Self Massage Techniques

A massage, is a massage, is a massage. If you've ever had a massage taken then you'll know what I'm talking about. A massage aims at relaxing the body and thereby the mind. It leads to improving the blood flow in the body by activating certain select pressure points and thereby leads to improved health. It is one of the most basic techniques for getting rid of pressure and stress. It is also one of the most unique forms of skin care. But does one have to have an especially appointed masseuse to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy? Not necessarily. There have been several self massage techniques that have developed over the years which allow a person to take in the benefits of the same without having to depend on anyone else. What are these self massage techniques and what are the self massage tools that are used in this venture is what we will be looking through in the article that follows.

Techniques for Self Massage

While it is not possible to get into the details of employing self massage techniques on every inch of the body, we will take you through some of the most basic exercises that will help the overall body. There are select actions that can be employed for administering a self massage and these include the kneading (with the help of knuckles), rubbing (with the palm), slapping (light slapping over the skin) and stroking (delicate but strong strokes) methods. In the following paragraphs we will tell you how to give a good massage to self.

Tense and Release
This method works for the entire body. Tense the muscles and hold for 5 seconds then release. This can be done for the buttocks, thighs, eyes, face and hands. This helps release the tension. For difficult to reach areas like the back, a loofah can be used to stroke the back as a back massage. This helps in improving blood circulation and is one of the most effective back massage technique.

Rubbing and Kneading
Here's how to give a massage - Every morning get your body to jump start into action by rubbing and kneading the entire length and width of the body. Especially concentrate on all the muscles. Start with the lower body and slowly work your way up. Use oil if there is time or else even a basic massage will do. This helps to loosen the muscles and free them for action. It also helps to improve blood circulation. It is necessary to carry out this routine before and after an exercise routine.

Hands and Feet
Use a lotion or an oil and spread some over the legs and feet. Then rub the oil into the skin with deliberate strokes till it seeps in. interlock the fingers into your toes and with the foot on the heel, move the feet in an anti clockwise and clockwise direction 6-10 times. Pull each toe as one of the foot massage techniques to release the tension. Do the same with the hands as well - stroke the length of the hands and then interlocking the fingers move the wrist around. Then clasp the hand in a fist and use the thumb to use circular strokes throughout the hand and palm. Then pull each finger to release the built up tension.

Face
There are several facial massage techniques that can be used to relax the face muscles. Apply an oil that suits your skin type with the help of your finger tips. Then placing the palms of both hands on the lower cheek, start by massaging the cheeks in a circular motion. Slowly move to the forehead (you can use 3 fingers and rub outwards) and the the area surrounding the eyes. Use the same circular motion over your chin as well. Cover your eyes with your fingertips and gently tap the eyes and the surrounding area. Pull at the ears and stroke the nose a downward clasping motion. Rub oil over the neck and stroke in upward motion strokes. This is one of the most relaxing neck massage techniques.

Other Techniques

• Hug yourself tightly and release. This shoulder massage techniques relaxes the shoulder muscles completely.
• Soak your feet in hot water and give them a rubdown.
• Put sand in a sock and tie it up. Now put it in a microwave and heat for a minute or till the time the sand is bearable. Use the sock to gently rub the legs and other body parts. You'll feel instantly energized.

These were some of the self massage techniques that you can use to carry forth that well deserved massage and dole out complete relaxation and stress relief.

Skin Care Tips

Preparing For the Winter Months

Many people think that just because the sun isn't shining down on us as much as it is in the Summer months, that sunblock does not need to be applied during the Winter months. That could not be further from the truth! Sunblock is important no matter what the temperature is. Sunblock not only protects from the violentuv rays of the sun, but it also works to moisturize an protect the skin as well as prevent wrinkle formation.

If there is one thing to apply as you ice skate, downhill ski, go sledding, cross-country skiing, or just spend time outdoors (shoveling snow more like it), it should be sunblock. Immediately after coming back inside, a moisturizer should be applied to the skin. These are two of the best ways to take care of your skin, in a defensive manner, and protect it from the elements such as the cold and wind.

So, tip number one is be sure you have an ample supply of sunblock as well as a good moisturizing cream.

Second, you need to stimulate cellular repair and regrowth. This can be done in a number of ways, with a wide variety of products, so what I'm going to do is list some of the properties and ingredients that I feel are important to keep in mind as you buy skin products.

For starters, a new trend that has been becoming quite popular in the last few years is telomere maintenance. Telomeres are strands of DNA that wear down and become shorter as we age. These days, there are telomere creams that work the skin on a level that aims to restore and replenish the telomeres.

Second, I always like ingredients like squalane, which is derived from olive extract and found naturally in the oils of olives. It's a great anti aging ingredient that once again reaches the cellular level of the skin and works to rejuvenate cells. You can usually find this ingredient in serums. Red and green tea extracts are also becoming quite popular and will work in defense in the winter months.

If you wish to keep your skin looking good throughout the winter, it's important you apply skin products more than usual. This is because the wind, combined with the cold weather, will dry your skin out at a much faster rate than what you are normally accustomed to. If you don't suffer from dry skin all throughout the year, this is one time of year you should pay extra attention to your skin. You don't want to lose out on all the work you've put in throughout the year just because you were lazy during the winter months.

If you follow those winter skin care tips, you should be better off come Spring! Then you can set off and look for that tan you lost during the last few months!