We’ve been quite vocal on the benefits of massage therapy. Londoners have also been invited to pop in should they have a need to release their tensions, ease their discomforts and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing. But in the spirit of giving, we thought it good to give a couple of tips on self-massage. It can be done in the comfort of your own home, whenever you have time.
What You’ll Need
If you’re planning to massage on bare skin, it might be wise to pop out and stock up on massage oil. This helps reduce friction, can be good for the skin and, if you opt for scented oils, smell quite good which will help you relax.
Other than that, a massage chair can help, too. If you don’t have one, sit on the floor, or lie on the floor with your knees bent.
How to do it
Shoulders
Use your left hand to stroke your right shoulder starting at the base of your skull and moving down your neck to the elbow. Go back to your neck until you reach the base of your skull. This should be done at least three times with just enough pressure to knead out that tension!
Now position your hands where the skull meets the neck and use your fingers to perform slow, circular movements. Remember, apply just enough pressure to get that tension out of your muscles. Move down the spine until your hands are positioned between your shoulder blades, and move back up again.
Abdomen
Perfect for menstrual pain and to ease digestion, the abdominal massage is easy and can be done while seated. Use one or both hands to stroke your abdomen with clockwise circular motions. This should be done using the entire surface of your hand(s) and while lying on your back.
Once you’re done, gently press your fingers into your abdomen. The aim is to ‘knead’ the underlying layers of tissue. Now roll onto your side and perform the same kneading action on your hips and buttocks. Return to your original position, and repeat the stroking and kneading on your abdomen.
Now Give Your Body a Wakeup Call
As a bonus tip you can use this technique in the morning to help prepare your body for the day ahead: use your fits to lightly pummel your body into action. From top to bottom, start pummelling your arms and move down to the legs. Once done, move inward to your torso. For added effect you can also use your finger tips to rapidly ‘tap’ the surface of the skin (not too soft, not too hard). This techniques stimulates circulation, relaxes nerve endings and helps to toughen up the body.
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