Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need bone-crushing strength to give a great massage. Impress your friends and win small favors with these easy-to-follow massage techniques.
The Forearm Rest
1. Forerarm Rest
Stand behind your partner and rest the fleshy part of your forearms on top their shoulders.
Pro TIP: Begin on either side of the neck & slowly sink down. Lift your forearms, move outward 1 inch, then repeat.
Pro TIP #2: Try to be high enough above your partner so you can sink down onto the shoulders. Have them sit lower before you start standing on something higher.
Thumb On Thumb
2. Thumb On Thumb
Place one thumb on top of the other. Slowly massage the shoulder-starting on the outer edge, then working your way towards the neck.
Pro TIP: Experiment between massaging in a circular motion and a back and forth motion (ear to shoulder). Let your massage-ee tell you which feels better.
Pro Tip #2: Still not enough pressure? Trying using your elbow. Avoid using the pointy part. Instead, use the broader surface just south of that. GO SLOW!
The Squeeeeze
3. The Squueeeeeeze
Gently squeeze the shoulders with both hands.
Pro TIP: Try to lean into the squeeze. By using the weight of your body to initiate the squeeze, you use less of your hand and forearm strength.
Pro TIP #2: Try these variations: slowly squeeze and hold (not too hard, Hercules!). With a light/medium grip, move the right side forward and the left side back. Now, gently alternate-moving forward and backward.
The Neck Circles
4. The Neck Circles
Gently massage both sides of the neck in a circular motion.
Pro TIP: It may help to have your partner lean forward, rest their elbows on their knees, and support their head with their hands. (Leaning forward on a table works, too)
Pro TIP #2: Double your efforts by kneading with both hands-one on top of the other or side by side.
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