specialist first before doing this method on your own.
Some pressure points for neck pain include the midway point between your neck and shoulders (much like how you give a shoulder massage), the base of your skull just behind your ears, and the best of your neck.
Whenever you want to try this one out, you must remember to always find the most comfortable position, relax your mind and body as much as you can and breathe deeply to help reduce your stress levels.
Try a hot stone massage
Ever wondered what does a knot in your back look like? If you can find the time, it is also a great option to get a massage therapist to help you with neck and back problems.
And one of the most popular methods around is by getting yourself a hot stone massage.
This technique makes use of smooth stones warmed just right. They’re placed on your back so that the therapist can reach deep tissues in the muscles of your back, especially those pesky knots, and relieve you of pain.
This method also encourages better blood flow because the heat helps in expanding blood vessels in your back.
Combined with other massage therapy techniques, hot stone massages can bring healing not only to your back but to your entire body.
Relieve pain in the upper back.
This part of the body is one of the first areas where you feel pain once you are stressed out. You can ease the tension by doing the following steps:
- Correct your posture and stand straight.
- Slowly and carefully massage your upper back using your left hand. Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure.
- Do this repeatedly until you feel the tension being released on the aching area.
Relieve tension with a Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu is another method used to relieve muscle pain, this time by applying pressure through the fingers. It is a combination of Chinese and Japanese techniques and the Japanese word “shiatsu” actually translates to “finger pressure”.
Therapists put pressure on your tired muscles using their palms and fingers, aimed to ease tension in the body. It also includes assisted stretching and joint mobilization and manipulation.
Try an ayurvedic potli massage.
A method that came from India, Ayurvedic Potli massage involves using herbs and oil in healing a patient’s muscle pain. By using “potli,” or poultice, which is actually heated pouches containing well-chosen herbs inside, therapists are able to rejuvenate and relax the affected part of the body.
The potlis are also used to apply pressure on strained areas of the back and body in order to give maximum relief.
There are various Ayurvedic herbs available for you. To get the best results, you will need to let the therapist know what you want to accomplish.
Improve blood circulation with a Swedish massage
This method is perfect for a beginner getting massage therapy because it is designed to help relax the entire body.
Before getting one, you can talk specifically with your therapist about the pain you are experiencing. Then, they will know how to make a massage routine that is customized to your needs.
You may be wondering how to give massages using the Swedish method.
Swedish massage is done by kneading, doing deep circular movements, and applying pressure through long gliding strokes that make blood circulation better, thus relieving pain not just in the back and neck area. It is a great way to start out when it comes to getting a massage because of its holistic nature.
Try a deep tissue back, head, and neck massage
If you are into sports and have a really active lifestyle, getting a deep tissue massage might be the perfect treatment for you.
This method is designed to address musculoskeletal issues normally caused by sports injuries or too much strain due to over-activity.
By focusing on certain muscle groups, the therapist will be able to help you release tension.
They can make the strained muscle free of pain and ready for activity again. To increase the amount of pressure applied, elbows, forearms, and palms are used by the therapist.
Takeaway
We hope that with this information, we have taught you how to give a back, neck, and shoulder massage to your loved ones. They’ll enjoy the head and neck massage, and they will forever cherish this simple act of service.