Self Massage

I’m so happy to introduce the next new product: “Honestly Massage Balm” 💖 If you’re thinking ‘oh I never go for massages’ or ‘I wouldn’t take my own product to a massage’ (I certainly would lol to avoid the pufa ridden stuff that’s usually used) or ‘massages are expensive’ then let me give you some ideas for self massage. Self massage is obviously less expensive than paying for a professional one, it’s less time consuming and you can focus on whatever area is bothering you. It can reduce muscle soreness and swelling, rejuvenate your mind and body, reduce pain, reduce anxiety and depression and improve immune function.

There are a few different strokes that you can use for your self massage so let’s start there. Scoop out a little bit of massage balm, which is firm at first but will melt on contact with warm hands/fingers. Rub your hands together so they have a coating of massage balm and then try out the following strokes…

Effleurage: from the French word effleurer meaning to touch lightly. It consists of gentle gliding movements that warm up muscles and promote relaxation. Just literally glide/slide your hand(s) over your body and use just enough pressure to move your skin. It should be like stroking your body with a flat hand. This technique also increases the flow of the lymphatic system. So simple and yet feels so good 💕

Compression: can be squeezing or pressing/pushing. If you add a slight rocking movement you can add relaxation by encouraging the parasympathetic nervous system to take over. You can squeeze legs, toes, calves etc. and you can press anywhere using finger tips, elbows, fists or palms. Use enough pressure to feel flesh and for it to feel good. Compression increases blood circulation and can relieve tightness in the muscles. It also helps to reduce pain by decreasing inflammation in the tissues 💕

Petrissage: Comes from the French word petrir which means to knead. You can achieve this by squeezing, stretching and rolling on soft tissue and underlying muscles. Squeeze and roll your muscles like you’re kneading a loaf of bread! By doing this you lift tissues away from structures and relieve tension. Petrissage will also stimulate the skin and impact the lymphatic system, draining toxins and eliminating waste products. It will also reduce tension, reduce DOMS, improve recovery and increase blood circulation which helps muscles to relax💕

Tapotement: from the French word tapoter which means to tap or pat. This can be as simple as tapping your hands on your body. It can be tapping, drumming, slapping or cupping, with fingertips, hands, edge of hands or closed fist. It can be a light touch (i.e. tapping fingertips on scalp) or can be used more aggressively to work and strengthen deep tissue muscles. It increases blood flow, loosens tight muscles, reduces pain and tension and can lead to increased muscle function 💕

You can basically use any of those strokes anywhere they feel good but here are some examples of self massage for certain areas of the body:

Self head massage - place your hands at the side of your head with thumbs behind your ears and fingertips on your temples. In small circular motions (using all your fingers) (1) move along the edge of the hairline until your hands meet at forehead (2) move towards ears and across your scalp until they meet at the back of the head.

Self hand massage - place one hand on a firm surface (maybe a table in front of you) palm down. Use the palm of your other hand to stroke from your wrist to your fingertips 5 times, applying slight pressure. Then pinch the tips of each finger for a few seconds. Finally turn the hand (on the table) over and massage the palm using the thumb of the other hand, in circular strokes.

Self foot massage - Pull your foot towards you (as if you were going to sit cross legged) and curl your toes. Place your thumb in the curve between your heel and the ball of your foot. Use your thumb in small circular motions to massage the mid part of your foot. Use whatever pressure feels best to you. You can also use both thumbs on your foot and push them away from each other to spread the tissue. Work from the heel down to the toes. Stretch your toes by pulling them gently, then moving them individually from left to right. Use one hand to squeeze all of your toes together, adding some pressure to push the toes towards the base of the foot, then push back.

Self wrist massage - Hold one wrist with thumb on the inside and index and middle fingers on the outside. Steady your wrist with your fingers whilst your thumb makes circular massaging motions across your wrist. Turn your hand over and massage the outer wrist in the same way.

Try any of these self massages with the massage balm to feel relaxed from the inside out 💕

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