The Art of the Self-Massage
Being confined in our homes, we often forget to give our body the love it deserves. A self-massage is just what’s needed to ease the aches and pains of the stressful times we live in. Touch, in the form of a massage, even if you do it yourself, can relieve muscle tension generated by emotional and physical stress – which in turn improves the health of our minds and bodies.
How do we get started? Begin by creating yourself a little haven of serenity. Put on some relaxing music, light your favourite candle, slip into something comfortable, give your muscles a nice big stretch, take some deep restorative breaths, be gentle with yourself, and get going!
Head
Is the current state of the world giving you a bit of a headache? This self-massage technique will give you some much-needed relief.
Start by putting your thumbs high on your cheekbones, right by your ears. Very gently apply pressure on your temples and move your fingers in a circular motion. Keep making little circles and move your fingertips along your hairline until your hands meet in the center of your forehead. Feel the bliss.
Neck
Your work-from-home situation isn’t quite ideal? Your posture can put so much strain on your neck.
You’ll have to be a little flexible for this self-massage. Lower your shoulders away from your ears and straighten your back and neck. Place your index and middle finger on the back of your neck, right where it meets your shoulders. Start by applying light pressure and increase until it feels just right. Hold the position until your muscles feel more relaxed and glide your fingers up to the base of your scalp and down a few times. Roll your shoulders backwards and forwards and sigh with relief.
Shoulders
Shoulders hold so much of our stress! Ease the tension with this simple at-home massage technique.
Begin by dropping your shoulders away from your ears and tucking your chin to your chest to stretch out your neck. Put your hand on the opposite shoulder, gently grab it and knead the muscle, exactly as you would if it was dough. Keep the kneading going and move down from the top of your shoulder and back up the side of your neck. Move to the next shoulder, repeat and feel the tension ebbing away.
Feet
Staying home does mean we’re spending less time on our feet – but that doesn’t mean we can’t give them a good pampering.
You’ll need a self-massage tool for this one: a massage ball or a tennis ball will do just fine. Sit down in your comfiest chair, put the tennis ball under your bare foot and roll the ball from toe to heel and back using increasing pressure until it hits the spot. If you feel any knots, simply roll the tennis ball around in small circles.
If you’re a busy bee, you can even do this little self-massage while working at your desk!
When the need to step out of the house and into our peaceful haven becomes too great to ignore, we’ll be there to welcome you with open arms. You can book an appointment with one of our outstanding massage therapists any day of the week, in complete safety.