How to Massage the Neck and Head
There have been times that I have gone in for a full body massage only to have the massage therapist neglect my head or face. For me, the massage is not complete! People carry so much tension in their neck and head and to avoid massaging that area is almost a crime. This article will show you how to give a good head and neck massage
Instructions
Step 1
Never pour massage oil on a body, it's cold!The first step in giving a good head and neck massage is to have your client comfortable. Make sure the room is not too cold, they are laying comfortably and play some soft music - water sounds are a favorite. Make sure that your hands are not cold. There is nothing more annoying than having cold hands touch a warm body that wants to relax. The only thing that comes close is when a massage therapist pours oil or lotion onto the body directly. It is just too cold and ruins the flow of the massage.
Step 2
Pulling on a neck helps to align the spine.Start with your client on her back, face up, rub some oil in your hands and apply gentle but firm pressure to the neck. Using a long, upward motion, pull back on the neck. The head will curve up. This motion will also help align the spine and it is not surprising for the client's neck or back to pop when you are doing this move. This is a great way to lengthen the neck and relax the shoulder area as well.
Step 3
Don't forget the ears!Using your finger tips, apply a light pressure over the face, front of the neck and the ears. People forget how sensitive ears can be. Pulling on them and running your thumb up along the back of them is a great relaxation technique. The small muscles of the face contain much stress that we don't realize can give us headaches. Rub the jaw, cheeks, sides of the nose, over the bone around the eyes, the temples and the forehead in slow circular patterns. Don't be surprised if you client starts to snore!
Step 4
Ahhhh ....Another area that is not given the attention it deserves is the part of the head covered by hair and even the hair itself. Rub the muscles on the scalp again in circular patterns and alternate gently pulling the hair or twisting the hair in small twists over the head.
Follow these simple steps and your client will leave a nice tip and come back for more! Best of luck to you!
