SELF-MASSAGE:
During my intraoral sessions I will guide each recipient on how to perform this work on themselves… easier said than done. If you’re not keen on the idea of noodling inside your own mouth, you’re not alone, and there are other options. As with all massage, if it feels ‘wrong’ it probably is so stop, assess, and don’t power through. A ‘hurt so good’ level of pain is reasonable, but more pain does NOT equal more gain.
Jaw – Place your fingertips in a line just in front of your ears and below the cheekbone. Press in firmly as if you are trying to touch your hands together. You can do two things at this point: 1) With pressure firmly applied, strip down to the base of your jawline, or 2) While applying stationary pressure, slowly open your mouth widely (but not forcefully), then reset and repeat.
Head – Place your fingertips in a line just in front of your ears and above the cheekbone. Press in firmly as if you are trying to touch your hands together. You can do two things at this point: 1) With pressure firmly applied, strip up towards the temple then reset and strip diagonally back over the ears, or 2) You can perform #1 while slowly opening your mouth widely (but not forcefully), then reset and repeat on the diagonal.
Neck – Begin by turning your head to one side and dropping one ear to your chest, as if you are trying to listen to your heartbeat. There is a muscle that goes from behind your jaw/under your ear to the front center of your neck and this positioning makes it pop out. Using your fingers, slowly squeeze this muscle at the upper attachment, by the jaw/ear, and hold for 2-3seconds. Move down this muscle, stopping every inch or so, and repeat the slow squeeze at every stop. Repeat for the other side of your neck. *Turning your head to make the muscle bulge will provide space to avoid grabbing anything important in the neck. If you are concerned, stick with stretching or consult with me.