Feel the Knead

By: Kate Serrano

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you are tired, stressed and you feel like you just got ran over by a herd of elephants? A massage! For many many years, massage therapy is practiced not only to relieve stress but also to improve health conditions. There are over 80 massage therapy styles to chose from, all of which includes pressing and rubbing muscles with hands and fingers.

 Most popular among the massage styles are Swedish, Thai, shiatsu, hot stone massage and reflexology. The health benefits of massage extend far beyond simple relaxation. For example, a study in 2003 revealed that massage worked better than acupuncture for lower back pains. It actually reduced the need for painkillers for about 36%. Headaches also respond better to massage therapy than medication.

Lastly, a massage helps relieve depression and anxiety; this was proven in more than 12 different studies. But what if you can’t get to a massage therapist? It’s pretty simple. Use your own hands. There are simple, self-massage techniques that can boost energy, concentration and help you get a good night’s sleep. If you think you have been staring at the computer for so long or have been pounding the keyboard the entire day, take a good 10 minutes off the screen and treat yourself to relaxation. Close your eyes. Place your thumbs under your eyebrows. Press and gently move the thumbs in tiny circles, work slowly towards the outside of the brows and continuing this movement all around your eyes, ending back at the bridge of your nose. For your tired hands rub each finger from the base to the tip, gently pulling and twisting each finger as you go. You can also squeeze and rub the palm with your fingers or your right thumb and you’re all set. Just remember not to cause yourself pain, a massage is meant to relax and release tension and not hurt in any way. Enjoy!