MASSAGE is important in many of the body's healing processes and is invaluable for enhancing health and vitality.
The combination of touch and fragrance - the use of essential oils - can relieve stress and tension, alleviate fatigue and promote deep relaxation, as well as encourage the body's organs and systems to function at optimum levels.
In a world filled with anxiety, massage is one obvious solution to help comfort and console. It can quickly transport you from the rigours and problems of work and daily life, allowing you to feel renewed and refreshed.
Most of us feel tired and exhausted after a hectic day, but it may not be possible to undertake a full body massage. Yet you can still revive your body and feel marvellous with a hand and foot massage.
Before beginning a foot massage, blend six drops of either calendula or rosemary essential oil with 20ml of almond oil. Pour a little of the oil into your hands and hold the left foot firmly. Press along the underneath area and upper surface for about 20 seconds. This will induce a marvellous feeling of relaxation.
Next, place your left foot over your knee. Press, rub and pull each toe, and knead the sole with your knuckles. Then place the fingers of both hands on the sole and the thumbs, pointing toward the toes, on top of the foot; stroke down from the ankles to the toes.
Repeat the procedure with your other foot.
The pressure points of your hands are easily located, and may be worked for half a minute at a time. They can be found on the pads of each finger and the thumb, in the centre of the palm (this is known as the solar plexus point), and also slightly up and to the left (or right) of this point, between the thumb and little finger.
To massage, cradle your hand and support it with the fingers of your other hand, then apply pressure by alternately bending and straightening your thumb.
For headaches, stress and neck pain, massage the pad of each thumb, from the knuckle joint to the tip, and concentrate on that area closest to the forefinger.
Counteract fatigue by stimulating the adrenal glands. Treat both hands by applying pressure to that point slightly to the left (or right) of the solar plexus point.
And if you have trouble unwinding or cannot sleep because of tension or racing thoughts, work the solar plexus point of both hands. Work each hand for at least a minute.
These simple and easy self-massage techniques will help to keep you feeling like a new person.
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