Do you feel like you need a massage but don’t have the time or spare cash to book us for a treatment at the moment? Well, whilst it obviously isn’t as enjoyable and relaxing as being massaged by a therapist, self-massage (now, no sniggering at the back!) can actually be quite effective at soothing away tension if you follow our directions, make sure you are comfortable and don’t overstretch.

Over the next few blog posts we’ll give you directions on leg, feet, arm, hand and abdomen massage and will start with shoulder massage today.

Let us know in the comments if you try this and what you think. For directions on shoulder massage please click on 'Read more' below this post.

Most of us suffer from occasional stiff necks, aching shoulders and headaches, especially if we spend long periods of time working at our desks, so the shoulders and neck are a good place to begin the self-massage.

Make sure you are sitting comfortably – you can do this through your clothes but you will need to use some oil or cream if you do massage your bare skin. You can sit on a chair or on the floor or lie down with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. 

1. Start off by moulding your hand to the shape of your body and stroking down your right shoulder using your left hand. Start at the base of your skull and move down your neck, over your shoulder and down your arm to the elbow. Glide back to your neck and repeat at least 3 times, then do the same on the other side
2. Then, working up the neck and around the base of your skull, make small, circular pressures with your fingertips on either side of your spine. Then knead each shoulder by squeezing and releasing the flesh on your shoulders and at the top of your arms.
3. Next, loosely clench your left hand into a fist and rhythmically pound your right shoulder (not too hard – this isn’t about self-flagellation!). This should be a springy movement rather than a punching movement and will improve your circulation and invigorate you. Repeat on the other side.
4. Finish off by using two hands to stroke smoothly and gently down the sides of your face, gliding down under your chin. Slide your hands over each other at the front of your neck so that each hand is on the opposite shoulder. Stroke down gently over your shoulders, down your arms and off at your fingertips. Repeat this at least 6 times, or as often as you like. This is a really relaxing technique which is great for relieving headaches.