Recently, researchers in Utah found that nonsexual, affectionate touch can reduce stress and blood pressure. The study of young married couples found that massage and other positive, loving touches reduced blood pressure as well as the hormones produced by the body when under stress, especially among men. Touch also boosted oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes the nerves and lowers stress. This study specifically asked participants to give and receive 30-minute head, neck and shoulder massages, and findings were published in the journal "Psychosomatic Medicine."
Step 1
Create a calming environment. Remove stressors such as noise and excessive light. Play soothing music or sounds from nature, or simply allow for complete silence. Make sure the person receiving the massage is in the most comfortable position possible. Allow him to choose whether he would rather sit or recline.
Step 2
Instruct the recipient of the massage to remove any jewelry and set it aside. Ideally, the back, shoulders and neck should be bare, but if there is any discomfort expressed about this, the massage can be given through the clothing.
Step 3
Apply a small amount of oil or lotion to the neck and to the shoulders and upper back, if exposed. Some products are marketed specifically for massage, but you can instead utilize a high-quality cooking oil such as coconut, sweet almond or avocado oil. You can also experiment with adding the soothing aromas that essential oils such as lavender provide.
Step 4
Position the palms of your hands flat on either side of the spine on the lowest part of the back that is exposed. Remember that you do not want to make this massage sexual, so steer clear of reaching too low on the torso. Rub your hands slowly upward until they reach the shoulder blades. Curve over the shoulder blades to the shoulders and then slide back to the starting position. Perform this same move several times, giving a bit more pressure each time. Most of the pressure as you move upward should come from the heel of your hand, and from the fingers on the way back down. Each hand should roughly approximate an upside-down teardrop shape on its side of the back.
Step 5
Wipe your hands of any residue from the previous step using a towel, as you will be touching the head and hair during this next step. Unless the recipient would like you to use oil, you should set it aside for the rest of the massage.
Step 6
Position your hands on the shoulders so that only your fingertips are touching the skin. Slide your fingertips slowly up and down the back and arms, and back up the neck and all over the head. You will only be applying light pressure with your fingers.
Step 7
Reduce the pressure of your fingers to a feathery touch, but continue moving them across the back, shoulders, neck and head for a few more minutes to end the massage.
Tips and Warnings
- Try to use affectionate touch often with your loved ones to reap the health benefits it offers. You do not need to set aside a special location or atmosphere or a specific block of time.
- Before you perform any deeper massage, have the recipient check with her doctor first if she has any health conditions, particularly burns or open wounds, blood clots, cancer, fractures or osteoporosis, or if she is pregnant. Encourage her to tell you immediately if she feels any pain or discomfort. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to a massage oil or lotion, so if you see any skin reaction, discontinue using the substance immediately and remove as much as you can. Do not attempt to massage or put any pressure on the spine itself, only on either side of it.
Things You'll Need
- Massage oil or lotion
- CD player
- CD of relaxing music or sounds
