subject: Neck Massage: Remedy Aches Sooner [print this page] How I love technologyHow I love technology. I spend hours typing on my computer, researching, sending emails, even setting up play dates for my children. My child asks me why and I go online and find out why. The internet age has certainly added to our lives as far as knowledge at our fingertips. Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. Being on the computer means that we are hunched over. Our eyes are focused on the close-up. We find ourselves with a sore neck, headaches, back aches and a variety of other ailments.
My doctor has told me that my migraines are caused by the pulling on muscles as I hunch over my computer. I first tried neck massage skeptically, but found it such a relaxing way to relieve my aches and pains. As I didn't have a doctor recommendation, I just went to my local massage spa and had a consultation. I clicked with someone, and she became my massage therapist.
Have you ever had a massage? Do you think this is something new? No, it is not a new medical breakthrough, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Neck massage is one of the more modern types of massage and is based on the ancient methods. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue.
A neck massage (as was mine) is performed while the recipient is sitting facing the back of a chair with the neck exposed. The masseuse will gently squeeze and knead your shoulder firmly, and then will switch to the other one. He/she will do this for around a minute and then switch to the other shoulder back and forth. The neck muscles are then gently squeezed while relaxing and the recipient may also be instructed to move shoulders to the ears, hold then relax. This, again, is done on both sides. The neck is then rubbed in a circular motion from the base up toward the skull. A typical neck massage may take about 10 minutes or if necessary and/or part of a larger massage the experience could take much longer
Are you interested yet? Next step is how do you find a massage therapist? First you have to research what sort of qualifications you are seeking in a therapist. Your doctor may refer you to one he/she works with. There are so many types of massage, and it is done in a variety of ways with a variety of ancient remedies. Go and consult your local massage therapist. He or she will explain the benefits of a neck massage. Who knows, you may find more than one massage to suit your needs.
There are many ways of having a massage done. There are also many types of oils, seeds etc that can be used. A person receiving a massage may be on a mat, chair, or table, usually without clothes, but covered with towels or sheets. If one is uncomfortable with this, he/she may wear underwear. When having a neck massage, you don't have to worry about being nude! If your doctor doesn't refer, just look online, or go to your local spa.
