How to Relieve Stress With Massage

by Nathaniel Miller

Overview

Massage is the process of kneading and rubbing the muscles in a way to promote circulation, lymph flow and waste elimination. Massage has been practiced for centuries as a way to promote overall health and to relieve stress and anxiety. Massage moves the lactic acid and other waste chemicals out of the muscles and into the bloodstream where they can be moved to other avenues for excretion. If someone you know has a high level of stress and needs some down time to recover, consider these massage techniques as they will not only relieve stress but leave her feeling refreshed and rested as well. Stress tends to affect the neck, shoulders and upper back muscles more than any other portion of the body, so massaging these areas proves most effective for stress relief.

Step 1

Have the person you are going to massage sit up straight in the chair and position yourself directly behind him. If he has long hair, have him pull it into a bun or brush it forward off of his shoulders to avoid having it pulled while you are massaging him.
Step 2

Deposit some of the massage oil into your hands and rub your hands together to warm the lotion. Begin by very lightly rubbing your hands from just below her ears, down the neck to the tops of the shoulders. Do this for one or two minutes. This warms the area and gets the person used to your touch.
Step 3

Begin gently kneading the muscles in the neck, applying gentle pressure in a downward motion from the ears to the shoulders. This directs the waste materials back toward the large veins and heart for removal. In one fluid motion, rub from the bottom of the neck, over the tops of the shoulders and down the upper part of the back.
Step 4

Knead the two large muscles on either side of the backbone and then move up slightly to work on the shoulder blade muscles. Apply even, gentle pressure to the muscles but not so much that it is uncomfortable for your partner. Continue to rub and knead the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back with the palms and sides of your hands for at least 15 minutes.

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Massage oil Chair
Massage oil
Chair
Gently rub/touch the massaged area following the formal massage to help your partner's skin and muscles return to a normal stasis.
Gently rub/touch the massaged area following the formal massage to help your partner's skin and muscles return to a normal stasis.
Do not press too firmly as you could actually do more harm than good to your partner's tired, worn out muscles.
Do not press too firmly as you could actually do more harm than good to your partner's tired, worn out muscles.