Most of us instinctively give ourselves a massage without even thinking about it. We rub our forehead and the top of our head if we have a headache. We rub our shoulders and neck if stress and tension is getting too much. We rub our hands if they ache, and we rub our feet at the end of a hard, long day. While it's not quite the same experience as having a professional massage, self massage will, nevertheless, make you feel better. Just try rubbing massage lotion with lavender on your feet for a few minutes and see how much more balanced and at ease you will feel.
One way to enhance and benefit from the experience of self massage is to get quality massage products (essential oils, massage lotion or oil, and massage tools), and then create an atmosphere in your home that is conducive to relaxing. Turn off the phone, put on a nice relaxation CD, and light some candles.
For the do-it-your-self massage, there are some unique ways to address specific areas. Golf balls and tennis balls can become instant massage tools. One way you can get your feet feeling better is to use golf balls. Place them in a sock and put them under your feet while sitting at your desk or while watching television. You can also put tennis balls in a sock and place them under your back or hip while you are lying down on the floor or sitting on the couch. If you find tender spots, just place the tennis ball on that area until the tenderness dissipates. It shouldn't really hurt when you do this. You might have heard the term "good hurt" - it should feel good and feel like it is relieving the pressure and tension in the area you are massaging.
There are also all kinds of massage therapy tools and electrical hand-held massagers on the market today. You'll have to try them and see which ones work for you. Some of these massage therapy tools include:
I hope you try some of these simple self massage techniques to make yourself feel better.
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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