Palmer Chair Massage Technique

The Palmer chair massage technique refers to a structured massage sequence created by David Palmer, called the "father of chair massage," based on traditional Japanese acupressure called Amma. The sequence and its correction application are best learned from a teacher.

Shoulder Techniques

• Begin the sequence using your palms to compress the muscles along the spine at five points from the shoulders to the lower back. The next technique is a palm press along the edge of the left shoulder blade, followed by a forearm press along the top of the left shoulder.

  You then use your elbow to apply pressure to three lines of points on the left side. Starting between the shoulder blade and spine at the base of the neck, apply pressure to nine points from the base of the neck to the point opposite the bottom of the shoulder blade. Then starting at the inner top edge of the shoulder blade and moving downward, apply pressure to four points along the inside edge of the shoulder blade. Finish by applying pressure to three points on the top of the shoulder.

Arm and Hand Techniques

• Move to the left arm, squeezing the upper arm twice and then applying pressure with your thumbs along the outside of the upper arm. On the lower arm, apply pressure with your thumbs along an inside, middle, and outside line. Hand techniques include spreading the hand and massaging the space between the bones.

  Repeat the shoulder and arm techniques on the right side.

Back and Hip Techniques

• Double palm press the muscles along the spine at five points from the bottom of the shoulder blades to the sacrum. Then on the left back, start at the point on the spinal muscles in line with the bottom of the shoulder blade, and use your thumbs, one on top of the other, to press nine points from the shoulder blade to the sacrum. Next find the point just underneath the 12th rib, press it, a point just below it, and the point just above the top of the hip bone. Repeat on the right side.

  Single palm press three points just below the top of the hip bone on both sides of the hips at the same time, moving from the outside of the hips. Then brush lightly down the spine twice.

Neck Techniques

• Move to the left side of the neck. At the midline base of the skull use your thumb to apply pressure to that point and then move outward on four other points. Next apply pressure to five points on each of three lines on the side of the neck. The first line is next to the spine, the second line is a thumb's width further out, and the third line is another thumb's width out. Finish by applying pressure again to point five on each of the three lines. Repeat on right side.

Finishing Techniques

• The finishing techniques for the Palmer chair massage technique include a neck stretch, scalp massage, double forearm press on the tops of the shoulders, pressure on a few additional points on top of the trapezius muscle, a chest stretch, and percussion techniques along the muscles next to the spine.