Grace Wilson, IntentBlog

The next time you experience a "pain in the neck" that leads to a tension headache, this simple maneuver might offer some relief.

Have your partner sit down on the floor (or bed, sofa, etc.) with his or hands cupped, fingers pointing up, pinky sides together. Your partner should rest his/her hands on the floor.

Next, lie down and rest the back of your head on your partner's fingertips. There's a bony ridge at the base of the skull called the occiput. Many of your neck muscles connect to your skull right on that occipital ridge. Position yourself so that your partner's fingertips are pressing into the junction between the neck muscles and the base of the skull. Adjust yourself until it feels like you're in the right spot.

Your partner doesn't have to do anything but hold his/her fingers up. The weight of your skull resting on the fingers will provide ample pressure to help loosen up those muscles.

Rest in that position for twenty seconds or longer. Consciously allow your neck and shoulders to relax into the floor.

If you don't have a partner, there's a simple tool you can buy at massage supply outlets called the Still Point Inducer. I've tried it, and it works great!

Do a Yahoo! search and you'll find many retail sources for this simple, self-massage tool. Even if you have a partner who's willing to help, this little tool won't get tired. You can lie there all day!