Give yourself A MASSAGE

These self-care techniques will improve your wellbeing – and all you need to use are your hands

- DEBRA WATERS

Feeling stressed? Body aching and stiff? A build-up of tension can lead to pain, disrupted sleep and low mood. But before you book that pricey treatment or reach for the medicine cabinet, there are plenty of ways you can help yourself at home. Not only will self-administered massage and acupressure save you a hefty price tag or reliance on over-the-counter remedies, but they can have results, helping to soothe sore muscles while giving you a boost. Here’s what you need to know.

Why treat yourself?

We don’t always need to see a professional to ease physical and mental tension. While expert help is vital if you’re in lots of pain, have an acute injury or you’re experiencing numbness or spasms, learning techniques to do at home can keep niggling aches at bay and calm the mind. Massages, acupressure and reflexology are often regarded as luxuries, but their benefits suggest that it’s time to move these ‘treats’ into the ‘essentials’ category.

Self-massage helps prevent tension building up and causing negative effects on the body, says massage therapist Sarah Jane Watson*. ‘Constricted muscles limit blood flow and our tissues don’t receive the nourishment from fresh oxygen and nutrients that they need,’ she says. A DIY massage is also effective at treating the mind, as it helps to relieve stress. ‘It releases oxytocin and increases dopamine and serotonin levels, and has a rejuvenating effect on the mind and body, aiding deeper and slower breathing,’ she adds.

Heal with touch

Massage your body on top of your clothes, or you can rub oil into the skin if you prefer, says Sarah Jane. 

LOOSEN SHOULDERS