Handout E-4: Simple Partner Massage

• Coaches should make sure that only persons comfortable with this activity participate. Individuals should choose their own partners. Give participants permission not to do this activity if they would prefer not to.
  
• The recipient of the massage should sit down in a comfortable chair which allows the helper to reach her head, neck, and shoulders.
  
• The helper should stand behind the chair, and ask the recipient to relax and let her head fall backwards while the helper supports it.
  
• Ask the recipient to really relax, to let go of the weight of her head (our heads weigh up to 25 pounds!) and to feel like a baby; to let go of holding up her head.
  
• While supporting the recipient's head against the helper's chest, the helper should gently stroke the forehead and temples of the recipient. Feel the tension melt away.
  
• Next, ask the recipient to lean forward, placing her forearms on her knees, supporting the upper part of her body. Her head should fall forward comfortably. The helper should use her fingertips with whatever amount of pressure feels good, and massage the neck and shoulders. Press gently and firmly from the base of the neck out over the shoulders.
  
• After a few moments, ask the recipient to let her upper body fall forward so that her chest is almost resting on her knees. Her hands should be loosely falling toward her feet. Ask her to wiggle her shoulders, roll them about, and then gently roll back upwards to a sitting position, taking the time to roll from the base of the spine all the way up until she has her head upright again.
  
• Change places, so the helper gets a turn as the recipient.
  
  
  

Handout F | Handout E-3 | Module 3 | Index