Self massage is a great way to relax and invigorate you. Massage produces a deep form of relaxation enabling our bodies and minds to forget about everything and let go of life’s daily stresses. But massage is not only about relaxation. As one of the oldest and simplest forms of healthcare, massage also increases circulation, stimulates the lymph system, relaxes injured or overused muscles, and releases endorphins (the body’s natural painkiller).
In the old days healers made medicine by mincing and dissolving herbs and self-massage was a common practice for maintaining good health and relieving body pains. Self-massage is the easiest form of instant healing. When you unconsciously rub an aching knee or a throbbing head, the pain is relieved through a simple instrument – the hands.
Tilt your head back, and with the palms and fingers of each hand, squeeze the flesh at the base of your neck on either side of your spine. Then, slowly roll your head forward, still squeezing your skin. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds, and then return your head to an upright position. The amount of flesh you can squeeze depends on your state of relaxation.
With your fingers, stroke firmly from the center of your chest outward, applying deep pressure between your ribs. When your fingers reach the outer edges of your ribcage, return to the center and repeat the movement. Feel for tense spots and concentrate on these as you work over the chest.
Pat your upper arm to stimulate the circulation and help prevent the unhealthy look some arms have. Finally, stroke your whole arm again. You can have great looking arms!
Stroke the back of your hand, pushing firmly up toward the wrist and gliding back gently. Then squeeze the hand all over, pressing it between your palm and your fingers.Squeeze each finger all over and make circular pressures over the joints with your thumb. Then hold the finger at its base and pull it gently to stretch it, sliding your grip up the finger and off the tip.
Our hands are in constant use and, as a result, they can harbor a lot of tension. Most of our hand movements are holding, clutching actions, so it is very relaxing to counteract these by opening your palm and pulling your fingers. There are many nerve endings on the palms of your hands, and massage here can benefit the whole body. In fact, in reflexology each part of the body is reflected in a in a map of the hand (or foot) and massaging a particular area of the hand will have an effect on the equivalent part of the body.
Cup your right hand and slap your left shoulder, arm, and the back of your left hand. Go down and back up then do the right side.
Grasp your left hand with your right and massage the left palm with your thumb. Starting with the little finger, massage and rub each finger of both hands.
Individually squeeze each finger and make circular pressure around the joints with your thumb. Hold your finger at the base and pull on it gently to stretch it. Continue to grip up the finger and off the tip.
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