Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have a massage done by a professional on the weekly basis? As comforting as that might sound, the truth is that for many of us, periodic messages may not always fit into our schedule (or budgets). There are so many health benefits to receiving a massage, that it’s no wonder it’s not covered under insurance. Be that as it may, that doesn’t mean that you can reap a few of those benefits on your own.
There are a few tricks to the trade that you can try at home on your own or with a significant other. While it may not feel as good as the pros, it can certainly do wonders to relieve pain or simply help you unwind.
The Many Benefits of Massage Therapy
There is this wide misconception that a massage does nothing more than help you to unwind after a stressful day. While they are great stress relievers, there are plenty of other benefits of getting a massage. Some of those benefits include improved blood circulation, white blood cell production, improved immune systems, relieve from muscle and joint pain, and more. Earthlite, a company who sells massage therapy tables and supplies, points out that there are many benefits to getting a massage.
Self Massage
If you’re wondering how in the world you’re supposed to massage yourself, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out how simple it can be. In fact, self massaging is such a natural occurrence, that we often don’t even realize we’re doing it. Any time you squeeze the back of your neck or even rubbed your eyes, you’ve engaged in some form of self massage. With a little practice and understanding on key areas of the body to focus on, you can receive some of the benefits of a massage without the high price tag. Before you know it you could be easing some of your daily tension, aches, and pains. Ready to get started?
Below are a few ways you can begin your DIY massage.
- Massage the eyes – after a long day of work your eyes begin to feel really heavy and tired. A great way to relieve the heaviness you might be experiencing, you can give your eyes a gentle massage. Start by pressing your thumbs on the area between the eye and the eyebrow. Pressing in a downward motion until the pressure feels good, you then begin rubbing in a clockwise position. As you continue to rub, slowly work your way to the outer part of the eye until you have reached the bridge of your nose.
- Sore feet – Been up on your feet all day? Then the balls of your feet are likely throbbing from all the pressure. To relieve the pain from your sore feet, you’ll need to have a tennis ball on hand. Remove your shoes. Place your foot on top of the ball and apply a bit of pressure. Begin rolling the ball under your foot in an back and forth motion applying pressure wherever it might hurt the most.
- Sore Hands – You probably weren’t aware that massaging your hands can also work to relieve tension throughout the rest of your body. All you need to do is place your right hand in the middle of the pointer and thumb on your left hand. Using your thumb from your left hand massage your right hand in a circular motion applying pressure where necessary. Then switch hands and massage your left hand using your right thumb.
- Sore legs and arms – Pulled a calf muscle, or simply have achy legs and arms? No worries. All you have to do is ball your hand up like a fist and begin slowly pounding or drumming on your leg or arm to make it feel better. Be sure to vary the amount of intensity and pressure on areas that really hurt.
- Headache Relief – Just about everyone knows what its like to have a stress headache. That constant pain in the middle of your head makes it hard to focus. If you experience those often, you’ll love this self massage trick. All you have to do is press your thumbs on your temples. Begin massaging in a circular motion. Opening and closing your mouth can also help to enhance relaxation. Slowly begin massaging in a circular motion towards the top of your head.
- Achy Shoulders – Another part of the body that you can massage all on your own is your shoulders. When you’re sitting all day, sometimes shoulder and back pain can really kick in. To minimize the pain and discomfort you’re feeling, you’ll need to cup your hands over your shoulders as you lay your head back. While doing this, begin sliding your hands up and down from your shoulders to your neck applying a gentle squeeze as you move. Then put your head forward and begin pressing your hands against your spine. You can continue these steps as often as you’d like for complete relief.
Now that you have an idea on how to make yourself feel good after a long day of work, there should be no reason to be filled with tension, aches, or pains. While self-massage certainly doesn’t take the place of having one completed by a professional. It can save you a great deal of money and make you feel good in the meantime. When you do save up the money, book an appointment with a professional to experience the many benefits of professional massage therapy.