Self-massage with elementary techniques

It is often the little things in life that cause us so much trouble. At the end of a hard day, something isn't sitting too well in our stomach, our head is whirring, our back aches. We don't sleep well at night and can barely get up the following morning. To cope with these everyday woes, massage is a wonderful remedial.

The great advantage of self massage is that our bodily awareness prevents us from doing ourselves any harm. A professional, on the other hand, can easily go to work a mite over zealously, with bruising results. It is important to begin unhurriedly and without unnecessary force and above all with clean hands.

Below, you will find descriptions of self massage techniques that are simple to learn. At the hub is the 'whole body massage' using a brush or massage glove which lends itself ideally as a daily ritual and takes up barely three minutes of your precious time. Afterwards you will feel fresh and invigorated. Try it for yourself!

For the body parts most prone to tension, i.e. the head, neck, back and feet, there are some extra exercises.

Fundamental effect and application

The flexible loops reach deep into the pore and cause a lasting deep action. A gentle but intensive 'peeling' painlessly removes old skin particles, resulting in a taut, supple and vivacious complexion. Clogged or plugged sweat glands are cleansed and slag is drained away. Dilation of the capillaries improves circulation throughout the skin and stabilizes blood pressure. Enhanced oxygen supply and blood circulation bolster the immune system - the general well-being is affected positively.

Two more suggestions

Incorporate the massage into your day or even make an appointment with yourself. A little ruse to teach you to esteem yourself more, otherwise translated it means 'I'm taking time out for me'. Keep your appointment just as you would any other engagement. Calming music can work wonders.

Generally speaking, begin on the right hand side of the body, firstly the arms and legs and work your way in towards the heart from bottom to top, from outer to inner, with circular movements.

3 minutes massage for the whole body

Feet and legs

Firstly the top of the right foot, then the sole followed by the calf, thigh and buttock in that order. Repeat for the left foot and leg

Arms

Massage the right arm from the back of the hand to the shoulder up as far as the collar bone, then the underside. Repeat for the left arm.

Breast

Massage the right side, then the left, from the shoulder to the last rib. Try to avoid the nipples.

Stomach

Massage with clockwise circular movements

Back

Ideally using a long handled brush or massage belt, from right to left, from bottom to top.

After each massage is a good time to apply a lotion.
If you have massaged after a bath or shower this is the ideal moment to use a suitable skincare cream or oil as the skin is now especially receptive.