Life is fast-paced and to maintain balance it is important to reduce stress by incorporating a healthy mix of leisure activities and relaxation techniques to relax and unwind. One of the best ways to achieve relaxation is through massage, locating areas of tension and then applying pressure to work out waste. Massage practitioners offer a range of treatments, but there are also several simple massages that you can learn to do at home.
FACIAL MASSAGE – To help release tension around the eyes, firmly squeeze the eyebrows with your thumb and forefinger, working from the bridge of your nose towards the temples. To massage your jaw, press your index finger into the tender spot next to your earlobe, just where it is attached to your head. Press in, hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat, alternating ears, 10 to 15 times.
TORSO MASSAGE – Enjoy a quick boost by rubbing the area above your kidneys – this is at waist level, where the tissue is soft. Rub briskly with your fists in a circular motion to energise your whole being.
FOOT MASSAGE – Sit on a chair and place one foot on the opposite thigh and rub oil or body lotion onto your foot. Apply pressure with your thumbs to the sole, and work from the bottom of the arch to the top. Repeat five times. Then make a fist and press your knuckles into the bottom of your foot, moving from your heel to your toes. Repeat this five times. Hold each toe and move it firmly from side to side. Then hold your toes in one hand and bend them backward, holding the position for 5-10 seconds. Then push in the opposite direction and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this three times. When you’ve finished, switch to the other foot and start at the beginning.
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