Why and How to Use Self-Massage for Stress Relief

Self-massage therapy helps balance emotions and improves circulation.

Massage is the most ancient technique used for balancing emotions and relieving stress. Still a valid and thriving art in most countries. Self-massage is used to correct our bodies imbalances, especially for anxiety, stress and depression. Moreover, message stimulates the nervous system, improves mood and releases tension and stress in the tissues and muscles.

Massage increases bodily heat and the flow of life-supporting oxygen; it also improves circulation, causing the body to flush out its waste products more efficiently. Promoting vitality, strength, stamina and flexibility, self-massage also improves concentration, intelligence, confidence, esteem and youthfulness.

Self-Message Therapy for Balancing Stressful Emotions:

Duration of Treatment:

1. Anxiety/stress: 45 minutes; early morning or early evening

2. Anger, frustration: 45 minutes; early or mid-morning

3. Depression, low energy, apathy: 60 minutes; early morning

General Self-Massage Techniques:

1. Soothing rubbing movement: Use soothing rubbing movements on the surfaces of the arms and legs. Legs from the sides of the feet to the groin. Arms: from the fingertips to the legs.

2. Pinching technique: Muscles are grasped between the forefinger and thumb, away for the bones. Apply pinching techniques only to the following areas: chest, arms, legs and back.

3. Kneading technique: Grasp the larger muscles with the hands and coax them into vitality. Kneading may be applied to the entire body.

Don't forget to massage your temples, scalp, face, and shoulders. We hold so much tension in all these areas of our body. You can use your favorite massage oil as well for a deeper relaxation.

Self-massage for stress relief and emotional balance can be a very effective way for gaining energy and releasing tension in the mind and body. It not only builds energy, it allows for the nervous system to relax, restore and renew itself. Last but not least, the best thing is it's FREE.

-- Gretchen Pound, Ph.D. | Psychologist | Neurodivergent Life Coach | RYT | Reiki Master | Ayurveda Health Counselor