Massage Of The Eye, The Throat And The Neck
XII. MASSAGE OF THE EYE.
Position. - The patient sits, with the head leaning backward,
the operator standing at his side.
1. The index finger is placed on his eyebrow, the
middle finger grasping the eyelid, which is pressed, with either a radial or circular
motion, against the eye. Be very careful not to use too much strength, and perform the
movement as quickly as possible (see Fig. 22). By placing the index on the eyebrow we take
the weight of the heavy hand off the tender organ. The lid really performs the massage by
pressure generated through the finger.
2. Vibrations with the fingers (see Fig. 32).
While it is understood that the operator's hands should at all times be scrupulously
clean, it becomes necessary to always use a mild antiseptic before treating the
eyes. FIG. 22.
Massage of the Eye.
XIII. MASSAGE OF THE THROAT.
Position. - The patient is sitting, in a somewhat
reclining position. Stroke with two fingers on one side and the thumb on the other side of
the trachea. Finish with similar stroking in connection with a slight shaking. For the
position of the hands in the vibration of the trachea and its surrounding tissues see Fig.
31.
XIV. MASSAGE OF THE NECK.
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. 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. 23. Massage of the Neck, Gerst's
Method. <
FIG. 24. Massage of the Neck, Hoeffinger's
Method.
Fig 25.
Kneadings of the Neck.
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