Medical expert of the article
New publications
Massage of the back surface of the neck
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Massage of the posterior surface of the neck is an obligatory stage in the conduct of a classical massage. It helps to normalize outflow of venous blood and lymph and blood pressure. The effect of massage is enhanced if the patient makes uniform, deep, but not forced breathing movements. It is carried out either on talcum powder or on a massage aid (cream, oil). The duration of the massage is 5-7 minutes. The patient is either in a sitting position, the head is slightly lowered, the shoulders are relaxed; or the patient's position is semi-sitting, with a head slightly reclining, resting on the headrest of the couch for the best relaxation of the neck muscles.
Technique of carrying out of massage
- Stroking the side surfaces of the neck.
Initial position - I fingers located under the mastoid processes; The rest adhere to the corners of the lower jaw. Half-bent palms cover the neck and smoothly drop on the shoulders, back, connecting at the corners of the shoulder blades. The score is 4.
The movement is repeated 3-4 times.
- Kneading the muscles of the neck from behind. Produce the palmar surfaces of the first fingers of both hands, beginning at the level of the spinous process of the VII cervical vertebra, the II-III fingers are fixed in the middle of the clavicle.
Movement starts from the VII cervical vertebra along the spinal column (at a distance of 2 cm from the spine) kneading circular I movements up to the base of the skull. The score is at 8.
You can move alternately with the palm surfaces of the II fingers.
In the area of the exit of the large occipital nerve, mute circular movements of II-V are made by fingers. The score is 4.
Then with a lesser force mute the area of the mastoid process Score at 4.
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Stroking the side surfaces of the neck. After kneading repeat 3 times (1st movement).
- Circular kneading of the neck muscles behind
The movement is made by the bent middle interphalange surfaces of the II-V fingers in the same direction as the movement 2. The score is 8.
In the region of the exit of the large occipital nerve and mastoid process, kneading by the middle phalanges of the II-III fingers is bent. The score is 4.
Further from the mastoid processes the palms of the hands embrace the neck and stroking movements descend on the shoulders along the jugular vein. The score is 4.
- Stroking the side surfaces of the neck. Repeat 3 times and move on to the next movement.
- Cleansing of the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Circular kneading movements are performed by the back surface of the fingers bent to the fist on the trapezius muscle, starting from the shoulder joints, going upward along the lateral surfaces of the neck to the mastoid processes. Down - stroking movement. The score is at 8.
Repeat 3 times.
The kneading of the neck muscles should be softer compared to the shoulder girdle.
- Stroking the side surfaces of the neck. Repeat 3 times.
- "Sawing" the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
The ribs of the left and right hands parallel to each other produce "sawing" the muscles, starting with the right shoulder joint, reaching the mastoid process, returning back. The score is at 8.
Then on the back they move to the left shoulder. The score is at 8.
From the left shoulder joint the movement of the "sawing" is repeated, as on the right side. The score is at 8.
Then return back to the right shoulder and repeat all 3 times.
- Stroking the side surfaces of the neck.
The movement is repeated 3 times.
- "Chopping" the muscles of the shoulder girdle.
Carry out lateral surfaces of brushes in the same directions as "sawing". The score is at 8.
The movement is repeated 3 times.
Brushes should be as relaxed as possible, the brush moves in the wrist joint. With a strained hand, the patient may experience lateral sensations.
- Stroking the side of the neck.
Repeat 3 times.
Technique of carrying out a face massage
Facial massage is performed consistently, in the direction of the massage lines on the face.
Facial massage lines:
- On the front surface of the neck - from the bottom up, on the side - from top to bottom.
- From the middle of the chin to the lobes of the auricles.
- From the corners of the mouth to the middle of the auricles (tragus).
- From the wings of the nose to the temporal cavities.
- From the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner of the upper eyelid and backward on the lower eyelid.
- From the middle of the forehead to the temporal cavities.
- Movement, strengthening the outflow through the veins.
The initial position - the palmar surfaces of the II-V fingers of the hands are fixed under the lower jaw. The first fingers are located on both sides of the back of the nose.
- A. Simultaneously, I fingers descend, and II-V rise to the angle of the lower jaw, where they join into a "pinch". Further they lead their hands to the earlobe (in a "pinch"). The score is 4.
- B. Stroking the palm surfaces of the II-V fingers down the lateral surfaces of the neck to the middle of the collarbone, the decollete zone, then to the original position to the earlobe. Complete the movement with an easy fixing Score at 4.
The movement is repeated 3 times.
NB! It is important to ensure that the movement of the first fingers takes into account the anatomical course of the venous vessels, i.e. Next to the nasolabial fold at a distance of about 0.5 cm, but not along it.
- Stroking the front surface of the chest and neck.
The starting position is II-V fingers in the earlobe.
- A. The palmar surfaces of the II-V fingers are shifted to each other under the lower jaw to the middle of the chin, then grip it and fix it with light pressure, while the second finger is located under the lower lip, and the III-V under the chin ("fork"), after they return to the earlobe again. The score is 4.
- B. Stroking the palmar surfaces of the II-V fingers down the lateral surfaces of the neck, to the middle of the collarbone, the decollete zone, then to the original position to the earlobe. At the end of the movement - easy fixation. The score is 4.
Exercise is repeated 3 times.
- Chin stroking ("double fork"). Continuation of the previous exercise.
The starting position is II-V fingers in the earlobe.
The palm surfaces of the II-V fingers move to each other under the lower jaw, grip the chin and upper lip in such a way that the II fingers are located on the upper lip, III - in the chin, IV and V - under the chin with an easy fixation ("double fork" ), then the hands return to the middle of the ears (to the tragus). The score is 4.
Repeat exercise 3 times.
NB! The brush is not bent by the "house", stroking is carried out with the entire palmar surface.
- Stroking the circular muscle of the mouth.
The starting position is II-V fingers in the middle of the auricle (tragus). Alternately, the right and left hand move around the mouth. In this case, the second finger strokes the skin over the upper lip, and the third finger under the lower one, then joins the corners of the mouth. The score is 4.
Repeat exercise 3 times.
NB! Stroking is performed with the entire palmar surface, and not with the fingertips.
After that, from the corners of the mouth at the same time the brushes again go to the tragus of the ear shells.
- Stroking the infraorbital area.
The initial position - the pads of the third and fourth fingers are located at the back of the nose.
Performing light stroking movements III and IV with fingers from the back of the nose under the zygomatic arch to the temporal cavities, where the fingers are attached and light pressure is applied - fixation.
Movement is easy, without pressure. The score is 4.
Repeat exercise 3 times.
- Stroking the upper and lower eyelids.
The initial position - the pads of the IV fingers are in the region of the temporal cavities.
- A. Stroking movements are performed simultaneously with two hands, from the temples along the lower eyelid to the inner corner of the eye and then through the upper eyelid to the outer corner of the eye. The movement is continuous. The score is 4. Repeat 3 times.
- B. The Eight. Perform alternately stroking the eyelids in the form of a "eight" with the pads of the IV fingers of the right and left hands. The score is at 8.
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Stroking the eye muscles.
This movement is performed by the pads of the IV fingers simultaneously with two hands.
From the temporal cavity, the fingers move along the lower eyelid to the inner Corner of the eye, then under the eyebrow light pressure is made at the exit point of the orbital branch of the trigeminal nerve, then the third finger joins the eyebrow and the hands again return to the temporal cavity.
They finish the movement with easy fixation of the III and IV fingers in the temporal region. The score is 4.
Exercise is repeated 3 times.
NB! It is necessary to avoid pressure on the skin III with a finger, so as not to shift the superciliary arcs down.
8. Wave-like stroking of the circular muscle of the eye. The movement is similar to the previous one, instead of pressing at the beginning of the eyebrow, wave-like stroking is performed in the direction of K to the temporal cavities without stopping and fixing. The score is 4. The exercise is repeated 3 times.
- Stroking of the frontal and temporal muscles. Movement begins with the right palm from the middle of the forehead in the right side to the temporal region and back to the left. Then, from the temporal region, the hands are directed to the bridge of the nose, meeting in the interbrow area, from where, alternately, palms of the hands produce a slight stroking of the forehead towards the border of hair growth. Then the hands diverge to the temporal cavities.
In the area of the corners of the eyes, in the place of wrinkles, alternate stroking with the pads of the IV fingers is performed. The score is 4.
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Wavy transverse stroking of the muscles of the forehead.
The palmar surface of the half-bent II-V fingers is stroked alternately by the left or right hand from the left temporal region to the right and vice versa. The free hand is fixed on the opposite temple.
After the third time, the arms diverge to the temples. Movement ends in fixation in the region of the temporal basins. The score is 4. Repeat the movement 3 times.
NB! It is necessary to ensure that the forehead is completely covered with the palm, and II is not only the pads of the fingers.
- Wave-like stroking movements on massage lines. Produced by the palm surfaces of the hands (at the same time with both hands):
- from the middle of the forehead to the temporal cavities,
- from the back of the nose to the temples,
- from the corners of the mouth to the tragus of the auricles,
- from the middle of the chin to the lobes of the auricles,
- from the lobes of the auricles of the palms descend on the lateral surfaces of the neck on the decollete. The score is 4.
The movement is executed 1 time.
- Rasping the chest and lateral muscles of the neck.
Begins at the bottom edge of the sternum. With the spiral movements II-V, the fingers are directed toward the middle of the clavicle (4 loops), along the lateral surfaces of the neck to the earlobes (4 loops), then the fingers fall under the lower jaw to the middle of the chin (4 loops) and the smaller jaws return with smaller loops to the earlobes (8 loops).
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Rubbing of the chin and the circular muscle of the mouth.
It is carried out by pads of III and IV fingers. From under the chin, small circular spiral-like grinding is produced from the center under the chin along the line of the corners of the mouth to the chin. Then from the corners of the mouth to the middle of the upper lip, turning to the wings of the nose. From the wings of the nose sliding movements of the III and IV fingers are directed to the temporal cavity. The score is 4 (4 loops per plot).
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Rubbing of the muscles of the nose.
The initial position - II-V fingers of both hands grasp and fix the chin. The pads of the first fingers are located on the wings of the nose.
Circular motion I fingers first on the wings of the nose (4 loops), then in the middle of the back of the nose (4 loops) and at the root of the nose (4 loops).
Movement is done once.
Then, sliding movements pass to the forehead in the region of the nose bridge (along the nasolabial fold).
- Rubbing the muscles of the forehead.
The palmar surface of the II-V fingers from the middle of the forehead produces spiraling rubbing movements from the eyebrows to the border of hair growth and toward the temporal regions (4 loops). Mass temporal cavities (4 loops), descend to the middle of the auricle (4 loops), from there, sliding movements rise to the middle of the forehead to repeat the movement. The score is 4.
NB! When the hands go down the movement is easier, when climbing up - the stronger.
- Facing the face (staccato).
The puffs of the bent II-V fingers produce a spiral-like effleurage from the middle of the forehead to the temporal cavities, from them around the eyes and again to the temporal cavities, then to the wings of the nose-the tragus of the ear shells-to the corners of the mouth-the earlobes-to the chin around and under the chin. Then the hands return in the opposite direction to the middle of the forehead. All movements are made 4 loops per account 4.
It is executed once.
- Rubbing the muscles of the forehead and buccal muscles.
Movement is made II-IV fingers from the middle of the forehead spirally upward to the border of hair growth to the temporal basins (4 loops), where 4 loops are also performed. From here in the opposite direction (hands go on themselves - counter-clockwise) with pads of the IV fingers are conducted spiral movements to the wings of the nose (8 small loops). On the wings of the nose, attaching the third fingers, produce 4 loop-like movements, then the fingers go over the upper lip (4 loops). After that, joining II fingers, more vigorous movements are made towards the middle of the lower jaw in a clockwise direction. From the middle of the lower jaw II-IV fingers (4 loops) rise along the lateral part of the cheek to the temporal cavities (4 loops).
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Vibratory stroking the cheeks.
The movement is produced simultaneously by the palmar surfaces of both hands. II fingers are located above the upper lip, III - under the lower lip, IV and V - under the lower jaw. Hands are first directed to the temporal areas, then to the tragus of the ear concha. Movement ends in earlobes. Soft fixation is done at all end points.
Movement is repeated once in the account 4.
- Wavy stroking of the chin and cheeks.
From the lobule of the left ear, the bent left palm of the right hand encircles the tightly left cheek, wavy movements descend under the chin, it is also captured and lifted along the right cheek to the right ear lobe; the same is done alternately with the left hand. From the middle of the chin, hands diverge to the lobes of the auricles. The score is 4.
Movement is carried out 2 times.
- Wave-like chin kneading.
Initial position - I fingers of the hands are located under the lower lip. II and V fingers grasp the chin from the bottom.
Simultaneously, I and II-V with fingers, as it were, turn out the soft tissues of the chin, while the II-V fingers are directed upward, and I - downwards alternately.
Movement is repeated 2-3 times.
Finish wave-like movement of the palm along the edge of the lower jaw to the earlobe.
- Kneading muscles of the chin and cheeks ("modeling").
Movement is made on massage lines, starts from the middle of the chin. The fingers of the left hand grab the skin and the underlying tissues and "transmit" to the right, then with the left hand grab the next section, heading for the earlobe. Then the left hand is transferred to the left corner of the mouth, repeating the movements towards the tragus of the ear, then the movement starts from the wings of the nose and ends at the middle of the auricle.
After that, the same movements are made on the right side.
Count all the lines at 8, repeat the movements 3 times on each line.
NB! Movements are similar to those that are made when modeling pelmeni, without straining and stretching the skin, more pressing. In this case, the tissues are transferred from one hand to the other.
22. Circular kneading of the muscles of the chin.
The starting position - the fingers are bent; The back side of the bent fingers produces circular continuous movements:
- under the chin (4 loops), in one place;
- then from the middle of the chin along the lower edge of the lower jaw to the earlobe (8 kneading).
After that, the cams "come" under the chin. Repeat the movement 2 more times.
- Chip kneading of the chin and cheeks ("grinding"). Movement is carried out with straightened fingers and bent II (disgraced fingers bent into a fist), simultaneously with two hands:
- Three massage lines.
- In three vertical directions:
- From under the edge of the lower jaw to the corner of the mouth;
- From under the angle of the lower jaw to the middle of the cheek;
- From under the angle of the lower jaw to the middle of the lateral surface of the cheek.
On each line, the movement is repeated 3 times, the score is 4 and 8.
- "Snail". Circular plucked movements are performed on the buccal region towards the corners of the mouth, gradually narrowing the circle, in the form of a snail - 16 tweezers. Movement is done 1 time.
NB! The initial position of the fingers does not change during the whole exercise.
- Circular grinding of the skin and muscles of the area of the outer corners of the eye, temples, forehead and mouth ("fork").
The initial position - II and III fingers of the left hand as a "fork", slightly straighten and fix the skin in the region of the right outer corner of the eye, with the second finger located at the level of the eyebrow end, and III at the outer lower edge of the orbit.
A cushion IV of the finger of the right hand produces a light circular rubbing of the skin between the 2nd and 3rd fingers of the left (score at 8).
Do not tear off the skin, II and III fingers of the left hand move to the forehead. On the forehead II finger fix the skin to the border of hair growth, and III - at the level of the eyebrow, the pad of the IV finger of the right hand produces a light circular grinding (score of 8). Further:
- fixation and trituration of the interbrother area (account for 8);
- forehead (8 rubbing);
- "Fork" fixes the skin of the left outer corner of the eye (8 grindings);
- the left corner of the mouth.
In all areas, during the movement of the "forks" II and III with the fingers of the left hand, a circular pounding of the fourth finger of the right hand into the score is performed. 8. After that, the right hand slides easily under the chin to the right corner of the mouth, the "plug" is transferred there. At all points between the "fork" produce 8 circular motions.
The movement is repeated 2 times.
- Transverse cleavage of nasolabial folds (wrinkles), bridge of nose, forehead and outer corners of the eye (epidermal tweezers "bird").
Movement produces pads I and II fingers, the remaining fingers are bent into a fist. Straight I and II fingers are located in the lower part of the nasolabial folds and with small pinches rise upwards, transversely grasping the nasolabial fold (II finger lifts the skin, and I presses it to the II finger).
The movement is repeated 3 times to score 8.
Then, by sliding movements, the fingers along the lateral surfaces of the nose rise to the nose bridge and cross-crease the creases of the bridge of the nose (account for 4).
Then the fingers slide to the middle of the forehead to the border of the hair growth. From here the II fingers, turned by the nails inside, tear the folds of the forehead into three lines: the upper, middle and lower.
The next direction - from the center of the forehead to the temples, the movements are made 1 time to account 8.
Having reached the temples, the same protivopyvaniya spend in the folds of the corners of the eye on three lines: down, sideways and up.
Repeat the movement 3 times on the score 4.
26. Pressing the skin and muscles of the face in the outlet areas of the branches of the trigeminal nerve.
A. The movement is carried out with both hands. Pads of II-V fingers from under the chin upward along the three lines produce deep pressure at the following points:
- First line:
- in the exit point of the chin branch of the trigeminal nerve (somewhat below the corners of the mouth);
- further pressures are higher and somewhat outward from the wings of the nose (the second infraorbital branch);
- the next push is made in the first third of the eyebrow (the frontal branch of the trigeminal nerve);
- then hands raise to the border of hair growth.
The movement is repeated 2 times to score 4 (16 total pressures)
- The second line - the same pressure is made from under the chin diagonally to the temples. Pressures produce:
- below the corners of the mouth,
- In the center of the cheek (under the malar bone),
- on the temporal cavities
- The third line - pressure also produces from under the chin below the corners of the mouth to the earlobe of the auricle.
The movement is repeated 2 times to score 4.
B. Smoothing the pressure - easy stroking from the bottom upward along the pressure lines with the palm surfaces of the II-V fingers. The score is 4, repeat 2 times.
- Pressing jerky movements. Perform deep pressure on the palm surfaces of the II-V finger of both hands simultaneously:
- Pressures on the chin - II fingers under the lower lip III-V - under the chin. Produce 4 pressure. After the arm is lifted and pressed again on the massaged area.
- Pressures on the circular muscle of the mouth - II fingers are located on the upper lip, III - under the lower lip, IV and V - under the chin make the same movements (4 strokes).
- Pressures on the third massage line are performed in such a way that the IV and V fingers are under the zygomatic arch, the rest are higher (4 small pressure, bypassing the bony protuberances).
- Pressures on the temporal cavity - palmar surfaces of the II-IV fingers (4 strokes).
Running 1 time.
- Facing the face (staccato).
Produce straightened fingers:
- from the temporal cavities to the center of the forehead and back to the temples,
- from the temples along the upper edge of the zygomatic arch to the wings of the nose, then to the middle of the auricle,
- from the middle of the auricle to the corners of the mouth,
- from the corners of the mouth to the earlobe,
- from the earlobe to the center of the chin and back.
All movements are repeated along the same lines from the bottom upwards and end at the center of the forehead. Running 1 time. The score is 4.
- Face stroking ("butterfly").
Produce the lateral surfaces of II-V fingers. Brushes are somewhat turned back to each other, I fingers lie under the other four fingers of the brush. Starting from the center of the forehead, stroking all the massage lines.
All movements are performed on account 8, do 1 time.
Neck massage in front
Facial massage ends with a neck massage in front
Massage of the front surface of the neck includes the following steps:
- The stroking of the neck and chin (see movement No. 2 of facial massage)
- Rubbing the muscles of the chest and neck (see movement number 13 of facial massage).
- Transverse neck tweaks.
Movements begin at the base of the neck from the middle line to the back. Movements are carried out with straightened fingers and nail phalanxes of fingers. The rest of the fingers are bent into a fist.
Movements are carried out:
A. Three horizontal lines (at the base of the neck, middle part of the neck and upper) - 4 pinches along each line
B. Three vertical lines: on the front surface of the neck, along the middle lateral and posterior lateral lines. Four tweaks on the line. Repeat exercise 3 times.
- Circular kneading of the neck muscles. The movement is made by the back surface of the bent fingers. Begin from the lower edge of the sternum (4 kneading), the fingers are directed to the middle of the clavicle and rise along the lateral surface of the neck (4 kneading). Further - from the earlobe to the chin and from the chin - to the corner of the lower jaw (for 4 kneading).
Repeat the movement 3 times.
- Rubbing the chin. Movement Produce the lateral surfaces of the straightened fingers of both hands in the form of sawing under the chin in both directions (to score 4). The movement starts from the middle of the chin, continues to the right, then to the middle of the chin, to the left and ends in the middle of the chin (score at 4).
- Chin Chin.
They produce abrupt movements of the relaxed fingers of the hands from the middle of the chin to the left and right sides. Repeat 3-4 times to score 4.
NB! The brush is relaxed and slightly rounded, the movement is in the wrist joint.
- Pokolachivanie the chin ("staccato"). Pillows of straightened fingers make jerky pocking of the chin area from right to left Repeat 3-4 times on account 4.
- Pressing chin movements.
Produce a half-bent palm (one above the other). Palms tightly embrace the chin and press it. In the center of the chin, the hands diverge to the sides (score 4) and rise with pressure to the corners of the mouth. Repeat the movement from the middle of the chin to the middle of the lower jaw (score 4), and from the middle of the chin the arms diverge to the lobes of the auricles (score at 8). The movement of stroking the chin ends with both palms.
- A slight undercurrent under the chin.
Produce II, III and IV fingers of both hands alternately with each hand. Starting from the left corner to the right angle of the lower jaw. The movement is repeated 2 times and ends at the left angle of the lower jaw (score 4).
10. Stroking the movements of the chin and neck.
The palms of both hands alternately from the base of the neck produce stroking movements towards the lower jaw (from right to left); reaching the middle of the chin, palms diverge to the lobes of the auricles and descend along the lateral surfaces of the neck to the clavicles. The movement is repeated 2-3 times.