Position

The patient faces the masseur (see Fig. 23) with the head thrown back, so as to expose the neck. The operator places his hands at the lobes of the ears and performs a stroking downward to the shoulder. The patient should be told to breathe freely and easily. This method (originated by Dr. Gerst) is used principally to increase the circulation in the veins of the neck.

Fig. 23. - Massage of the Neck, Gerst's Method.

Another method of massage of the neck has been recommended by Hoeffinger. The patient is sitting with the head erect. The operator stands behind and places his hands underneath the patient's ears. The stroking is performed downward toward the shoulder, the hand covering the principal part of the trapezius. (See Fig. 24.)

I have often found frictions and kneadings of the neck (see Fig. 25) of the greatest benefit, especially in cases of congestions and headaches, as recommended by Reibmayer.

Fig. 24. - Massage of the Neck, Hoeffinger's Method.

Fig. 25. - Kneadings of the Neck.